HCMV US30 induces TMED10-DRP1-mediated mitochondrial fission and apoptosis to promote viral multiplication.

HCMV US30 promotes viral multiplication by inducing mitochondrial fission and apoptosis through TMED10 and DRP1 interactions.

• Why it matters: Understanding how HCMV manipulates host cell death pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapies against its replication and dissemination.
• What they did: The study used proteomics and molecular interaction analyses to show that US30 interacts with NPL4 and TMED10, inducing UPR and mitochondrial fission, with US30's effects on fission and apoptosis being independent of UPR.
• The result: US30-induced mitochondrial fission and apoptosis, but not UPR, are linked to increased HCMV replication and spread, highlighting potential intervention points for HCMV-related diseases.