Mechanisms of membrane permeabilization by picornavirus 2B viroporin

José L. Nieva*, Aitziber Agirre, Shlomo Nir, Luis Carrasco

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cell infection by picornaviruses leads to membrane permeabilization. Recent evidence suggests the involvement of the non-structural protein 2B in this process. We have recently reported the detection of 2B porin-like activity in isolated membrane-protein systems that lack other cell components. According to data derived from these model membranes, four self-aggregated 2B monomers (i.e. tetramers) would be sufficient to permeabilize a single lipid vesicle, allowing the free diffusion of solutes under ca. 1000 Da. Our findings also support a role for lipids in protein oligomerization and subsequent pore opening. The lipid dependence of these processes points to negatively charged cytofacial surfaces as 2B cell membrane targets.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-73
Number of pages6
JournalFEBS Letters
Volume552
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 18 Sep 2003

Keywords

  • Membrane permeabilization
  • Poliovirus 2B
  • Pore model
  • Viroporin

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanisms of membrane permeabilization by picornavirus 2B viroporin'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this