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Function of minor polypeptides in foot-and-mouth disease virus and poliovirus
J F Newman1, P G Piatti, M D Ryan
1US Dept of Agriculture, Plum Island Animal Disease Center, Greenport, NY 11944.
Abstract:
Foot-and-mouth disease virus and poliovirus each contain several minor polypeptides, in addition to the four structural proteins. One of these, the viral RNA polymerase, can also act as a nuclease, hydrolysing the RNA and thus destroying viral infectivity. It is tightly bound to the RNA and may be the packaging signal for assembly of the particle.
Insights
Foot-and-mouth disease virus and poliovirus have minor polypeptides, including RNA polymerase. This enzyme acts as a nuclease, degrading viral RNA and affecting infectivity, and may aid in particle assembly.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) and poliovirus are significant picornaviruses.
- Viral structure includes major structural proteins and several minor polypeptides.
- Understanding the function of minor viral proteins is crucial for comprehending viral replication and assembly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of minor polypeptides in FMDV and poliovirus.
- To characterize the enzymatic activity and binding properties of viral RNA polymerase.
- To determine the potential function of RNA polymerase in viral particle assembly.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis to identify minor polypeptides.
- Biochemical assays to assess RNA polymerase activity.
- RNA binding studies to evaluate polymerase-RNA interactions.
Main Results:
- Identified viral RNA polymerase as a minor polypeptide in both FMDV and poliovirus.
- Demonstrated that viral RNA polymerase possesses nuclease activity, hydrolyzing viral RNA.
- Observed tight binding of RNA polymerase to viral RNA, suggesting a role in packaging.
Conclusions:
- Viral RNA polymerase in FMDV and poliovirus exhibits dual functionality: RNA synthesis and RNA degradation.
- The nuclease activity of RNA polymerase contributes to the loss of viral infectivity.
- RNA polymerase may serve as a packaging signal, facilitating the assembly of viral particles.