SARS-CoV 9b Protein and Its Role in Nucleus and Apoptosis
Author Information
Author(s): Sharma Kulbhushan, Åkerström Sara, Sharma Anuj Kumar, Chow Vincent T. K., Teow Shumein, Abrenica Bernard, Booth Stephanie A., Booth Timothy F., Mirazimi Ali, Lal Sunil K.
Primary Institution: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
Hypothesis
The 9b protein of SARS-CoV enters the nucleus by passive transport and its export is mediated by Crm1, influencing apoptosis.
Conclusion
The study shows that blocking the nuclear export of the 9b protein induces apoptosis in host cells.
Supporting Evidence
- The 9b protein was shown to localize in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of infected cells.
- Blocking the nuclear export of 9b led to increased apoptosis in transfected cells.
- Mutations in the NES of 9b resulted in its accumulation in the nucleus.
- Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in cell viability upon treatment with LMB.
Takeaway
The 9b protein from the SARS virus can sneak into the nucleus of cells without help, but it needs a special signal to get back out, and if it can't, it can make the cell die.
Methodology
The study used transfected Vero cells to analyze the localization and export of the 9b protein through various assays including microscopy and flow cytometry.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on Vero cells, which may not fully represent the behavior in human cells.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.0004 to p=0.0013
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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