Hyaluronan synthesis in virus PBCV-1-infected chlorella-like green algae.
We previously reported that the chlorella virus PBCV-1 genome encodes an authentic, membrane-associated glycosyltransferase, hyaluronan synthase (HAS). Hyaluronan, a linear polysaccharide chain composed of alternating beta1,4-glucuronic acid and beta1, 3-N-acetylglucosamine groups, is present in vertebrates as well as a few pathogenic bacteria. Studies of infected cells show that the transcription of the PBCV-1 has gene begins within 10 min of virus infection and ends at 60-90 min postinfection. The hyaluronan polysaccharide begins to accumulate as hyaluronan-lyase sensitive, hair-like fibers on the outside of the chlorella cell wall by 15-30 min postinfection; by 240 min postinfection, the infected cells are coated with a dense fibrous network. This hyaluronan slightly reduces attachment of a second chlorella virus to the infected algae. An analysis of 41 additional chlorella viruses indicates that many, but not all, produce hyaluronan during infection.
Graves
M V
MV
Department of Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68583-0722, USA.
Burbank
D E
DE
Roth
R
R
Heuser
J
J
DeAngelis
P L
PL
Van Etten
J L
JL
D002473:Cell Wall / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002708:Chlorella / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008956:Models, Chemical; D017862:Phycodnaviridae / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000235:genetics; D018749:RNA, Plant / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D014779:Virus Replication
D018749:RNA, Plant; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid