Reovirus outer capsid protein micro1 induces apoptosis and associates with lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms by which reoviruses induce apoptosis have not been fully elucidated. Earlier studies identified the mammalian reovirus S1 and M2 genes as determinants of apoptosis induction. However, no published results have demonstrated the capacities of the proteins encoded by these genes to induce apoptosis, either independently or in combination, in the absence of reovirus infection. Here we report that the mammalian reovirus micro1 protein, encoded by the M2 gene, was sufficient to induce apoptosis in transfected cells. We also found that micro1 localized to lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria in both transfected cells and infected cells. Two small regions encompassing amphipathic alpha-helices within a carboxyl-terminal portion of micro1 were necessary for efficie

SUBMITTER: Coffey CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1563861 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature