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including legumes and
— are known to be susceptible
to the virus and transmission can be achieved experimentally by mechanical
inoculation (Lomonossoff & Shanks, 1999). Heterologous expression of
CPMV VLPs using baculovirus expression vectors (an insect virus expression
system that is discussed in detail in Chapter 3) has been achieved (Saunders
et al
Nicotiana benthamiana
., 2009; Shanks & Lomonossoff, 2000). Expression of CPMV VLPs is
currently under development. The research team led by Lomonossoff (John
Innes Centre, Norwich, UK) is currently optimizing heterologous expression
of CPMV VLPs using the baculovirus system. They also developed a novel
system that allows expression of CPMV coat proteins and assembly of VLPs
in
planta
., 2009).
T, M, and B components of CPMV.
(Saunders
et al
CPMV particles can be separated by
density into three components, which have identical protein composition
but differ in their RNA contents (Bancroft, 1962; Bruening & Agrawal, 1967;
Wu & Bruening, 1971). The particles of the top (T) component are devoid of
RNA, whereas the M and B components each contain a single RNA molecule,
RNA-2 and RNA-1, respectively (Lomonossoff & Johnson, 1991) (Fig. 2.10). T
components can be isolated and are of potential interest for nanotechnology.
Empty particles are not infectious and thus a desired starting material for the
development of functional devices.
Figure 2.10
particles in a Nycodenz density gradient by ultracentrifugation. The bands of the top
(T), middle (M) and B (bottom) component are visible in the gradient. Reproduced
with permission from Steinmetz, N. F., Evans, D. J., and Lomonossoff, G. P. (2007)
Chemical introduction of reactive thiols into a viral nanoscaffold: a method that avoids
virus aggregation,
Separation of the different nucleocomponents of
Cowpea mosaic virus
ChemBioChem,
8
(10), 1131-1136.
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