Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ori-Lyt-dependent DNA replication: involvement of host cellular factors

KSHV ORF20 Promotes Coordinated Lytic Reactivation for Increased Infectious Particle Production

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a cancer-causing virus that establishes life-long infection. KSHV is implicated in the etiology of Kaposi's sarcoma, and a number of rare hematopoietic malignancies. The present study focuses on the KSHV open reading frame 20 (ORF20), a member of the conserved herpesvirus UL24 protein family containing five conserved homology domains and a conserved PD-(D/E)XK putative endonuclease motif, whose nuclease function has not been established to date. ORF20 encodes three co-linear protein isoforms, full length, intermediate, and short, though their differential functions are unknown. In an effort to determine the role of ORF20 during KSHV infection, we generated a recombinant ORF20-Null KSHV genome, which fails to express all three ORF20 isoforms. This genome was reconstituted in iSLK cells to establish a latent infection, which resulted in an accelerated transcription of viral mRNAs, an earlier accumulation of viral lytic proteins, an increase in the quantity of viral DNA copies, and a significant decrease in viral yield upon lytic reactivation. This was accompanied by early cell death of cells infected with the ORF20-Null virus. Functional complementation of the ORF20-Null mutant with the short ORF20 isoform rescued KSHV production, whereas its endonuclease mutant form failed to enhance lytic reactivation. Complementation with the short isoform further revealed a decrease in cell death as compared with ORF20-Null virus. Finally, expression of IL6 and CXCL8, previously shown to be affected by the hCMV UL24 homolog, was relatively low upon reactivation of cells infected with the ORF20-Null virus. These findings suggest that ORF20 protein, with its putative endonuclease motif, promotes coordinated lytic reactivation for increased infectious particle production.

G-quadruplex as an essential structural element in cytomegalovirus replication origin

G-quadruplex (G4) structures are found in eukaryotic cell replication origins, but their role in origin function remains unclear. In this study G4 motifs are found in the lytic DNA replication origin (oriLyt) of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and recombinant viruses show that a G4 motif in oriLyt essential region I (ER-I) is necessary for viral growth. Replication assays of oriLyt-containing plasmids and biochemical/biophysical analyses show that G4 formation in ER-I is crucial for viral DNA replication. G4 pull-down analysis identifies viral DNA replication factors, such as IE2, UL84, and UL44, as G4-binding proteins. In enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, specific G4-binding ligands inhibit G4 binding by the viral proteins. The Epstein-Barr virus oriLyt core element also forms a stable G4 that could substitute for the oriLyt ER-I G4 in HCMV. These results demonstrate that viral G4s in replication origins represent an essential structural element in recruiting replication factors and might be a therapeutic target against viral infections.

G-quadruplexes of KSHV oriLyt play important roles in promoting lytic DNA replication

IMPORTANCE

Biological processes originating from the DNA and RNA can be regulated by the secondary structures present in the stretch of nucleic acids, and the G-quadruplexes are shown to regulate transcription, translation, and replication. In this study, we identified the presence of multiple G-quadruplex sites in the region (oriLyt) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) DNA, which is essential for DNA replication during the lytic cycle. We demonstrated the roles of these G-quadruplexes through multiple biochemical and biophysical assays in controlling replication and efficient virus production. We demonstrated that KSHV achieves this by recruiting RecQ1 (helicase) at those G-quadruplex sites for efficient viral DNA replication. Analysis of the replicated DNA through nucleoside labeling and immunostaining showed a reduced initiation of DNA replication in cells with a pharmacologic stabilizer of G-quadruplexes. Overall, this study confirmed the role of the G-quadruplex in regulating viral DNA replication, which can be exploited for controlling viral DNA replication.

Protein Degradation by Gammaherpesvirus RTAs: More Than Just Viral Transactivators

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a member of the Gammaherpesvirus subfamily that encodes several viral proteins with intrinsic E3 ubiquitin ligase activity or the ability to hijack host E3 ubiquitin ligases to modulate the host's immune response and to support the viral life cycle. This review focuses specifically on how the immediate-early KSHV protein RTA (replication and transcription activator) hijacks the host's ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) to target cellular and viral factors for protein degradation to allow for robust lytic reactivation. Notably, RTA's targets are either potent transcription repressors or they are activators of the innate and adaptive immune response, which block the lytic cycle of the virus. This review mainly focuses on what is currently known about the role of the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of KSHV RTA in the regulation of the KSHV life cycle, but we will also discuss the potential role of other gammaherpesviral RTA homologs in UPP-mediated protein degradation.

Diverse roles of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins in viral life cycle

Understanding the host-virus interactions helps to decipher the viral replication strategies and pathogenesis. Viruses have limited genetic content and rely significantly on their host cell to establish a successful infection. Viruses depend on the host for a broad spectrum of cellular RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) throughout their life cycle. One of the major RBP families is the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) family. hnRNPs are typically localized in the nucleus, where they are forming complexes with pre-mRNAs and contribute to many aspects of nucleic acid metabolism. hnRNPs contain RNA binding motifs and frequently function as RNA chaperones involved in pre-mRNA processing, RNA splicing, and export. Many hnRNPs shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and influence cytoplasmic processes such as mRNA stability, localization, and translation. The interactions between the hnRNPs and viral components are well-known. They are critical for processing viral nucleic acids and proteins and, therefore, impact the success of the viral infection. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms by which hnRNPs interact with and regulate each stage of the viral life cycle, such as replication, splicing, translation, and assembly of virus progeny. In addition, we expand on the role of hnRNPs in the antiviral response and as potential targets for antiviral drug research and development.

Herpesvirus ubiquitin deconjugases

The covalent attachment of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like polypeptides to cellular and viral proteins regulates numerous processes that enable virus infection, viral genome replication, and the spread of viruses to new hosts. The importance of these protein modifications in the regulation of the life cycle of herpesviruses is underscored by the discovery that all known members of this virus family encode at least one protease that specifically recognizes and disassembles ubiquitin conjugates. The structural and functional characterization of the viral enzymes and the identification of their viral and cellular substrates is providing valuable insights into the biology of viral infection and increasing evidence suggests that the viral deconjugases may also play a role in malignant transformation.

Lactate drives cellular DNA repair capacity: Role of lactate and related short-chain fatty acids in cervical cancer chemoresistance and viral infection

The characteristic feature of a cancer microenvironment is the presence of a highly elevated concentration of L-lactate in the tumor niche. The lactate-rich environment is also maintained by commensal mucosal microbiota, which has immense potential for affecting cancer cells through its receptoric and epigenetic modes of action. Some of these lactate activities might be associated with the failure of anticancer therapy as a consequence of the drug resistance acquired by cancer cells. Upregulation of cellular DNA repair capacity and enhanced drug efflux are the most important cellular mechanisms that account for ineffective radiotherapy and drug-based therapies. Here, we present the recent scientific knowledge on the role of the HCA1 receptor for lactate and lactate intrinsic activity as an HDAC inhibitor in the development of an anticancer therapy-resistant tumor phenotype, with special focus on cervical cancer cells. In addition, a recent study highlighted the viable role of interactions between mammalian cells and microorganisms in the female reproductive tract and demonstrated an interesting mechanism regulating the efficacy of retroviral transduction through lactate-driven modulation of DNA-PKcs cellular localization. To date, very few studies have focused on the mechanisms of lactate-driven enhancement of DNA repair and upregulation of particular multidrug-resistance proteins in cancer cells with respect to their intracellular regulatory mechanisms triggered by lactate. This review presents the main achievements in the field of lactate impact on cell biology that may promote undesirable alterations in cancer physiology and mitigate retroviral infections.

Lytic Reactivation of the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Is Accompanied by Major Nucleolar Alterations

The nucleolus is a subnuclear compartment whose primary function is the biogenesis of ribosomal subunits. Certain viral infections affect the morphology and composition of the nucleolar compartment and influence ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription and maturation. However, no description of nucleolar morphology and function during infection with Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is available to date. Using immunofluorescence microscopy, we documented extensive destruction of the nuclear and nucleolar architecture during the lytic reactivation of KSHV. This was manifested by the redistribution of key nucleolar proteins, including the rRNA transcription factor UBF. Distinct delocalization patterns were evident; certain nucleolar proteins remained together whereas others dissociated, implying that nucleolar proteins undergo nonrandom programmed dispersion. Significantly, the redistribution of UBF was dependent on viral DNA replication or late viral gene expression. No significant changes in pre-rRNA levels and no accumulation of pre-rRNA intermediates were found by RT-qPCR and Northern blot analysis. Furthermore, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), combined with immunofluorescence, revealed an overlap between Fibrillarin and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), which represents the primary product of the pre-rRNA, suggesting that the processing of rRNA proceeds during lytic reactivation. Finally, small changes in the levels of pseudouridylation (Ψ) and 2′-O-methylation (Nm) were documented across the rRNA; however, none were localized to the functional domain. Taken together, our results suggest that despite dramatic changes in the nucleolar organization, rRNA transcription and processing persist during lytic reactivation of KSHV. Whether the observed nucleolar alterations favor productive infection or signify cellular anti-viral responses remains to be determined.

A Two-tiered functional screen identifies herpesviral transcriptional modifiers and their essential domains

While traditional methods for studying large DNA viruses allow the creation of individual mutants, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to rapidly create thousands of mutant dsDNA viruses in parallel, enabling the pooled screening of entire viral genomes. Here, we applied this approach to Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) by designing a sgRNA library containing all possible ~22,000 guides targeting the 154 kilobase viral genome, corresponding to one cut site approximately every 8 base pairs. We used the library to profile viral sequences involved in transcriptional activation of late genes, whose regulation involves several well characterized features including dependence on viral DNA replication and a known set of viral transcriptional activators. Upon phenotyping all possible Cas9-targeted viruses for transcription of KSHV late genes we recovered these established regulators and identified a new required factor (ORF46), highlighting the utility of the screening pipeline. By performing targeted deep sequencing of the viral genome to distinguish between knock-out and in-frame alleles created by Cas9, we identify the DNA binding but not catalytic domain of ORF46 to be required for viral DNA replication and thus late gene expression. Our pooled Cas9 tiling screen followed by targeted deep viral sequencing represents a two-tiered screening paradigm that may be widely applicable to dsDNA viruses.

Virus–Host Interplay Between Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 and Oncogenic Gammaherpesviruses

The gammaherpesviruses, include the Epstein–Barr virus, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, and murine gammaherpesvirus 68. They establish latent infection in the B lymphocytes and are associated with various lymphoproliferative diseases and tumors. The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), also called ADP-ribosyltransferase diphtheria-toxin-like 1 (ARTD1) is a nuclear enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of the ADP-ribose moiety to its target proteins and participates in important cellular activities, such as the DNA-damage response, cell death, transcription, chromatin remodeling, and inflammation. In gammaherpesvirus infection, PARP1 acts as a key regulator of the virus life cycle: lytic replication and latency. These viruses also develop various strategies to regulate PARP1, facilitating their replication. This review summarizes the roles of PARP1 in the viral life cycle as well as the viral modulation of host PARP1 activity and discusses the implications. Understanding the interactions between the PARP1 and oncogenic gammaherpesviruses may lead to the identification of effective therapeutic targets for the associated diseases.

The Epstein-Barr virus deubiquitinating enzyme BPLF1 regulates the activity of topoisomerase II during productive infection

Topoisomerases are essential for the replication of herpesviruses but the mechanisms by which the viruses hijack the cellular enzymes are largely unknown. We found that topoisomerase-II (TOP2) is a substrate of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ubiquitin deconjugase BPLF1. BPLF1 co-immunoprecipitated and deubiquitinated TOP2, and stabilized SUMOylated TOP2 trapped in cleavage complexes (TOP2ccs), which halted the DNA damage response to TOP2-induced double strand DNA breaks and promoted cell survival. Induction of the productive virus cycle in epithelial and lymphoid cell lines carrying recombinant EBV encoding the active enzyme was accompanied by TOP2 deubiquitination, accumulation of TOP2ccs and resistance to Etoposide toxicity. The protective effect of BPLF1 was dependent on the expression of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) that releases DNA-trapped TOP2 and promotes error-free DNA repair. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized function of BPLF1 in supporting a non-proteolytic pathway for TOP2ccs debulking that favors cell survival and virus production.

The N-terminal domains of the herpesvirus large tegument proteins encode a conserved cysteine protease with ubiquitin- and NEDD8-specific deconjugase activity. Members of the viral enzyme family regulate different aspects of the virus life cycle including virus replication, the assembly of infectious virus particles and the host innate anti-viral response. However, only few substrates have been validated under physiological conditions of expression and very little is known on the mechanisms by which the enzymes contribute to the reprograming of cellular functions that are required for efficient infection and virus production. Cellular type I and type II topoisomerases (TOP1 and TOP2) resolve topological problems that arise during DNA replication and transcription and are therefore essential for herpesvirus replication. We report that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ubiquitin deconjugase BPLF1 selectively regulates the activity of TOP2 in cells treated with the TOP2 poison Etoposide and during productive infection. Using transiently transfected and stable cell lines that express catalytically active or inactive BPLF1, we found that BPLF1 interacts with both TOP2α and TOP2β in co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro pull-down assays and the active enzyme stabilizes TOP2 trapped in TOP2ccs, promoting a shift towards TOP2 SUMOylation. This hinders the activation of DNA-damage responses and reduces the toxicity of Etoposide. The physiological relevance of this finding was validated using pairs of EBV carrying HEK-293T cells and EBV immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) expressing the wild type or catalytic mutant enzyme. Using knockout LCLs we found that the capacity of BPLF1 to rescue of Etoposide toxicity is dependent on the expression of tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 (TDP2) that releases DNA-trapped TOP2 and promotes error-free DNA repair.

TRIM22. A Multitasking Antiviral Factor

Viral invasion of target cells triggers an immediate intracellular host defense system aimed at preventing further propagation of the virus. Viral genomes or early products of viral replication are sensed by a number of pattern recognition receptors, leading to the synthesis and production of type I interferons (IFNs) that, in turn, activate a cascade of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) with antiviral functions. Among these, several members of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family are antiviral executors. This article will focus, in particular, on TRIM22 as an example of a multitarget antiviral member of the TRIM family. The antiviral activities of TRIM22 against different DNA and RNA viruses, particularly human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and influenza A virus (IAV), will be discussed. TRIM22 restriction of virus replication can involve either direct interaction of TRIM22 E3 ubiquitin ligase activity with viral proteins, or indirect protein–protein interactions resulting in control of viral gene transcription, but also epigenetic effects exerted at the chromatin level.

Proteogenomics Reveals Orthologous Alternatively Spliced Proteoforms in the Same Human and Mouse Brain Regions with Differential Abundance in an Alzheimer's Disease Mouse Model

Alternative splicing (AS) may increase the number of proteoforms produced by a gene. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with well-characterized AS proteoforms. In this study, we used a proteogenomics strategy to build a customized protein sequence database and identify orthologous AS proteoforms between humans and mice on publicly available shotgun proteomics (MS/MS) data of the corpus callosum (CC) and olfactory bulb (OB). Identical proteotypic peptides of six orthologous AS proteoforms were found in both species: PKM1 (gene PKM/Pkm), STXBP1a (gene STXBP1/Stxbp1), Isoform 3 (gene HNRNPK/Hnrnpk), LCRMP-1 (gene CRMP1/Crmp1), SP3 (gene CADM1/Cadm1), and PKCβII (gene PRKCB/Prkcb). These AS variants were also detected at the transcript level by publicly available RNA-Seq data and experimentally validated by RT-qPCR. Additionally, PKM1 and STXBP1a were detected at higher abundances in a publicly available MS/MS dataset of the AD mouse model APP/PS1 than its wild type. These data corroborate other reports, which suggest that PKM1 and STXBP1a AS proteoforms might play a role in amyloid-like aggregate formation. To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first to describe PKM1 and STXBP1a overexpression in the OB of an AD mouse model. We hope that our strategy may be of use in future human neurodegenerative studies using mouse models.

Tripartite Motif 22 (TRIM22) protein restricts herpes simplex virus 1 by epigenetic silencing of viral immediate-early genes

Intrinsic resistance is a crucial line of defense against virus infections, and members of the Tripartite Ring Interaction Motif (TRIM) family of proteins are major players in this system, such as cytoplasmic TRIM5α or nuclear promyelocytic leukemia (PML/TRIM19) protein. Previous reports on the antiviral function of another TRIM protein, TRIM22, emphasized its innate immune role as a Type I and Type II interferon-stimulated gene against RNA viruses. This study shows that TRIM22 has an additional intrinsic role against DNA viruses. Here, we report that TRIM22 is a novel restriction factor of HSV-1 and limits ICP0-null virus replication by increasing histone occupancy and heterochromatin, thereby reducing immediate-early viral gene expression. The corresponding wild-type equivalent of the virus evades the TRIM22-specific restriction by a mechanism independent of ICP0-mediated degradation. We also demonstrate that TRIM22 inhibits other DNA viruses, including representative members of the β- and γ- herpesviruses. Allelic variants in TRIM22 showed different degrees of anti-herpesviral activity; thus, TRIM22 genetic variability may contribute to the varying susceptibility to HSV-1 infection in humans. Collectively, these results argue that TRIM22 is a novel restriction factor and expand the list of restriction factors functioning in the infected cell nucleus to counter DNA virus infection.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus processivity factor (PF-8) recruits cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase CHFR to promote PARP1 degradation and lytic replication

Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which belongs to the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, is associated with the pathogenesis of various tumors. Nuclear enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) catalyzes the polymerization of ADP-ribose units on target proteins. In KSHV-infected cells, PARP1 inhibits replication and transcription activator (RTA), a molecular switch that initiates lytic replication, through direct interaction. Thus, for efficient replication, KSHV has to overcome the molecular barrier in the form of PARP1. Previously, we have demonstrated that KSHV downregulates the expression of PARP1 through PF-8, a viral processivity factor. PF-8 induces ubiquitin–proteasome system–mediated degradation of PARP1 via direct physical association and enhances RTA transactivation activity. Here, we showed that dimerization domains of PF-8 are crucial not only for PARP1 interaction and degradation but also for enhancement of the RTA transactivation activity. PF-8 recruited CHFR for the PARP1 degradation. A knockdown of CHFR attenuated the PF-8–induced PARP1 degradation and enhancement of the RTA transactivation activity, leading to reduced KSHV lytic replication. These findings reveal a mechanism by which KSHV PF-8 recruits a cellular E3 ligase to curtail the inhibitory effect of PARP1 on KSHV lytic replication.

Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV), a member of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, is associated with the pathogenesis of various tumors. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), which is involved in various cellular functions, restricts lytic replication of oncogenic gammaherpesviruses by inhibiting replication and transcription activator (RTA), a molecular switch that activates the viral lytic replication. To abrogate the inhibitory effect of PARP1, reactivated KSHV promotes PARP1 degradation via direct interaction between PARP1 and PF-8, a viral processivity factor. Dimerization domains of PF-8 were found to be critical for PARP1 interaction and degradation and for enhancing the RTA transactivation activity. Furthermore, we found that CHFR, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, is required for PF-8–induced PARP1 degradation and efficient lytic replication of KSHV. This is the first study to show the role of CHFR in viral replication or pathogenicity. This study revealed a molecular mechanism via which gammaherpesviruses overcome the PARP1-mediated inhibitory effect on viral replication: by means of PF-8, which recruits a cellular E3 ubiquitin ligase.

Productive herpesvirus lytic replication in primary effusion lymphoma cells requires S-phase entry

Gammaherpesviruses establish lifelong latent infection in B lymphocytes and are the causative agent of several B-cell malignancies and lymphoproliferative disorders. While a quiescent latent infection allows these pathogens to evade immune detection, initiation of an alternative lifecycle stage, known as lytic replication, is an essential step in the production and dissemination of infectious progeny. Although cessation of cellular proliferation is an eventual consequence of lytic induction, exactly how gammaherpesviruses manipulate the cell cycle prior to amplification of viral DNA remains under debate. Here we show that the onset of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic reactivation in B cells leads to S-phase accumulation and that exit from G1 is required for efficient viral DNA replication. We also show that lytic replication leads to an S-phase-specific activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) that is abrogated when lytic replication is restricted to G0/G1. Finally, we observe that expression of early lytic viral genes results in cellular replication stress with increased stalling of DNA replication forks. Overall, we demonstrate that S-phase entry is important for optimal KSHV replication, that G1 arresting compounds are effective inhibitors of viral propagation, and that lytic-induced cell-cycle arrest could occur through the obstruction of cellular replication forks and subsequent activation of the DDR.

Interplay Between KSHV and the Host DNA Damage Response

Interactions between viruses and cellular factors are essential for viral replication or host defense. The DNA damage response (DDR) orchestrates a molecular network of cellular mechanisms that integrates cell cycle regulation and DNA repair or apoptosis. Numerous studies have revealed that the DDR is activated by virus infection, aberrant DNA structures generated by viral DNA replication, or the integration of retroviruses. Although the DDR is an essential function for maintaining the genomic integrity of cells, viruses may utilize this mechanism to build a convenient environment for themselves, and the resulting perturbation of the DDR has been shown to increase the risk of tumorigenesis. There have been many studies investigating the roles of the DDR in oncogenic viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This review summarizes current knowledge on the roles of DDR in the KSHV lifecycle.

Roles of Non-coding RNAs During Herpesvirus Infection

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play essential roles in multiple aspects of the life cycles of herpesviruses and contribute to lifelong persistence of herpesviruses within their respective hosts. In this chapter, we discuss the types of ncRNAs produced by the different herpesvirus families during infection, some of the cellular ncRNAs manipulated by these viruses, and the overall contributions of ncRNAs to the viral life cycle, influence on the host environment, and pathogenesis.

The KSHV portal protein ORF43 is essential for the production of infectious viral particles

Herpesvirus capsid assembly involves cleavage and packaging of the viral genome. The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) open reading frame 43 (orf43) encodes a putative portal protein. The portal complex functions as a gate through which DNA is packaged into the preformed procapsids, and is injected into the cell nucleus upon infection. The amino acid sequence of the portal proteins is conserved among herpesviruses. Here, we generated an antiserum to ORF43 and determined late expression kinetics of ORF43 along with its nuclear localization. We generated a recombinant KSHV mutant, which fails to express ORF43 (BAC16-ORF43-null). Assembled capsids were observed upon lytic induction of this virus; however, the released virions lacked viral DNA and thus could not establish infection. Ectopic expression of ORF43 rescued the ability to produce infectious particles. ORF43 antiserum and the recombinant ORF43-null virus can provide an experimental system for further studies of the portal functions and its interactions.

Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerases in Host-Pathogen Interactions, Inflammation, and Immunity

The literature review presented here details recent research involving members of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family of proteins. Among the 17 recognized members of the family, the human enzyme PARP1 is the most extensively studied, resulting in a number of known biological and metabolic roles. This review is focused on the roles played by PARP enzymes in host-pathogen interactions and in diseases with an associated inflammatory response. In mammalian cells, several PARPs have specific roles in the antiviral response; this is perhaps best illustrated by PARP13, also termed the zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP). Plant stress responses and immunity are also regulated by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation. PARPs promote inflammatory responses by stimulating proinflammatory signal transduction pathways that lead to the expression of cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. Hence, PARP inhibitors show promise in the treatment of inflammatory disorders and conditions with an inflammatory component, such as diabetes, arthritis, and stroke. These functions are correlated with the biophysical characteristics of PARP family enzymes. This work is important in providing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of pathogenesis and host responses, as well as in the identification of inhibitors. This is important because the identification of inhibitors has been shown to be effective in arresting the progression of disease.

Structure-based mechanism of action of a viral poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1-interacting protein facilitating virus replication

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), an enzyme that modifies nuclear proteins by poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation, regulates various cellular activities and restricts the lytic replication of oncogenic gammaherpesviruses by inhibiting the function of replication and transcription activator (RTA), a key switch molecule of the viral life cycle. A viral PARP-1-interacting protein (vPIP) encoded by murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) orf49 facilitates lytic replication by disrupting interactions between PARP-1 and RTA. Here, the structure of MHV-68 vPIP was determined at 2.2 Å resolution. The structure consists of 12 α-helices with characteristic N-terminal β-strands (Nβ) and forms a V-shaped-twist dimer in the asymmetric unit. Structure-based mutagenesis revealed that Nβ and the α1 helix (residues 2-26) are essential for the nuclear localization and function of vPIP; three residues were then identified (Phe5, Ser12 and Thr16) that were critical for the function of vPIP and its interaction with PARP-1. A recombinant MHV-68 harboring mutations of these three residues showed severely attenuated viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, ORF49 of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus also directly interacted with PARP-1, indicating a conserved mechanism of action of vPIPs. The results elucidate the novel molecular mechanisms by which oncogenic gammaherpesviruses overcome repression by PARP-1 using vPIPs.

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus K8 Is an RNA Binding Protein That Regulates Viral DNA Replication in Coordination with a Noncoding RNA

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication and constant primary infection of fresh cells are crucial for viral tumorigenicity. The virus-encoded bZIP family protein K8 plays an important role in viral DNA replication in both viral reactivation and de novo infection. The mechanism underlying the functional role of K8 in the viral life cycle is elusive. Here, we report that K8 is an RNA binding protein that also associates with many other proteins, including other RNA binding proteins. Many protein-protein interactions involving K8 are mediated by RNA. Using a UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) procedure combined with high-throughput sequencing, RNAs that are associated with K8 in BCBL-1 cells were identified, including both viral (PAN, T1.4, T0.7, etc.) and cellular (MALAT-1, MRP, 7SK, etc.) RNAs. An RNA binding motif in K8 was defined, and mutation of the motif abolished the ability of K8 to bind to many noncoding RNAs, as well as viral DNA replication during de novo infection, suggesting that the K8 functions in viral replication are carried out through RNA association. The functions of K8 and associated T1.4 RNA were investigated in detail, and the results showed that T1.4 mediates the binding of K8 to ori-Lyt DNA. The T1.4-K8 complex physically bound to KSHV ori-Lyt DNA and recruited other proteins and cofactors to assemble a replication complex. Depletion of T1.4 abolished DNA replication in primary infection. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the role of K8 in coordination with T1.4 RNA in regulating KSHV DNA replication during de novo infection.IMPORTANCE Genomewide analyses of the mammalian transcriptome revealed that a large proportion of sequence previously annotated as noncoding regions is actually transcribed and gives rise to stable RNAs. The emergence of a large number of noncoding RNAs suggests that functional RNA-protein complexes, e.g., ribosomes or spliceosomes, are not ancient relics of the last ribo-organism but would be well adapted to a regulatory role in biology. K8 has been puzzling because of its unique characteristics, such as multiple regulatory roles in gene expression and DNA replication without DNA binding capability. This study reveals the mechanism underlying its regulatory role by demonstrating that K8 is an RNA binding protein that binds to DNA and initiates DNA replication in coordination with a noncoding RNA. It is suggested that many K8 functions, if not all, are carried out through its associated RNAs.

Nucleolar stress enhances lytic reactivation of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human tumorigenic virus exhibiting two forms of infection, latent and lytic. Latent infection is abortive and allows the virus to establish lifelong infection, while lytic infection is productive, and is needed for virus dissemination within the host and between hosts. Latent infection may reactivate and switch towards the lytic cycle. This switch is a critical step in the maintenance of long-term infection and for the development of KSHV-related neoplasms. In this study, we examined the effect of nucleolar stress, manifested by failure in ribosome biogenesis or function and often coupled with p53 activation, on lytic reactivation of KSHV. To this end, we induced nucleolar stress by treatment with Actinomycin D, CX-5461 or BMH-21. Treatment with these compounds alone did not induce the lytic cycle. However, enhancement of the lytic cycle by these compounds was evident when combined with expression of the viral protein K-Rta. Further experiments employing combined treatments with Nutlin-3, knock-down of p53 and isogenic p53+/+ and p53-/- cells indicated that the enhancement of lytic reactivation by nucleolar stress does not depend on p53. Thus, our study identifies nucleolar stress as a novel regulator of KSHV infection, which synergizes with K-Rta expression to increase lytic reactivation. This suggests that certain therapeutic interventions, which induce nucleolar stress, may affect the outcome of KSHV infection.

Epstein-Barr Virus Hijacks DNA Damage Response Transducers to Orchestrate Its Life Cycle

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous virus that infects most of the human population. EBV infection is associated with multiple human cancers, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a subset of gastric carcinomas, and almost all undifferentiated non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Intensive research has shown that EBV triggers a DNA damage response (DDR) during primary infection and lytic reactivation. The EBV-encoded viral proteins have been implicated in deregulating the DDR signaling pathways. The consequences of DDR inactivation lead to genomic instability and promote cellular transformation. This review summarizes the current understanding of the relationship between EBV infection and the DDR transducers, including ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated), ATR (ATM and Rad3-related), and DNA-PK (DNA-dependent protein kinase), and discusses how EBV manipulates the DDR signaling pathways to complete the replication process of viral DNA during lytic reactivation.

Localization of Double-Strand Break Repair Proteins to Viral Replication Compartments following Lytic Reactivation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus

Double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA are recognized by the Ku70/80 heterodimer and the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) complex and result in activation of the DNA-PK and ATM kinases, which play key roles in regulating the cellular DNA damage response (DDR). DNA tumor viruses such as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are known to interact extensively with the DDR during the course of their replicative cycles. Here we show that during lytic amplification of KSHV DNA, the Ku70/80 heterodimer and the MRN complex consistently colocalize with viral genomes in replication compartments (RCs), whereas other DSB repair proteins form foci outside RCs. Depletion of MRE11 and abrogation of its exonuclease activity negatively impact viral replication, while in contrast, knockdown of Ku80 and inhibition of the DNA-PK enzyme, which are involved in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair, enhance amplification of viral DNA. Although the recruitment of DSB-sensing proteins to KSHV RCs is a consistent occurrence across multiple cell types, activation of the ATM-CHK2 pathway during viral replication is a cell line-specific event, indicating that recognition of viral DNA by the DDR does not necessarily result in activation of downstream signaling pathways. We have also observed that newly replicated viral DNA is not associated with cellular histones. Since the presence and modification of these DNA-packaging proteins provide a scaffold for docking of multiple DNA repair factors, the absence of histone deposition may allow the virus to evade localization of DSB repair proteins that would otherwise have a detrimental effect on viral replication.IMPORTANCE Tumor viruses are known to interact with machinery responsible for detection and repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in DNA, although detail concerning how Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) modulates these cellular pathways during its lytic replication phase was previously lacking. By undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the localization of DSB repair proteins during KSHV replication, we have determined that a DNA damage response (DDR) is directed to viral genomes but is distinct from the response to cellular DNA damage. We also demonstrate that although recruitment of the MRE11-RAD50-NBS1 (MRN) DSB-sensing complex to viral genomes and activation of the ATM kinase can promote KSHV replication, proteins involved in nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) repair restrict amplification of viral DNA. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the virus-host interactions that occur during lytic replication of KSHV and provides a deeper insight into how the DDR is manipulated during viral infection.

Reactivation and Lytic Replication of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus: An Update

The life cycle of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) consists of two phases, latent and lytic. The virus establishes latency as a strategy for avoiding host immune surveillance and fusing symbiotically with the host for lifetime persistent infection. However, latency can be disrupted and KSHV is reactivated for entry into the lytic replication. Viral lytic replication is crucial for efficient dissemination from its long-term reservoir to the sites of disease and for the spread of the virus to new hosts. The balance of these two phases in the KSHV life cycle is important for both the virus and the host and control of the switch between these two phases is extremely complex. Various environmental factors such as oxidative stress, hypoxia, and certain chemicals have been shown to switch KSHV from latency to lytic reactivation. Immunosuppression, unbalanced inflammatory cytokines, and other viral co-infections also lead to the reactivation of KSHV. This review article summarizes the current understanding of the initiation and regulation of KSHV reactivation and the mechanisms underlying the process of viral lytic replication. In particular, the central role of an immediate-early gene product RTA in KSHV reactivation has been extensively investigated. These studies revealed multiple layers of regulation in activation of RTA as well as the multifunctional roles of RTA in the lytic replication cascade. Epigenetic regulation is known as a critical layer of control for the switch of KSHV between latency and lytic replication. The viral non-coding RNA, PAN, was demonstrated to play a central role in the epigenetic regulation by serving as a guide RNA that brought chromatin remodeling enzymes to the promoters of RTA and other lytic genes. In addition, a novel dimension of regulation by microPeptides emerged and has been shown to regulate RTA expression at the protein level. Overall, extensive investigation of KSHV reactivation and lytic replication has revealed a sophisticated regulation network that controls the important events in KSHV life cycle.

ARID3B: a Novel Regulator of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lytic Cycle

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of commonly fatal malignancies of immunocompromised individuals, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). A hallmark of all herpesviruses is their biphasic life cycle—viral latency and the productive lytic cycle—and it is well established that reactivation of the KSHV lytic cycle is associated with KS pathogenesis. Therefore, a thorough appreciation of the mechanisms that govern reactivation is required to better understand disease progression. The viral protein replication and transcription activator (RTA) is the KSHV lytic switch protein due to its ability to drive the expression of various lytic genes, leading to reactivation of the entire lytic cycle. While the mechanisms for activating lytic gene expression have received much attention, how RTA impacts cellular function is less well understood. To address this, we developed a cell line with doxycycline-inducible RTA expression and applied stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative proteomics. Using this methodology, we have identified a novel cellular protein (AT-rich interacting domain containing 3B [ARID3B]) whose expression was enhanced by RTA and that relocalized to replication compartments upon lytic reactivation. We also show that small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown or overexpression of ARID3B led to an enhancement or inhibition of lytic reactivation, respectively. Furthermore, DNA affinity and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that ARID3B specifically interacts with A/T-rich elements in the KSHV origin of lytic replication (oriLyt), and this was dependent on lytic cycle reactivation. Therefore, we have identified a novel cellular protein whose expression is enhanced by KSHV RTA with the ability to inhibit KSHV reactivation.

IMPORTANCE Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of fatal malignancies of immunocompromised individuals, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Herpesviruses are able to establish a latent infection, in which they escape immune detection by restricting viral gene expression. Importantly, however, reactivation of productive viral replication (the lytic cycle) is necessary for the pathogenesis of KS. Therefore, it is important that we comprehensively understand the mechanisms that govern lytic reactivation, to better understand disease progression. In this study, we have identified a novel cellular protein (AT-rich interacting domain protein 3B [ARID3B]) that we show is able to temper lytic reactivation. We showed that the master lytic switch protein, RTA, enhanced ARID3B levels, which then interacted with viral DNA in a lytic cycle-dependent manner. Therefore, we have added a new factor to the list of cellular proteins that regulate the KSHV lytic cycle, which has implications for our understanding of KSHV biology.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus: the role of lytic replication in targeted therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss the role of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) lytic replication in viral-associated diseases and assess the progress on targeting KSHV lytic replication as a strategy to prevent KSHV-related malignancies.

RECENT FINDINGS

New inhibitors of viral lytic replication are being developed as well as novel modalities are being investigated to target cellular processes that the virus hijacks during its life cycle. Research has also focused on reactivating viral lytic replication in latently infected tumour cells (lytic induction therapy) to promote death of tumour cells.

SUMMARY

KSHV is linked to three malignancies: Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman disease. Despite significant progress in understanding KSHV pathobiology, no therapeutic guidelines for the management of KSHV-related diseases exist, and current treatments are suboptimal and associated with toxicity. Antiherpesvirus drugs have shown inconsistent results in KSHV-associated malignancies that harbour the virus in a latent state. However, lytic replication plays a crucial role in the process of tumorigenesis. Therefore, not only antiviral agents directed against the virus replicative cycle but also agents that target cellular processes that are activated by the virus are being investigated. Antivirals may also be used in combination with inducers of the viral lytic stage.

The Kaposi's-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus orf35 gene product is required for efficient lytic virus reactivation

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is implicated in the etiology of several human malignancies. KSHV open reading frame (orf) 35 encodes a conserved gammaherpesvirus protein with an, as yet, unknown function. Employing the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system, we generated a recombinant viral clone that fails to express ORF35 (BAC16-ORF35-stop) but preserves intact adjacent and overlapping reading frames. Using this construct, we studied the role of this previously uncharacterized gene product during lytic reactivation of KSHV. Upon lytic reactivation, the ORF35-stop recombinant virus displayed significantly reduced lytic viral gene expression, viral DNA replication, and progeny virus production as compared to control wild-type virus. Exogenous expression of ORF35-Flag reversed the effects of ORF35 deficiency. These results demonstrate that ORF35 is important for efficient lytic virus reactivation.

Multiple Lytic Origins of Replication Are Required for Optimal Gammaherpesvirus Fitness In Vitro and In Vivo

An unresolved question in herpesvirus biology is why some herpesviruses contain more than one lytic origin of replication (oriLyt). Using murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) as model virus containing two oriLyts, we demonstrate that loss of either of the two oriLyts was well tolerated in some situations but not in others both in vitro and in vivo. This was related to the cell type, the organ or the route of inoculation. Depending on the cell type, different cellular proteins, for example Hexim1 and Rbbp4, were found to be associated with oriLyt DNA. Overexpression or downregulation of these proteins differentially affected the growth of mutants lacking either the left or the right oriLyt. Thus, multiple oriLyts are required to ensure optimal fitness in different cell types and tissues.

Hsp70 Isoforms Are Essential for the Formation of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication and Transcription Compartments

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic herpesvirus associated with various AIDS-related malignancies. Like other herpesviruses, multiple processes required for KSHV lytic replication, including viral transcription, viral DNA synthesis and capsid assembly occur in virus-induced intranuclear structures, termed replication and transcription compartments (RTCs). Here we utilised a novel methodology, combining subcellular fractionation and quantitative proteomics, to identify cellular proteins which are recruited to KSHV-induced RTCs and thus play a key role in KSHV lytic replication. We show that several isoforms of the HSP70 chaperone family, Hsc70 and iHsp70, are redistributed from the cytoplasm into the nucleus coinciding with the initial formation of KSHV-induced RTCs. We demonstrate that nuclear chaperone foci are dynamic, initially forming adjacent to newly formed KSHV RTCs, however during later time points the chaperones move within KSHV RTCs and completely co-localise with actively replicating viral DNA. The functional significance of Hsp70 isoforms recruitment into KSHV RTCs was also examined using the specific Hsp70 isoform small molecule inhibitor, VER-155008. Intriguingly, results highlight an essential role of Hsp70 isoforms in the KSHV replication cycle independent of protein stability and maturation. Notably, inhibition of Hsp70 isoforms precluded KSHV RTC formation and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) relocalisation to the viral genome leading to the abolishment of global KSHV transcription and subsequent viral protein synthesis and DNA replication. These new findings have revealed novel mechanisms that regulate KSHV lytic replication and highlight the potential of HSP70 inhibitors as novel antiviral agents.

Downregulation of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 by a Viral Processivity Factor Facilitates Lytic Replication of Gammaherpesvirus

In Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) acts as an inhibitor of lytic replication. Here, we demonstrate that KSHV downregulated PARP-1 upon reactivation. The viral processivity factor of KSHV (PF-8) interacted with PARP-1 and was sufficient to degrade PARP-1 in a proteasome-dependent manner; this effect was conserved in murine gammaherpesvirus 68. PF-8 knockdown in KSHV-infected cells resulted in reduced lytic replication upon reactivation with increased levels of PARP-1, compared to those in control cells. PF-8 overexpression reduced the levels of the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ated (PARylated) replication and transcription activator (RTA) and further enhanced RTA-mediated transactivation. These results suggest a novel viral mechanism for overcoming the inhibitory effect of a host factor, PARP-1, thereby promoting the lytic replication of gammaherpesvirus.

IMPORTANCE

Gammaherpesviruses are important human pathogens, as they are associated with various kinds of tumors and establish latency mainly in host B lymphocytes. Replication and transcription activator (RTA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a central molecular switch for lytic replication, and its expression is tightly regulated by many host and viral factors. In this study, we investigated a viral strategy to overcome the inhibitory effect of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) on RTA's activity. PARP-1, an abundant multifunctional nuclear protein, was downregulated during KSHV reactivation. The viral processivity factor of KSHV (PF-8) directly interacted with PARP-1 and was sufficient and necessary to degrade PARP-1 protein in a proteasome-dependent manner. PF-8 reduced the levels of PARylated RTA and further promoted RTA-mediated transactivation. As this was also conserved in another gammaherpesvirus, murine gammaherpesvirus 68, our results suggest a conserved viral modulation of a host inhibitory factor to facilitate its lytic replication.

PARP1 Inhibitors: antitumor drug design

The poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) enzyme is one of the promising molecular targets for the discovery of antitumor drugs. PARP1 is a common nuclear protein (1-2 million molecules per cell) serving as a "sensor" for DNA strand breaks. Increased PARP1 expression is sometimes observed in melanomas, breast cancer, lung cancer, and other neoplastic diseases. The PARP1 expression level is a prognostic indicator and is associated with a poor survival prognosis. There is evidence that high PARP1 expression and treatment-resistance of tumors are correlated. PARP1 inhibitors are promising antitumor agents, since they act as chemo- and radiosensitizers in the conventional therapy of malignant tumors. Furthermore, PARP1 inhibitors can be used as independent, effective drugs against tumors with broken DNA repair mechanisms. Currently, third-generation PARP1 inhibitors are being developed, many of which are undergoing Phase II clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the properties and features of the PARP1 inhibitors identified in preclinical and clinical trials. We also describe some problems associated with the application of PARP1 inhibitors. The possibility of developing new PARP1 inhibitors aimed at DNA binding and transcriptional activity rather than the catalytic domain of the protein is discussed.

Activation of DNA Damage Response Pathways during Lytic Replication of KSHV

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of several human malignancies. Human tumour viruses such as KSHV are known to interact with the DNA damage response (DDR), the molecular pathways that recognise and repair lesions in cellular DNA. Here it is demonstrated that lytic reactivation of KSHV leads to activation of the ATM and DNA-PK DDR kinases resulting in phosphorylation of multiple downstream substrates. Inhibition of ATM results in the reduction of overall levels of viral replication while inhibition of DNA-PK increases activation of ATM and leads to earlier viral release. There is no activation of the ATR-CHK1 pathway following lytic replication and CHK1 phosphorylation is inhibited at later times during the lytic cycle. Despite evidence of double-strand breaks and phosphorylation of H2AX, 53BP1 foci are not consistently observed in cells containing lytic virus although RPA32 and MRE11 localise to sites of viral DNA synthesis. Activation of the DDR following KSHV lytic reactivation does not result in a G1 cell cycle block and cells are able to proceed to S-phase during the lytic cycle. KSHV appears then to selectively activate DDR pathways, modulate cell cycle progression and recruit DDR proteins to sites of viral replication during the lytic cycle.

Modulation of DNA damage and repair pathways by human tumour viruses

With between 10% and 15% of human cancers attributable to viral infection, there is great interest, from both a scientific and clinical viewpoint, as to how these pathogens modulate host cell functions. Seven human tumour viruses have been identified as being involved in the development of specific malignancies. It has long been known that the introduction of chromosomal aberrations is a common feature of viral infections. Intensive research over the past two decades has subsequently revealed that viruses specifically interact with cellular mechanisms responsible for the recognition and repair of DNA lesions, collectively known as the DNA damage response (DDR). These interactions can involve activation and deactivation of individual DDR pathways as well as the recruitment of specific proteins to sites of viral replication. Since the DDR has evolved to protect the genome from the accumulation of deleterious mutations, deregulation is inevitably associated with an increased risk of tumour formation. This review summarises the current literature regarding the complex relationship between known human tumour viruses and the DDR and aims to shed light on how these interactions can contribute to genomic instability and ultimately the development of human cancers.

NEDDylation is essential for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus latency and lytic reactivation and represents a novel anti-KSHV target

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the causative agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), which are aggressive malignancies associated with immunocompromised patients. For many non-viral malignancies, therapeutically targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) has been successful. Likewise, laboratory studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the UPS might provide a promising avenue for the treatment of KSHV-associated diseases. The largest class of E3 ubiquitin ligases are the cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) that are activated by an additional ubiquitin-like protein, NEDD8. We show that pharmacological inhibition of NEDDylation (using the small molecule inhibitor MLN4924) is cytotoxic to PEL cells by inhibiting NF-κB. We also show that CRL4B is a novel regulator of latency as its inhibition reactivated lytic gene expression. Furthermore, we uncovered a requirement for NEDDylation during the reactivation of the KSHV lytic cycle. Intriguingly, inhibition prevented viral DNA replication but not lytic cycle-associated gene expression, highlighting a novel mechanism that uncouples these two features of KSHV biology. Mechanistically, we show that MLN4924 treatment precluded the recruitment of the viral pre-replication complex to the origin of lytic DNA replication (OriLyt). These new findings have revealed novel mechanisms that regulate KSHV latency and reactivation. Moreover, they demonstrate that inhibition of NEDDylation represents a novel approach for the treatment of KSHV-associated malignancies.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), often fatal malignancies afflicting HIV-infected patients. Previous research has shown that blockade of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS, a normal quality control pathway that degrades cellular proteins) is able to kill KSHV-infected lymphoma cells. A large component of the UPS is made up by the protein family known as the cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs), which are activated by NEDD8 (a process known as NEDDylation). Recently, an inhibitor of NEDDylation (MLN4924) was developed and is currently in clinical trials as an anti-cancer drug. As NEDDylation has not been investigated for many viruses, we used this to compound examine its importance in KSHV biology. Firstly we show that NEDDylation is essential for the viability of KSHV-infected lymphoma cells, and MLN4924 treatment killed these cells by blocking NF-κB activity (required for KSHV latency gene expression and KSHV-associated cancer). Furthermore, we show that NEDDylation is required for KSHV to replicate its genome, a critical step in the production of new virus particles. Therefore, this research has identified a novel molecular mechanism that governs KSHV replication. Furthermore, it demonstrates that NEDDylation is a viable target for the treatment of KSHV-associated malignancies.

Viral Bcl-2 Encoded by the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Is Vital for Virus Reactivation

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) open reading frame 16 (orf16) encodes a viral Bcl-2 (vBcl-2) protein which shares sequence and functional homology with the Bcl-2 family. Like its cellular homologs, vBcl-2 protects various cell types from apoptosis and can also negatively regulate autophagy. vBcl-2 is transcribed during lytic infection; however, its exact function has not been determined to date. By using bacterial artificial chromosome 16 (BAC16) clone carrying the full-length KSHV genome, we have generated recombinant KSHV mutants that fail to express vBcl-2 or express mCherry-tagged vBcl-2. We show that the vBcl-2 protein is expressed at relatively low levels during lytic induction and that a lack of vBcl-2 largely reduces the efficiency of KSHV reactivation in terms of lytic gene expression, viral DNA replication, and production of infectious particles. In contrast, the establishment of latency was not affected by the absence of vBcl-2. Our findings suggest an important role for vBcl-2 during initial phases of lytic reactivation and/or during subsequent viral propagation. Given the known functions of vBcl-2 in regulating apoptosis and autophagy, which involve its direct interaction with cellular proteins and thus require high levels of protein expression, it appears that vBcl-2 may have additional regulatory functions that do not depend on high levels of protein expression.

IMPORTANCE

The present study shows for the first time the expression of endogenous vBcl-2 protein in KSHV-infected cell lines and demonstrates the importance of vBcl-2 during the initial phases of lytic reactivation and/or during its subsequent propagation. It is suggested that vBcl-2 has additional regulatory functions beyond apoptosis and autophagy repression that do not depend on high levels of protein expression.

Fluorescent tagging and cellular distribution of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF45 tegument protein

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), is a cancer-related human virus, classified as a member of the Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily. We report here the construction of a dual fluorescent-tagged KSHV genome (BAC16-mCherry-ORF45), which constitutively expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) and contains the tegument multifunctional ORF45 protein as a fusion protein with monomeric Cherry fluorescent protein (mCherry). We confirmed that this virus is properly expressed and correctly replicates and that the mCherry-ORF45 protein is incorporated into the virions. Using this labeled virus, we describe the dynamics of mCherry-ORF45 expression and localization in newly infected cells as well as in latently infected cells undergoing lytic induction and show that mCherry can be used to monitor cells undergoing the lytic viral cycle. This virus is likely to enable future studies monitoring the dynamics of viral trafficking and tegumentation during viral ingress and egress.

IMPORTANCE

The present study describes the construction and characterization of a new recombinant KSHV genome BAC16 clone which expresses mCherry-tagged ORF45. This virus enables the tracking of cells undergoing lytic infection and can be used to address issues related to the trafficking and maturation pathways of KSHV virions.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF6 gene is essential in viral lytic replication

Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with Kaposis's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. KSHV encodes at least 8 open reading frames (ORFs) that play important roles in its lytic DNA replication. Among which, ORF6 of KSHV encodes an ssDNA binding protein that has been proved to participate in origin-dependent DNA replication in transient assays. To define further the function of ORF6 in the virus life cycle, we constructed a recombinant virus genome with a large deletion within the ORF6 locus by using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) system. Stable 293T cells carrying the BAC36 (wild type) and BACΔ6 genomes were generated. When monolayers of 293T-BAC36 and 293T-BACΔ6 cells were induced with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) and sodium butyrate, infectious virus was detected from the 293T-BAC36 cell supernatants only and not from the 293T- BACΔ6 cell supernatants. DNA synthesis was defective in 293T-BACΔ6 cells. Expression of ORF6 in trans in BACΔ6-containing cells was able to rescue both defects. Our results provide genetic evidence that ORF6 is essential for KSHV lytic replication. The stable 293T cells carrying the BAC36 and BACΔ6 genomes could be used as tools to investigate the detailed functions of ORF6 in the lytic replication of KSHV.

Interaction of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus ORF6 protein with single-stranded DNA

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF6 is homologous to the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) ICP8 and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BALF2 proteins. Here, we describe its single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding properties. Based on previous findings with ICP8 and BALF2, a 60-amino-acid C-terminal deletion mutant of Orf6 was generated, and the protein was purified to explore the function of the C terminus in ssDNA binding. We showed that full-length ORF6 binds cooperatively to M13 ssDNA, disrupting its secondary structure and extending it to a length equivalent to that of duplex M13 DNA. The width of the ORF6-ssDNA filament is 9 nm, and a 7.3-nm repeat can be distinguished along the filament axis. Fluorescence polarization analysis revealed that the wild-type and C-terminal mutant ORF6 proteins bind equally well to short ssDNA substrates, with dissociation constant (Kd) values of 2.2 × 10(-7)M and 1.5 × 10(-7)M, respectively. These values were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis, which also suggested that binding by the full-length protein may involve both monomers and small multimers. While no significant difference in affinities of binding between full-length ORF6 and the C-terminal deletion mutant were observed with the short DNAs, binding of the C-terminal mutant protein to M13 ssDNA showed a clear lack of cooperativity as seen by electron microscopy (EM). Incubation of a duplex DNA containing a long single-stranded tail with double-helical ORF6 protein filaments revealed that the ssDNA segment can be enveloped within the protein filament without disrupting the filament structure.

IMPORTANCE

This work describes the biochemical characterization of the single-stranded DNA binding protein of KSHV, ORF6, central to viral DNA replication in infected cells. A C-terminal deletion mutant protein was generated to aid in understanding the role of the C terminus in DNA binding. Here we analyze the binding of the wild-type and mutant proteins to short oligomeric and longer genomic ssDNA substrates. Although it is capable of interacting with the short substrates, the inability of mutant ORF6 to form oligomers in solution hindered it from fully covering the long genomic substrates. We previously showed that ORF6 forms long filaments in solution, and we showed here that these can absorb ssDNA without disruption of the filament structure. This work will provide an important basis for future studies by us and/or others.

Antiviral activity of topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitors against Epstein-Barr virus

Herpesviruses require several cellular proteins for their lytic DNA replication including topoisomerase II (Topo II). Thus, Topo II could be an effective drug target against herpesviral infection. In this study, we examined several Topo II catalytic inhibitors for their potentials in blocking EBV replication and becoming efficacious antiviral agents. Topo II catalytic inhibitors in general exhibited marked inhibition of EBV lytic replication and minimal cytotoxicity. In particular, (+)-rutamarin, with the best selectivity index (SI>63) among the inhibitors tested in this study, is effective in inhibiting EBV DNA replication and virion production but shows little adverse effect on cell proliferation, suggesting its potential to become an efficacious and safe drug for the treatment of human diseases associated with EBV infection.

Antiviral activity of (+)-rutamarin against Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus by inhibition of the catalytic activity of human topoisomerase II

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an etiological agent of several AIDS-associated malignancies, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD). Its lytic replication cycle has been proven to be critical for the pathogenesis of KSHV-associated diseases. In KS lesions, lytic viral replication, production of virion particles, and reinfection of endothelial cells are essential to sustain the population of infected cells that otherwise would be quickly lost as spindle cells divide. Thus, antivirals that block KSHV replication could be a strategy in the treatment of KSHV-associated diseases. However, there is no effective anti-KSHV drug currently available. Our previous work showed that human topoisomerase II (Topo II) is indispensable for KSHV lytic replication and is suggested to be an effective target for antiviral drugs. Here, we report the discovery and characterization of a novel catalytic inhibitor of human Topo IIα, namely, (+)-rutamarin. The binding mode of (+)-rutamarin to the ATPase domain of human Topo IIα was established by docking and validated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. More importantly, (+)-rutamarin efficiently inhibits KSHV lytic DNA replication in BCBL-1 cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.12 μM and blocks virion production with a half-maximal antiviral effective concentration (EC50) of 1.62 μM. It possesses low cytotoxicity, as indicated by the selectivity index (SI) of 84.14. This study demonstrated great potential for (+)-rutamarin to become an effective drug for treatment of human diseases associated with KSHV infection.

The cellular peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 regulates reactivation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus from latency

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma. KSHV-infected cells are predominantly latent, with a subset undergoing lytic reactivation. Rta is the essential lytic switch protein that reactivates virus by forming transactivation-competent complexes with the Notch effector protein RBP-Jk and promoter DNA. Strikingly, Rta homolog analysis reveals that prolines constitute 17% of conserved residues. Rta is also highly phosphorylated in vivo. We previously demonstrated that proline content determines Rta homotetramerization and function. We hypothesize that proline-directed modifications regulate Rta function by controlling binding to peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases). Cellular PPIase Pin1 binds specifically to phosphoserine- or phosphothreonine-proline (pS/T-P) motifs in target proteins. Pin1 dysregulation is implicated in myriad human cancers and can be subverted by viruses. Our data show that KSHV Rta protein contains potential pS/T-P motifs and binds directly to Pin1. Rta transactivation is enhanced by Pin1 at two delayed early viral promoters in uninfected cells. Pin1's effect, however, suggests a rheostat-like influence on Rta function. We show that in infected cells, endogenous Pin1 is active during reactivation and enhances Rta-dependent early protein expression induced by multiple signals, as well as DNA replication. Surprisingly, ablation of Pin1 activity by the chemical juglone or dominant-negative Pin1 enhanced late gene expression and production of infectious virus, while ectopic Pin1 showed inhibitory effects. Our data thus suggest that Pin1 is a unique, dose-dependent molecular timer that enhances Rta protein function, but inhibits late gene synthesis and virion production, during KSHV lytic reactivation.

Complexities of gammaherpesvirus transcription revealed by microarrays and RNAseq

Technological advances in genome-wide transcript analysis, referred to as the transcriptome, using microarrays and deep RNA sequencing methodologies are rapidly extending our understanding of the genetic content of the gammaherpesviruses (γHVs). These vast transcript analyses continue to uncover the complexity of coding transcripts due to alternative splicing, translation initiation and termination, as well as regulatory RNAs of the γHVs. A full assessment of the transcriptome requires that our analysis be extended to the virion and exosomes of infected cells since viral and host mRNAs, miRNAs, and other noncoding RNAs seem purposefully incorporated to exert function upon delivery to naïve cells. Understanding the regulation, biogenesis and function of the recently discovered transcripts will extend beyond pathogenesis and oncogenic events to offer key insights for basic RNA processes of the cell.

Human RECQ1 promotes restart of replication forks reversed by DNA topoisomerase I inhibition

Topoisomerase I (TOP1) inhibitors are an important class of anticancer drugs. The cytotoxicity of TOP1 inhibitors can be modulated by replication fork reversal, in a process that requires PARP activity. Whether regressed forks can efficiently restart and the factors required to restart fork progression after fork reversal are still unknown. Here we combined biochemical and electron microscopy approaches with single-molecule DNA fiber analysis, to identify a key role for human RECQ1 helicase in replication fork restart after TOP1 inhibition, not shared by other human RecQ proteins. We show that the poly(ADPribosyl)ation activity of PARP1 stabilizes forks in their regressed state by limiting their restart by RECQ1. These studies provide new mechanistic insights into the roles of RECQ1 and PARP in DNA replication and offer molecular perspectives to potentiate chemotherapeutic regimens based on TOP1 inhibition.

Functional Aspects of PARP1 in DNA Repair and Transcription

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an ADP-ribosylating enzyme essential for initiating various forms of DNA repair. Inhibiting its enzyme activity with small molecules thus achieves synthetic lethality by preventing unwanted DNA repair in the treatment of cancers. Through enzyme-dependent chromatin remodeling and enzyme-independent motif recognition, PARP1 also plays important roles in regulating gene expression. Besides presenting current findings on how each process is individually controlled by PARP1, we shall discuss how transcription and DNA repair are so intricately linked that disturbance by PARP1 enzymatic inhibition, enzyme hyperactivation in diseases, and viral replication can favor one function while suppressing the other.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded LANA recruits topoisomerase IIβ for latent DNA replication of the terminal repeats

The latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) encoded by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) plays a major role in maintaining latency and is critical for the perpetual segregation of viral episomes to the progeny nuclei of newly divided cells. LANA binds to KSHV terminal repeat (TR) DNA and tethers the viral episomes to host chromosomes through the association of chromatin-bound cellular proteins. TR elements serve as potential origin sites of KSHV replication and have been shown to play important roles in latent DNA replication and transcription of adjacent genes. Affinity chromatography and proteomics analysis using KSHV TR DNA and the LANA binding site as the affinity column identified topoisomerase IIβ (TopoIIβ) as a LANA-interacting protein. Here, we show that TopoIIβ forms complexes with LANA that colocalize as punctuate bodies in the nucleus of KSHV-infected cells. The specific TopoIIβ binding region of LANA has been identified to its N terminus and the first 32 amino acid residues containing the nucleosome-binding region crucial for binding. Moreover, this region could also act as a dominant negative to disrupt association of TopoIIβ with LANA. TopoIIβ plays an important role in LANA-dependent latent DNA replication, as addition of ellipticine, a selective inhibitor of TopoII, negatively regulated replication mediated by the TR. DNA break labeling and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using biotin-16-dUTP and terminal deoxynucleotide transferase showed that TopoIIβ mediates a transient DNA break on viral DNA. These studies confirm that LANA recruits TopoIIβ at the origins of latent replication to unwind the DNA for replication.

TRIM22: A Diverse and Dynamic Antiviral Protein

The tripartite motif (TRIM) family of proteins is an evolutionarily ancient group of proteins with homologues identified in both invertebrate and vertebrate species. Human TRIM22 is one such protein that has a dynamic evolutionary history that includes gene expansion, gene loss, and strong signatures of positive selection. To date, TRIM22 has been shown to restrict the replication of a number of viruses, including encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In addition, TRIM22 has also been implicated in cellular differentiation and proliferation and may play a role in certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. This comprehensive paper summarizes our current understanding of TRIM22 structure and function.

Mass spectrometry-based functional proteomics of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1

PARP-1 is an abundant nuclear protein that plays an essential role in the regulation of many genome integrity and chromatin-based processes, such as DNA repair, replication or transcriptional regulation. PARP-1 modulates the function of chromatin and nuclear proteins through several poly(ADP-ribose) (pADPr)-dependent pathways. Aside from the clearly established role of PARP-1 in the maintenance of genome stability, PARP-1 also emerged as an important regulator that links chromatin functions with extranuclear compartments. pADPr signaling has notably been found to be responsible for PARP-1-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. Defining the mechanisms that govern the intrinsic functions of PARP-1 is fundamental to the understanding of signaling networks regulated by pADPr. The emergence of mass spectrometry-based proteomics and its broad applications in the study of biological systems represents an outstanding opportunity to widen our knowledge of the functional spectrum of PARP-1. In this article, we summarize various PARP-1 targeted proteomics studies and proteome-wide analyses that shed light on its protein interaction partners, expression levels and post-translational modifications.