Sequencing of polysome-associated mRNA in VSV infected HeLa cells

Infection of mammalian cells with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) results in the inhibition of cellular gene expression. This host shut-off is achieved through viral mediated inhibition of cellular gene expression at multiple levels including transcription, mRNP nuclear-cytoplasmic export, and translation. To interrogate the effects of VSV infection on translation, we infected HeLa cells at MOI 10 for 2 or 6 hours and performed polysome profiling and deep sequenced total cytoplasmic mRNA as well as monosome- and polysome-associated mRNAs. Our data support a model where viral mRNA abundance contributes to host shut-off by dominating the pool of cytoplasmic mRNA.

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