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Sodium ions and the shut-off of host cell protein synthesis by picornaviruses

Nature volume 264, pages 807–809 (1976)Cite this article

Abstract

TRANSLATIONAL control mechanisms have an important role in many cellular processes1,2, but there is as yet little evidence showing the mechanism by which the control of protein synthesis at the translational level occurs. One of the best illustrated examples of translational control is observed when picornaviruses infect susceptible animal cells3. There is a rapid inhibition of cellular protein synthesis (the shut-off phenomenon) followed by a burst of viral protein synthesis, during which virtually no cellular proteins are made4,5. Cellular mRNAs are not degraded with infection6,7, but in spite of their presence the cellular protein-synthesising machinery only recognises and translates viral mRNAs.

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Author notes

  1. LUIS CARRASCO: On leave of absence from the Institute de Bioquimica de Macromoleculas, CSCI Velazquez 144, Madrid 6, Spain.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular Virology, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PX, UK

    LUIS CARRASCO & ALAN E. SMITH

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  1. LUIS CARRASCO
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  2. ALAN E. SMITH
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CARRASCO, L., SMITH, A. Sodium ions and the shut-off of host cell protein synthesis by picornaviruses. Nature 264, 807–809 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/264807a0

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