Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Biology and Microbiology

Abstract

Influenza B glycoprotein NB is a type III integral membrane protein that is a component of the virion and exclusive to influenza B virus. Currently subcellular localization, transport, and interactions of NB protein with other viral proteins are not completely understood. To address the aforementioned properties of NB protein, a series of trafficking experiments were conducted. NB co-localized with markers specific for the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi region. NB was also observed at the membrane. Brefeldin A, a fungal antibiotic and a known chemical inhibitor of the protein secretory pathway confirmed NB transport through the ER golgi pathway as it restricted NB localization to the perinuclear region. Using NB deletion mutants, amino acids 19-40 were identified as being required but not sufficient for NB transport to the plasma membrane. Palmitoylation of cysteine 49 was also required for transport of NB protein to the plasma membrane. Additional studies demonstrated that NB was secreted into extracellular fluid in NB-HA expressing COS-I cells. Approximately 11 % of the NB produced was secreted into the supernatant. Furthermore, secreted NB resided in a lipid based membrane. Results of this study will help to further characterize NB, and may provide assistance for future studies aimed at elucidating the NB protein function in the influenza B viral life cycle.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Influenza viruses

Glycoproteins

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

83

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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