Chlorella viruses evoke a rapid release of K+ from host cells during the early phase of infection.
Infection of Chlorella NC64A cells by PBCV-1 produces a rapid depolarization of the host probably by incorporation of a viral-encoded K(+) channel (Kcv) into the host membrane. To examine the effect of an elevated conductance, we monitored the virus-stimulated efflux of K(+) from the chlorella cells. The results indicate that all 8 chlorella viruses tested evoked a host specific K(+) efflux with a concomitant decrease in the intracellular K(+). This K(+) efflux is partially reduced by blockers of the Kcv channel. Qualitatively these results support the hypothesis that depolarization and K(+) efflux are at least partially mediated by Kcv. The virus-triggered K(+) efflux occurs in the same time frame as host cell wall degradation and ejection of viral DNA. Therefore, it is reasonable to postulate that loss of K(+) and associated water fluxes from the host lower the pressure barrier to aid ejection of DNA from the virus particles into the host.
Neupärtl
Monika
M
Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 3, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Meyer
Christine
C
Woll
Isabell
I
Frohns
Florian
F
Kang
Ming
M
Van Etten
James L
JL
Kramer
Detlef
D
Hertel
Brigitte
B
Moroni
Anna
A
Thiel
Gerhard
G
D001464:Barium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002586:Cesium / Q000494:pharmacology; D002708:Chlorella / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral / Q000502:physiology; D017862:Phycodnaviridae / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D014764:Viral Proteins; D002586:Cesium; D001464:Barium; D011188:Potassium