Distance-dependent processing of adeno-associated virus type 5 RNA is controlled by 5' exon definition

Transcriptome and proteomic analysis of mpox virus F3L-expressing cells

Background

Monkeypox or mpox virus (mpox) is a double-stranded DNA virus that poses a significant threat to global public health security. The F3 protein, encoded by mpox, is an apoenzyme believed to possess a double-stranded RNA-binding domain (dsRBD). However, limited research has been conducted on its function. In this study, we present data on the transcriptomics and proteomics of F3L-transfected HEK293T cells, aiming to enhance our comprehension of F3L.

Methods

The gene expression profiles of pCAGGS-HA-F3L transfected HEK293T cells were analyzed using RNA-seq. Proteomics was used to identify and study proteins that interact with F3L. Real-time PCR was used to detect mRNA levels of several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HEK293T cells (or Vero cells) after the expression of F3 protein.

Results

A total of 14,822 genes were obtained in cells by RNA-Seq and 1,672 DEGs were identified, including 1,156 up-regulated genes and 516 down-regulated genes. A total of 27 cellular proteins interacting with F3 proteins were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and 19 cellular proteins with large differences in abundance ratios were considered to be candidate cellular proteins. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses showed that the DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways, including type I interferon signaling pathway, response to virus, RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, etc. Moreover, some selected DEGs were further confirmed by real-time PCR and the results were consistent with the transcriptome data. Proteomics data show that cellular proteins interacting with F3 proteins are mainly related to RNA splicing and protein translation.

Conclusions

Our analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic data showed that (1) F3L up-regulates the transcript levels of key genes in the innate immune signaling pathway, such as RIGI, MDA5, IRF5, IRF7, IRF9, ISG15, IFNA14, and elicits a broad spectrum of antiviral immune responses in the host. F3L also increases the expression of the FOS and JNK genes while decreasing the expression of TNFR2, these factors may ultimately induce apoptosis. (2) F3 protein interacts with host proteins involved in RNA splicing and protein translation, such as SNRNP70, POLR2H, HNRNPA1, DDX17, etc. The findings of this study shed light on the function of the F3 protein.

The nuclear cap-binding complex as choreographer of gene transcription and pre-mRNA processing

In this review, Rambout and Maquat discuss known roles of the nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) during the transcription of genes that encode proteins, stitching together past studies from diverse groups to describe the continuum of CBC-mediated checks and balances in eukaryotic cells.

The largely nuclear cap-binding complex (CBC) binds to the 5′ caps of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII)-synthesized transcripts and serves as a dynamic interaction platform for a myriad of RNA processing factors that regulate gene expression. While influence of the CBC can extend into the cytoplasm, here we review the roles of the CBC in the nucleus, with a focus on protein-coding genes. We discuss differences between CBC function in yeast and mammals, covering the steps of transcription initiation, release of RNAPII from pausing, transcription elongation, cotranscriptional pre-mRNA splicing, transcription termination, and consequences of spurious transcription. We describe parameters known to control the binding of generic or gene-specific cofactors that regulate CBC activities depending on the process(es) targeted, illustrating how the CBC is an ever-changing choreographer of gene expression.

NineTeen Complex-subunit Salsa is required for efficient splicing of a subset of introns and dorsal-ventral patterning

The NineTeen Complex (NTC), also known as pre-mRNA-processing factor 19 (Prp19) complex, regulates distinct spliceosome conformational changes necessary for splicing. During Drosophila midblastula transition, splicing is particularly sensitive to mutations in NTC-subunit Fandango, which suggests differential requirements of NTC during development. We show that NTC-subunit Salsa, the Drosophila ortholog of human RNA helicase Aquarius, is rate-limiting for splicing of a subset of small first introns during oogenesis, including the first intron of gurken Germline depletion of Salsa and splice site mutations within gurken first intron impair both adult female fertility and oocyte dorsal-ventral patterning, due to an abnormal expression of Gurken. Supporting causality, the fertility and dorsal-ventral patterning defects observed after Salsa depletion could be suppressed by the expression of a gurken construct without its first intron. Altogether, our results suggest that one of the key rate-limiting functions of Salsa during oogenesis is to ensure the correct expression and efficient splicing of the first intron of gurken mRNA. Retention of gurken first intron compromises the function of this gene most likely because it undermines the correct structure and function of the transcript 5'UTR.

Minute Virus of Canines NP1 Protein Governs the Expression of a Subset of Essential Nonstructural Proteins via Its Role in RNA Processing

Parvoviruses use a variety of means to control the expression of their compact genomes. The bocaparvovirus minute virus of canines (MVC) encodes a small, genus-specific protein, NP1, which governs access to the viral capsid gene via its role in alternative polyadenylation and alternative splicing of the single MVC pre-mRNA. In addition to NP1, MVC encodes five additional nonstructural proteins (NS) that share an initiation codon at the left end of the genome and which are individually encoded by alternative multiply spliced mRNAs. We found that three of these proteins were encoded by mRNAs that excise the NP1-regulated MVC intron immediately upstream of the internal polyadenylation site, (pA)p, and that generation of these proteins was thus regulated by NP1. Splicing of their progenitor mRNAs joined the amino termini of these proteins to the NP1 open reading frame, and splice site mutations that prevented their expression inhibited virus replication in a host cell-dependent manner. Thus, in addition to controlling capsid gene access, NP1 also controls the expression of three of the five identified NS proteins via its role in governing MVC pre-mRNA splicing.IMPORTANCE The Parvovirinae are small nonenveloped icosahedral viruses that are important pathogens in many animal species, including humans. Minute virus of canine (MVC) is an autonomous parvovirus in the genus Bocaparvovirus It has a single promoter that generates a single pre-mRNA. NP1, a small genus-specific MVC protein, participates in the processing of this pre-mRNA and so controls capsid gene access via its role in alternative internal polyadenylation and splicing. We show that NP1 also controls the expression of three of the five identified NS proteins via its role in governing MVC pre-mRNA splicing. These NS proteins together are required for virus replication in a host cell-dependent manner.

mRNA-Associated Processes and Their Influence on Exon-Intron Structure in Drosophila melanogaster

mRNA-associated processes and gene structure in eukaryotes are typically treated as separate research subjects. Here, we bridge this separation and leverage the extensive multidisciplinary work on Drosophila melanogaster to examine the roles that capping, splicing, cleavage/polyadenylation, and telescripting (i.e., the protection of nascent transcripts from premature cleavage/polyadenylation by the splicing factor U1) might play in shaping exon-intron architecture in protein-coding genes. Our findings suggest that the distance between subsequent internal 5′ splice sites (5′ss) in Drosophila genes is constrained such that telescripting effects are maximized, in theory, and thus nascent transcripts are less vulnerable to premature termination. Exceptionally weak 5′ss and constraints on intron-exon size at the gene 5′ end also indicate that capping might enhance the recruitment of U1 and, in turn, promote telescripting at this location. Finally, a positive correlation between last exon length and last 5′ss strength suggests that optimal donor splice sites in the proximity of the pre-mRNA tail may inhibit the processing of downstream polyadenylation signals more than weak donor splice sites do. These findings corroborate and build upon previous experimental and computational studies on Drosophila genes. They support the possibility, hitherto scantly explored, that mRNA-associated processes impose significant constraints on the evolution of eukaryotic gene structure.

Manufacturing of recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors for clinical trials

The ability to elicit robust and long-term transgene expression in vivo together with minimal immunogenicity and little to no toxicity are only a few features that make recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors ideally suited for many gene therapy applications. Successful preclinical studies have encouraged the use of rAAV for therapeutic gene transfer to patients in the clinical setting. Nevertheless, the use of rAAV in clinical trials has underscored the need for production and purification systems capable of generating large amounts of highly pure rAAV particles. To date, generating vector quantities sufficient to meet the expanding clinical demand is still a hurdle when using current production systems. In this chapter, we will provide a description of the current methods to produce clinical grade of rAAV under current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) settings.

NP1 Protein of the Bocaparvovirus Minute Virus of Canines Controls Access to the Viral Capsid Genes via Its Role in RNA Processing

Minute virus of canines (MVC) is an autonomous parvovirus in the genus Bocaparvovirus. It has a single promoter that generates a single pre-mRNA processed via alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation to produce at least 8 mRNA transcripts. MVC contains two polyadenylation sites, one at the right-hand end of the genome, (pA)d, and another complex site, (pA)p, within the capsid-coding region. During viral infection, the mRNAs must extend through (pA)p and undergo additional splicing of the immediately upstream 3D∕3A intron to access the capsid gene. MVC NP1 is a 22-kDa nuclear phosphoprotein unique to the genus Bocaparvovirus of the Parvovirinae which we have shown governs suppression of (pA)p independently of viral genome replication. We show here that in addition to suppression of (pA)p, NP1 is also required for the excision of the MVC 3D∕3A intron, independently of its effect on alternative polyadenylation. Mutations of the arginine∕serine (SR) di-repeats within the intrinsically disordered amino terminus of NP1 are required for splicing of the capsid transcript but not suppression of polyadenylation at (pA)p. 3'-end processing of MVC mRNAs at (pA)p is critical for viral genome replication and the optimal expression of NP1 and NS1. Thus, a finely tuned balance between (pA)p suppression and usage is necessary for efficient virus replication. NP1 is the first parvovirus protein implicated in RNA processing. Its characterization reveals another way that parvoviruses govern access to their capsid protein genes, namely, at the RNA level, by regulating the essential splicing of an intron and the suppression of an internal polyadenylation site.

IMPORTANCE

The Parvovirinae are small nonenveloped icosahedral viruses that are important pathogens in many animal species, including humans. Although parvoviruses have only subtle early-to-late expression shifts, they all regulate access to their capsid genes. Minute virus of canines (MVC) is an autonomous parvovirus in the genus Bocaparvovirus. It has a single promoter generating a single pre-mRNA which is processed via alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation to generate at least 8 mRNA transcripts. MVC contains two polyadenylation sites, one at the right-hand end of the genome, (pA)d, and another, (pA)p, within the capsid-coding region. It had not been clear how the potent internal polyadenylation motif is suppressed to allow processing, export, and accumulation of the spliced capsid protein-encoding mRNAs. We show here that MVC NP1, the first parvovirus protein to be implicated in RNA processing, governs access to the MVC capsid gene by facilitating splicing and suppressing internal polyadenylation of MVC pre-mRNAs.

Highly divergent integration profile of adeno-associated virus serotype 5 revealed by high-throughput sequencing

Adeno-associated virus serotype 5 (AAV-5) is a human parvovirus that infects a high percentage of the population. It is the most divergent AAV, the DNA sequence cleaved by the viral endonuclease is distinct from all other described serotypes and, uniquely, AAV-5 does not cross-complement the replication of other serotypes. In contrast to the well-characterized integration of AAV-2, no published studies have investigated the genomic integration of AAV-5. In this study, we analyzed more than 660,000 AAV-5 integration junctions using high-throughput integrant capture sequencing of infected human cells. The integration activity of AAV-5 was 99.7% distinct from AAV-2 and favored intronic sequences. Genome-wide integration was highly correlated with viral replication protein binding and endonuclease sites, and a 39-bp consensus integration motif was revealed that included these features. Algorithmic scanning identified 126 AAV-5 hot spots, the largest of which encompassed 3.3% of all integration events. The unique aspects of AAV-5 integration may provide novel tools for biotechnology and gene therapy.

IMPORTANCE

Viral integration into the host genome is an important aspect of virus host cell biology. Genomic integration studies of the small single-stranded AAVs have largely focused on site preferential integration of AAV-2, which depends on the viral replication protein (Rep). We have now established the first genome wide integration profile of the highly divergent AAV-5 serotype. Using integrant capture sequencing, more than 600,000 AAV-5 integration junctions in human cells were analyzed. AAV-5 integration hot spots were 99.7% distinct from AAV-2. Integration favored intronic sequences, occurred on all chromosomes, and integration hot spot distribution was correlated with human genomic GAGC repeats and transcriptional activity. These features support expansion of AAV-5 based vectors for gene transfer considerations.

A simple model to explain evolutionary trends of eukaryotic gene architecture and expression: how competition between splicing and cleavage/polyadenylation factors may affect gene expression and splice-site recognition in eukaryotes

Enormous phylogenetic variation exists in the number and sizes of introns in protein-coding genes. Although some consideration has been given to the underlying role of the population-genetic environment in defining such patterns, the influence of the intracellular environment remains virtually unexplored. Drawing from observations on interactions between co-transcriptional processes involved in splicing and mRNA 3'-end formation, a mechanistic model is proposed for splice-site recognition that challenges the commonly accepted intron- and exon-definition models. Under the suggested model, splicing factors that outcompete 3'-end processing factors for access to intronic binding sites concurrently favor the recruitment of 3'-end processing factors at the pre-mRNA tail. This hypothesis sheds new light on observations such as the intron-mediated enhancement of gene expression and the negative correlation between intron length and levels of gene expression.

The assembly-activating protein promotes capsid assembly of different adeno-associated virus serotypes

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) capsid assembly requires the expression of a virally encoded assembly-activating protein (AAP). By providing AAP together with the capsid protein VP3, capsids are formed that are composed of VP3 only. Electron cryomicroscopy analysis of assembled VP3-only capsids revealed all characteristics of the wild-type AAV2 capsids. However, in contrast to capsids assembled from VP1, VP2, and VP3, the pores of VP3-only capsids were more restricted at the inside of the 5-fold symmetry axes, and globules could not be detected below the 2-fold symmetry axes. By comparing the capsid assembly of several AAV serotypes with AAP protein from AAV2 (AAP-2), we show that AAP-2 is able to efficiently stimulate capsid formation of VP3 derived from several serotypes, as demonstrated for AAV1, AAV2, AAV8, and AAV9. Capsid formation, by coexpressing AAV1-, AAV2-, or AAV5-VP3 with AAP-1, AAP-2, or AAP-5 revealed the ability of AAP-1 and AAP-2 to complement each other in AAV1 and AAV2 assembly, whereas for AAV5 assembly more specific conditions are required. Sequence alignment of predicted AAP proteins from the known AAV serotypes indicates a high degree of homology of all serotypes to AAP-2 with some divergence for AAP-4, AAP-5, AAP-11, and AAP-12. Immunolocalization of assembled capsids from different serotypes confirmed the preferred nucleolar localization of capsids, as observed for AAV2; however, AAV8 and AAV9 capsids could also be detected throughout the nucleus. Taken together, the data show that AAV capsid assembly of different AAV serotypes also requires the assistance of AAP proteins.

Inclusion of the central exon of parvovirus B19 precursor mRNA is determined by multiple splicing enhancers in both the exon and the downstream intron

Alternative splicing of the precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) of human parvovirus B19 (B19V) plays a key role in posttranscriptional regulation of B19V gene expression. We report that the central exon of the B19V pre-mRNA is defined by three GAA motif-containing exonic splicing enhancers and a G/GU-rich intronic splicing enhancer that lies adjacent to the second donor site. Moreover, targeting of morpholino antisense oligonucleotides to the two splicing enhancers surrounding the second donor site led to a significant reduction in splicing at this donor site during B19V infection of permissive CD36(+) erythroid progenitor cells.

The choice of translation initiation site of the rep proteins from goose parvovirus P9-generated mRNA is governed by splicing and the nature of the excised intron

The goose parvovirus (GPV) Rep 1 and Rep 2 proteins are encoded by P9-generated mRNAs that are either unspliced or spliced within the rep gene region, respectively. These mRNAs are present in an approximately equal ratio. The translation of Rep 1 was initiated from the first AUG in unspliced P9-generated mRNA; however, this AUG was bypassed in spliced P9-generated RNA and Rep 2 translation initiated predominately at the next initiating AUG downstream. We show that the choice of the site of initiation of translation of GPV Rep-encoding mRNAs is governed both by the splicing process itself and by the nature of the excised intron.

Block to the production of full-length B19 virus transcripts by internal polyadenylation is overcome by replication of the viral genome

The pre-mRNA processing strategy of the B19 virus is unique among parvoviruses. B19 virus-generated pre-mRNAs are transcribed from a single promoter and are extensively processed by alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation to generate 12 transcripts. Blockage of the production of full-length B19 virus transcripts at the internal polyadenylation site [(pA)p] was previously reported to be a limiting step in B19 virus permissiveness. We show here that in the absence of genome replication, internal polyadenylation of B19 virus RNAs at (pA)p is favored in cells which are both permissive and nonpermissive for B19 viral replication. Replication of the B19 virus genome, however, introduced either by viral infection or by transfection of an infectious clone into permissive cells or forced by heterologous replication systems in nonpermissive cells, enhanced readthrough of (pA)p and the polyadenylation of B19 virus transcripts at the distal site [(pA)d]. Therefore, replication of the genome facilitates the generation of sufficient full-length transcripts that encode the viral capsid proteins and the essential 11-kDa nonstructural protein. Furthermore, we show that polyadenylation of B19 viral RNA at (pA)p likely competes with splicing at the second intron. Thus, we conclude that replication of the B19 virus genome is the primary limiting step governing B19 virus tropism.