Single-stranded DNA of Tomato leaf curl virus accumulates in the cytoplasm of phloem cells

Virology. 2006 Apr 25;348(1):120-32. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.11.054. Epub 2006 Feb 2.

Abstract

Geminiviruses have been reported to replicate in, and localize to, the nuclei of host plant cells. We have investigated the tissue and intracellular distribution of the monopartite Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV) by in situ hybridization. Contrary to the current understanding of geminiviral localization, single-stranded (ss) DNA of TLCV accumulated in the cytoplasm. TLCV ssDNA was also found in the nucleus, as was lower levels of replicative form double-stranded (ds) DNA. Under the same conditions, Tomato golden mosaic virus (TGMV) ssDNA and dsDNA were found in nuclei. ssDNA of TLCV, TGMV, and Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV) was detected in some xylem vessels under specific hybridization conditions. Tissue specificity of TLCV was partially released by co-infection with TGMV. Our observations suggest that the mechanism of TLCV movement may differ from that of bipartite begomoviruses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Nucleus / chemistry
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry*
  • Cytoplasm / virology*
  • DNA / analysis
  • DNA / genetics
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / analysis*
  • DNA, Single-Stranded / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / analysis*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • Geminiviridae / genetics
  • Geminiviridae / physiology*
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Microscopy, Interference
  • Nicotiana / virology
  • Photomicrography
  • Plant Diseases / virology*
  • Plant Leaves / virology
  • Plant Roots / virology
  • Plant Stems / virology
  • Solanum lycopersicum / virology

Substances

  • DNA, Single-Stranded
  • DNA, Viral
  • DNA