Involvement of p32 and microtubules in alteration of mitochondrial functions by rubella virus.

ABSTRACT: The interaction of the rubella virus (RV) capsid (C) protein and the mitochondrial p32 protein is believed to participate in virus replication. In this study, the physiological significance of the association of RV with mitochondria was investigated by silencing p32 through RNA interference. It was demonstrated that downregulation of p32 interferes with microtubule-directed redistribution of mitochondria in RV-infected cells. However, the association of the viral C protein with mitochondria was not affected. When cell lines either pretreated with respiratory chain inhibitors or cultivated under (mild) hypoxic conditions were infected with RV, viral replication was reduced in a time-dependent fashion. Additionally, RV infection induces increased activity of mitochondrial electron transport

SUBMITTER: Claus C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3126120 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature