The C-terminal region of Rift Valley fever virus NSm protein targets the protein to the mitochondrial outer membrane and exerts antiapoptotic function

J Virol. 2013 Jan;87(1):676-82. doi: 10.1128/JVI.02192-12. Epub 2012 Oct 24.

Abstract

The NSm nonstructural protein of Rift Valley fever virus (family Bunyaviridae, genus Phlebovirus) has an antiapoptotic function and affects viral pathogenesis. We found that NSm integrates into the mitochondrial outer membrane and that the protein's N terminus is exposed to the cytoplasm. The C-terminal region of NSm, which contains a basic amino acid cluster and a putative transmembrane domain, targeted the protein to the mitochondrial outer membrane and exerted antiapoptotic function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mitochondrial Membranes / metabolism*
  • Protein Transport*
  • Rift Valley fever virus / pathogenicity*
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
  • Viral Nonstructural Proteins