Chlorella viruses evoke a rapid release of K+ from host cells during the early phase of infection.
Virology
; 372(2): 340-8, 2008 Mar 15.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18045641
ABSTRACT
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.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Potassium
/
Chlorella
/
Phycodnaviridae
Language:
En
Journal:
Virology
Year:
2008
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Germany