Subcellular localization of the Triple Gene Block movement proteins of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus by electron microscopy

Virology. 2005 Sep 15;340(1):155-66. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2005.06.012.

Abstract

The Triple Gene Block proteins TGBp1, TGBp2, and TGBp3 of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV) are required for efficient cell-to-cell spread of the infection. The TGB proteins can drive cell-to-cell movement of BNYVV in trans when expressed from a co-inoculated BNYVV RNA 3-based 'replicon'. TGBp2 and TGBp3 expressed from the replicon were nonfunctional in this assay if they were fused to the green fluorescent protein (GFP), but addition of a hemagglutinin (HA) tag to their C-termini did not incapacitate movement. Immunogold labeling of ultrathin sections treated with HA-specific antibodies localized TGBp2-HA and TGBp3-HA to what are probably structurally modified plasmodesmata (Pd) in infected cells. A similar subcellular localization was observed for TGBp1. Large gold-decorated membrane-rich bodies containing what appear to be short fragments of endoplasmic reticulum were observed near the cell periphery. The modified gold-decorated Pd and the membrane-rich bodies were not observed when the TGB proteins were produced individually in infections using the Tobacco mosaic virus P30 protein to drive cell-to-cell movement, indicating that these modifications are specific for TGB-mediated movement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Beta vulgaris / virology
  • Genes, Viral*
  • Luteovirus / classification
  • Luteovirus / genetics
  • Luteovirus / physiology*
  • Luteovirus / ultrastructure
  • Movement
  • Phylogeny
  • Plant Diseases / virology
  • Viral Proteins / physiology

Substances

  • Viral Proteins