The Feline Calicivirus Leader of the Capsid Protein Has the Functional Characteristics of a Viroporin.

ABSTRACT: The leader of the capsid (LC) protein is exclusive to the Vesivirus genus, and it is needed for successful feline calicivirus (FCV) replication, as well as an efficient apoptosis induction through the mitochondrial pathway. In this work, we aimed to determine if the LC protein from the FCV is a viroporin. Although lacking in a transmembrane domain or an amphipathic helix, the LC protein from the FCV is toxic when expressed in bacteria and it oligomerizes through disulfide bonds, which are both key characteristics of viroporins. An electron microscopy analysis of LC-expressing E. coli cells suggest that the protein induces osmotic stress. Moreover, we found that the previously studied C40A LC mutant, that fails to induce apoptosis and that hinders the replication cycle, also oligomerizes bu

SUBMITTER: Penaflor-Tellez Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8955107 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature