Identification and characterization of structural proteins of orchid fleck virus

Arch Virol. 2009;154(1):37-45. doi: 10.1007/s00705-008-0268-6. Epub 2008 Dec 6.

Abstract

Orchid fleck virus (OFV) has a bipartite negative-sense RNA genome with sequence similarities to plant rhabdoviruses. The non-enveloped bullet-shaped particles of OFV are similar to those of the internal ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-M protein structure of rhabdoviruses, but they are about half the size of typical plant rhabdoviruses. Purified preparations contained intact bullet-shaped and filamentous particles. The filamentous particles showed a tightly coiled coil structure or a coiled structure with a helical twist, which resembles the RNP complex of rhabdoviruses. OFV bullet-shaped particles were structurally stable in solutions containing 2% Triton X-100 and 0.8 M NaCl. Western blot analyses revealed that the bullet-shaped particles contained N, P and M proteins, while filamentous particles contained mainly N and P proteins. In addition, a small amount of the L protein was detected in both types of particles. Thus, the structural proteins of OFV have properties similar to those of rhabdoviruses, except that the particles are non-enveloped and are relatively resistant to detergent-treatment under high-salt conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cesium / pharmacology
  • Chlorides / pharmacology
  • Open Reading Frames
  • Recombinant Proteins / analysis
  • Rhabdoviridae / chemistry*
  • Rhabdoviridae / genetics
  • Rhabdoviridae / metabolism
  • Rhabdoviridae / ultrastructure
  • Sodium Chloride / pharmacology
  • Viral Structural Proteins / chemistry*
  • Virion / chemistry
  • Virion / drug effects
  • Virion / metabolism*
  • Virion / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Viral Structural Proteins
  • Cesium
  • Sodium Chloride
  • cesium chloride