Dual Mechanism for the Translation of Subgenomic mRNA from Sindbis Virus in Infected and Uninfected Cells
2009

Sindbis Virus Translation Mechanism in Infected and Uninfected Cells

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sanz Miguel Ángel, Castelló Alfredo, Ventoso Iván, Juan José Carrasco, Luis

Primary Institution: Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain

Hypothesis

How does Sindbis virus subgenomic mRNA translation occur in infected versus uninfected cells?

Conclusion

Sindbis virus subgenomic mRNA can be translated without certain initiation factors in infected cells, while it requires them in uninfected cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • SV subgenomic mRNA translation continues even when host protein synthesis is inhibited.
  • Translation of subgenomic mRNA in infected cells does not require intact eIF4G.
  • Different initiation sites are used for translation depending on whether the mRNA is in an infected or uninfected cell.

Takeaway

When a virus infects a cell, it can make its proteins even when the cell's normal protein-making process is shut down. This study shows how the virus does this differently in infected and uninfected cells.

Methodology

BHK cells were infected with Sindbis virus and the translation of subgenomic mRNA was analyzed under various conditions, including the presence of specific inhibitors.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on BHK cells, which may not fully represent other cell types.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004772

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