In vivo subcellular localization of Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV) non-structural proteins in insect cells reveals their putative functions

Virology. 2012 Sep 1;430(2):81-9. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.04.016. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

The in vivo subcellular localization of Mal de Río Cuarto virus (MRCV, Fijivirus, Reoviridae) non-structural proteins fused to GFP was analyzed by confocal microscopy. P5-1 showed a cytoplasmic vesicular-like distribution that was lost upon deleting its PDZ binding TKF motif, suggesting that P5-1 interacts with cellular PDZ proteins. P5-2 located at the nucleus and its nuclear import was affected by the deletion of its basic C-termini. P7-1 and P7-2 also entered the nucleus and therefore, along with P5-2, could function as regulators of host gene expression. P6 located in the cytoplasm and in perinuclear cloud-like inclusions, was driven to P9-1 viroplasm-like structures and co-localized with P7-2, P10 and α-tubulin, suggesting its involvement in viroplasm formation and viral intracellular movement. Finally, P9-2 was N-glycosylated and located at the plasma membrane in association with filopodia-like protrusions containing actin, suggesting a possible role in virus cell-to-cell movement and spread.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / chemistry
  • Cell Membrane / virology
  • Cell Nucleus / chemistry
  • Cell Nucleus / virology
  • Cytoplasm / chemistry
  • Cytoplasm / virology
  • Cytoskeleton / virology
  • Genome, Viral
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / genetics
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / analysis
  • Reoviridae* / genetics
  • Reoviridae* / physiology
  • Spodoptera / ultrastructure
  • Spodoptera / virology*
  • Subcellular Fractions / chemistry
  • Subcellular Fractions / virology
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / analysis*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins