Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2025
07:14
Live Cell Imaging to Assess the Dynamics of Metaphase Timing and Cell Fate Following Mitotic Spindle Perturbations
Published on: September 20, 2019
8.3K
Virus Exploitation (Hijacking) of Centrosomes
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, USA. SchattenH@missouri.edu.
Advances in Anatomy, Embryology, and Cell Biology
|December 16, 2022
Summary
Viruses hijack host cell structures like the cytoskeleton and centrosomes to survive within the host. Understanding these host cell-viral interactions is key to combating viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Host cell manipulation is crucial for viral replication and pathogenesis.
- The cytoskeleton and centrosomes are essential cellular components often targeted by viruses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms by which viruses exploit host cell cytoskeleton and centrosomes.
- To understand the significance of these interactions for viral survival and propagation.
Main Methods:
- Advanced microscopy techniques to visualize viral components and host cell structures.
- Biochemical assays to study protein-protein interactions between viral and host factors.
- Genetic manipulation of viral and host genes to assess the role of cytoskeleton and centrosomes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated specific viral proteins interacting with key cytoskeletal and centrosomal components.
- Observed significant alterations in host cell structure upon viral infection.
- Identified a critical role for the hijacked cytoskeleton and centrosomes in viral assembly and egress.
Conclusions:
- Viral exploitation of the host cell cytoskeleton and centrosomes is a fundamental survival strategy.
- Targeting these interactions presents a potential avenue for antiviral therapeutic development.
Related Concept Videos
02:25Centrosome Duplication
4.1K
The primary microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in animal cells is the centrosome. A centrosome has two cylindrical centrioles at its core. Each centriole consists of nine sets of three microtubules held together by proteins. The centrioles are positioned at right angles to each other and surrounded by a shapeless protein cloud called the pericentriolar matrix, or pericentriolar material (PCM).
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
4.1K
01:13Centrioles and Centrosomes
3.0K
Most animal cells comprise a pair of centrioles together called a centrosome. The cell duplicates its centrosome and contains two centrosomes side-by-side, which begin to move apart during the prophase. As the centrosomes migrate to two different sides of the cell, microtubules start extending from each centrosome toward the other end. The mitotic spindle is composed of the centrosomes and their emerging microtubules.
Near the end of the prophase, also called late prophase or...
Near the end of the prophase, also called late prophase or...
3.0K
01:45Destabilization of Microtubules
2.8K
The destabilization of microtubules can occur during different stages of the microtubule lifecycle, such as nucleation or elongation. It can take place at either end of the microtubule or in the microtubule lattices as a whole. The lifespan of individual microtubules within a cell varies according to the cell type and stage of the cell cycle. During interphase, the lifespan of the microtubule is about 30 minutes, while during cell division, it is about 15 minutes. In axonal microtubules of...
2.8K
01:10Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
2.9K
Intracellular bacteria and viruses often comprise a group of highly infectious pathogens that can cause several diseases. Bacterial pathogens include those belonging to the genus Rickettsia responsible for conditions such as rocky mountain spotted fever and the Mediterranean spotted fever; Chlamydia, a genus responsible for a sexually transmitted disease; Coxiella burnetii, an agent responsible for Q fever. Viral pathogens include vaccinia—a poxvirus, and herpes simplex virus—a...
2.9K
02:33Retroviruses
12.6K
Retroviruses and retrotransposons both insert copies of their genetic elements into the genome of the host cell. Thus, the viral genes are passed on when the host genome is replicated or translated. A typical retroviral DNA sequence contains 3-4 genes that encode the different proteins required for its structural assembly and function as a molecular parasite. This DNA is transcribed into a single mRNA, which is very similar in structure to conventional mRNAs, i.e., it is capped at the 5’...
12.6K
01:20Receptor-mediated Endocytosis
6.2K
Receptor-mediated endocytosis is when bulk amounts of specific molecules are imported into a cell after binding to cell surface receptors. The molecules bound to these receptors are taken into the cell through inward folding of the cell surface membrane, which is eventually pinched off into a vesicle within the cell. Structural proteins, such as clathrin, coat the budding vesicle.
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
6.2K