RNA interference of rotavirus segment 11 mRNA reveals the essential role of NSP5 in the virus replicative cycle.
Rotavirus genomes contain 11 double-stranded (ds) RNA segments. Genome segment 11 encodes the non-structural protein NSP5 and, in some strains, also NSP6. NSP5 is produced soon after viral infection and localizes in cytoplasmic viroplasms, where virus replication takes place. RNA interference by small interfering (si) RNAs targeted to genome segment 11 mRNA of two different strains blocked production of NSP5 in a strain-specific manner, with a strong effect on the overall replicative cycle: inhibition of viroplasm formation, decreased production of other structural and non-structural proteins, synthesis of viral genomic dsRNA and production of infectious particles. These effects were shown not to be due to inhibition of NSP6. The results obtained strengthen the importance of secondary transcription/translation in rotavirus replication and demonstrate that NSP5 is essential for the assembly of viroplasms and virus replication.
Campagna
Michela
M
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy.
Eichwald
Catherine
C
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy.
Vascotto
Fulvia
F
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy.
Burrone
Oscar R
OR
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, 34012 Trieste, Italy.
D020043:Genes, Essential; D005814:Genes, Viral; D034622:RNA Interference; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D012401:Rotavirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014779:Virus Replication
C434828:NSP5 protein, rotavirus group A; D012367:RNA, Viral; D017361:Viral Nonstructural Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins