Sorting motifs target the movement protein of ourmia melon virus to the trans-Golgi network and plasmodesmata

Plants have a highly sophisticated endomembrane system targeted by plant viruses for cell-to-cell movement. The movement protein (MP) of ourmia melon virus (OuMV) is delivered to plasmodesmata (PD) and forms tubules facilitate In our previous work, we identified the sites OuMV correct subcellular localization; however, pathways involved in PD-targeting MP are largely unclear, their identification was aim this work. study, demonstrate that localizes trans-Golgi network (TGN) but not multivesicular body/prevacuolar compartment or Golgi, carries two putative sorting motifs, tyrosine (Y) dileucine (LL) motif, near its N-terminus. Substitutions these motifs result loss infectivity Nicotiana benthamiana Arabidopsis. Live cell imaging GFP-labeled motif mutants reveals both required targeting PD efficient systemic infection show differences functionality. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation assays coupled with mass spectrometry series host factors could interact link various pathways, particular vesicle trafficking membrane lipids. Our findings delineate route elucidate potentially recruited be modified impair infection.