Junin virus
1. Introduction
1.1. Classification of Junin Virus
- Superkingdom
- Viruses
- Domain
- Riboviria
- Kingdom
- Orthonavirae
- Phylum
- Negarnviricota
- Subphylum
- Polyploviricotina
- Class
- Ellioviricetes
- Order
- Bunyavirales
- Genus
- Arenaviridae
- Species
- Mammarenavirus
- Common Names
- Argentine Mammarenavirus, Junin Virus, Junin Arenavirus, JUNV
2. Description and significance
Describe the appearance, habitat, etc. of the organism, and why you think it is important.
- Include as many headings as are relevant to your microbe. Consider using the headings below, as they will allow readers to quickly locate specific information of major interest*
3. Genome structure
Junin Virus has a negative-sense double-stranded RNA genome that is made up of two segments: the large (L), which is 7.3 kbp, and the small (S), which is 3.5 kbp[6]. The two segments are configured in an ambisense orientation, which means the information on each strand is read in the opposite direction from the other[6]. The genome of the Junin Virus codes for four proteins. The L segment encodes a viral RNA polymerase called L polymerase, as well as a small zinc-binding protein called RING finger protein Z[6]. The S segment encodes the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) and the nucleoprotein (NP)[6]. The NP protein is the first protein that is translated. After translation of GPC, the protein is cleaved into two new glycoproteins: GP1 and GP2. GP1 is inserted in the peripheral membrane of the viral envelope, and GP2 becomes part of the integral membrane[7]. These proteins in the bilayer are involved in recognition and the entry of the virus into target cells. The cleaving of GPC also yields a signal stable peptide (SSP), which ensures that GPC responds properly to acidic conditions[6].
4. Cell structure
Junin Virus is coated in a viral envelope consisting of a phospholipid bilayer and glycoproteins. Its shape can be pleomorphic (meaning shapes can vary) or spherical[2]. It has a diameter of 110-130 nm and has several glycoprotein spikes embedded in the lipid bilayer that are each 8-10 nm long[2]. These spikes are made up of the glycoproteins GP1 and GP2, which are produced by cleaving the glycoprotein precursor (GPC), a protein that is encoded in the viral genome[2]. The glycoprotein spike is club-shaped, with the head of the club consisting of a GP1 tetramer and the stem consisting of a GP2 tetramer[2]. The nucleoprotein (NP) is another protein encoded in the viral genome, and it associates with the viral RNA to form nucleocapsid structures in the cytoplasm of the infected cell[2]. The lipid membrane of the virus has its origin in the host cell membrane, and packaged inside are ribosomes also derived from the host cell[2]. It is currently unknown if the ribosomes serve any purpose[2].
5. Metabolic processes
Describe important sources of energy, electrons, and carbon (i.e. trophy) for the organism/organisms you are focusing on, as well as important molecules it/they synthesize(s).
6. Ecology
Habitat; symbiosis; contributions to the environment.
7. Pathology
How does this organism cause disease? Human, animal, plant hosts? Virulence factors, as well as patient symptoms.
8. Current Research
Include information about how this microbe (or related microbes) are currently being studied and for what purpose
9. References
It is required that you add at least five primary research articles (in same format as the sample reference below) that corresponds to the info that you added to this page. [Sample reference] Faller, A., and Schleifer, K. "Modified Oxidase and Benzidine Tests for Separation of Staphylococci from Micrococci". Journal of Clinical Microbiology. 1981. Volume 13. p. 1031-1035.
