Abstract: Equine arteritis virus (EAV) is an enveloped, positive-stranded RNA virus belonging to the family Arteriviridae of the order NIDOVIRALES: Six transmembrane proteins have been identified in EAV particles: the nonglycosylated membrane protein M and the glycoprotein GP(5) (previously named G(L)), which occur as disulfide-bonded heterodimers and are the major viral envelope proteins; the unglycosylated small envelope protein E; and the minor glycoproteins GP(2b) (formerly designated G(S)), GP(3), and GP(4). Analysis of the appearance of the GP(2b), GP(3), and GP(4) proteins in viral particles by gel electrophoresis under reducing and nonreducing conditions revealed the occurrence of two different covalently linked oligomeric complexes between these proteins, i.e., heterodimers of GP(2b) and GP(4) and heterotrimers of GP(2b), GP(3), and GP(4). Shortly after their release from infected cells, virions contained mainly cystine-linked GP(2b)/GP(4) heterodimers, which were subsequently converted into disulfide-bonded GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) trimers through the covalent recruitment of GP(3). This process occurred faster at a higher pH but was arrested at 4 degrees C. Furthermore, the conversion was almost instantaneous in the presence of the thiol oxidant diamide. In contrast, the sulfhydryl-modifying agent N-ethylmaleimide inhibited the formation of disulfide-bonded GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) trimers. Using sucrose density gradients, we could not demonstrate a noncovalent association of GP(3) with the cystine-linked GP(2b)/GP(4) dimer in freshly released virions, nor did we observe higher-order structures of the GP(2b)/GP(4) or GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) complexes. Nevertheless, the instantaneous diamide-induced formation of disulfide-bonded GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) heterotrimers at 4 degrees C suggests that the three minor glycoproteins of EAV are assembled as trimeric complexes. The existence of a noncovalent interaction between the cystine-linked GP(2b)/GP(4) dimer and GP(3) was also inferred from coexpression experiments showing that the presence of GP(3) increased the electrophoretic mobility of the disulfide-bonded GP(2b)/GP(4) dimers. Our study reveals that the minor envelope proteins of arteriviruses enter into both covalent and noncovalent interactions, the function of which has yet to be established.
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This research examines how certain proteins in the equine arteritis virus (EAV) form bonds with each other. The study found two kinds of protein complexes, each with various combinations of proteins. The findings suggest that these proteins come together in specific ways, though the purpose of these interactions is not currently known.
Understanding the Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV)
Equine arteritis virus is an RNA virus with six identified proteins in its particles.
Five of these proteins are transmembrane proteins, including the major ones M and GP(5), and the minor ones GP(2b), GP(3), and GP(4).
The latter three are identified as glycoproteins, i.e., proteins that have sugar groups attached to them.
Protein Complexes in EAV
The research found that proteins GP(2b), GP(3), and GP(4) are able to bond together to form different types of protein complexes.
Two different types of this bonding were identified: heterodimers of GP(2b) and GP(4), and heterotrimers of GP(2b), GP(3), and GP(4).
These complexes were found to be “covalently linked”, meaning they shared electron pairs in a chemical bond.
Changes in Protein Structures
Post release from infected cells, the virus contained mostly GP(2b)/GP(4) heterodimers.
Interestingly, these heterodimers were found to convert into GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) heterotrimers by incorporating GP(3) into the complex, through the recruitment of a covalent bond.
This process was found to occur faster at higher pH levels, but halt completely at temperatures of around 4 degrees celsius.
Chemical Influences on Protein Complexes
This study also found that certain chemicals influenced how these protein complexes formed.
The presence of a thiol oxidant called diamide facilitated the almost instantaneous formation of the GP(2b)/GP(3)/GP(4) heterotrimers.
On the other hand, an agent called N-ethylmaleimide was found to inhibit trimer formation.
Keeping the Future in Mind
All these findings suggest that the minor glycoproteins of EAV are assembled in specific complex formations.
The exact functional purpose of these covalently bonded structures and their behaviour is not yet known, but this research provides a base for such understanding,
The research helps in piecing together the complexities of virus structure and function, serving as an important waypoint in confronting diseases like the EAV.
Cite This Article
APA
Wieringa R, de Vries AA, Rottier PJ.
(2003).
Formation of disulfide-linked complexes between the three minor envelope glycoproteins (GP2b, GP3, and GP4) of equine arteritis virus.
J Virol, 77(11), 6216-6226.
https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.77.11.6216-6226.2003
Virology Division, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. r.wieringa@vet.uu.nl
de Vries, Antoine A F
Rottier, Peter J M
MeSH Terms
Animals
Cell Line
Centrifugation, Density Gradient
Cricetinae
Dimerization
Disulfides / chemistry
Electrophoresis, Agar Gel / methods
Equartevirus / metabolism
Horses
Precipitin Tests
Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry
Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics
Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism
Virion / metabolism
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