Quantitatively Dissecting Triple Roles of Dynactin in Dynein-Driven Transport of Influenza Virus by Quantum Dot-Based

Dan-Dan Fu1, Li-Juan Zhang1, Bo Tang1

  • 1College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, P.R. China.

ACS Nano
|August 30, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Dynactin is essential for dynein to transport influenza A virus (IAV) within host cells. This study reveals dynactin

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Motor Function

Background:

  • Influenza A virus (IAV) infection requires intracellular transport for genome release.
  • Dynein motor proteins are crucial for moving IAV towards the nucleus after cell entry.
  • Understanding the precise mechanisms of dynein-mediated IAV transport is vital for comprehending viral infection cycles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively investigate the role of dynactin in dynein-driven transport of IAV within host cells.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which dynactin influences dynein's interaction with IAV-containing vesicles.
  • To determine the specific contributions of dynactin and its subunits to the retrograde transport of IAV along microtubules.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized quantum dot-based single-virus tracking for in situ analysis of IAV intracellular movement.
  • Quantitatively assessed the dependence of dynein-vesicle attachment on dynactin and its subunits (p150Glued, Arp1).
  • Tracked virus transport dynamics along microtubules, noting initiation sites and persistent movement.

Main Results:

  • Dynactin is indispensable for dynein-mediated transport of IAV towards the perinuclear region.
  • Dynein attaches to IAV-carrying vesicles in a dynactin-dependent manner, involving subunits p150Glued and Arp1.
  • Dynactin-assisted dynein initiates retrograde transport of IAV along microtubules, with transport initiation occurring at both microtubule plus ends and other regions.
  • Dynactin actively accompanies and facilitates dynein's sustained retrograde movement of IAV along microtubules.

Conclusions:

  • Dynactin plays a critical, multifaceted role in dynein-driven intracellular transport of influenza A virus.
  • This study reveals a dynactin-dependent mechanism for dynein-mediated IAV retrograde transport, enhancing understanding of viral infection.
  • Provides key insights into the fundamental cellular machinery governing endocytic transport processes.