Viral translation is coupled to transcription in Sindbis virus-infected cells

Sanz, M. A., Castelló, A. and Carrasco, L. (2007) Viral translation is coupled to transcription in Sindbis virus-infected cells. Journal of Virology, 81(13), pp. 7061-7068. (doi: 10.1128/JVI.02529-06) (PMID:17442713) (PMCID:PMC1933293)

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Abstract

During the late phase of Sindbis virus infection, the viral subgenomic mRNA is translated efficiently in BHK cells, whereas host protein synthesis is inhibited. However, transfection of in vitro-generated Sindbis virus subgenomic mRNA leads to efficient translation in uninfected BHK cells, whereas it is a poor substrate in infected cells. Therefore, the structure of the subgenomic mRNA itself is not sufficient to confer its translat- ability in infected cells. In this regard, translation of the subgenomic mRNA requires synthesis from the viral transcription machinery. The lack of translation of transfected viral mRNAs in infected cells is not due to their degradation nor is it a consequence of competition between viral transcripts and transfected mRNAs, because a replicon that cannot produce subgenomic mRNA also interferes with exogenous mRNA translation. Inter- estingly, subgenomic mRNA is translated more efficiently when it is transfected into uninfected cells than when it is transcribed from a transfected replicon. Finally, a similar behavior was observed for other RNA viruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus and encephalomyocarditis virus. These findings support the notion that translation is coupled to transcription in cells infected with different animal viruses.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Castello, Professor Alfredo
Authors: Sanz, M. A., Castelló, A., and Carrasco, L.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
Journal Name:Journal of Virology
Publisher:American Society for Microbiology
ISSN:0022-538X
ISSN (Online):1098-5514
Published Online:18 April 2007

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