Experimental validation of influenza A virus matrix protein (M1) interaction with host cellular alpha enolase and

Shruti Mishra1, Priya Goyal1, Deepshikha Kumar1

  • 1Molecular Virology Laboratory, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

Virology
|August 26, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Influenza A virus matrix protein (M1) interacts with host glycolytic enzymes, alpha enolase and pyruvate kinase. This interaction occurs alongside the viral nucleoprotein, impacting host cell processes during infection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Influenza A virus is a respiratory pathogen that hijacks host cellular processes.
  • Previous studies reported interactions between influenza A virus nucleoprotein and host glycolytic enzymes alpha enolase and pyruvate kinase.
  • The viral matrix protein (M1) is crucial for virion structure and ribonucleoprotein complex interaction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between the influenza A virus matrix protein (M1) and host glycolytic enzymes, specifically alpha enolase and pyruvate kinase.
  • To elucidate the role of M1 protein in modulating host cell metabolism during viral infection.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro binding assays to assess direct protein-protein interactions.
  • Co-immunoprecipitation studies to confirm interactions in a cellular context.
  • Co-localization experiments to determine the spatial relationship between viral proteins and host enzymes within infected cells.
  • Analysis of differential gene expression of glycolytic enzymes in response to M1 protein.

Main Results:

  • Differential expression of alpha enolase and pyruvate kinase was observed in response to the influenza A virus M1 protein.
  • Direct binding, co-immunoprecipitation, and co-localization studies confirmed the interaction between M1 protein and host glycolytic enzymes.
  • The interaction of M1 protein with these enzymes was found to be associated with the viral nucleoprotein.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza A virus matrix protein (M1) interacts with host glycolytic enzymes alpha enolase and pyruvate kinase.
  • These interactions are dependent on the presence of the viral nucleoprotein.
  • The findings suggest a role for M1 protein in manipulating host metabolic pathways through interaction with glycolytic enzymes, potentially aiding viral replication and pathogenesis.