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Effect of poliovirus on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in HeLa cells
Abstract:
Ackermann, W. W. (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor), D. C. Cox, H. Kurtz, C. D. Powers, and S. J. Davies. Effect of poliovirus on deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis in HeLa cells. J. Bacteriol. 91:1943-1952. 1966.-Both poliovirus and arginine stimulated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in cultures of HeLa cells which were preconditioned by incubation in a medium deficient in arginine. However, the number of cells producing DNA was unaffected. DNA synthesis in such preconditioned cells was 10 to 20% of the maximal value obtained with a full complement of amino acids. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was produced in these cultures either by increasing the multiplicity of exposure above 40 plaque-forming units of virus per cell or by increasing the concentration of the deficient amino acid at the time of virus addition. Inhibition of DNA synthesis resulted from a reduction in the fraction of cells producing DNA. The concentration of arginine required for viral inhibition of DNA synthesis is greater than that for viral multiplication.
Insights
Poliovirus can inhibit deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in HeLa cells, particularly when arginine is deficient. This inhibition occurs by reducing the number of cells synthesizing DNA, not by affecting overall DNA synthesis rates.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis is crucial for cell replication and is a target for viral manipulation.
- HeLa cells are a widely used model system for studying cellular processes and viral infections.
- Arginine is an essential amino acid that plays a role in cellular metabolism and viral replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of poliovirus on DNA synthesis in HeLa cells.
- To determine the role of arginine availability in poliovirus-induced inhibition of DNA synthesis.
- To understand the mechanism by which poliovirus affects DNA synthesis.
Main Methods:
- HeLa cells were cultured in arginine-deficient medium.
- Cells were infected with poliovirus at varying multiplicities of infection.
- DNA synthesis was measured using established biochemical assays.
- Arginine concentration was manipulated at the time of viral infection.
Main Results:
- Both poliovirus and arginine independently stimulated DNA synthesis in arginine-deficient HeLa cells.
- Poliovirus inhibited DNA synthesis when cell exposure exceeded 40 plaque-forming units per cell or when arginine concentration was increased during infection.
- Inhibition of DNA synthesis was attributed to a reduced fraction of cells actively producing DNA.
- The arginine concentration required for viral inhibition of DNA synthesis was higher than that required for viral multiplication.
Conclusions:
- Poliovirus can inhibit DNA synthesis in HeLa cells, with the effect being dependent on viral multiplicity and arginine availability.
- The mechanism of inhibition involves a decrease in the proportion of cells undergoing DNA synthesis.
- Arginine plays a complex role, capable of both stimulating and being a factor in the inhibition of DNA synthesis by poliovirus.