Dynamics of lipid droplets induced by the hepatitis C virus core protein.
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health problem, with limited treatment options and no vaccine available. HCV uses components of the host cell to proliferate, including lipid droplets (LD) onto which HCV core proteins bind and facilitate viral particle assembly. We have measured the dynamics of HCV core protein-mediated changes in LDs and rates of LD movement on microtubules using a combination of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS), two-photon fluorescence (TPF), and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopies. Results show that the HCV core protein induces rapid increases in LD size. Particle tracking experiments show that HCV core protein slowly affects LD localization by controlling the directionality of LD movement on microtubules. These dynamic processes ultimately aid HCV in propagating and the molecules and interactions involved represent novel targets for potential therapeutic intervention.
Lyn
Rodney K
RK
Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, Canada K1A 0R6.
Kennedy
David C
DC
Stolow
Albert
A
Ridsdale
Andrew
A
Pezacki
John Paul
JP
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010316:Particle Size; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods; D014758:Viral Core Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D014758:Viral Core Proteins; C069130:nucleocapsid protein, Hepatitis C virus