Modification of Sindbis Virus Glycoprotein by Host-Specified Glycosyl Transferases
Year: 1971
Type: article
Abstract: The amino acid sequence of the membrane glycoprotein of Sindbis virus is specified by the viral genome, but it has not been determined whether the carbohydrate portion of this molecule is specified by the cell or by the virus. We have examined two of the enzyme activities which catalyze transfer of monosaccharides to glycoprotein (sialyl and fucosyl transferases). Comparison of particulate enzyme preparations from infected and uninfected cells showed no difference in either the specific activity or acceptor specificity of these enzymes. This is impressive in view of the fact that the Sindbis membrane glycoprotein is the only glycoprotein synthesized in the infected cell. It was also determined that sialyl transferase from uninfected cells is capable of transferring ((3)H) sialic acid to acceptor prepared from Sindbis membrane glycoprotein. These results imply that at least some of the carbohydrate of the virus glycoprotein can arise by host modification.
Source: Journal of Virology
Authors: W. J. Grimes, B. W. Burge
Institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1540659727