Role of the phosphoprotein (P) in the encapsidation of presynthesized and de novo synthesized vesicular stomatitis virus RNA by the nucleocapsid protein (N) in vitro.

Encapsidation of presynthesized and nascent (synthesized de novo) vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) leader RNA in vitro by the nucleocapsid protein (N) and the role of the phosphoprotein (P, previously known as NS) in this process were examined. Presynthesized VSV leader RNAs were derived from the SP6 transcription vectors containing both (+) and (-) leader genes while the nascent RNA was derived from transcription of viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. The N and the P proteins were made by transcription from SP6 vectors containing the genes, followed by translation of the mRNAs in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Here, we demonstrate that the N protein alone encapsidated presynthesized VSV leader RNA; however, prior formation of N-P complex totally abolished the encapsidation property of N. On the other hand, encapsidation of nascent RNA by the N protein was stimulated by the N-P complex. These results suggest that encapsidation by the N protein of presynthesized and nascent VSV RNA are separate biochemical processes which can be distinguished by the differential role of the phosphoprotein P in the two reactions.