Related Experiment Videos
Adenovirus protein maturation at 42 degrees C
The Journal of General Virology
|February 1, 1976
Summary
High temperatures (42°C) prevent adenovirus assembly by inhibiting protein VII maturation. This thermosensitive process requires new protein synthesis for virus assembly at normal temperatures (37°C).
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Adenovirus type 2 infection leads to the production of viral structural polypeptides.
- Viral assembly is a complex process involving precise protein modifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of high temperatures on adenovirus type 2 assembly.
- To identify temperature-sensitive steps in viral polypeptide processing.
Main Methods:
- Incubation of infected cells at 42°C and 37°C.
- Electrophoretic analysis of viral and cellular polypeptides.
- Selective extraction of low molecular weight polypeptides.
- Pulse-chase and temperature shift experiments.
Main Results:
- High temperature (42°C) inhibited adenovirus particle assembly despite the presence of major viral polypeptides.
- Protein VII was absent at 42°C, while its precursor P-VII and protein V were detected.
- Cleavage of P-VII to VII is a reversible, thermosensitive process dependent on de novo protein synthesis.
- Virus particles assembled at 37°C after heat treatment contained viral DNA and polypeptides, including protein VII.
Conclusions:
- Protein VII processing is a critical, thermosensitive step in adenovirus assembly.
- Optimal adenovirus assembly requires temperatures of 37°C for proper protein maturation and particle formation.