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Murine hepatitis virus: effect on liver RNA
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 1, 1968
Abstract:
After infection of mice with hepatitis virus MHV3, the RNA in the liver undergoes changes. The fraction extracted with phenol at 0 degrees C does not alter. However, the fraction extracted with hot phenol at elevated pH (60 degrees C, pH 8.3) shows a 16S peak on sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation. This fraction shows actinomycin D-resistant incorporation of C(14)-orotic acid in infected but not in control livers-possible evidence of the RNA nature of MHV3.
Insights
Hepatitis virus MHV3 infection alters liver RNA, with hot phenol extraction revealing a specific 16S RNA peak. This finding suggests the virus
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Murine hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV3) is a significant pathogen in mice.
- Viral infections can induce profound changes in host cell RNA metabolism.
- Understanding viral RNA is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the alterations in liver RNA following MHV3 infection.
- To characterize the nature of the RNA changes induced by MHV3.
- To provide evidence for the RNA composition of the MHV3 virus.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with MHV3.
- Liver RNA was extracted using different phenol conditions (cold vs. hot at elevated pH).
- RNA fractions were analyzed using sucrose-density-gradient centrifugation.
- RNA synthesis was assessed via C(14)-orotic acid incorporation in the presence of actinomycin D.
Main Results:
- Cold phenol extraction did not alter the RNA fraction.
- Hot phenol extraction (60°C, pH 8.3) revealed a distinct 16S RNA peak in infected livers.
- This specific RNA fraction demonstrated actinomycin D-resistant C(14)-orotic acid incorporation in infected, but not control, livers.
Conclusions:
- MHV3 infection induces specific changes in liver RNA, characterized by a 16S RNA component.
- The observed RNA fraction exhibits characteristics consistent with viral RNA, suggesting MHV3 is an RNA virus.
- These findings contribute to the understanding of MHV3's molecular biology and pathogenesis.