[RNA polymerase activity associated with a bunya virus (Lumbo)]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Lumbo virus, a Bunyavirus, possesses a single-stranded segmented RNA genome.
• The replication mechanism of Bunyaviruses, including Lumbo virus, involves RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the presence and activity of RNA dependent RNA polymerase in purified Lumbo virus.
• To investigate the cofactor requirements for Lumbo virus RdRP activity.

Main Methods:

• Purification of Lumbo virus particles.
• In vitro enzymatic assays to detect RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity.
• Analysis of reaction products for annealing with the viral genome.

Main Results:

• RNA dependent RNA polymerase activity was demonstrated in purified Lumbo virus preparations.
• Optimal in vitro activity of the polymerase was observed in the presence of divalent cations, specifically Mn++ and Mg++.
• The synthesized RNA products specifically annealed with the viral genome, confirming their role in replication.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms the presence of RNA dependent RNA polymerase within Lumbo virus particles.
• Divalent cations are crucial for the in vitro enzymatic function of Lumbo virus RdRP.
• The findings support the role of this polymerase in the replication of the segmented, single-stranded RNA genome of Lumbo virus.