Subcellular localizations of the hepatitis C virus alternate reading frame proteins

Ratinier, M., Boulant, S., Crussard, S., McLauchlan, J. and Lavergne, J.-P. (2009) Subcellular localizations of the hepatitis C virus alternate reading frame proteins. Virus Research, 139(1), pp. 106-110. (doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2008.09.011) (PMID:18996421)

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Abstract

Alternate reading frame proteins (ARFPs) resulting either from frameshifting, from transcriptional slippage or from internal initiation in the +1 open reading frame (ORF) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein coding sequence have been described in vitro. As an approach to study the roles of these proteins, we investigate the subcellular localization of ARFPs fused with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) either at their N- or C-terminus. Most GFP fusion products have a diffuse localization, as revealed by confocal microscopy. One GFP chimeric protein, arising from internal initiation at codon 26 in the +1 ORF (ARFP26–161), is specifically targeted to mitochondria. Mitochondrial localization was confirmed by immunoblot with an anti-ARFP antibody of a mitochondria-enriched cellular fraction. Mitochondrial targeting of ARFP26–161 mostly involved the N-terminal portion of the protein as revealed by the cellular localization of truncated mutants. Interestingly, ARFP26–161 from both genotypes 1a and 1b, but not the protein from the genotype 2a JFH1 infectious sequence, exhibit mitochondrial localization. These results are the first concerning the cellular localization and the role of this HCV ARFP; they may serve as a platform for further studies on its mitochondrial effects and their role in the virus life cycle and pathogenesis.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ratinier, Dr Maxime and McLauchlan, Professor John
Authors: Ratinier, M., Boulant, S., Crussard, S., McLauchlan, J., and Lavergne, J.-P.
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:Virus Research
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0168-1702
ISSN (Online):1872-7492
Published Online:28 November 2008

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
656341Virus-host interactions in hepatitis C virus infectionJohn MclauchlanMedical Research Council (MRC)MC_UU_12014/1MVLS III - CENTRE FOR VIRUS RESEARCH