RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases of Both Virulent and Benign Rabbit Caliciviruses Induce Striking Rearrangement of Golgi Membranes

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169913
• Publication Date: 2017-01-11T00:54:30Z
• Authors: Nadya Urakova; Tanja Strive; Michael Frese
• Keywords: Caliciviridae

The extremely pathogenic Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and the completely benign calicivirus (RCV) are closely related members of genus Lagovirus (family Caliciviridae). molecular mechanisms that determine dramatic difference in virulence unknown, but indirect evidence suggests different properties their RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRps) may at least partially be responsible for contrasting phenotypes. Here we report unusual ability RHDV RdRp to induce a striking rearrangement Golgi network is not specific RHDV, common feature virulent rabbit caliciviruses alike. Expression RdRps induced redistribution both cis/medial medial/trans membrane markers, an endoplasmic reticulum marker. Inactivating mutations conserved GDD motif did abolish rearrange network, suggesting polymerase activity metal co-factors required this function. Finally, discuss possible implications RdRp-induced rearrangements on replication host immune responses.