Translational Cross-Activation of the Encapsidated RNA of Potexviruses

We had shown the genomic RNA of potexviruses potato virus X and the alternanthera mosaic virus to be inaccessible in vitro to ribosomes while in intact virion form, but the RNAs can be translationally activated following the binding of movement protein 1 (MP1) to virus particles. Here, we present the results of the follow-up study targeting two more potexvirus species – the Narcissus mosaic virus and the Potato aucuba mosaic virus. We found encapsidated potexviral RNA to share common translational features in vitro and the MP1 to be potent over homological virions of its “own” species and over heterological virions of other species, as well exhibiting selective specificity. Reciprocal cross-activation is observed among viral species phylogenetically either close or distant. There is direct evidence that MP1 binding to the end of the virion is necessary, but not sufficient, for translational activation of encapsidated RNA.