Related Experiment Videos
Two forms of VPg on poliovirus RNAs
Journal of Virology
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Poliovirus protein VPg exists in two forms, acidic and basic. The form of VPg associated with viral RNA changes during the replication cycle, with selective loss from the minus RNA strand.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Poliovirus protein VPg is covalently linked to the 5' end of viral RNA.
- The functional significance of different VPg forms and their association with RNA species is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the different forms of poliovirus protein VPg.
- To determine the association of VPg forms with various viral RNA species during the replication cycle.
Main Methods:
- Non-equilibrium electrofocusing was used to resolve VPg into different species.
- Analysis of VPg associated with mature virions, unpackaged RNA, and replicative-form (RF) RNA.
Main Results:
- Poliovirus protein (VPg) resolved into two charged species: acidic and basic.
- Mature virions predominantly contained basic VPg, while unpackaged RNA had acidic VPg.
- Replicative-form RNA contained both VPg species, with acidic being major; selective VPg loss from the minus strand was observed.
Conclusions:
- VPg exists in at least two distinct charged forms.
- The association of VPg with viral RNA is dynamic and changes during poliovirus replication.
- Selective removal of VPg from the minus RNA strand in RF molecules occurs, particularly late in infection.