Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancing Gene Silencing Research in Silkworms with dsRNA Delivery Through Feeding Chitosan Nanoparticles
Published on: October 4, 2024
Identification of endoplasmic-reticulum-associated proteins involved in Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus entry by
Bifang Hao1,2, Chenya Li1,2, Charles Amanze1,2
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Membrane fusion is a key step in enveloped virus infection, releasing the viral genome into the cytoplasm to initiate infection. Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is an enveloped DNA virus that mainly infects silkworms. Information about membrane fusion of BmNPV with host cells is still limited. In this study, BmN cells were pretreated with ??ammonium chloride??, and infection with BmNPV was allowed to occur naturally through endocytosis or artificially through low-pH-induced fusion with the plasma membrane, after which the cells were subjected to RNA-seq. The results indicated that a few endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins (ERAPs) were among the common upregulated DEGs, including BiP, CRT, and HSP90, and this upregulation was confirmed by q-PCR. Knockdown of BiP, CRT, and HSP90 expression by siRNA resulted in significant inhibition of BmNPV infection. This study suggests that ERAPs may be involved in the BmNPV membrane fusion process during infection.
Insights
Endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins (ERAPs) like BiP, CRT, and HSP90 are upregulated during Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection. Their knockdown significantly inhibits BmNPV infection, suggesting ERAPs involvement in viral membrane fusion.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Enveloped virus infection relies on membrane fusion to deliver the viral genome.
- Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is an enveloped DNA virus infecting silkworms.
- The specific mechanisms of BmNPV membrane fusion remain largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of host cell proteins in Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) membrane fusion.
- To identify host factors involved in the early stages of BmNPV infection.
Main Methods:
- BmN cells were treated with ammonium chloride to induce endocytosis or low-pH-mediated fusion.
- RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs).
- Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown were used to validate and assess the function of identified genes.
Main Results:
- Several endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins (ERAPs), including BiP, CRT, and HSP90, were found to be upregulated during BmNPV infection.
- Upregulation of BiP, CRT, and HSP90 was confirmed by q-PCR.
- Knockdown of BiP, CRT, and HSP90 expression significantly inhibited BmNPV infection.
Conclusions:
- Endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins (ERAPs) are implicated in the membrane fusion process of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV).
- BiP, CRT, and HSP90 may play crucial roles in facilitating BmNPV entry into host cells.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:28Leaky Scanning
02:24Ribosome Profiling
Applications of ribosome profiling
Ribosome profiling has many applications, including in vivo monitoring of translation inside a particular organ or tissue type and quantifying new protein synthesis levels.
The technique...