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Title: EXPRESSION OF THE MAIZE MOSAIC VIRUS GLYCOPROTEIN IN INSECT CELLS

Author
item WHITFIELD, A - OSU
item GERMAN, T - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
item TSAI, C - OSU
item Redinbaugh, Margaret
item HOGENHOUT, S - OSU

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/2006
Publication Date: 3/13/2006
Citation: Whitfield, A.E., German, T.L., Tsai, C., Redinbaugh, M.G., Hogenhout, S.A. 2006. Expression of the maize mosaic virus glycoprotein in insect cells. Phytopathology. 96:S122.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Maize mosaic virus (genus Nucleorhabdovirus, family Rhabdoviridae) is transmitted in a persistent-propagative manner by Peregrinus maidis, the corn planthopper. Like other rhabdoviruses, the MMV genome encodes a surface glycoprotein that is likely involved in virus attachment and entry into host cells. To develop a better understanding of the role of the G protein in virus entry into arthropod vectors, we constructed recombinant baculoviruses to express different portions of the MMV glycoprotein gene in SF21 cells. Two constructs were made: a soluble form of MMV G that contained the gene portion corresponding to the ectodomain, and an insoluble form which included the ectodomain, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic tail. We found that both viruses produced a secreted form of the protein and the insoluble form of MMV G may be truncated. This finding is consistent with expression of other rhabdovirus glycoprotein genes. Approximately 10% of the rabies and vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus G proteins are shed into the cell culture media as a truncated-soluble form. Both forms of MMV G will be useful tools for examining virus acquisition and identification of insect receptor molecules involved in uptake of rhabdoviruses.