Ebolavirus

Molecular biology

Filamentous 970 nm long for Ebolavirus. Diameter is about 80nm.

GENOME

Negative-stranded RNA linear genome, about 18-19 kb in size. Encodes for seven proteins.
GENE EXPRESSION

The viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase binds the encapsidated genome at the leader region,
then sequentially transcribes each genes by recognizing start and stop signals flanking viral
genes. mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by the L protein during synthesis.
The primary product of the unedited transcript of GP gene yields a smaller non-structural
glycoprotein sGP which is efficiently secreted from infected cells. RNA editing allows expression
of full-length GP.
REPLICATION

CYTOPLASMIC
1. Attachment to host receptors through GP glycoprotein mediates is endocytosed into
vesicles in the host cell.
2. Fusion of virus membrane with the vesicle membrane; ribonucleocapsid is released into
the cytoplasm.
3. Sequential transcription, viral mRNAs are capped and polyadenylated by polymerase
stuttering in the cytoplasm.

4. Replication presumably starts when enough nucleoprotein is present to encapsidate neosynthetized antigenomes and genomes.
5. The ribonucleocapsid interacts with the matrix protein under the plasma membrane, buds
via the host ESCRT complexes from the plasma membrane, releasing the virion.