UL36p is required for efficient transport of membrane-associated herpes simplex virus type 1 along microtubules.
Microtubule-mediated anterograde transport is essential for the transport of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) along axons, yet little is known regarding the mechanism and the machinery required for this process. Previously, we were able to reconstitute anterograde transport of HSV-1 on microtubules in an in vitro microchamber assay. Here we report that the large tegument protein UL36p is essential for this trafficking. Using a fluorescently labeled UL36 null HSV-1 strain, KDeltaUL36GFP, we found that it is possible to isolate a membrane-associated population of this virus. Although these viral particles contained normal amounts of tegument proteins VP16, vhs, and VP22, they displayed a 3-log decrease in infectivity and showed a different morphology compared to UL36p-containing virions. Membrane-associated KDeltaUL36GFP also displayed a slightly decreased binding to microtubules in our microchamber assay and a two-thirds decrease in the frequency of motility. This decrease in binding and motility was restored when UL36p was supplied in trans by a complementing cell line. These findings suggest that UL36p is necessary for HSV-1 anterograde transport.
Shanda
Sara K
SK
Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
Wilson
Duncan W
DW
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D017353:Gene Deletion; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D005816:Genetic Complementation Test; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D008870:Microtubules / Q000821:virology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D014771:Virion / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014779:Virus Replication
C078035:UL36 protein, Human herpesvirus 1; D014764:Viral Proteins; D049452:Green Fluorescent Proteins