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Jin L, Zhang S, Song Z, Heng X, Chen SJ. Kinetic pathway of HIV-1 TAR cotranscriptional folding. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae362. [PMID: 38738640 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The Trans-Activator Receptor (TAR) RNA, located at the 5'-end untranslated region (5' UTR) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), is pivotal in the virus's life cycle. As the initial functional domain, it folds during the transcription of viral mRNA. Although TAR's role in recruiting the Tat protein for trans-activation is established, the detailed kinetic mechanisms at play during early transcription, especially at points of temporary transcriptional pausing, remain elusive. Moreover, the precise physical processes of transcriptional pause and subsequent escape are not fully elucidated. This study focuses on the folding kinetics of TAR and the biological implications by integrating computer simulations of RNA folding during transcription with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data. The findings reveal insights into the folding mechanism of a non-native intermediate that triggers transcriptional pause, along with different folding pathways leading to transcriptional pause and readthrough. The profiling of the cotranscriptional folding pathway and identification of kinetic structural intermediates reveal a novel mechanism for viral transcriptional regulation, which could pave the way for new antiviral drug designs targeting kinetic cotranscriptional folding pathways in viral RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jin
- Department of Physics and Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Sicheng Zhang
- Department of Physics and Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Zhenwei Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Xiao Heng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics and Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
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2
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Morando N, Rosenzvit MC, Pando MA, Allmer J. The Role of MicroRNAs in HIV Infection. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:574. [PMID: 38790203 PMCID: PMC11120859 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, non-coding RNAs, play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. These regulatory molecules are integral to many biological processes and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. This review aims to cover the current understanding of the multifaceted roles miRNAs assume in the context of HIV infection and pathogenesis. The discourse is structured around three primary focal points: (i) elucidation of the mechanisms through which miRNAs regulate HIV replication, encompassing both direct targeting of viral transcripts and indirect modulation of host factors critical for viral replication; (ii) examination of the modulation of miRNA expression by HIV, mediated through either viral proteins or the activation of cellular pathways consequent to viral infection; and (iii) assessment of the impact of miRNAs on the immune response and the progression of disease in HIV-infected individuals. Further, this review delves into the potential utility of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic agents in HIV infection, underscoring the challenges and prospects inherent to this line of inquiry. The synthesis of current evidence positions miRNAs as significant modulators of the host-virus interplay, offering promising avenues for enhancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Morando
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina; (N.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Mara Cecilia Rosenzvit
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina;
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM, UBA-CONICET), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina
| | - Maria A. Pando
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y Sida (INBIRS), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1121, Argentina; (N.M.); (M.A.P.)
| | - Jens Allmer
- Medical Informatics and Bioinformatics, Institute for Measurement Engineering and Sensor Technology, Hochschule Ruhr West, University of Applied Sciences, 45479 Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany
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Beliakova-Bethell N. Targeting noncoding RNAs to reactivate or eliminate latent HIV reservoirs. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2024; 19:47-55. [PMID: 38169367 PMCID: PMC10872953 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Expression of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) is more tissue and cell type-specific than expression of protein-coding genes. Understanding the mechanisms of action of ncRNAs and their roles in HIV replication and latency may inform targets for the latent HIV reservoir reactivation or elimination with high specificity to CD4 + T cells latently infected with HIV. RECENT FINDINGS While the number of studies in the field of ncRNAs and HIV is limited, evidence points to complex interactions between different ncRNAs, protein-coding RNAs, and proteins. Latency-reversing agents modulate the expression of ncRNAs, with some effects being inhibitory for HIV reactivation. An important limitation of basic research on the ncRNA mechanisms of action is the reliance on cell lines. Because of cell type specificity, it is uncertain whether the ncRNAs function similarly in primary cells. SUMMARY Comprehensive functional screens to uncover all ncRNAs that regulate HIV expression and the detailed exploration of their mechanisms of action in relevant cell types are needed to identify promising targets for HIV reservoir clearance. Classes of ncRNAs as a whole rather than individual ncRNAs might represent an attractive target for reservoir elimination. Compound screens for latency reversal should factor in the complexity of their effects on ncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadejda Beliakova-Bethell
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, CA, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
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4
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Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Scarborough RJ, Gatignol A. MicroRNAs and long non-coding RNAs during transcriptional regulation and latency of HIV and HTLV. Retrovirology 2024; 21:5. [PMID: 38424561 PMCID: PMC10905857 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00637-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV) have replicative and latent stages of infection. The status of the viruses is dependent on the cells that harbour them and on different events that change the transcriptional and post-transcriptional events. Non-coding (nc)RNAs are key factors in the regulation of retrovirus replication cycles. Notably, micro (mi)RNAs and long non-coding (lnc)RNAs are important regulators that can induce switches between active transcription-replication and latency of retroviruses and have important impacts on their pathogenesis. Here, we review the functions of miRNAs and lncRNAs in the context of HIV and HTLV. We describe how specific miRNAs and lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the viruses' transcription, post-transcriptional regulation and latency. We further discuss treatment strategies using ncRNAs for HIV and HTLV long remission, reactivation or possible cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio P Alpuche-Lazcano
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
- National Research Council Canada, Montréal, QC, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Robert J Scarborough
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Anne Gatignol
- Virus-Cell Interactions Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, 3999, Côte Ste Catherine St., Montréal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.
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Vaidyanathan A, Taylor HE, Hope TJ, D'Aquila RT, Bartom ET, Hultquist JF, Peter ME. Analysis of the Contribution of 6-mer Seed Toxicity to HIV-1-Induced Cytopathicity. J Virol 2023; 97:e0065223. [PMID: 37310263 PMCID: PMC10373551 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00652-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 (HIV) infects CD4+ T cells, the gradual depletion of which can lead to AIDS in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Some cells, however, survive HIV infection and persist as part of the latently infected reservoir that causes recurrent viremia after ART cessation. Improved understanding of the mechanisms of HIV-mediated cell death could lead to a way to clear the latent reservoir. Death induced by survival gene elimination (DISE), an RNA interference (RNAi)-based mechanism, kills cells through short RNAs (sRNAs) with toxic 6-mer seeds (positions 2 to 7 of sRNA). These toxic seeds target the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of mRNAs, decreasing the expression of hundreds of genes critical for cell survival. In most cells under normal conditions, highly expressed cell-encoded nontoxic microRNAs (miRNAs) block access of toxic sRNAs to the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) that mediates RNAi, promoting cell survival. HIV has been shown to inhibit the biogenesis of host miRNAs in multiple ways. We now report that HIV infection of cells deficient in miRNA expression or function results in enhanced RISC loading of an HIV-encoded miRNA HIV-miR-TAR-3p, which can kill cells by DISE through a noncanonical (positions 3 to 8) 6-mer seed. In addition, cellular RISC-bound sRNAs shift to lower seed viability. This also occurs after latent HIV provirus reactivation in J-Lat cells, suggesting independence of permissiveness of cells to viral infection. More precise targeting of the balance between protective and cytotoxic sRNAs could provide new avenues to explore novel cell death mechanisms that could be used to kill latent HIV. IMPORTANCE Several mechanisms by which initial HIV infection is cytotoxic to infected cells have been reported and involve various forms of cell death. Characterizing the mechanisms underlying the long-term survival of certain T cells that become persistent provirus reservoirs is critical to developing a cure. We recently discovered death induced by survival gene elimination (DISE), an RNAi-based mechanism of cell death whereby toxic short RNAs (sRNAs) containing 6-mer seed sequences (exerting 6-mer seed toxicity) targeting essential survival genes are loaded into RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) complexes, resulting in inescapable cell death. We now report that HIV infection in cells with low miRNA expression causes a shift of mostly cellular RISC-bound sRNAs to more toxic seeds. This could prime cells to DISE and is further enhanced by the viral microRNA (miRNA) HIV-miR-TAR-3p, which carries a toxic noncanonical 6-mer seed. Our data provide multiple new avenues to explore novel cell death mechanisms that could be used to kill latent HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparajitha Vaidyanathan
- Department of Medicine, Division Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Harry E. Taylor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hope
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Richard T. D'Aquila
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Elizabeth T. Bartom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marcus E. Peter
- Department of Medicine, Division Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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6
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Ramirez PW, Pantoja C, Beliakova-Bethell N. An Evaluation on the Role of Non-Coding RNA in HIV Transcription and Latency: A Review. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2023; 15:115-134. [PMID: 36942082 PMCID: PMC10024501 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s383347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of latent cellular reservoirs is recognized as the major barrier to an HIV cure. Reactivating and eliminating "shock and kill" or permanently silencing "block and lock" the latent HIV reservoir, as well as gene editing, remain promising approaches, but so far have proven to be only partially successful. Moreover, using latency reversing agents or "block and lock" drugs pose additional considerations, including the ability to cause cellular toxicity, a potential lack of specificity for HIV, or low potency when each agent is used alone. RNA molecules, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are becoming increasingly recognized as important regulators of gene expression. RNA-based approaches for combatting HIV latency represent a promising strategy since both miRNAs and lncRNAs are more cell-type and tissue specific than protein coding genes. Thus, a higher specificity of targeting the latent HIV reservoir with less overall cellular toxicity can likely be achieved. In this review, we summarize current knowledge about HIV gene expression regulation by miRNAs and lncRNAs encoded in the human genome, as well as regulatory molecules encoded in the HIV genome. We discuss both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of HIV gene expression to align with the current definition of latency, and describe RNA molecules that either promote HIV latency or have anti-latency properties. Finally, we provide perspectives on using each class of RNAs as potential targets for combatting HIV latency, and describe the complexity of the interactions between different RNA molecules, their protein targets, and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter W Ramirez
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Christina Pantoja
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Nadejda Beliakova-Bethell
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and Veterans Medical Research Foundation, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Diallo I, Jacob RA, Vion E, Kozak RA, Mossman K, Provost P. Altered microRNA Transcriptome in Cultured Human Airway Cells upon Infection with SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020496. [PMID: 36851710 PMCID: PMC9962802 DOI: 10.3390/v15020496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous proteomic and transcriptomic studies have been carried out to better understand the current multi-variant SARS-CoV-2 virus mechanisms of action and effects. However, they are mostly centered on mRNAs and proteins. The effect of the virus on human post-transcriptional regulatory agents such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in the regulation of 60% of human gene activity, remains poorly explored. Similar to research we have previously undertaken with other viruses such as Ebola and HIV, in this study we investigated the miRNA profile of lung epithelial cells following infection with SARS-CoV-2. At the 24 and 72 h post-infection time points, SARS-CoV-2 did not drastically alter the miRNome. About 90% of the miRNAs remained non-differentially expressed. The results revealed that miR-1246, miR-1290 and miR-4728-5p were the most upregulated over time. miR-196b-5p and miR-196a-5p were the most downregulated at 24 h, whereas at 72 h, miR-3924, miR-30e-5p and miR-145-3p showed the highest level of downregulation. In the top significantly enriched KEGG pathways of genes targeted by differentially expressed miRNAs we found, among others, MAPK, RAS, P13K-Akt and renin secretion signaling pathways. Using RT-qPCR, we also showed that SARS-CoV-2 may regulate several predicted host mRNA targets involved in the entry of the virus into host cells (ACE2, TMPRSS2, ADAM17, FURIN), renin-angiotensin system (RAS) (Renin, Angiotensinogen, ACE), innate immune response (IL-6, IFN1β, CXCL10, SOCS4) and fundamental cellular processes (AKT, NOTCH, WNT). Finally, we demonstrated by dual-luciferase assay a direct interaction between miR-1246 and ACE-2 mRNA. This study highlights the modulatory role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrissa Diallo
- CHU de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Rajesh Abraham Jacob
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Elodie Vion
- CHU de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Robert A. Kozak
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Patrick Provost
- CHU de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 48842)
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miRNA Pathway Alteration in Response to Non-Coding RNA Delivery in Viral Vector-Based Gene Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314954. [PMID: 36499289 PMCID: PMC9741442 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapy is widely used to treat incurable disorders and has become a routine procedure in clinical practice. Since viruses can exhibit specific tropisms, effectively penetrate the cell, and are easy to use, most gene therapy approaches are based on viral delivery of genetic material. However, viral vectors have some disadvantages, such as immune response and cytotoxicity induced by a disturbance of cell metabolism, including miRNA pathways that are an important part of transcription regulation. Therefore, any viral-based gene therapy approach involves the evaluation of side effects and safety. It is possible for such effects to be caused either by the viral vectors themselves or by the delivered genetic material. Many gene therapy techniques use non-coding RNA delivery as an effective agent for gene expression regulation, with the risk of cellular miRNA pathways being affected due to the nature of the non-coding RNAs. This review describes the effect of viral vector entry and non-coding RNA delivery by these vectors on miRNA signaling pathways.
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9
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Joshi N, Chandane Tak M, Mukherjee A. The involvement of microRNAs in HCV and HIV infection. Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother 2022; 10:25151355221106104. [PMID: 35832725 PMCID: PMC9272158 DOI: 10.1177/25151355221106104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 2.3 million people are suffering from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection worldwide. Faster disease progression and increased mortality rates during the HIV/HCV co-infection have become global health concerns. Effective therapeutics against co-infection and complete infection eradication has become a mandatory requirement. The study of small non-coding RNAs in cellular processes and viral infection has so far been beneficial in various terms. Currently, microRNAs are an influential candidate for disease diagnosis and treatment. Dysregulation in miRNA expression can lead to unfavorable outcomes; hence, this exact inevitable nature has made various studies a focal point. A considerable improvement in comprehending HIV and HCV mono-infection pathogenesis is seen using miRNAs. The prominent reason behind HIV/HCV co-infection is seen to be their standard route of transmission, while some pieces of evidence also suspect viral interplay between having a role in increased viral infection. This review highlights the involvement of microRNAs in HIV/HCV co-infection, along with their contribution in HIV mono- and HCV mono-infection. We also discuss miRNAs that carry the potentiality of becoming a biomarker for viral infection and early disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Joshi
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India
| | | | - Anupam Mukherjee
- Scientist D & RAMANUJAN Fellow, Division of Virology, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Plot No. 73, 'G' Block, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune 411026, Maharashtra, India
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10
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Crespo R, Rao S, Mahmoudi T. HibeRNAtion: HIV-1 RNA Metabolism and Viral Latency. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:855092. [PMID: 35774399 PMCID: PMC9237370 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.855092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection remains non-curative due to the latent reservoir, primarily a small pool of resting memory CD4+ T cells bearing replication-competent provirus. Pharmacological reversal of HIV-1 latency followed by intrinsic or extrinsic cell killing has been proposed as a promising strategy to target and eliminate HIV-1 viral reservoirs. Latency reversing agents have been extensively studied for their role in reactivating HIV-1 transcription in vivo, although no permanent reduction of the viral reservoir has been observed thus far. This is partly due to the complex nature of latency, which involves strict intrinsic regulation at multiple levels at transcription and RNA processing. Still, the molecular mechanisms that control HIV-1 latency establishment and maintenance have been almost exclusively studied in the context of chromatin remodeling, transcription initiation and elongation and most known LRAs target LTR-driven transcription by manipulating these. RNA metabolism is a largely understudies but critical mechanistic step in HIV-1 gene expression and latency. In this review we provide an update on current knowledge on the role of RNA processing mechanisms in viral gene expression and latency and speculate on the possible manipulation of these pathways as a therapeutic target for future cure studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Crespo
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shringar Rao
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tokameh Mahmoudi
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Tokameh Mahmoudi,
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11
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Diallo I, Husseini Z, Guellal S, Vion E, Ho J, Kozak RA, Kobinger GP, Provost P. Ebola Virus Encodes Two microRNAs in Huh7-Infected Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095228. [PMID: 35563619 PMCID: PMC9106010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important gene regulatory molecules involved in a broad range of cellular activities. Although the existence and functions of miRNAs are clearly defined and well established in eukaryotes, this is not always the case for those of viral origin. Indeed, the existence of viral miRNAs is the subject of intense controversy, especially those of RNA viruses. Here, we characterized the miRNA transcriptome of cultured human liver cells infected or not with either of the two Ebola virus (EBOV) variants: Mayinga or Makona; or with Reston virus (RESTV). Bioinformatic analyses revealed the presence of two EBOV-encoded miRNAs, miR-MAY-251 and miR-MAK-403, originating from the EBOV Mayinga and Makona variants, respectively. From the miRDB database, miR-MAY-251 and miR-MAK-403 displayed on average more than 700 potential human host target candidates, 25% of which had a confidence score higher than 80%. By RT-qPCR and dual luciferase assays, we assessed the potential regulatory effect of these two EBOV miRNAs on selected host mRNA targets. Further analysis of Panther pathways unveiled that these two EBOV miRNAs, in addition to general regulatory functions, can potentially target genes involved in the hemorrhagic phenotype, regulation of viral replication and modulation of host immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrissa Diallo
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Zeinab Husseini
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Sara Guellal
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Elodie Vion
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Ho
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert A. Kozak
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3M9, Canada;
- Division of Microbiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Molecular Diagnostics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- Galveston National Laboratory, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA;
| | - Patrick Provost
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center/CHUL Pavilion, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (I.D.); (Z.H.); (S.G.); (E.V.); (J.H.)
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-418-525-4444 (ext. 48842)
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12
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Chinniah R, Adimulam T, Nandlal L, Arumugam T, Ramsuran V. The Effect of miRNA Gene Regulation on HIV Disease. Front Genet 2022; 13:862642. [PMID: 35601502 PMCID: PMC9117004 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.862642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Over many years, research on HIV/AIDS has advanced with the introduction of HAART. Despite these advancements, significant gaps remain with respect to aspects in HIV life cycle, with specific attention to virus-host interactions. Investigating virus-host interactions may lead to the implementation of novel therapeutic strategies against HIV/AIDS. Notably, host gene silencing can be facilitated by cellular small non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs paving the way for epigenetic anti-viral therapies. Numerous studies have elucidated the importance of microRNAs in HIV pathogenesis. Some microRNAs can either promote viral infection, while others can be detrimental to viral replication. This is accomplished by targeting the HIV-proviral genome or by regulating host genes required for viral replication and immune responses. In this review, we report on 1) the direct association of microRNAs with HIV infection; 2) the indirect association of known human genetic factors with HIV infection; 3) the regulation of human genes by microRNAs in other diseases that can be explored experimentally to determine their effect on HIV-1 infection; and 4) therapeutic interactions of microRNA against HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romona Chinniah
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Theolan Adimulam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Louansha Nandlal
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thilona Arumugam
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Veron Ramsuran
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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13
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Xu X, Jin L, Xie L, Chen SJ. Landscape Zooming toward the Prediction of RNA Cotranscriptional Folding. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:2002-2015. [PMID: 35133833 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.1c01233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RNA molecules fold as they are transcribed. Cotranscriptional folding of RNA plays a critical role in RNA functions in vivo. Present computational strategies focus on simulations where large structural changes may not be completely sampled. Here, we describe an alternative approach to predicting cotranscriptional RNA folding by zooming in and out of the RNA folding energy landscape. By classifying the RNA structural ensemble into "partitions" based on long, stable helices, we zoom out of the landscape and predict the overall slow folding kinetics from the interpartition kinetic network, and for each interpartition transition, we zoom in on the landscape to simulate the kinetics. Applications of the model to the 117-nucleotide E. coli SRP RNA and the 59-nucleotide HIV-1 TAR RNA show agreements with the experimental data and new structural and kinetic insights into biologically significant conformational switches and pathways for these important systems. This approach, by zooming in/out of an RNA folding landscape at different resolutions, might allow us to treat large RNAs in vivo with transcriptional pause, transcription speed, and other in vivo effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213001, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Liangxu Xie
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu 213001, China
| | - Shi-Jie Chen
- Department of Physics, Department of Biochemistry, and Institute of Data Science and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
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14
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Integrative RNA profiling of TBEV-infected neurons and astrocytes reveals potential pathogenic effectors. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2759-2777. [PMID: 35685361 PMCID: PMC9167876 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), the most medically relevant tick-transmitted flavivirus in Eurasia, targets the host central nervous system and frequently causes severe encephalitis. The severity of TBEV-induced neuropathogenesis is highly cell-type specific and the exact mechanism responsible for such differences has not been fully described yet. Thus, we performed a comprehensive analysis of alterations in host poly-(A)/miRNA/lncRNA expression upon TBEV infection in vitro in human primary neurons (high cytopathic effect) and astrocytes (low cytopathic effect). Infection with severe but not mild TBEV strain resulted in a high neuronal death rate. In comparison, infection with either of TBEV strains in human astrocytes did not. Differential expression and splicing analyses with an in silico prediction of miRNA/mRNA/lncRNA/vd-sRNA networks found significant changes in inflammatory and immune response pathways, nervous system development and regulation of mitosis in TBEV Hypr-infected neurons. Candidate mechanisms responsible for the aforementioned phenomena include specific regulation of host mRNA levels via differentially expressed miRNAs/lncRNAs or vd-sRNAs mimicking endogenous miRNAs and virus-driven modulation of host pre-mRNA splicing. We suggest that these factors are responsible for the observed differences in the virulence manifestation of both TBEV strains in different cell lines. This work brings the first complex overview of alterations in the transcriptome of human astrocytes and neurons during the infection by two TBEV strains of different virulence. The resulting data could serve as a starting point for further studies dealing with the mechanism of TBEV-host interactions and the related processes of TBEV pathogenesis.
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15
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Zhan S, Wang Y, Chen X. RNA virus-encoded microRNAs: biogenesis, functions and perspectives on application. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 2:15. [PMID: 33209991 PMCID: PMC7548135 DOI: 10.1186/s41544-020-00056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level and play a crucial role in development and many diseases. The discovery of miRNAs has greatly expanded our understanding of the intricate scenario of genome-wide regulation. Over the last two decades, hundreds of virus-encoded miRNAs have been identified, most of which are from DNA viruses. Although the number of reported RNA virus-derived miRNAs is increasing, current knowledge of their roles in physiological and pathological processes has remained lacking. In this review, we discuss the biogenesis and biological functions of RNA virus- encoded miRNAs and their proposed roles in virus-host interactions and further underscore their potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubin Zhan
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Yanbo Wang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
| | - Xi Chen
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, NJU Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023 China
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16
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Mohammadzadeh I, Qujeq D, Yousefi T, Ferns GA, Maniati M, Vaghari-Tabari M. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing: A new therapeutic approach in the treatment of infection and autoimmunity. IUBMB Life 2020; 72:1603-1621. [PMID: 32344465 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein9) may be viewed as an adaptive bacterial immune system. When a virus infects a bacterium, a fragment of the virus genome is inserted into the CRISPR sequence of the bacterial genome as a memory. When the bacterium becomes infected again with the same virus, an RNA molecule that is a transcript of the memory sequence, directs Cas9, an endonuclease, to the complementary region of the virus genome, and Cas9 disables the virus by a double-strand break. In recent years, studies have shown that by designing synthetic RNA molecules and delivering them along with Cas9 into eukaryotic cells, different regions of the cell's genome can be targeted and manipulated. These findings have drawn much attention to this new technology and it has been shown that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing can be used to treat some human diseases. These include infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. In this review article, in addition to a brief overview of the biology of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we collected the most recent findings on the applications of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for better investigation of the pathogenesis and treatment of viral infections (human immunodeficiency virus infection, hepatitis virus infections, and onco-virus infections), non-viral infections (parasitic, fungal, and bacterial infections), and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iraj Mohammadzadeh
- Non-Communicable Pediatric Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Durdi Qujeq
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center (CMBRC), Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Tooba Yousefi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Mahmood Maniati
- English Department, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mostafa Vaghari-Tabari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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17
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Barbu MG, Condrat CE, Thompson DC, Bugnar OL, Cretoiu D, Toader OD, Suciu N, Voinea SC. MicroRNA Involvement in Signaling Pathways During Viral Infection. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:143. [PMID: 32211411 PMCID: PMC7075948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of miRNAs started in 1993, when Lee et al. observed their involvement in the downregulation of a crucial protein known as LIN-14 in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Since then, great progress has been made regarding research on microRNAs, which are now known to be involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes in both animals and humans. One such example is represented by their interaction with various signaling pathways during viral infections. It has been observed that these pathogens can induce the up-/downregulation of various host miRNAs in order to elude the host’s immune system. In contrast, some miRNAs studied could have an antiviral effect, enabling the defense mechanisms to fight the infection or, at the very least, they could induce the pathogen to enter a latent state. At the same time, some viruses encode their own miRNAs, which could further modulate the host’s signaling pathways, thus favoring the survival and replication of the virus. The goal of this extensive literature review was to present how miRNAs are involved in the regulation of various signaling pathways in some of the most important and well-studied human viral infections. Further on, knowing which miRNAs are involved in various viral infections and what role they play could aid in the development of antiviral therapeutic agents for certain diseases that do not have a definitive cure in the present. The clinical applications of miRNAs are extremely important, as miRNAs targeted inhibition may have substantial therapeutic impact. Inhibition of miRNAs can be achieved through many different methods, but chemically modified antisense oligonucleotides have shown the most prominent effects. Though scientists are far from completely understanding all the molecular mechanisms behind the complex cross-talks between miRNA pathways and viral infections, the general knowledge is increasing on the different roles played by miRNAs during viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Gabriela Barbu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carmen Elena Condrat
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Claudia Thompson
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Larisa Bugnar
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dragos Cretoiu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Histology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Daniela Toader
- Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicolae Suciu
- Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Fetal Medicine Excellence Research Center, Bucharest, Romania.,Division of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Alessandrescu-Rusescu National Institute for Mother and Child Health, Polizu Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Silviu Cristian Voinea
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Prof. Dr. Alexandru Trestioreanu, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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18
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Mishra R, Kumar A, Ingle H, Kumar H. The Interplay Between Viral-Derived miRNAs and Host Immunity During Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3079. [PMID: 32038626 PMCID: PMC6989438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression during cellular processes. The host-encoded miRNAs are known to modulate the antiviral defense during viral infection. In the last decade, multiple DNA and RNA viruses have been shown to produce miRNAs known as viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) so as to evade the host immune response. In this review, we highlight the origin and biogenesis of viral miRNAs during the viral lifecycle. We also explore the role of viral miRNAs in immune evasion and hence in maintaining chronic infection and disease. Finally, we offer insights into the underexplored role of viral miRNAs as potential targets for developing therapeutics for treating complex viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Mishra
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Harshad Ingle
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, United States
| | - Himanshu Kumar
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Disease Biology, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India.,Laboratory of Host Defense, WPI Immunology, Frontier Research Centre, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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19
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Das AT, Pasternak AO, Berkhout B. On the generation of the MSD-Ѱ class of defective HIV proviruses. Retrovirology 2019; 16:19. [PMID: 31296234 PMCID: PMC6625037 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-019-0481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively suppress ongoing HIV replication and block disease progression, but the infection is never cured due to the persistence of a small pool of latently infected cells hosting integrated replication-competent HIV proviruses. However, the vast majority of HIV proviruses in ART-treated patients are replication-incompetent due to a variety of genetic defects. Most defective proviruses (around 90%) contain large internal deletions or are G-to-A hypermutated, resulting in destruction of most if not all viral open reading frames, which is consistent with the idea that cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) effectively remove cells that produce viral antigens. An intriguing subclass of defective proviruses (around 10%) that are consistently detected in such patients carry a small deletion or a point mutation in a relatively precise and well conserved region near the 5ʹ end of the HIV genome, in the area that encodes the major splice donor (MSD) site and the packaging signal Ѱ in the viral RNA genome. Why this subclass of proviruses is defective has never been properly understood. We now propose a mechanistic scenario for how these MSD-Ѱ mutations can prevent viral protein expression. Based on ample results in literature, we argue that MSD inactivation triggers the activity of the 5ʹ-polyadenylation site, resulting in the production of ultra-short non-protein-coding HIV transcripts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atze T Das
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander O Pasternak
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
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20
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Zhong Y, Zhu F, Ding Y. Differential microRNA expression profile in the plasma of preeclampsia and normal pregnancies. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:826-832. [PMID: 31281456 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a common disease in pregnant women that can only be diagnosed from 20 weeks after fertilization. Developing early diagnosis markers is urgent and would be helpful in selecting appropriate treatment strategies. The present study aimed to identify the differential expression profiles of microRNAs in the plasma between patients with preeclampsia and normal pregnancies using microarray methods. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) identified from the microarray analysis were validated. A total of 3 miRNAs, including hsa-miR-1304-5p, hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-5002-5p, were upregulated in the plasma of patients with preeclampsia pregnancies. Examination of the functions of these miRNAs demonstrated that they were involved in cell proliferation, indicating that preeclampsia affected this pathway. In addition, 26 downregulated miRNAs were identified by microarray methods. The functions of these miRNAs included immune regulation, vascular development, cancer pathology and pathology of other disease (tuberculosis, oligozoospermia, psoriasis and Alzheimer's disease). Using qPCR, the most differentially expressed miRNAs were confirmed to be hsa-miR-1304-5p, hsa-miR-320a and hsa-miR-5002-5p, which were upregulated, as well as hsa-miR-188-3p, hsa-miR-211-5p, hiv1-miR-TAR-3p, hsa-miR-4432 and hsa-miR-4498 that were significantly downregulated in the plasma of preeclampsia patients. The present findings may be useful in the development of early diagnosis markers and treatment targets for preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhong
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Fufan Zhu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yiling Ding
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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21
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Zhang Y, Zhang H. RNAa Induced by TATA Box-Targeting MicroRNAs. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019. [PMID: 28639194 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-4310-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies reveal that some nuclear microRNAs (miRNA) and synthesized siRNAs target gene promoters to activate gene transcription (RNAa). Interestingly, our group identified a novel HIV-1-encoded miRNA, miR-H3, which targets specifically the core promoter TATA box of HIV-1 and activates viral gene expression. Depletion of miR-H3 significantly impaired the replication of HIV-1. miR-H3 mimics could activate viruses from CD4+ T cells isolated from patients receiving suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy, which is very intriguing for reducing HIV-1 latent reservoir. Further study revealed that many cellular miRNAs also function like miR-H3. For instance, let-7i targets the TATA box of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) promoter and upregulates IL-2 expression in T-lymphocytes. In RNAa induced by TATA box-targeting miRNAs, Argonaute (AGO) proteins are needed, but there is no evidence for the involvement of promoter-associated transcripts or epigenetic modifications. We propose that the binding of small RNA-AGO complex to TATA box could facilitate the assembly of RNA Polymerase II transcription preinitiation complex. In addition, synthesized small RNAs targeting TATA box can also efficiently activate transcription of interested genes, such as insulin, IL-2, and c-Myc. The discovery of RNAa induced by TATA box-targeting miRNA provides an easy-to-use tool for activating gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.,Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China.
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22
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Maity D, Kumar S, Curreli F, Debnath AK, Hamilton AD. α‐Helix‐Mimetic Foldamers for Targeting HIV‐1 TAR RNA. Chemistry 2019; 25:7265-7269. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201900139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debabrata Maity
- Department of ChemistryNew York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Department of ChemistryNew York University New York New York 10003 USA
| | - Francesca Curreli
- Lindsey F. Kimball Research InstituteNew York Blood Center New York New York 10065 USA
| | - Asim K. Debnath
- Lindsey F. Kimball Research InstituteNew York Blood Center New York New York 10065 USA
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23
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Chen L, Zhang S, Pan X, Hu X, Zhang YH, Yuan F, Huang T, Cai YD. HIV infection alters the human epigenetic landscape. Gene Ther 2018; 26:29-39. [PMID: 30443044 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-018-0051-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Many complex diseases or traits are the results of both genetic and environmental factors. The environmental factors affect the human body by modifying its epigenetics, which controls the activity of genomes without mutating it. Viral infection is one of the common environmental factors for complex diseases. For example, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), HBV, and HCV infections are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, and human papillomavirus infection is a causal factor in cervical carcinoma. In this study, to investigate how HIV infection affects DNA methylation, we analyzed the blood DNA methylation data of 485 512 sites in 44 HIV- and 142 HIV + patients. Several advanced computational methods were applied to identify the core distinctive features that were different between the HIV patients and the healthy controls. These methods can be used for differentiating HIV-infected patients from uninfected ones. These core distinctive DNA methylation features were confirmed to be functionally connected to premature aging and abnormal immune regulation, two typical pathological symptoms of HIV infection, revealing the potential regulatory mechanisms of HIV infection on the DNA methylation status of the host cells and provided novel insights on the pathogenesis of HIV infection and AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of PMMP, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Xiaoyong Pan
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - XiaoHua Hu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yu-Hang Zhang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Fei Yuan
- Department of Science & Technology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256603, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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24
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The Role of miRNAs in Virus-Mediated Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041217. [PMID: 29673190 PMCID: PMC5979478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, viruses are reported to be responsible for more than 15% of all tumors worldwide. The oncogenesis could be influenced directly by the activity of viral oncoproteins or by the chronic infection or inflammation. The group of human oncoviruses includes Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) or polyomaviruses, and transregulating retroviruses such as HIV or HTLV-1. Most of these viruses express short noncoding RNAs called miRNAs to regulate their own gene expression or to influence host gene expression and thus contribute to the carcinogenic processes. In this review, we will focus on oncogenic viruses and summarize the role of both types of miRNAs, viral as well as host’s, in the oncogenesis.
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25
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Are microRNAs Important Players in HIV-1 Infection? An Update. Viruses 2018; 10:v10030110. [PMID: 29510515 PMCID: PMC5869503 DOI: 10.3390/v10030110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 has already claimed over 35 million human lives globally. No curative treatments are currently available, and the only treatment option for over 36 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS are antiretroviral drugs that disrupt the function of virus-encoded proteins. However, such virus-targeted therapeutic strategies are constrained by the ability of the virus to develop drug-resistance. Despite major advances in HIV/AIDS research over the years, substantial knowledge gaps exist in many aspects of HIV-1 replication, especially its interaction with the host. Hence, understanding the mechanistic details of virus–host interactions may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the prevention and/or management of HIV/AIDS. Notably, unprecedented progress in deciphering host gene silencing processes mediated by several classes of cellular small non-coding RNAs (sncRNA) presents a promising and timely opportunity for developing non-traditional antiviral therapeutic strategies. Cellular microRNAs (miRNA) belong to one such important class of sncRNAs that regulate protein synthesis. Evidence is mounting that cellular miRNAs play important roles in viral replication, either usurped by the virus to promote its replication or employed by the host to control viral infection by directly targeting the viral genome or by targeting cellular proteins required for productive virus replication. In this review, we summarize the findings to date on the role of miRNAs in HIV-1 biology.
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Zhang X, Ma X, Jing S, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Non-coding RNAs and retroviruses. Retrovirology 2018; 15:20. [PMID: 29426337 PMCID: PMC5807749 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-018-0403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses can cause severe diseases such as cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. A unique feature in the life cycle of retroviruses is that their RNA genome is reverse transcribed into double-stranded DNA, which then integrates into the host genome to exploit the host machinery for their benefits. The metazoan genome encodes numerous non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), which act as key regulators in essential cellular processes such as antiviral response. The development of next-generation sequencing technology has greatly accelerated the detection of ncRNAs from viruses and their hosts. ncRNAs have been shown to play important roles in the retroviral life cycle and virus–host interactions. Here, we review recent advances in ncRNA studies with special focus on those have changed our understanding of retroviruses or provided novel strategies to treat retrovirus-related diseases. Many ncRNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in the late phase of the retroviral life cycle. However, their roles in the early phase of viral replication merit further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shuliang Jing
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control of Ministry of Education, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China. .,Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Antimicrobial Agent and Immunotechnology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Fruci D, Rota R, Gallo A. The Role of HCMV and HIV-1 MicroRNAs: Processing, and Mechanisms of Action during Viral Infection. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:689. [PMID: 28484438 PMCID: PMC5399795 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses infect host cells releasing their genome (DNA or RNA) containing all information needed to replicate themselves. The viral genome takes control of the cells and helps the virus to evade the host immune system. Some viruses alter the functions of infected cells without killing them. In some cases infected cells lose control over normal cell proliferation and becomes cancerous. Viruses, such as HCMV and HIV-1, may leave their viral genome in the host cells for a certain period (latency) and begin to replicate when the cells are stressed causing diseases. HCMV and HIV-1 have developed multiple strategies to avoid recognition and elimination by the host’s immune system. These strategies rely on viral products that mimic specific components of the host cells to prevent immune recognition of virally infected cells. In addition to viral proteins, viruses encode short non-coding RNAs (vmiRNAs) that regulate both viral and host cellular transcripts to favor viral infection and actively curtail the host’s antiviral immune response. In this review, we will give an overview of the general functions of microRNAs generated by HCMV and HIV-1, their processing and interaction with the host’s immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doriana Fruci
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere ScientificoRome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere ScientificoRome, Italy
| | - Angela Gallo
- RNA Editing Laboratory, Oncohaematology Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere ScientificoRome, Italy
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Development of Small Molecules with a Noncanonical Binding Mode to HIV-1 Trans Activation Response (TAR) RNA. J Med Chem 2016; 59:11148-11160. [PMID: 28002966 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules that bind to RNA potently and specifically are relatively rare. The study of molecules that bind to the HIV-1 transactivation response (TAR) hairpin, a cis-acting HIV genomic element, has long been an important model system for the chemistry of targeting RNA. Here we report the synthesis, biochemical, and structural evaluation of a series of molecules that bind to HIV-1 TAR RNA. A promising analogue, 15, retained the TAR binding affinity of the initial hit and displaced a Tat-derived peptide with an IC50 of 40 μM. NMR characterization of a soluble analogue, 2, revealed a noncanonical binding mode for this class of compounds. Finally, evaluation of 2 and 15 by selective 2'-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) indicates specificity in binding to TAR within the context of an in vitro-synthesized 365-nt HIV-1 5'-untranslated region (UTR). Thus, these compounds exhibit a novel and specific mode of interaction with TAR, providing important suggestions for RNA ligand design.
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Flór TB, Blom B. Pathogens Use and Abuse MicroRNAs to Deceive the Immune System. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:538. [PMID: 27070595 PMCID: PMC4848994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence has demonstrated that microRNAs (miRs) play a role in the survival and amplification of viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. There are various ways in which pathogens can benefit from miR-directed alterations in protein translation and signal transduction. Members of the herpesviridae family have previously been shown to encode multiple miRs, while the production of miRs by viruses like HIV-1 remained controversial. Recently, novel techniques have facilitated the elucidation of true miR targets by establishing miR-argonaute association and the subsequent interactions with their cognate cellular mRNAs. This, in combination with miR reporter assays, has generated physiologically relevant evidence that miRs from the herpesviridae family have the potential to downregulate multiple cellular targets, which are involved in immune activation, cytokine signaling and apoptosis. In addition, viruses and bacteria have also been linked to the induction of host cellular miRs, which have the capacity to mitigate immune activation, cytokine signaling and apoptosis. Interfering with miR expression may be clinically relevant. In the case of hepatitis C infection, the cellular miR-122 is already targeted therapeutically. This not only exemplifies how important miRs can be for the survival of specific viruses, but it also delineates the potential to use miRs as drug targets. In this paper we will review the latest reports on viruses and bacteria that abuse miR regulation for their benefit, which may be of interest in the development of miR-directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Flór
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Bianca Blom
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
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Harwig A, Jongejan A, van Kampen AHC, Berkhout B, Das AT. Tat-dependent production of an HIV-1 TAR-encoded miRNA-like small RNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2016; 44:4340-53. [PMID: 26984525 PMCID: PMC4872094 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that retroviruses can produce microRNAs (miRNAs). To prevent cleavage of their RNA genome, retroviruses have to use an alternative RNA source as miRNA precursor. The transacting responsive (TAR) hairpin structure in HIV-1 RNA has been suggested as source for miRNAs, but how these small RNAs are produced without impeding virus replication remained unclear. We used deep sequencing analysis of AGO2-bound HIV-1 RNAs to demonstrate that the 3′ side of the TAR hairpin is processed into a miRNA-like small RNA. This ∼21 nt RNA product is able to repress the expression of mRNAs bearing a complementary target sequence. Analysis of the small RNAs produced by wild-type and mutant HIV-1 variants revealed that non-processive transcription from the HIV-1 LTR promoter results in the production of short TAR RNAs that serve as precursor. These TAR RNAs are cleaved by Dicer and processing is stimulated by the viral Tat protein. This biogenesis pathway differs from the canonical miRNA pathway and allows HIV-1 to produce the TAR-encoded miRNA-like molecule without cleavage of the RNA genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Harwig
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo Jongejan
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine H C van Kampen
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands Biosystems Data Analysis, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Atze T Das
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wang P, Qu X, Zhou X, Shen Y, Ji H, Fu Z, Deng J, Lu P, Yu W, Lu H, Zhu H. Two cellular microRNAs, miR-196b and miR-1290, contribute to HIV-1 latency. Virology 2015; 486:228-38. [PMID: 26469550 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the mechanism of HIV-1 latency is crucial to the viral reservoir eradication. Human cellular miRNAs can modulate HIV-1 expression by targeting of viral RNAs or host gene transcripts. To identify miRNAs modulating HIV-1 latency, we determined the miRNA expression profiles of HIV-1 latently infected and productively infected cells by microarray and qRT-PCR. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-196b and miR-1290 targeted the 3' untranslated region of HIV-1 and affected its expression. Ectopic expression of these two miRNAs efficiently suppressed HIV-1 production and infectivity. Specific inhibitors of these miRNAs substantially counteracted their effects on HIV-1, as measured either as viral production and infectivity in HEK-293T cells or as HIV-1 RNA expression or viral production in cells isolated from HIV-1-infected individuals. Our study emphasizes the role of cellular miRNAs in HIV-1 latency regulation, and it suggests that inhibitors of miR-196b and miR-1290 could be used to activate latent HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiying Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinzhong Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haiyan Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junxiao Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panpan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huanzhang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, and Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Health, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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HIV-1 RNAs: sense and antisense, large mRNAs and small siRNAs and miRNAs. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2015; 10:103-9. [PMID: 25565176 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review summarizes recent findings concerning the ever-growing HIV-1 RNA population. RECENT FINDINGS The retrovirus HIV-1 has an RNA genome that is converted into DNA and is integrated into the genome of the infected host cell. Transcription from the long terminal repeat-encoded promoter results in the production of a full-length genomic RNA and multiple spliced mRNAs. Recent experiments, mainly based on next-generation sequencing, provided evidence for several additional HIV-encoded RNAs, including antisense RNAs and virus-encoded microRNAs. SUMMARY We will survey recent findings related to HIV-1 RNA biosynthesis, especially regulatory mechanisms that control initiation of transcription, capping and polyadenylation. We zoom in on the diversity of HIV-1 derived RNA transcripts, their mode of synthesis and proposed functions in the infected cell. Special attention is paid to the viral transacting responsive RNA hairpin motif that has been suggested to encode microRNAs.
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Abstract
The discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the elucidation of the mechanisms by which they affect different disease states are providing researchers with a better understanding of a wide array of disease pathways. Moreover, lncRNAs are presenting themselves as both unique diagnostic biomarkers as well as novel targets against which to develop new therapeutics. Here we will explore the intricate network of non-coding RNAs associated with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Non-coding RNAs derived from both the human host as well as those from HIV itself are emerging as important regulatory elements. We discuss here the various mechanisms through which both small and long non-coding RNAs impact viral replication, pathogenesis and disease progression. Given the lack of an effective vaccine or cure for HIV and the scale of the current pandemic, a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between non-coding RNAs and HIV will support the development of innovative strategies for the treatment of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Lazar
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Kevin V Morris
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; School of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sheena M Saayman
- Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Iordanskiy S, Van Duyne R, Sampey GC, Woodson CM, Fry K, Saifuddin M, Guo J, Wu Y, Romerio F, Kashanchi F. Therapeutic doses of irradiation activate viral transcription and induce apoptosis in HIV-1 infected cells. Virology 2015; 485:1-15. [PMID: 26184775 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The highly active antiretroviral therapy reduces HIV-1 RNA in plasma to undetectable levels. However, the virus continues to persist in the long-lived resting CD4(+) T cells, macrophages and astrocytes which form a viral reservoir in infected individuals. Reactivation of viral transcription is critical since the host immune response in combination with antiretroviral therapy may eradicate the virus. Using the chronically HIV-1 infected T lymphoblastoid and monocytic cell lines, primary quiescent CD4(+) T cells and humanized mice infected with dual-tropic HIV-1 89.6, we examined the effect of various X-ray irradiation (IR) doses (used for HIV-related lymphoma treatment and lower doses) on HIV-1 transcription and viability of infected cells. Treatment of both T cells and monocytes with IR, a well-defined stress signal, led to increase of HIV-1 transcription, as evidenced by the presence of RNA polymerase II and reduction of HDAC1 and methyl transferase SUV39H1 on the HIV-1 promoter. This correlated with the increased GFP signal and elevated level of intracellular HIV-1 RNA in the IR-treated quiescent CD4(+) T cells infected with GFP-encoding HIV-1. Exposition of latently HIV-1infected monocytes treated with PKC agonist bryostatin 1 to IR enhanced transcription activation effect of this latency-reversing agent. Increased HIV-1 replication after IR correlated with higher cell death: the level of phosphorylated Ser46 in p53, responsible for apoptosis induction, was markedly higher in the HIV-1 infected cells following IR treatment. Exposure of HIV-1 infected humanized mice with undetectable viral RNA level to IR resulted in a significant increase of HIV-1 RNA in plasma, lung and brain tissues. Collectively, these data point to the use of low to moderate dose of IR alone or in combination with HIV-1 transcription activators as a potential application for the "Shock and Kill" strategy for latently HIV-1 infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Iordanskiy
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Rachel Van Duyne
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Gavin C Sampey
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Caitlin M Woodson
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Kelsi Fry
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Mohammed Saifuddin
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Jia Guo
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Yuntao Wu
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Fabio Romerio
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Fatah Kashanchi
- School of Systems Biology, Laboratory of Molecular Virology, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA.
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Swaminathan S, Kelleher AD. MicroRNA modulation of key targets associated with T cell exhaustion in HIV-1 infection. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2015; 9:464-71. [PMID: 25023625 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The emergence of studies linking microRNAs (miRNAs), a species of small RNA molecules important in gene regulation, with HIV-1 infection has led to a better understanding of the complex molecular changes that occur following infection. We aim to discuss these changes and show how miRNAs may be involved with regulating key immunomodulatory molecules linked to T cell exhaustion at the post-transcriptional level. RECENT FINDINGS Blimp-1 is a recently described T cell exhaustion marker. Reduced levels of miR-9 have been shown to have a functional role in the higher levels of Blimp-1 in CD4 T cells from patients with HIV-1 infection. Reduced levels of let-7 miRNAs have been linked to higher levels of IL-10, again with potential pathophysiological significance in HIV-1 infection. The advent of deep sequencing technologies is allowing detection of virally derived miRNAs expressed at extremely low levels, although some controversy still exists. SUMMARY miRNAs have emerged as important players in the T cell dysfunction observed with HIV-1 infection. It is likely that they may emerge as novel markers of T cell dysfunction and provide potential targets for new therapeutics to reverse dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Swaminathan
- aDepartment of Clinical Immunology, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals bSydney Medical School, University of Sydney cSchool of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, Sydney dImmunovirology Laboratory, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst eThe Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
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Quaranta MT, Olivetta E, Sanchez M, Spinello I, Paolillo R, Arenaccio C, Federico M, Labbaye C. miR-146a controls CXCR4 expression in a pathway that involves PLZF and can be used to inhibit HIV-1 infection of CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Virology 2015; 478:27-38. [PMID: 25705792 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA miR-146a and PLZF are reported as major players in the control of hematopoiesis, immune function and cancer. PLZF is described as a miR-146a repressor, whereas CXCR4 and TRAF6 were identified as miR-146a direct targets in different cell types. CXCR4 is a co-receptor of CD4 molecule that facilitates HIV-1 entry into T lymphocytes and myeloid cells, whereas TRAF6 is involved in immune response. Thus, the role of miR-146a in HIV-1 infection is currently being thoroughly investigated. In this study, we found that PLZF mediates suppression of miR-146a to control increases of CXCR4 and TRAF6 protein levels in human primary CD4(+) T lymphocytes. We show that miR-146a upregulation by AMD3100 treatment or PLZF silencing, decreases CXCR4 protein expression and prevents HIV-1 infection of leukemic monocytic cell line and CD4(+) T lymphocytes. Our findings improve the prospects of developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent HIV-1 entry via CXCR4 by using the PLZF/miR-146a axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Quaranta
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Sanchez
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Spinello
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Paolillo
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Arenaccio
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy; Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Catherine Labbaye
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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HIV Latency and the noncoding RNA therapeutic landscape. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 848:169-89. [PMID: 25757621 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2432-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) belongs to the subfamily of lentiviruses that are characterized by long incubation periods and chronic, persistent infection. The virus integrates into the genome of infected CD4+ cells and, in a subpopulation of cells, adopts a transcriptionally silent state, a process referred to a viral latency. This property makes it exceedingly difficult to therapeutically target the virus and eradicate infection. If left untreated, the inexorable demise of the infected individual's immune system ensues, a causal result of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Latently infected cells provide a reservoir that maintains viral infection indefinitely. In this chapter we explore the role of noncoding RNAs in HIV infection and in the establishment and maintenance of viral latency. Both short and long noncoding RNAs are endogenous modulators of epigenetic regulation in human cells and play an active role in gene expression. Lastly, we explore therapeutic modalities based on expressed RNAs that are capable of countering infection, transcriptionally regulating the virus, and suppressing or activating the latent state.
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Bernard MA, Zhao H, Yue SC, Anandaiah A, Koziel H, Tachado SD. Novel HIV-1 miRNAs stimulate TNFα release in human macrophages via TLR8 signaling pathway. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106006. [PMID: 25191859 PMCID: PMC4156304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To determine whether HIV-1 produces microRNAs and elucidate whether these miRNAs can induce inflammatory response in macrophages (independent of the conventional miRNA function in RNA interference) leading to chronic immune activation. Methods Using sensitive quantitative Real Time RT-PCR and sequencing, we detected novel HIV-derived miRNAs in the sera of HIV+ persons, and associated with exosomes. Release of TNFα by macrophages challenged with HIV miRNAs was measured by ELISA. Results HIV infection of primary alveolar macrophages produced elevated levels of viral microRNAs vmiR88, vmiR99 and vmiR-TAR in cell extracts and in exosome preparations from conditioned medium. Furthermore, these miRNAs were also detected in exosome fraction of sera from HIV-infected persons. Importantly, vmiR88 and vmiR99 (but not vmiR-TAR) stimulated human macrophage TNFα release, which is dependent on macrophage TLR8 expression. These data support a potential role for HIV-derived vmiRNAs released from infected macrophages as contributing to chronic immune activation in HIV-infected persons, and may represent a novel therapeutic target to limit AIDS pathogenesis. Conclusion Novel HIV vmiR88 and vmiR99 are present in the systemic circulation of HIV+ persons and could exhibit biological function (independent of gene silencing) as ligands for TLR8 signaling that promote macrophage TNFα release, and may contribute to chronic immune activation. Targeting novel HIV-derived miRNAs may represent a therapeutic strategy to limit chronic immune activation and AIDS progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Bernard
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hui Zhao
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Simon C. Yue
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Asha Anandaiah
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Henry Koziel
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Souvenir D. Tachado
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bouwman RD, Palser A, Parry CM, Coulter E, Rasaiyaah J, Kellam P, Jenner RG. Human immunodeficiency virus Tat associates with a specific set of cellular RNAs. Retrovirology 2014; 11:53. [PMID: 24990269 PMCID: PMC4086691 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 (HIV-1) exhibits a wide range of interactions with the host cell but whether viral proteins interact with cellular RNA is not clear. A candidate interacting factor is the trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein. Tat is required for expression of virus genes but activates transcription through an unusual mechanism; binding to an RNA stem-loop, the transactivation response element (TAR), with the host elongation factor P-TEFb. HIV-1 Tat has also been shown to alter the expression of host genes during infection, contributing to viral pathogenesis but, whether Tat also interacts with cellular RNAs is unknown. RESULTS Using RNA immunoprecipitation coupled with microarray analysis, we have discovered that HIV-1 Tat is associated with a specific set of human mRNAs in T cells. mRNAs bound by Tat share a stem-loop structural element and encode proteins with common biological roles. In contrast, we do not find evidence that Tat associates with microRNAs or the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The interaction of Tat with cellular RNA requires an intact RNA binding domain and Tat RNA binding is linked to an increase in RNA abundance in cell lines and during infection of primary CD4+ T cells by HIV. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that Tat interacts with a specific set of human mRNAs in T cells, many of which show changes in abundance in response to Tat and HIV infection. This work uncovers a previously unrecognised interaction between HIV and its host that may contribute to viral alteration of the host cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Richard G Jenner
- MRC Centre for Medical Molecular Virology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Harwig A, Das AT, Berkhout B. Retroviral microRNAs. Curr Opin Virol 2014; 7:47-54. [PMID: 24769093 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2014.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells and several DNA viruses encode miRNAs to regulate the expression of specific target genes. It has been controversial whether RNA viruses can encode such miRNAs as miRNA excision may lead to cleavage of the viral RNA genome. We will focus on the retrovirus family, HIV-1 in particular, and discuss the production of virus-encoded miRNAs and their putative function in the viral replication cycle. An intricate scenario of multi-layer virus-host interactions becomes apparent with small RNAs as the regulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Harwig
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Atze T Das
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ben Berkhout
- Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Zhang Y, Fan M, Geng G, Liu B, Huang Z, Luo H, Zhou J, Guo X, Cai W, Zhang H. A novel HIV-1-encoded microRNA enhances its viral replication by targeting the TATA box region. Retrovirology 2014; 11:23. [PMID: 24620741 PMCID: PMC4007588 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A lot of microRNAs (miRNAs) derived from viral genomes have been identified. Many of them play various important roles in virus replication and virus-host interaction. Cellular miRNAs have been shown to participate in the regulation of HIV-1 viral replication, while the role of viral-encoded miRNAs in this process is largely unknown. Results In this report, through a strategy combining computational prediction and deep sequencing, we identified a novel HIV-1-encoded miRNA, miR-H3. MiR-H3 locates in the mRNA region encoding the active center of reverse transcriptase (RT) and exhibits high sequence conservation among different subtypes of HIV-1 viruses. Overexpression of miR-H3 increases viral production and the mutations in miR-H3 sequence significantly impair the viral replication of wildtype HIV-1 viruses, suggesting that it is a replication-enhancing miRNA. MiR-H3 upregulates HIV-1 RNA transcription and protein expression. A serial deletion assay suggests that miR-H3 targets HIV-1 5′ LTR and upregulates the promoter activity. It interacts with the TATA box in HIV-1 5′ LTR and sequence-specifically activates the viral transcription. In addition, chemically-synthesized small RNAs targeting HIV-1 TATA box activate HIV-1 production from resting CD4+ T cells isolated from HIV-1-infected patients on suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Conclusions We have identified a novel HIV-1-encoded miRNA which specifically enhances viral production and provide a specific method to activate HIV-1 latency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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Epstein-Barr virus utilizes Ikaros in regulating its latent-lytic switch in B cells. J Virol 2014; 88:4811-27. [PMID: 24522918 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03706-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ikaros is a zinc finger DNA-binding protein that regulates chromatin remodeling and the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle, apoptosis, and Notch signaling. It is a master regulator of lymphocyte differentiation and functions as a tumor suppressor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nevertheless, no previous reports described effects of Ikaros on the life cycle of any human lymphotropic virus. Here, we demonstrate that full-length Ikaros (IK-1) functions as a major factor in the maintenance of viral latency in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive Burkitt's lymphoma Sal and MutuI cell lines. Either silencing of Ikaros expression by small hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown or ectopic expression of a non-DNA-binding isoform induced lytic gene expression. These effects synergized with other lytic inducers of EBV, including transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and the hypoxia mimic desferrioxamine. Data from chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ChIP-sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses indicated that Ikaros did not bind to either of the EBV immediate early genes BZLF1 and BRLF1. Rather, Ikaros affected the expression of Oct-2 and Bcl-6, other transcription factors that directly inhibit EBV reactivation and plasma cell differentiation, respectively. IK-1 also complexed with the EBV immediate early R protein in coimmunoprecipitation assays and partially colocalized with R within cells. The presence of R alleviated IK-1-mediated transcriptional repression, with IK-1 then cooperating with Z and R to enhance lytic gene expression. Thus, we conclude that Ikaros plays distinct roles at different stages of EBV's life cycle: it contributes to maintaining latency via indirect mechanisms, and it may also synergize with Z and R to enhance lytic replication through direct association with R and/or R-induced alterations in Ikaros' functional activities via cellular signaling pathways. IMPORTANCE This is the first report showing that the cellular protein Ikaros, a known master regulator of hematopoiesis and critical tumor suppressor in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also plays important roles in the life cycle of Epstein-Barr virus in B cells.
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