title: The dengue virus M protein localises to the endoplasmic reticulum and forms oligomers.
abstract: The dengue virus membrane (M) protein is a key component of the mature virion. Here, we characterised the cellular behaviour of M using a recombinant protein construct to understand its inherent properties. Using confocal microscopy, we showed that M and its intracellular precursor, prM, localised to the endoplasmic reticulum. M protein was also detected on the cell surface and secreted, suggesting that M can enter the secretory pathway. In addition, cross-linking studies showed that M can form dimers and tetramers. These findings suggest that M behaves as a secretory protein analogous to the major envelope protein E.
authors.affiliation: Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Prahran, Victoria 3004, Australia. Sook-San.Wong@stjude.org
authors.forename: Sook-San
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Gholamreza
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haqshenas
authors.forename: Eric J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Gowans
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D003716:Dengue Virus / Q000378:metabolism*; D004721:Endoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism*; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000821:virology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D021381:Protein Transport; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D013499:Surface Properties; D014709:Vero Cells; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D011498:Protein Precursors; D021382:Protein Sorting Signals; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins