Kinetics of assembly of a parvovirus, minute virus of mice, in synchronized rat brain cells

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Abstract
The rates of assembly of the 3 classes of particles of minute virus of mice were examined in synchronized rat brain [tumor RT-7] cells by a combination of EM and biochemical techniques. A burst of virus assembly beginning about 8 h after the end of cellular S phase was observed. Labeled thymidine incorporated into the 1.46 g/cm3 class of full virus particles was transferred almost quantitatively to the 1.42 g/cm3 class. The 1.46 g/cm3 virus appeared to be an immediate precursor to the 1.42 g/cm3 class. Conversion of the 1.46 density virus to the 1.42 density particles was observed at the time of virus assembly. The processing was rapid and occurred primarily in the nucleus. Infected cells did not contain significant pools of viral DNA in a form that could be encapsulated in the absence of DNA synthesis. The role of the empty virus capsids in the assembly process is discussed.