title: Possible function for virus encoded K+ channel Kcv in the replication of chlorella virus PBCV-1.
abstract: The K+ channel Kcv is encoded by the chlorella virus PBCV-1. There is evidence that this channel plays an essential role in the replication of the virus, because both PBCV-1 plaque formation and Kcv channel activity in Xenopus oocytes have similar sensitivities to inhibitors. Here we report circumstantial evidence that the Kcv channel is important during virus infection. Recordings of membrane voltage in the host cells Chlorella NC64A reveal a membrane depolarization within the first few minutes of infection. This depolarization displays the same sensitivity to cations as Kcv conductance; depolarization also requires the intact membrane of the virion. Together these data are consistent with the idea that the virus carries functional K+ channels in the virion and inserts them into the host cell plasma membrane during infection.
authors.affiliation: Membrane Biophysics, Botany Institute, Darmstadt University of Technology, Schnittspahnstrasse 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mehmel
authors.forename: Maike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rothermel
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Meckel
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Van Etten
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Moroni
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Thiel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism / Q000821:virology; D011088:DNA Ligases / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007476:Ionophores / Q000494:pharmacology; D007477:Ions; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008954:Models, Biological; D009761:Nystatin / Q000494:pharmacology; D017862:Phycodnaviridae / Q000378:metabolism; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014764:Viral Proteins; D014981:Xenopus
chemical_list: D007476:Ionophores; D007477:Ions; C405463:Kcv potassium channel, Chlorella virus; D015221:Potassium Channels; D014764:Viral Proteins; D009761:Nystatin; C110456:Chlorella virus DNA ligase; D011088:DNA Ligases