A functional calcium-transporting ATPase encoded by chlorella viruses

Maria Cristina Bonza, Holger Martin, Ming Kang, Gentry Lewis, Timo Greiner, Sonia Giacometti, James L. Van Etten, Maria Ida De Michelis, Gerhard Thiel, Anna Moroni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Scopus citations

Abstract

Calcium-transporting ATPases (Ca2+ pumps) are major players in maintaining calcium homeostasis in the cell and have been detected in all cellular organisms. Here, we report the identification of two putative Ca 2+ pumps, M535L and C785L, encoded by chlorella viruses MT325 and AR158, respectively, and the functional characterization of M535L. Phylogenetic and sequence analyses place the viral proteins in group IIB of P-type ATPases even though they lack a typical feature of this class, a calmodulin-binding domain. A Ca2+ pump gene is present in 45 of 47 viruses tested and is transcribed during virus infection. Complementation analysis of the triple yeast mutant K616 confirmed that M535L transports calcium ions and, unusually for group IIB pumps, also manganese ions. In vitro assays show basal ATPase activity. This activity is inhibited by vanadate, but, unlike that of other Ca2+ pumps, is not significantly stimulated by either calcium or manganese. The enzyme forms a 32P-phosphorylated intermediate, which is inhibited by vanadate and not stimulated by the transported substrate Ca 2+, thus confirming the peculiar properties of this viral pump. To our knowledge this is the first report of a functional P-type Ca 2+-transporting ATPase encoded by a virus.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2620-2629
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of General Virology
Volume91
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

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