Movement of rice yellow mottle virus between xylem cells through pit membranes

The translocation of rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV) within tissues of inoculated and systemically infected Oryza sativa L. leaves was characterized by Western immunoblotting, Northern blotting, and electron microscopy of thin sections. In inoculated leaves, RYMV RNA and coat protein first were detected at 3 and 5 days postinoculation, respectively. By 6 days postinoculation, RYMV had spread systemically to leaves, and virus particles were observed in most cell types, including epidermal, mesophyll, bundle sheath, and vascular parenchyma cells. Most of the virions accumulated in large crystalline patches in xylem parenchyma cells and sieve elements. Colocalization of a cell wall marker for cellulosic beta-(1-4)-D-glucans and anti-RYMV antibodies over vessel pit membranes suggests a pathway for virus migration between vessels. We propose that the partial digestion of pit membranes resulting from programmed cell death may permit virus migration through them, concomitant with autolysis. In addition, displacement of the Ca2+ from pit membranes to virus particles may contribute to the disruption of the pit membranes and facilitate systemic virus transport.