Nucleolar localization of influenza A NS1: striking differences between mammalian and avian cells

Virol J. 2010 Mar 17:7:63. doi: 10.1186/1743-422X-7-63.

Abstract

In mammalian cells, nucleolar localization of influenza A NS1 requires the presence of a C-terminal nucleolar localization signal. This nucleolar localization signal is present only in certain strains of influenza A viruses. Therefore, only certain NS1 accumulate in the nucleolus of mammalian cells. In contrast, we show that all NS1 tested in this study accumulated in the nucleolus of avian cells even in the absence of the above described C-terminal nucleolar localization signal. Thus, nucleolar localization of NS1 in avian cells appears to rely on a different nucleolar localization signal that is more conserved among influenza virus strains.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleolus / chemistry*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chick Embryo
  • Chickens
  • Ducks
  • Epithelial Cells / virology
  • Fibroblasts / virology
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype / physiology
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Protein Transport
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / analysis*

Substances

  • INS1 protein, influenza virus
  • Protein Sorting Signals
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins