Murine polyomavirus DNA transitions through spatially distinct nuclear replication subdomains during infection

PLoS Pathog. 2020 Mar 23;16(3):e1008403. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008403. eCollection 2020 Mar.

Abstract

The replication of small DNA viruses requires both host DNA replication and repair factors that are often recruited to subnuclear domains termed viral replication centers (VRCs). Aside from serving as a spatial focus for viral replication, little is known about these dynamic areas in the nucleus. We investigated the organization and function of VRCs during murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) infection using 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM). We localized MuPyV replication center components, such as the viral large T-antigen (LT) and the cellular replication protein A (RPA), to spatially distinct subdomains within VRCs. We found that viral DNA (vDNA) trafficked sequentially through these subdomains post-synthesis, suggesting their distinct functional roles in vDNA processing. Additionally, we observed disruption of VRC organization and vDNA trafficking during mutant MuPyV infections or inhibition of DNA synthesis. These results reveal a dynamic organization of VRC components that coordinates virus replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Active Transport, Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor / genetics
  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cell Nucleus / metabolism
  • Cell Nucleus / virology*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Polyomavirus / physiology*
  • Polyomavirus Infections / genetics
  • Polyomavirus Infections / metabolism*
  • Replication Protein A / genetics
  • Replication Protein A / metabolism
  • Virus Replication / physiology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral, Tumor
  • DNA, Viral
  • Replication Protein A