The minor structural proteins of the mouse polyomavirus linked to EGFP at their C-terminus or N-terminus were produced in mammalian cells. Their properties and possible contributions to cell death induction were studied.
Biochemical studies proved each of the minor proteins, VP2 and VP3 to be every potent inducer of apoptosis dependent on caspase activation. Immuno-electron microscopy shoved the minor proteins to be associated with damaged membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope and mitochondria.