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Switch-on of transcriptase function in reovirus: analysis of polypeptide changes using 2-D gels.
Virology
|July 30, 1985
Summary
Reovirus transcriptase activation involves changes in a minor polypeptide (delta 1) found in intermediate particles. Extensive posttranslational modification of viral polypeptides also occurs during particle assembly.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Reovirus is a non-enveloped dsRNA virus with a complex replication cycle.
- Understanding viral gene expression and protein modification is crucial for virology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in reovirus virion polypeptides during the activation of transcriptase function.
- To identify specific viral proteins involved in the switch-on of transcriptase activity.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, including isoelectric focusing (IEF) and SDS-PAGE, was employed.
- Analysis focused on polypeptide profiles of reovirus particles at different functional states.
Main Results:
- The switch-on of transcriptase function correlated with altered electrophoretic behavior of a minor polypeptide, designated delta 1.
- Polypeptides within each molecular weight class exhibited multiple subspecies with distinct isoelectric points.
- The delta 1 polypeptide was identified in intermediate subviral particles.
Conclusions:
- The delta 1 polypeptide plays a role in the activation of reovirus transcriptase activity.
- Extensive posttranslational modifications of viral polypeptides occur during reovirus particle morphogenesis.
- These findings offer insights into reovirus replication and potential therapeutic targets.