Effects of cytomegalovirus on expression of ?-actin mRNA and microfilaments in human embryo fibroblasts / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate the infection of huma n embryo fibroblasts (HF) with CMV as well as the effect of CMV on ?-actin and mi crofilaments. METHODS: RT-PCR assay was used to detect the mRNA expression of CMV immediate early (IE) gene, ?-actin and GAPDH genes in HF cells infected wit h CMV. The morphological changes and microfilaments in infected cells were obser ved with transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: The morphology of HF cells infected with CMV changed si gnificantly from fusiform shape to round shape. The mRNA expression of CMV immed iate early gene was detected. The increase in mRNA level of IE gene was parallel with the infected titer of CMV. However, t he expression level of ?-actin mRNA in HF cells infected with CMV was decreased compared with the uninfected cells, while the expression of GAPDH mRNA did not change. CMV particles were observed in the cells by electron microscope. Microfi laments were found ruptured and shortened after the infection of CMV. CONCLUSIONS: CMV was able to infect human embryo fibroblasts and replicated in the cells. Also the CMV infection affected the expressi on of ?-actin mRNA and the microfilaments.