Molecular mechanisms governing the replication and transport of grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus

葡萄藤茎痘相关病毒（Grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus，GRSPaV）是一种与葡萄皱纹木病有关的病毒性病原。 GRSPaV通常在商业葡萄品种以及砧木和野生葡萄中检测到。GRSPaV被分类为冠状病毒科中的小窝病毒属的成员。GRSPaV的RNA基因组具有5个开放阅读框，编码复制酶多聚蛋白、3种通常称为三重基因块（TGB）蛋白的运动蛋白和衣壳蛋白。自1998年发现GRSPaV以来，关于该病毒的遗传多样性和种群结构的研究取得了很大进展。血清学和核酸为基础的方法也已开发和成功地用于快速和可靠的检测GRSPaV。然而，对于GRSPaV或Foveavirus属的其他成员，控制病毒复制和运动的分子机制尚未被理解。本研究拟开展以下三个方面的研究：（A）研究复制酶复合物的组成、靶向性和亚细胞定位;（B）研究GRSPaV编码的TGB运动蛋白的亚细胞定位和潜在的相互作用;（C）建立有效的实验宿主，研究GRSPaV的感染和致病机制。拟议研究的结果将产生关于GRSPaV、Foveavirus属和Escheroviridae家族的新信息。从长远来看，更好地了解这种病毒将导致控制病毒及其引起的疾病的有效战略。

Grapevine Rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV) is a viral pathogen associated with the important rugose wood disease complex of grapevines. GRSPaV has been commonly detected in commercial grape varieties as well in rootstocks and wild grapes. GRSPaV is classified as a member of the Foveavirus genus within the Flexiviridae family. GRSPaV has an RNA genome with five open reading frames that encode a replicase polyprotein, three movement proteins commonly known as Triple Gene Block (TGB) proteins, and the capsid protein. Since the identification of GRSPaV in 1998, much progress has been made concerning the genetic diversity and population structure of the virus. Serological and nucleic acid-based methods have also been developed and successfully used for the rapid and reliable detection of GRSPaV. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern viral replication and movement have not been understood for GRSPaV or for other members of the Foveavirus genus. In this proposal, we will conduct three areas of research as follows: (A) to investigate the composition, targeting and subcellular locale of the replicase complex; (B) to study the subcellular localization and potential interactions of the TGB movement proteins encoded by GRSPaV; and (C) to establish an effective experimental host with which the mechanisms of infection and pathogenesis can be studied. Outcomes of the proposed research will generate novel information on GRSPaV, the Foveavirus genus, and Flexiviridae family. In the long-run, a better understanding of the virus would lead to effective strategies for the control of viruses and diseases they cause.