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

葡萄枯萎相关病毒(GRSPaV)是一种与葡萄木纹病相关的重要病原。GRSPaV在商业葡萄品种中以及在砧木和野生葡萄中也普遍检测到。GRSPaV是柔病毒科FoveaVirus属的一员。GRSPaV有一个RNA基因组，有五个开放阅读框架，编码一个复制酶多蛋白，三个运动蛋白，通常被称为三重基因块(TGB)蛋白，以及衣壳蛋白。自1998年发现GRSPaV以来，该病毒的遗传多样性和种群结构研究取得了很大进展。还开发了基于血清学和核酸的方法，并成功地用于快速和可靠地检测GRSPaV。然而，对于GRSPaV或FoveaVirus属的其他成员，控制病毒复制和移动的分子机制尚不清楚。在这个方案中，我们将进行以下三个方面的研究：(A)研究复制酶复合体的组成、靶点和亚细胞位置；(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)建立一个有效的实验宿主，用于研究感染和致病机制。拟议的研究结果将产生关于GRSPaV、FoveaVirus属和Flexiviridae家族的新信息。从长远来看，更好地了解这种病毒将导致制定有效的战略来控制病毒及其引起的疾病。

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.