Posttranslational N-glycosylation of the hepatitis B virus large envelope protein
2007

Posttranslational N-glycosylation of Hepatitis B Virus Large Envelope Protein

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Carsten Lambert, Reinhild Prange

Primary Institution: Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Mainz

Hypothesis

Can the hepatitis B virus large envelope protein undergo posttranslational N-glycosylation?

Conclusion

The posttranslational N-glycosylation of the hepatitis B virus large envelope protein is not necessary for virus maturation.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study identified novel isoforms of the HBV L protein due to posttranslational N-glycosylation.
  • Inhibition of N-glycosylation blocked virus assembly and release.
  • Posttranslational N-glycosylation of L was found to be dispensable for HBV morphogenesis.

Takeaway

This study found that a part of the hepatitis B virus protein can get sugar chains added to it after it's made, but this doesn't help the virus to grow.

Methodology

The study used mutational analyses, N-glycosylation inhibitors, and pulse-chase studies to investigate the glycosylation of the HBV L protein.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1743-422X-4-45

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