Herpes Virus Infection Causes Actin Filaments to Form in the Nucleus
Author Information
Author(s): Feierbach Becket, Piccinotti Silvia, Bisher Margaret, Denk Winfried, Enquist Lynn W
Primary Institution: Princeton University
Hypothesis
Does alpha-herpesvirus infection induce the formation of nuclear actin filaments in neurons?
Conclusion
The study found that herpesvirus infection leads to the formation of nuclear actin filaments, which are associated with viral capsids and play a role in the viral assembly process.
Supporting Evidence
- Filamentous actin is not found in the nucleus of uninfected cells.
- Nuclear actin filaments appear physically associated with the viral capsids.
- Viral transcription, but not viral DNA replication, is required for actin filament formation.
- 95% of PRV-infected neurons contained nuclear actin filaments.
- Actin filaments are involved in organizing capsid assembly sites in the nucleus.
Takeaway
When the herpes virus infects nerve cells, it makes tiny threads called actin filaments inside the cell's nucleus, which help the virus to assemble and spread.
Methodology
The study used serial block-face scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy to observe the formation of nuclear actin filaments in infected neurons.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific cell types and may not generalize to all cell types or conditions.
Participant Demographics
The study involved mouse and porcine cell lines, specifically neurons and epithelial cells.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website