Murine polyomavirus

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Zika phylogenetic analysis map

Murine polyomavirus is a member of the Polyomavirus family, which are small, double-stranded DNA viruses. The murine polyomavirus specifically infects mouse cells, both in the wild and in laboratory settings. It was one of the first polyomaviruses to be discovered and has since been extensively studied as a model for virus-host interactions, viral oncogenesis (the process by which viruses cause cancer), and the molecular biology of DNA viruses.

Discovery

The murine polyomavirus was discovered in the early 1950s during studies on mouse leukemia. Its discovery was pivotal in the field of virology and cancer biology, highlighting the potential for viruses to cause tumors in mammals.

Structure

Like all polyomaviruses, the murine polyomavirus has a circular, double-stranded DNA genome enclosed within a non-enveloped, icosahedral capsid. The virus is relatively small, with a diameter of approximately 45 nm.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the murine polyomavirus involves attachment to the host cell surface, entry into the cell, trafficking to the nucleus, viral genome replication, assembly of new virus particles, and release from the host cell. The virus utilizes cellular machinery for replication and relies on specific receptor interactions for cell entry, making it a subject of interest for understanding cellular processes and virus-host interactions.

Pathogenicity

Infection with murine polyomavirus can lead to the development of tumors in various organs of mice, most notably in the salivary glands, and has been a model for studying the mechanisms of viral oncogenesis. The virus can induce tumors through the expression of viral oncoproteins that interfere with normal cellular regulation, highlighting the complex interplay between viral infection and cancer development.

Research and Applications

Murine polyomavirus has served as an important tool in molecular biology and virology research. Studies on the virus have contributed to our understanding of DNA replication, transcription, and RNA processing. Furthermore, the virus has been used in studies of immune responses to viral infections, providing insights into how the immune system recognizes and responds to pathogens.

See Also

• Polyomavirus
• Viral oncogenesis
• DNA virus
• Virology