Polydnavirus-encoded IkB-like proteins are similar to insect and mammalian IkB, and an immuno-suppressive function in the host cells has been inferred to these proteins. Here we show that the expression of one of these IkB-like viral genes, the TnBVank1, in the Drosophila germline affects the localization of gurken, bicoid, and oskar mRNAs whose gene products are relevant for proper embryonic patterning. The altered localization of these mRNAs is suggestive of general defects in the intracellular, microtubule-based, trafficking routes. Analysis of microtubule motor proteins components such as the dynein heavy chain and the kinesin heavy chain revealed defects in the polarized microtubule network. Interestingly, the TnBVANK1 viral protein is uniformly distributed over the entire oocyte cortex, and appears to be anchored to the microtubule ends. Our data open up a very interesting issue on novel function(s) played by the ank gene family by interfering with cytoskeleton organization.

The impact on microtubule network of a bracovirus IkappaB-like protein

Graziani F;Gigliotti S;
2010

Abstract

Polydnavirus-encoded IkB-like proteins are similar to insect and mammalian IkB, and an immuno-suppressive function in the host cells has been inferred to these proteins. Here we show that the expression of one of these IkB-like viral genes, the TnBVank1, in the Drosophila germline affects the localization of gurken, bicoid, and oskar mRNAs whose gene products are relevant for proper embryonic patterning. The altered localization of these mRNAs is suggestive of general defects in the intracellular, microtubule-based, trafficking routes. Analysis of microtubule motor proteins components such as the dynein heavy chain and the kinesin heavy chain revealed defects in the polarized microtubule network. Interestingly, the TnBVANK1 viral protein is uniformly distributed over the entire oocyte cortex, and appears to be anchored to the microtubule ends. Our data open up a very interesting issue on novel function(s) played by the ank gene family by interfering with cytoskeleton organization.
2010
Istituto di genetica e biofisica "Adriano Buzzati Traverso"- IGB - Sede Napoli
Bracovirus
IjB-like viral protein
Microtubules
Motor proteins
mRNAs localization
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/27264
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