Research from La Sapienza University reveals new findings on polyomavirus
2009 AUG 4 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to recent research from Rome, Italy, "In this report we investigate the alterations of the dielectric properties of the plasma membrane caused by the infection of cultured fibroblasts with murine polyomavirus. The approach consists in a well-established dielectric spectroscopy technique, electrorotation, which has been successfully used in our laboratory to study the alterations of the plasma membrane of cells exposed to various forms of stress." "The response to viral proliferation was time dependent as shown by evaluation of the de novo synthesis of viral DNA. This response was paralleled by gradual damage of the membrane evidenced by alteration of the dielectric parameters, specific capacitance and conductance. The electrorotation results show a reduced effect on the dielectric properties of the membrane when infection is carried out in the presence of a natural oil (MEX)," wrote V. Berardi and colleagues, La Sapienza University. The researchers concluded: "In this case a drastic reduction in viral DNA synthesis was also monitored, thus indicating an antiviral action of this product." Berardi and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Membrane Biology (Alterations of the Plasma Membrane Caused by Murine Polyomavirus Proliferation: An Electrorotation Study. Journal of Membrane Biology, 2009;229(1):19-25). For additional information, contact G. Risuleo, Roma La Sapienza University, Dipartimento Genetics & Biology Molecular, Ple A Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy. Publisher contact information for the Journal of Membrane Biology is: Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA. Keywords: Italy, Rome, Polyomavirus, Spectroscopy, Surgery, Virology, La Sapienza University. This article was prepared by Virus Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Virus Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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