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Processing of the rough endoplasmic reticulum membrane glycoproteins of rotavirus SA11

Insights

This study examines rotavirus glycoprotein processing in infected cells, revealing distinct oligosaccharide trimming pathways for VP7 and NCVP5 within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Energy-dependent steps influence glycoprotein processing and translocation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Glycobiology

Background:

  • Rotavirus SA11 assembles in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), producing two glycoproteins: VP7 (outer capsid) and NCVP5 (nonstructural).
  • These glycoproteins possess high mannose N-linked oligosaccharides, suggesting localization within the ER.
  • VP7 and NCVP5 are integral membrane proteins, confirmed by in vitro translation and membrane association studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synthesis and oligosaccharide processing of SA11 rotavirus glycoproteins (VP7 and NCVP5) in infected Ma104 cells.
  • To determine the intracellular location and processing steps of these viral glycoproteins.
  • To elucidate the role of energy-dependent processes in glycoprotein modification and translocation within the ER.

Main Methods:

  • Infected cell cultures (Ma104) were used to study rotavirus glycoprotein synthesis.
  • Pulse-chase experiments with [3H]mannose were performed to track oligosaccharide processing.
  • In vitro translation with dog pancreas microsomes and treatment with carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) were employed to assess membrane association and energy dependence.

Main Results:

  • Oligosaccharide processing of VP7 and NCVP5 occurred in a time-dependent manner within infected cells.
  • VP7 was processed to Man8GlcNAc2, Man6GlcNAc2 intracellularly, and Man5GlcNAc2 on mature virions, while NCVP5 trimming halted at Man8GlcNAc2.
  • Energy inhibition (CCCP) blocked processing of VP7 and VSV G protein at Man8GlcNAc2, but VP7 processing could resume after CCCP addition, unlike G protein, suggesting an energy-sensitive translocation step.

Conclusions:

  • Alpha-mannosidase activities responsible for oligosaccharide trimming are likely located within the ER.
  • Distinct oligosaccharide processing pathways exist for rotavirus glycoproteins VP7 and NCVP5.
  • An energy-sensitive translocation step within the ER differentiates the processing pathways of viral glycoproteins like VP7 and cellular glycoproteins like VSV G protein.

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