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HIV Movement Visualized by Salk Scientists
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Tracking HIV
Dateline: 12/23/99
Scientists at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have developed a new technique that allows visualization of the movement of the HIV virus in a living cell. The technique allows the scientists to track the movement of HIV as it moves toward its final target, the nucleus of the cell.
Upon entering a cell, HIV will make its way to the nucleus. Up until now, scientists knew that HIV migrated to the nucleus but it was unclear as to how HIV made it to its target.
The researchers used a newly developed microscope known as a deconvolution microscope along with a fluorescent tag to track the movements of HIV in the cell. The viral protein Vpr was "marked" using the fluorescent tag. The tag was developed from bioluminescent jellyfish and is known as GFP or green fluorescent protein.
Upon examination of the movement of the marker, scientists were startled to find that the movement to the nucleus was both steady and rapid. This seemed to indicate that the virus was not diffusing randomly through the cell's cytoplasm or being transported through cellular vesicles.
Fluorescent Tags on the Cell's Microtubules
The researchers then took the cells apart and looked for evidence of the marker. Upon examination, they found that remnants of the fluorescent tag were attached to the microtubules of the cells indicating that the HIV virus moved through cells using the cellular cytoskeleton.
The researchers are hopeful that this discovery raises the possibility that a drug that could block the ability of HIV to move along the cellular microtubules can be developed.
What do you think? How might this new technique allow scientists to further delve into the mechanisms of action of HIV? How useful will this technique prove to be in searching for a cure for HIV/AIDS? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. 'Til next time...
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