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Ribonucleic acid bacteriophage release: requirement for host-controlled protein synthesis

H Engelberg, E Soudry

    Journal of Virology
    |September 1, 1971
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacterial ribonucleic acid (RNA) phage MS2 release from Escherichia coli requires a short-lived host protein. This protein is essential for phage particle release at both 37°C and 30°C, regardless of cell lysis.

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Molecular Biology
    • Virology

    Background:

    • The release of bacteriophages from host bacteria is a critical step in the viral life cycle.
    • Bacteriophage MS2, an RNA phage, exhibits temperature-dependent release mechanisms from Escherichia coli, involving either cell lysis or release from intact cells.
    • Understanding the host factors involved in phage release is crucial for comprehending viral propagation and host-pathogen interactions.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the host-controlled factors essential for the release of ribonucleic acid (RNA)-containing phage MS2 from Escherichia coli.
    • To determine the role of protein synthesis and specific cellular processes in phage particle release at different temperatures.

    Main Methods:

    • Experiments were conducted using Escherichia coli infected with bacteriophage MS2 at 37°C and 30°C.
    • The effect of protein synthesis inhibitors (chloramphenicol) and RNA polymerase inhibitors (rifampin) on phage release was assessed.
    • Phage release kinetics were analyzed following drug treatment.
    • Mutant strains of Escherichia coli with altered RNA polymerase were used to investigate rifampin's mechanism.

    Main Results:

    • Phage MS2 release from Escherichia coli is temperature-dependent, causing cell lysis at 37°C and release from intact cells at 30°C.
    • Inhibition of protein synthesis with chloramphenicol or RNA synthesis with rifampin significantly impedes phage release at both temperatures.
    • Phage release continued for a period after protein synthesis inhibition, suggesting a delay in the process.
    • Rifampin did not inhibit phage release in bacteria with a modified RNA polymerase, indicating its target is related to RNA synthesis.

    Conclusions:

    • A short-lived, host-controlled protein is indispensable for the release of RNA phage MS2 particles from Escherichia coli.
    • This protein's function is critical for phage release irrespective of whether cellular lysis occurs or not.
    • The findings highlight the importance of host-derived factors in the final stages of viral replication and assembly.

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