Minor capsid proteins of mouse polyomavirus are inducers of apoptosis when produced individually but are only moderate contributors to cell death during the late phase of viral infection

The FEBS Journal
Sandra HuerfanoJitka Forstová

Abstract

Minor structural proteins of mouse polyomavirus (MPyV) are essential for virus infection. To study their properties and possible contributions to cell death induction, fusion variants of these proteins, created by linking enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to their C- or N-termini, were prepared and tested in the absence of other MPyV gene products, namely the tumor antigens and the major capsid protein, VP1. The minor proteins linked to EGFP at their C-terminus (VP2-EGFP, VP3-EGFP) were found to display properties similar to their nonfused, wild-type versions: they killed mouse 3T3 cells quickly when expressed individually. Carrying nuclear localization signals at their common C-terminus, the minor capsid proteins were detected in the nucleus. However, a substantial subpopulation of both VP2 and VP3 proteins, as well as of the fusion proteins VP2-EGFP and VP3-EGFP, was detected in the cytoplasm, co-localizing with intracellular membranes. Truncated VP3 protein, composed of 103 C-terminal amino acids, exhibited reduced affinity for intracellular membranes and cytotoxicity. Biochemical studies proved each of the minor proteins to be a very potent inducer of apoptosis, which was dependent on caspase activation. Immuno-elec...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jul 4, 2012·Future Virology·Mengxi Jiang, Michael J Imperiale
Jan 23, 2020·Viruses·Lenka HorníkováJitka Forstová
May 17, 2012·Viruses·Jakub CibulkaJitka Forstova
May 11, 2021·The FEBS Journal·Boris RyabchenkoSandra Huérfano

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