Molecular and genetic characterisation of the SARS coronavirus auxiliary protein X1 in Drosophila

Hong Kong Med J. 2008 Aug:14 Suppl 4:14-6.

Abstract

1. We have generated monoclonal antibodies against the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) X1/3a protein (3a), which are suitable for western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and immunohistochemistry. 2. We have established and characterised an in-vivo 3a transgenic Drosophila model, and demonstrated its usefulness in studying SARS-CoV 3a gene function. 3. We validated our in-vivo findings on 3a gene function in mammalian Vero E6 cells. 4. Our findings raise the possibility of using ion channel blockers as a novel approach to suppress SARS-CoV-induced cell death.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / genetics*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Viral / genetics
  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • Apoptosis / genetics*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Drosophila
  • Factor IX
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Models, Animal
  • Molecular Biology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / genetics*
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / immunology
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / metabolism
  • Vero Cells / cytology
  • Vero Cells / physiology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Factor IX