Nuclear import of Avian Sarcoma Virus integrase is facilitated by host cell factors
2008

How Avian Sarcoma Virus Integrase Gets into the Nucleus

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Andrake Mark D, Sauter Monica M, Boland Kim, Goldstein Andrew D, Hussein Maryem, Skalka Anna Marie

Primary Institution: Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Hypothesis

Does the nuclear import of Avian Sarcoma Virus integrase depend on specific host cell factors?

Conclusion

The study shows that the nuclear import of Avian Sarcoma Virus integrase is an active process that requires specific cellular factors and ATP.

Supporting Evidence

  • The ASV integrase contains a nuclear localization signal that is distinct from classical signals.
  • Nuclear import of ASV integrase is ATP-dependent and requires soluble cellular factors.
  • Wheat germ agglutinin treatment blocks the nuclear import, indicating it occurs through nuclear pore complexes.

Takeaway

The integrase from the Avian Sarcoma Virus needs help from the cell to get into the nucleus, and it uses energy to do this.

Methodology

The study used digitonin-permeabilized HeLa cells to investigate the nuclear import of ASV integrase.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1742-4690-5-73

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