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Incorporation of radioactive seleno-(75Se)-methionine into mumps virus
Abstract:
Mumps virus was grown in embryonated chicken eggs in the presence of radioactive seleno-((75)Se)-methionine. Virus in the allantoic and amniotic fluids was concentrated in a sucrose density gradient, and a peak of viral material coincided with a significant peak of (75)Se-radioactivity. The radioactivity was acid-insoluble and remained associated with the virus after purification by erythrocyte adsorption and elution and centrifugation on a second sucrose density gradient. After amino-acid hydrolysis of the radioactive virus, only (75)Se-methionine was recovered by chromatographic analysis. These results demonstrate that the radioactive (75)Se-methionine was incorporated into protein of infectious mumps virus.
Insights
Radioactive methionine was incorporated into infectious mumps virus protein. This study confirms seleno-((75)Se)-methionine is a viable tracer for mumps virus protein synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Mumps virus is a significant human pathogen.
- Understanding viral protein synthesis is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incorporation of seleno-((75)Se)-methionine into mumps virus.
- To confirm the use of this radiolabel as a tracer for viral protein synthesis.
Main Methods:
- Culturing mumps virus in embryonated chicken eggs with radioactive seleno-((75)Se)-methionine.
- Concentrating and purifying the virus using sucrose density gradients and erythrocyte adsorption/elution.
- Analyzing the incorporated radioactivity via amino acid hydrolysis and chromatographic methods.
Main Results:
- A significant peak of (75)Se-radioactivity coincided with viral material.
- The radioactivity was acid-insoluble and remained associated with the purified virus.
- Only (75)Se-methionine was recovered after hydrolysis, confirming its incorporation into viral protein.
Conclusions:
- Seleno-((75)Se)-methionine is effectively incorporated into the protein of infectious mumps virus.
- This radiolabeled amino acid serves as a reliable marker for studying mumps virus protein synthesis.