Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2025

Time-Lapse Video Microscopy for Assessment of EYFP-Parkin Aggregation as a Marker for Cellular Mitophagy
09:29

Time-Lapse Video Microscopy for Assessment of EYFP-Parkin Aggregation as a Marker for Cellular Mitophagy

Published on: May 4, 2016

7.1K

Retroviral foamy virus gag induces parkin-dependent mitophagy

Shanshan Wang1, Tongtong Du1, Jun Yan2

  • 1Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.

Retrovirology
|May 2, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Prototype foamy virus (PFV) infection triggers mitophagy, a process where cells degrade damaged mitochondria. The viral Gag protein is key, activating the PINK1-Parkin pathway and upregulating Rab5a to promote this process.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Prototype foamy virus (PFV) establishes lifelong latent infections.
  • Mechanisms of PFV latent infection are not fully understood.
  • PFV is known to promote autophagy, but its role in mitophagy is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether PFV infection induces mitophagy.
  • To identify viral factors responsible for mitophagy induction.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathways involved in PFV-induced mitophagy.

Main Methods:

  • Assessing mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production post-PFV infection.
  • Evaluating the role of PFV Gag protein in mitophagy.
  • Investigating the involvement of the PINK1-Parkin pathway and Rab5a.
  • Utilizing gene overexpression and knockdown techniques.

Main Results:

  • PFV infection causes time-dependent mitochondrial damage and increases mitochondrial ROS (mtROS).
  • PFV Gag protein is essential for triggering mitophagy, causing mitochondrial damage and mitophagy in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Gag activates the PINK1-Parkin pathway, and Parkin knockdown inhibits Gag-induced mitophagy.
  • Rab5a is upregulated by Gag, and its inhibition reverses Gag-induced mitophagy.

Conclusions:

  • PFV infection induces mitophagy, a process mediated by the viral Gag protein.
  • Gag induces Parkin-dependent mitophagy, involving the upregulation of Rab5a.
  • Findings provide insights into PFV infection mechanisms and virus-host interactions.
Keywords:
GagMitophagyParkinPrototype foamy virusRab5a

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Fluorescence-Based Quantification of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Superoxide Levels Using Live Imaging in HeLa Cells06:57

Author Spotlight: Fluorescence-Based Quantification of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Superoxide Levels Using Live Imaging in HeLa Cells

Published on: May 12, 2023

7.2K
Protection of H9c2 Myocardial Cells from Oxidative Stress by Crocetin via PINK1/Parkin Pathway-Mediated Mitophagy07:40

Protection of H9c2 Myocardial Cells from Oxidative Stress by Crocetin via PINK1/Parkin Pathway-Mediated Mitophagy

Published on: May 26, 2023

1.0K

Related Concept Videos

Retroviruses02:33

Retroviruses

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’...
12.1K
Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
45.3K
Lysosomal Hydrolases01:22

Lysosomal Hydrolases

Lysosomes are the site for the degradation of macromolecules and biological polymers released during membrane trafficking events such as secretory, endocytic, autophagic, and phagocytic pathways. The membrane-enclosed area of the lysosome, called the lumen, contains hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment. These acid hydrolases are functional at a pH between 4.5 and 5 and are involved in cellular processes such as cell signaling, energy metabolism, restoration of the plasma membrane,...
3.7K
Mitochondrial Protein Sorting01:39

Mitochondrial Protein Sorting

Mitochondria are double-membrane organelles of the eukaryotes involved in cellular metabolism, signaling, ATP synthesis, and programmed cell death.  Each of these processes requires specific proteins and enzymes that must be correctly sorted to the right mitochondrial subcompartment for the proper functioning of the organelle.
Most of these mitochondrial proteins are encoded by the nucleus and imported to the mitochondria as unfolded or loosely folded precursors. Mitochondrial precursors...
4.1K
Autophagy01:27

Autophagy

Autophagy is a self-digesting process by which a cell protects itself from threats both within and outside the cell, ranging from abnormal proteins to invading bacteria. In this process, obsolete components of the cell and invading microbes are degraded by hydrolytic enzymes active in an acidic environment of the lysosomal lumen.
An autophagic pathway consists of a series of signaling events activated in response to diverse stress and physiological conditions such as food deprivation,...
4.0K
Autophagic Cell Death01:18

Autophagic Cell Death

Christian de Duve discovered “autophagy,” a process in which cellular components are engulfed by membrane-bound organelles called autophagosomes. The autophagosomes then fuse with lysosomes to digest the enclosed contents. Autophagy is generally activated in cells to prevent cell death. However, cell death is triggered when the damage is beyond repair.
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and...
2.7K