Abstract
The dengue virus membrane (M) protein is a key component of the mature virion. Here, we characterised the cellular behaviour of M using a recombinant protein construct to understand its inherent properties. Using confocal microscopy, we showed that M and its intracellular precursor, prM, localised to the endoplasmic reticulum. M protein was also detected on the cell surface and secreted, suggesting that M can enter the secretory pathway. In addition, cross-linking studies showed that M can form dimers and tetramers. These findings suggest that M behaves as a secretory protein analogous to the major envelope protein E.
Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Membrane / metabolism
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Chlorocebus aethiops
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Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
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Dengue Virus / metabolism*
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Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism*
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HEK293 Cells
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Humans
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Kidney / cytology
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Kidney / metabolism*
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Kidney / virology
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Microscopy, Confocal
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Molecular Weight
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Protein Precursors / chemistry
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Protein Precursors / genetics
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Protein Precursors / metabolism
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Protein Sorting Signals
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Protein Transport
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Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
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Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
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Surface Properties
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Vero Cells
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Viral Matrix Proteins / chemistry
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Viral Matrix Proteins / genetics
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Viral Matrix Proteins / metabolism*
Substances
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Cross-Linking Reagents
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Protein Precursors
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Protein Sorting Signals
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Recombinant Proteins
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Viral Matrix Proteins