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Updated: Dec 28, 2025

Zika Virus Infectious Cell Culture System and the In Vitro Prophylactic Effect of Interferons
Published on: August 23, 2016
Zika virus NS5 localizes at centrosomes during cell division
Aditi S Kesari1, Veronica J Heintz1, Shishir Poudyal2
1Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue Institute of Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
Zika virus nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) moves from the nucleus to centrosomes during mitosis. This viral protein interacts with centrosomal components, potentially impacting cell division.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Zika virus (ZIKV) nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) is crucial for viral RNA replication and host cell interactions.
- Flavivirus NS5 proteins, including ZIKV NS5, are typically localized in the nucleus.
- Previous studies showed dengue virus NS5 localizes to centrosomes during cell division.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcellular localization of ZIKV NS5 during mitosis.
- To determine if ZIKV NS5 interacts with centrosomes and affects cell division.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence microscopy to observe ZIKV NS5 localization in infected and transfected cells.
- Live-cell imaging of NS5-GFP fusion protein during mitosis.
- Analysis of cell cycle progression in cells expressing NS5.
- Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify ZIKV NS5 binding partners.
Main Results:
- ZIKV NS5 relocalizes from the nucleus to centrosomes during mitosis.
- NS5 localizes to all centrosomes in cells with supernumerary centrosomes.
- Centrosomal localization of NS5 is independent of other viral proteins.
- Live-cell imaging confirmed NS5-GFP accumulation at centrosomes during mitosis.
- Cells expressing NS5 showed prolonged mitosis.
- Several centrosomal proteins were identified as ZIKV NS5 binding partners.
Conclusions:
- ZIKV NS5 exhibits dynamic localization, moving to centrosomes during mitosis.
- ZIKV NS5 interacts with centrosomal proteins, suggesting a role in modulating host cell division.
- These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of ZIKV pathogenesis and host-virus interactions.
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