A Gamma-Herpesvirus Glycoprotein Complex Manipulates Actin to Promote Viral Spread
2008
How a Virus Uses Cell Actin to Spread
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Gill, Michael B., Edgar, Rachel May, Janet S., Stevenson, Philip G.
Primary Institution: University of Cambridge
Hypothesis
How does the MHV-68 gp48/ORF58 complex promote its spread?
Conclusion
The study found that the MHV-68 glycoprotein complex induces the formation of actin-based membrane fronds that enhance viral spread between cells.
Supporting Evidence
- MHV-68 induces the outgrowth of long, branched plasma membrane fronds.
- The fronds were actin-based and RhoA-dependent.
- Time-lapse imaging showed that virions moved on the fronds.
- Gp48 and ORF58 were sufficient to induce fronds in transfected cells.
- Frond formation required both ORF58 and gp48.
Takeaway
Viruses can't move on their own, so they make infected cells grow tiny arms to help them spread to other cells.
Methodology
The study used time-lapse imaging and various cell lines to observe the effects of MHV-68 on cell membrane structure and actin organization.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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