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Published on: December 10, 2013
Gene Expression of Promyelocytic Leukemia Proteins and IFN-γ Is Reduced in Rotavirus-Infected Children
Ahmed Jasim Mohammed1, Zeenah Weheed Atwan1, Aida Abdul-Kareem1
1Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq
Insights
Rotavirus infection significantly reduces the expression of antiviral proteins, including promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) and its isoform PML-II, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). This suggests a potential role for these proteins in the host
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis globally, necessitating research into host antiviral mechanisms.
- Promyelocytic leukemia proteins (PMLs) are known for their antiviral functions, with PML isoform II (PML-II) specifically implicated.
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a crucial role in the immune response against viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression levels of PML, PML-II, and IFN-γ in children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.
- To determine the correlation between rotavirus infection and the expression of key antiviral and immune-related genes.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from 34 children under five with acute gastroenteritis and dehydration.
- Rotavirus detection using PCR and Rapid Adeno/Rota Virus Antigen Combo Test.
- Gene expression analysis of PML, PML-II, and IFN-γ via real-time PCR after RNA extraction and cDNA conversion.
Main Results:
- Rotavirus was detected in 45% of stool samples by antigen test and 17.6% by PCR.
- Significantly lower expression of PML (104-fold decrease), PML-II (13-fold decrease), and IFN-γ (104-fold decrease) was observed in rotavirus-positive samples compared to negative controls.
Conclusions:
- Rotavirus infection is associated with a substantial downregulation of PML, PML-II, and IFN-γ gene expression.
- These findings highlight a potential mechanism of viral evasion and underscore the importance of PML and IFN-γ in antiviral defense against rotavirus.
Background:
Rotavirus infection is one of the most common gastroenteritis in the world, and a million cases are registered to enter hospital every year. Promyelocytic leukemia proteins (PMLs) are IFN-up-regulated proteins, and one of their critical functions is working as antiviral proteins. Recently, promyelocytic leukemia isoform II (PML-II) has been depicted as an isoform responsible for the antiviral function.
Methods:
Rotavirus prevalence determination was achieved by PCR and Rapid Adeno/Rota Virus test, while the relative expression assay was carried out by real-time PCR technique. Blood and stool samples were collected from 34 children under five years admitted to the hospital with acute gastroenteritis showing signs of dehydration. RNA samples were extracted from blood specimens and converted to cDNA to be used in gene expression analysis of PML, PML-II, and IFN-γ in rotavirus positive or negative samples.
Results:
Rapid Adeno/Rota Virus Antigen Combo Test and PCR assay could detect the virus in stool samples in 45% and 17.6% of cases, respectively. PML in positive samples decreased to 104fold less than the level in negative ones. The same trend was noticed in the level of IFN-γ and PML-II expression as their expression reduced to 104 or 13fold in rotavirus-infected samples compared to the control, respectively.
Conclusion:
Altogether, our data showed that the gene expression of PML, PML-II, and type II IFN considerably diminished in rotavirus-infected samples compared to the negative control.
