We aim to elucidate the mechanisms of RNA synthesis and particle formation in paramyxoviruses, such as the mumps virus, by identifying host factors involved in their intracellular replication and analyzing their interactions with viral factors. So far, we have clarified the relationship between the mumps virus RNA polymerase and chaperone proteins (Hsp70 and Hsp90), as well as the involvement of SNARE proteins in the glycosylation of viral glycoproteins. Additionally, we are currently analyzing various other host factors.

Main Related Publications

1. Liu Y, Katoh H, Sekizuka T, Bae C, Wakata A, Kato F, Sakata M, Yamaji T, Wang Z, Takeda M: SNARE protein USE1 is involved in the glycosylation and the expression of mumps virus fusion protein and important for viral propagation. PLOS Pathogens published online, 2022.
   
2. Katoh H, Sekizuka T, Nakatsu Y, Nakagawa R, Nao N, Sakata M, Kato F, Kuroda M, Kidokoro M, Takeda M: The R2TP complex regulates paramyxovirus RNA synthesis. PLOS Pathog 15:e1007749, 2019.
3. Katoh H, Kubota T, Nakatsu Y, Tahara M, Kidokoro M, Takeda M: Heat shock protein 90 ensures efficient mumps virus replication by assisting with viral polymerase complex formation. J Virol 91:e02220–16, 2017.
4. Katoh H, Kubota T, Kita S, Nakatsu Y, Aoki N, Mori Y, Maenaka K, Takeda M, Kidokoro M: Heat shock protein 70 regulates degradation of the mumps virus phosphoprotein via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. J Virol 89:3188–3199, 2015.