OP0112 THE EVER-LARGEST ASIAN GWAS FOR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND TRANS-POPULATION META-ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED SEVEN NOVEL LOCI AND A CANDIDATE CAUSAL SNP IN A CIS-REGULATORY ELEMENT OF THE FCGR REGION

Background

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified 29 disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in non-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) regions (1-7). While these GWASs have clarified genetic architectures of SSc, study subjects were mainly Caucasians limiting application of the findings to Asians.

Objectives

The study was conducted to identify novel causal variants for SSc specific to Japanese subjects as well as those shared with European population. We also aimed to clarify mechanistic effects of the variants on pathogenesis of SSc.

Methods

A total of 114,108 subjects comprising 1,499 cases and 112,609 controls were enrolled in the two-staged study leading to the ever-largest Asian GWAS for SSc. After applying a strict quality control both for genotype and samples, imputation was conducted using the reference panel of the phase 3v5 1,000 genome project data combined with a high-depth whole-genome sequence data of 3,256 Japanese subjects. We conducted logistic regression analyses and also combined the Japanese GWAS results with those of Europeans (6) by an inverse-variance fixed-effect model. Polygenicity and enrichment of functional annotations were evaluated by linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Haploreg and IMPACT programs. We also constructed polygenic risk score (PRS) to predict SSc development.

Results

We identified three (FCRLA-FCGR, TNFAIP3, PLD4) and four (EOMES, ESR1, SLC12A5, TPI1P2) novel loci in Japanese GWAS and a trans-population meta-analysis, respectively. One of Japanese novel risk SNPs, rs6697139, located within FCGR gene clusters had a strong effect size (OR 2.05, P=4.9×10-11). We also found the complete LD variant, rs10917688, was positioned in cis-regulatory element and binding motif for an immunomodulatory transcription factor IRF8 in B cells, another genome-wide significant locus in our trans-ethnic meta-analysis and the previous European GWAS. Notably, the association of risk allele of rs10917688 was significant only in the presence of the risk allele of the IRF8. Intriguingly, rs10917688 was annotated as one enhancer-related histone marks, H3K4me1, in B cells, implying that FCGR gene(s) in B cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc. Furhtermore, significant heritability enrichment of active histone marks and a transcription factor C-Myc were found in B cells both in European and Japanese populations by LDSC and IMPACT, highlighting a possibility of a shared disease mechanism where abnormal B-cell activation may be one of the key drivers for the disease development. Finally, PRS using effects sizes of European GWAS moderately fit in the development of Japanese SSc (AUC 0.593), paving a path to personalized medicine for SSc.

Conclusion

Our study identified seven novel susceptibility loci in SSc. Downstream analyses highlighted a novel disease mechanism of SSc where an interactive role of FCGR gene(s) and IRF8 may accelerate the disease development and B cells may play a key role on the pathogenesis of SSc.

References

[1]F. C. Arnett et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2010.

[2]T. R. Radstake et al. Nat Genet, 2010.

[3]Y. Allanore et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[4]O. Gorlova et al. PLoS Genet, 2011.

[5]C. Terao et al. Ann Rheum Dis, 2017.

[6]E. López-Isac et al. Nat Commun, 2019.

[7]W. Pu et al. J Invest Dermatol, 2021.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

Expression of telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) mRNA does not predict survival in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that synthesizes telomeric repeats onto chromosomal ends using a segment of its RNA component as a template. Its activity has become an established indicator of the diagnosis, biological behavior, and prognosis of several tumors. However, few studies have investigated the diagnostic and prognostic importance of the expression of telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) mRNA in transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (TCC-UUT). We investigated the expression of hTERT mRNA using in situ hybridization in 125 cases of TCC-UUT, and also its relation with the expression of telomerase RNA component (hTERC), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity, clinicopathologic parameters, and clinical outcome. A positive expression of hTERT mRNA was recognized in 93.6% of the samples and was apparent within the cytoplasm of tumor cells. In the normal urothelium examined in a few cases, its expression was barely detected. hTERT mRNA scores showed a significant association with hTERC score. However, no relationship was found between the expression of hTERT mRNA and clinicopathologic findings, PCNA index, or prognosis. These results suggest that the expression of hTERT mRNA does not predict prognosis in TCC-UUT.

Simian virus 40 Vp1 DNA-binding domain is functionally separable from the overlapping nuclear localization signal and is required for effective virion formation and full viability

A DNA-binding domain (DBD) was identified on simian virus 40 (SV40) major capsid protein Vp1, and the domain's function in the SV40 life cycle was examined. The DBD was mapped by assaying various recombinant Vp1 proteins for DNA binding in vitro. The carboxy-terminal 58-residue truncated Vp1DeltaC58 pentamer bound DNA with a K(d) of 1.8 x 10(-9) M in terms of the protein pentamer, while full-length Vp1 and carboxy-terminal-17-truncated Vp1DeltaC17 had comparable apparent K(d)s of 5.3 x 10(-9) to 7.3 x 10(-9) M in terms of the protein monomers. Previously identified on Vp1 was a nuclear localization signal (NLS) consisting of two N-terminal basic clusters, NLS1 (4-KRK-6) and NLS2 (15-KKPK-18). Vp1DeltaC58 pentamers harboring multiple-point mutations in NLS1 (NLSm1), NLS2 (NLSm2), or both basic clusters (NLSm1. 2) had progressively decreased DNA-binding activity, down to 0.7% of the Vp1DeltaC58 level for NLSm1. 2 Vp1. These data, along with those of N-terminally truncated proteins, placed the DBD in overlap with the bipartite NLS. The role of the Vp1 DBD during infection was investigated by taking advantage of NLS phenotypic complementation (N. Ishii, A. Nakanishi, M. Yamada, M. H. Macalalad, and H. Kasamatsu, J. Virol. 68:8209-8216, 1994), in which an NLS-defective Vp1 could localize to the nucleus in the presence of wild-type minor capsid proteins Vp2 and Vp3. This approach made it possible to dissect the role of the bifunctional Vp1 NLS-DBD in virion assembly in the nucleus. Mutants of the viable nonoverlapping SV40 (NO-SV40) DNA NLSm1, NLSm2, and NLSm1. 2 replicated normally following transfection into host cells and produced capsid proteins at normal levels. All mutant Vp1s were able to interact with Vp3 in vitro. The mutants NLSm1 and NLSm1. 2 were nonviable, and the mutant Vp1s unexpectedly failed to localize to the nucleus though Vp2 and Vp3 did, suggesting that the mutated NLS1 acted as a dominant signal for the cytoplasmic localization of Vp1. Mutant NLSm2, for which the mutant Vp1's nuclear localization defect was complemented by Vp2 and Vp3, displayed a 5,000-fold reduced viability. Analysis of NLSm2 DNA-transfected cell lysate revealed a 10-fold reduction in the level of DNase I-protected viral DNA, and yet virion-like particles were found among the DNase I-resistant material. Collective results support a role for Vp1 NLS2-DBD2 in the assembly of virion particles. The results also suggest that this determinant can function in the infection of new cells.

Expression of p27Kip1 Protein in Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract

The expression of p27(Kip1), a negative regulator of the cell cycle, has been reported to correlate with the biological behavior and prognosis of several tumors. However, its prognostic importance in transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (TCC-UUT) has not previously been investigated. We investigated p27(Kip1) protein expression using immunohistochemistry in 132 cases of TCC-UUT and also its relation to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunoreactivity, p53 oncoprotein immunoreactivity, clinicopathologic parameters, and clinical outcome. A positive expression of p27(Kip1) protein was recognized in 94.7% of the samples and was apparent within tumor nuclei. In the normal urothelium, its expression was identified in all cell layers. A positive expression of p53 oncoprotein was recognized in 27.2% of the patients. The PCNA index was 7.4 to 93.1% (mean, 66.4%). Examination of the relationships between the expression of p27(Kip1) protein and clinicopathologic findings, PCNA index, and the expression of p53 oncoprotein revealed that the expression of p27(Kip1) protein decreased significantly with stage and grade. In a univariate analysis of disease-free and overall survival rates, no correlation was found between the expression of p27(Kip1) protein and prognosis. The expression of p27(Kip1) protein appears to be of little or no value in informing the prognosis in TCC-UUT.

Laparoscopic-assisted surgery for benign ovarian cyst in a young girl

A 7-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital because of sudden lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Emergency laparoscopy and cystectomy were performed, with a diagnosis of torsion of an ovarian cyst. All manipulations were possible through a 2-cm incision in the abdominal wall.

Laparoscopic-assisted removal of a large urachal cyst

A 48-year-old woman was seen because of an abdominal tumor. Laparoscopy was performed for diagnosis and treatment. A large cystic mass was hanging from the anterior abdominal wall and was removed with laparoscopic assistance. Histologic examination revealed a urachal cyst. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 8(1):159-160, 2001)

Ritodrine-induced skin rash

A 32-year-old nulligravida was hospitalized because of preterm labor and treated with intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. After 33 days of therapy, the patient developed a fine maculopapular rash.

Role of simian virus 40 Vp1 cysteines in virion infectivity

We have developed a new nonoverlapping infectious viral genome (NO-SV40) in order to facilitate structure-based analysis of the simian virus 40 (SV40) life cycle. We first tested the role of cysteine residues in the formation of infectious virions by individually mutating the seven cysteines in the major capsid protein, Vp1. All seven cysteine mutants-C9A, C49A, C87A, C104A, C207S, C254A, and C267L-retained viability. In the crystal structure of SV40, disulfide bridges are formed between certain Cys104 residues on neighboring pentamers. However, our results show that none of these disulfide bonds are required for virion infectivity in culture. We also introduced five different mutations into Cys254, the most strictly conserved cysteine across the polyomavirus family. We found that C254L, C254S, C254G, C254Q, and C254R mutants all showed greatly reduced (around 100,000-fold) plaque-forming ability. These mutants had no apparent defect in viral DNA replication. Mutant Vp1's, as well as wild-type Vp2/3, were mostly localized in the nucleus. Further analysis of the C254L mutant revealed that the mutant Vp1 was able to form pentamers in vitro. DNase I-resistant virion-like particles were present in NO-SV40-C254L-transfected cell lysate, but at about 1/18 the amount in wild-type-transfected lysate. An examination of the three-dimensional structure reveals that Cys254 is buried near the surface of Vp1, so that it cannot form disulfide bonds, and is not involved in intrapentamer interactions, consistent with the normal pentamer formation by the C254L mutant. It is, however, located at a critical junction between three pentamers, on a conserved loop (G2H) that packs against the dual interpentamer Ca(2+)-binding sites and the invading C-terminal helix of an adjacent pentamer. The substitution by the larger side chains is predicted to cause a localized shift in the G2H loop, which may disrupt Ca(2+) ion coordination and the packing of the invading helix, consistent with the defect in virion assembly. Our experimental system thus allows dissection of structure-function relationships during the distinct steps of the SV40 life cycle.

Factors affecting the volume of umbilical cord blood collections

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to find factors that may help increase the number of the HSC (CD34+) collected from umbilical cord blood for transplantation.

STUDY DESIGN

We assessed the effect of cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries on the volume of the umbilical cord blood collected from 155 healthy term neonates retrospectively.

RESULTS

The volume of umbilical cord blood obtained in 29 cesarean deliveries was 103.9 +/- 33.6 ml compared with 84.2 +/- 25.3 ml collected in 126 vaginal deliveries. Although the percentage of CD34+ cells was comparable in both groups, the absolute number of CD34+ cells was significantly higher in the cesarean section group because of the larger volume collected.

CONCLUSIONS

Cesarean sections may allow collection of significantly increased volumes of umbilical cord blood and numbers of CD34+ cells compared to vaginal deliveries.

Laparoscopic surgery with intraoperative autologous blood transfusion in patients with heavy hemoperitoneum due to ectopic pregnancy

Patients with ectopic pregnancy complicated by heavy hemoperitoneum generally undergo immediate laparotomy, and homologous blood transfusion is sometimes started before the operation. Two women underwent laparoscopic surgery for heavy hemoperitoneum (2600 and 1900 ml) due to ectopic pregnancy. The aspirated blood was reinfused during operation through a leukocyte-reduction filter after lavage with an autologous blood-salvage transfusion apparatus.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and of membrane-type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) in transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract

Tumor cell invasion and metastasis are biologically dependent on the proteolytic destruction of surrounding matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is able to cleave type IV collagen, and membrane-type-1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) induces activation of proMMP-2. We investigated the expression of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in 102 cases of transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (TCC-UUT). A positive expression of each metalloproteinase was recognized in all samples and was apparent within the cytoplasm of tumor epithelial cells and/or stromal cells situated at the interface between tumor and stroma. Our analysis of clinicopathologic findings showed a relationship between MMP-2 and MT1-MMP expression and stage. The correlation between the MMP-2 protein staining score for tumor epithelial cells and overall survival rate reached significance in the univariate analysis. However, only stage was associated with disease-free and overall survivals in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, the detection of MMP-2 and MT1-MMP would appear to be of limited value in informing the prognosis of TCC-UUT.

Bilateral tubal pregnancy after puerperal tubal ligation

Ectopic pregnancy is one complication of tubal sterilization. A 39-year-old multiparous woman underwent puerperal transcutaneous tubal ligation in the infraumbilical region after delivery of her fourth child. Tubal pregnancy occurred in the right and left salpinx, respectively, at different times, with laparoscopic surgery performed after each one.

Moyamoya disease presenting as cerebral infarction after cesarean

BACKGROUND

Moyamoya disease with pregnancy is rare and might present with cerebral hemorrhage.

CASE

A 22-year-old primigravida suddenly developed muscular weakness in the right arm and facial discomfort 3 days after cesarean. Computed tomography and cerebrovascular angiography found cerebral infarction attributable to moyamoya disease. Bilateral anastomosis of superficial temporal and middle cerebral arteries was done.

CONCLUSION

Moyamoya disease with pregnancy might present as cerebral infarction after cesarean.

How do animal DNA viruses get to the nucleus?

Genome and pre-genome replication in all animal DNA viruses except poxviruses occurs in the cell nucleus (Table 1). In order to reproduce, an infecting virion enters the cell and traverses through the cytoplasm toward the nucleus. Using the cell's own nuclear import machinery, the viral genome then enters the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex. Targeting of the infecting virion or viral genome to the multiplication site is therefore an essential process in productive viral infection as well as in latent infection and transformation. Yet little is known about how infecting genomes of animal DNA viruses reach the nucleus in order to reproduce. Moreover, this nuclear locus for viral multiplication is remarkable in that the sizes and composition of the infectious particles vary enormously. In this article, we discuss virion structure, life cycle to reproduce infectious particles, viral protein's nuclear import signal, and viral genome nuclear targeting.

Toward a cancer therapy with boron-rich oligomeric phosphate diesters that target the cell nucleus

The viability of boron neutron capture therapy depends on the development of tumor-targeting agents that contain large numbers of boron-10 (10B) atoms and are readily taken up by cells. Here we report on the selective uptake of homogeneous fluorescein-labeled nido-carboranyl oligomeric phosphate diesters (nido-OPDs) by the cell nucleus and their long-term retention after their delivery into the cytoplasm of TC7 cells by microinjection. All nido-OPDs accumulated in the cell nucleus within 2 h after microinjection. However, nido-OPDs in which the carborane cage was located on a side chain attached to the oligomeric backbone were redistributed between both the cytoplasm and nucleus after 24 h of incubation, whereas nido-OPDs in which the carborane cage was located along the oligomeric backbone remained primarily in the nucleus. Furthermore, cell-free incubation of digitonin-permeabilized TC7 cells with the nido-OPDs resulted in nuclear accumulation of the compounds, thus corroborating the microinjection studies. Our observation of fluorescence primarily located in the cell nucleus indicates that nuclear-specific uptake of sufficient amounts of 10B for effective boron neutron capture therapy ( approximately 10(8)-10(9) 10B atoms/tumor cell) via nido-OPDs is achievable.

Imaging techniques for measuring adipose-tissue distribution in the abdomen: a comparison between computed tomography and 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance spin-echo imaging

Eight subjects were examined both by abdominal X-ray computed transverse axial tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (SE) (TR/TE, 200 ms/15 ms); another eight volunteers were subjected to three MRI scans to test the reliability of repeated measures. Correlations between fat area measures obtained by CT and by MRI for subcutaneous fat, total fat, and visceral vs. subcutaneous-fat ratio were highly significant (r = 0.93, 0.91, and 0.94, respectively; p < 0.01), and the standard errors of estimation were 9.99, 23.87, and 0.0047. The average errors of the method for different fat areas were 2.20 cm2 (intra-examination variance) and 3.75 cm2 (inter-examination variance) for visceral and 0.82 cm2 (intra-examination variance) and 1.29 cm2 (inter-examination variance) for subcutaneous fat areas, respectively. These results suggest that SE MRI is a practical approach to evaluate body fat distribution without the exposure to radiation. The reproducibility of SE MRI for the determination of fat areas is high; variation is small and acceptable. However, it is difficult to determine which estimate of fat area should be accepted when there is a discrepancy between MRI and CT measures.

The SV40 capsid protein VP3 cooperates with the cellular transcription factor Sp1 in DNA-binding and in regulating viral promoter activity

Chromatin structure and protein-protein interactions play an important role in eukaryotic gene function. Nucleosomal rearrangement at the simian virus 40 (SV40) regulatory region occurs at the late stages of the viral life cycle preceding viral assembly. The SV40 capsid proteins are required for this nucleosomal rearrangement suggesting that they participate in turning-off the viral promoters. In aiming to elucidate the role of the capsid proteins in gene regulation, we studied the interaction between VP3, an internal capsid protein, and the cellular transcription factor Sp1, a major regulator of both the early and late viral promoters. Our results showed that VP3 repressed transcription from the viral early promoter in vitro. We found significant cooperativity between Sp1 and VP3 in specific DNA-binding to the Sp1 binding site. In addition, protein-protein interactions between VP3 and Sp1 in the absence of DNA were observed. These findings have led us to conclude that the novel host-viral Sp1-VP3 complex down regulates viral transcription and further suggest that Sp1 participates in recruiting VP3 to the SV40 minichromosome in SV40 assembly.

Nuclear targeting of SV40 and adenovirus

Import o f viral DNA into the nucleus is essential for the successful replication o f DNA tumour viruses. To achieve this goal, viruses have adapted strategies to traverse the barriers between the plasma membrane and the nucleus o f a host cell. Two DNA tumour viruses, simian virus 40 and adenovirus, achieve the nuclear-entry step in slightly different ways. SV40 DNA enters the nucleus through the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) in apparently intact virions. By contrast, adenovirus particles dissociate near the NPC before the viral DNA is imported into the nucleus. In both cases, karyophilic protein components o f the viruses appear to mediate nuclear entry o f the viral genomes. In this article, we discuss how an understanding o f the cell biology o f virus entry can help us understand the process o f nuclear transport.

Analysis of a nuclear localization signal of simian virus 40 major capsid protein Vp1

The nuclear localization signal of the major structural protein, Vp1, of simian virus 40 was further defined by mutagenesis. The targeting activity was examined in cells microinjected with SV-Vp1 variant viral DNAs bearing either an initiation codon mutation of the agnoprotein or mutations in the Vp1 coding sequence or microinjected with pSG5-Vp1 and pSG5-Vp1 mutant DNAs in which Vp1 or mutant Vp1 is expressed from simian virus 40 early promoter. The Vp1 nuclear localization signal functioned autonomously without agno-protein once the Vp1 protein was synthesized in the cytoplasm. The targeting activity was localized to the amino-terminal 19 residues. While replacement of cysteine 10 with glycine, alanine, or serine did not affect the activity, replacement of arginine 6 with glycine caused the cytoplasmic phenotype. When multiple mutations were introduced among residue 5, 6, 7, 16, 17, or 19, the targeting activity was found to reside in two clusters of basic residues, a cluster of lysine 5, arginine 6, and lysine 7 and a cluster of lysine 16, lysine 17, and lysine 19. The clusters are independently important for nuclear localization activity.

Association with capsid proteins promotes nuclear targeting of simian virus 40 DNA

All animal DNA viruses except pox virus utilize the cell nucleus as the site for virus reproduction. Yet, a critical viral infection process, nuclear targeting of the viral genome, is poorly understood. The role of capsid proteins in nuclear targeting of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA, which is assessed by the nuclear accumulation of large tumor (T) antigen, the initial sign of the infectious process, was tested by two independent approaches: antibody interception experiments and reconstitution experiments. When antibody against viral capsid protein Vp1 or Vp3 was introduced into the cytoplasm, the nuclear accumulation of T antigen was not observed in cells either infected or cytoplasmically injected with virion. Nuclearly introduced anti-Vp3 IgG also showed the inhibitory effect. In the reconstitution experiments, SV40 DNA was allowed to interact with protein components of the virus, either empty particles or histones, and the resulting complexes were tested for the capability of protein components to target the DNA to the nucleus from cytoplasm as effectively as the targeting of DNA in the mature virion. In cells injected with empty particle-DNA, but not in minichromosome-injected cells, T antigen was observed as effectively as in SV40-injected cells. These results demonstrate that SV40 capsid proteins can facilitate transport of SV40 DNA into the nucleus and indicate that Vp3, one of the capsid proteins, accompanies SV40 DNA as it enters the nucleus during virus infection.

Essential role of the Vp2 and Vp3 DNA-binding domain in simian virus 40 morphogenesis

Both a DNA-binding domain and a Vp1 interactive determinant have been mapped to the carboxy-terminal 40 residues of the simian virus 40 (SV40) minor capsid proteins, Vp2 and Vp3 (Vp2/3), with the last 13 residues being necessary for these activities. The role of this DNA-binding domain in SV40 morphogenesis and the ability to separate these two signals were investigated by mutagenesis and assessment of the activity and viability of the mutants. The carboxy-terminal 40 residues of Vp2/3 were expressed as a polyhistidine fusion protein, and five basic residues at the extreme carboxy terminus (Vp3 residues K226, R227, R228, R230, and R233) were mutagenized. The wild-type fusion protein bound DNA with a Kd of 3 x 10(-8) identical to that of the full-length Vp3. Mutant proteins containing either one to three or four amino acid substitutions bound DNA 4- to 7-fold or 20- to 30-fold less well, respectively, than the wild-type protein did. The most severe point mutants showed residual DNA binding similar to that of a truncated protein which lacks the entire 13 carboxy-terminal residues. All of the point mutants were able to interact with Vp1, indicating that the two signals within this region are mediated by different residues. When the mutations were placed into the context of the viral DNA and introduced into cells, all the structural proteins were expressed and localized correctly. Not all, however, were viable: mutant genomes whose Vp2/3 bound DNA with intermediate affinities formed plaques just as well as wild-type SV40 DNA did, but three mutants showing greatly reduced DNA binding failed to form plaques at all. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that Vp2/3 plays an essential role in SV40 virion assembly in the nucleus.

Functional complementation of nuclear targeting-defective mutants of simian virus 40 structural proteins

Structural proteins of simian virus 40 (SV40), Vp2 and Vp3 (Vp2/3) and Vp1, carry individual nuclear targeting signals, Vp3(198-206) (Vp2(316-324) and Vp1(1-8), respectively, which are encoded in different reading frames of an overlapping region of the genome. How signals coordinate nuclear targeting during virion morphogenesis was examined by using SV40 variants in which there is only one structural gene for Vp1 or Vp2/3, nuclear targeting-defective mutants thereof, Vp2/3(202T) and Vp1 delta N5, or nonoverlapping SV40 variants in which the genes for Vp1 and Vp2/3 are separated, and mutant derivatives of the gene carrying either one or both mutations. Nuclear targeting was assessed immunocytochemically following nuclear microinjection of the variant DNAs. When Vp2/3 and Vp1 mutants with defects in the nuclear targeting signals were expressed individually, the mutant proteins localized mostly to the cytoplasm. However, when mutant Vp2/3(202T) was coexpressed in the same cell along with wild-type Vp1, the mutant protein was effectively targeted to the nucleus. Likewise, the Vp1 delta N5 mutant protein was transported into the nucleus when wild-type Vp2/3 was expressed in the same cells. These results suggest that while Vp1 and Vp2/3 have independent nuclear targeting signals, additional signals, such as those defining protein-protein interactions, play a concerted role in nuclear localization along with the nuclear targeting signals of the individual proteins.

Signal- and energy-dependent nuclear transport of SV40 Vp3 by isolated nuclei. Establishment of a filtration assay for nuclear protein import

Nuclear transport signal (NTS)-containing proteins are transported into the nucleus through the nuclear pore complex by a mechanism that is not well understood. To better characterize the mechanisms of transport, we have established an homologous in vitro system using an NTS-containing structural protein of simian virus 40 (SV40) and isolated nuclei from cultured cells of its natural host. Isolated nuclei accumulated either fluorescently labeled SV40 Vp3-NTS peptide-BSA conjugates (NTSwt-BSA), as assayed cytochemically, or 125I-NTSwt-BSA, as assayed by filtration, in a signal- and ATP-dependent manner. Nuclear accumulation required nuclear membrane integrity and was inhibited by the lectin wheat germ agglutinin but not concanavalin A. Unlike several other systems, this system is not dependent on cytoplasmic extracts for the transport of SV40 proteins. NTSwt-BSA was transported with an apparent Km of 0.8 microM and Vmax of 0.8 nmol/min/10(*) nuclei. Thin section autoradiography confirmed the transport. This system faithfully reproduced what occurs in vivo: nuclear import of the SV40 capsid protein Vp3 was dependent on the presence of its functional NTS. Full-length Vp3, expressed as a glutathione S-transferase fusion protein, and a deletion mutant which retains its NTS, Vp3 delta C13, were transported by the nuclei but Vp3 delta C35, which lacks the NTS, and an NTS mutant, Vp3(202E/204T), were not transported.

Identification of a DNA binding domain in simian virus 40 capsid proteins Vp2 and Vp3

We have identified both biochemically and genetically a protein domain within the simian virus 40 virion protein Vp3, and within Vp2 since its carboxyl two-thirds are identical to the full-length Vp3, that binds DNA in a sequence nonspecific manner. Both the Vp2 and Vp3 (Vp2/3) components of SV40 and mutant SV40(202T) bound either SV40 or pBR322 DNA equally well. Wild type and mutant Vp2/3 proteins, expressed as fusion proteins with glutathione S-transferase (GST), were tested for their ability to bind DNA. GST-Vp3 bound DNA at physiological salt concentrations with an apparent Kd of 2.5 x 10(-8) M and also bound RNA with 4-fold higher affinity. Over 90% of the nucleic acid binding, and all of the activity, was lost upon removal of the carboxyl-terminal 13 and 35 residues, respectively. The DNA binding domain was shown to be distinct and separable from the Vp2/3 nuclear transport signal since mutations within the nuclear transport signal that reduce or abolish nuclear localization of Vp2/3 had no effect on the DNA binding activity of mutant Vp2/3 fusion proteins. The carboxyl-terminal 40 residues of Vp2/3 in the form of a beta-galactosidase fusion protein, F6, are sufficient for DNA binding and may cause compaction of the DNA. The significance of this DNA binding and possible compaction are discussed in relation to the assembly of virion particles.

Role of nuclear pore complex in simian virus 40 nuclear targeting

Cytoplasmically injected simian virus 40 (SV40) virions enter the nucleus through nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) and can express large T antigen shortly thereafter (J. Clever, M. Yamada, and H. Kasamatsu, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88:7333-7337, 1991). The nuclear import of the protein components of introduced SV40 was reversibly arrested by chilling and energy depletion, corroborating our previous observation that the nuclear entry of injected SV40 is blocked in the presence of wheat germ agglutinin and an antinucleoporin monoclonal antibody (mAb414), general inhibitors of NPC-mediated import. The nuclear accumulation of virion protein components and large T antigen in nonpermissive NIH 3T3 cells was similar to that in the permissive host, indicating that the ability to use NPCs as a route of nuclear entry appears to be a general property of the injected virus. Injected virions were capable of completing their lytic cycle and forming plaques in permissive cells. During the early phase of SV40 infection, the cytoplasmic injection of mAb414 effectively blocked nuclear T-antigen accumulation for up to 8 h of infection but had very little effect after 12 h of infection. The time-dependent interference with nuclear T-antigen accumulation by the antinucleoporin antibody is consistent with the hypothesis that the infecting virions enter the nucleus through NPCs. The interference study also suggests that the early phase of infection consists of at least two steps: a step for virion cell entry and intracytoplasmic trafficking and a step for virion nuclear entry followed by large-T-antigen gene expression and subsequent nuclear localization of the gene product. Virions were visualized as electron-dense particles in ultrathin sections of samples in which transport was permitted or arrested. In the former cells, electron-dense particles were predominantly observed in the nucleus. The virions were distributed randomly and nonuniformly in the nucleoplasm but were not observed in heterochromatin or in nucleoli. In the latter cells, the electron-dense particles were seen intersecting the nuclear envelope, near the inner nuclear membrane, and in NPCs. In tangential cross sections of NPCs, which appeared as donut-shaped structures, a spherical electron-dense particle was observed in the center of the structure. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that NPCs were selectively decorated with 5-nm colloidal gold particles-anti-Vp1 immunoglobulin G at the cytoplasmic entrance to and in NPCs, confirming that the morphologically observed electron-dense particles in NPCs contain the viral structural protein. These results support the hypothesis that the nuclear import of SV40 is catalyzed through NPCs by an active transport mechanism that is similar to that of other karyophiles.

Import of simian virus 40 virions through nuclear pore complexes

How the DNA tumor virus, simian virus 40, reaches the nucleus is unknown. In this report we have tested the affinity of simian virus 40 toward the nucleus by microinjecting virion particles into the cytoplasm under conditions in which cell-surface-mediated viral infection was blocked. Subcellular localization of viral structural proteins Vp1, Vp2, and Vp3, large tumor antigen, and virion particles was followed immunocytochemically and ultrastructurally. Both virion particles and viral structural proteins localized in the nucleus within 1-2 hr after cytoplasmic injection and subsequently expressed large tumor antigen, which was detected in the nucleus as early as 3 hr after cytoplasmic injection. Vp1 and large tumor antigen nuclear accumulation, as well as virion nuclear entry, were blocked by wheat germ agglutinin and an anti-nucleoporin monoclonal antibody, mAb 414. Virion particles were visualized in the vicinity of nuclear pores and in the cytoplasm with this agent. We conclude that virion particles are karyophilic and enter through nuclear pores. This study suggests that virion structural proteins facilitate virion import into the nucleus and viral gene expression.

Simian virus 40 Vp2/3 small structural proteins harbor their own nuclear transport signal

We have used a microinjection approach to identify a domain of the simian virus 40 (SV40) structural proteins Vp2 and Vp3(Vp2/3) responsible for their nuclear transport. By using both synthetic peptides, containing small regions of Vp2/3 conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA), and beta-galactosidase-Vp3 fusion proteins, we have narrowed this nuclear transport signal (NTS) to 9 amino acids (198 to 206 of Vp3 or 316 to 324 of Vp2), Gly-Pro-Asn-Lys-Lys-Lys-Arg-Lys-Leu. The porter proteins carrying the NTS or mutant NTS were microinjected into the cytoplasm of TC7 cells and their subcellular localization following the subsequent incubation period was determined immunologically using anti-BSA IgG or anti-beta-galactosidase. The 9-residue NTS peptide localized BSA into the nucleus of injected cells, changing lysine-202 to threonine or valine abolished this accumulation while changing arginine-204 to lysine did not grossly affect transport. A peptide containing the carboxyl-terminal 13 residues of Vp3 failed to localize BSA to the nucleus. Several single or double point mutations at Vp3 residues 202 and 204 have been introduced by site-directed mutagenesis. Vp3 residues 194-234, containing either a wild-type or mutated sequence at 202 and/or 204, were expressed in Escherichia coli as Vp3-beta-galactosidase fusion proteins. Addition of the carboxyl-terminal 40 residues, but not an internal 150 residues, to otherwise cytoplasmic beta-galactosidase promoted entry of the fusion protein into the nucleus. Changing lysine-202 into threonine, valine, or methionine abolished this nuclear accumulation as did changing arginine-204 into lysine. A double mutant at both positions was also blocked. We have also observed that the lectin wheat germ agglutinin inhibits the nuclear accumulation of BSA carrying the Vp2/3 NTS while the lectin concanavalin A had no effect. These data indicate that even small nuclear proteins can contain NTS's which most likely utilize a mechanism for nuclear import similar to that described for other larger proteins.

Two independent signals, a nuclear localization signal and a Vp1-interactive signal, reside within the carboxy-35 amino acids of SV40 Vp3

The carboxy-terminal 35 amino acids (numbering 199 to 234) of SV40 Vp3 are essential for the nuclear localization of the protein as well as for its interactions with Vp1. Here, we describe studies directed at the further mapping of these two functions. Deletion and site-directed mutants of Vp3 were created within both a eukaryotic transfection and an SP6 transcription vector which encode Vp3. The subcellular localization of mutant Vp3's was assayed by immunofluorescence microscopy following DNA transfections, and the Vp1-interactive determinant of Vp3 was mapped by a recently described eukaryotic in vitro translation/interaction system. We show that a plasmid-encoded wild-type Vp3, whose overlapping Vp1 coding segment has been removed by mutagenesis, continues to localize to the nucleus in the absence of any SV40 Vp1. Thus, Vp3 is capable of nuclear localization on its own. Modification of Lys-202 of Vp3 into Thr is sufficient to destroy the wild-type nuclear localization of the protein, but has no effect on its interactions with Vp1. Furthermore, deletion of the terminal 13 amino acids, 222 to 234, of Vp3 does not affect its wild-type nuclear localization, but is sufficient to destroy its interactions with Vp1. Thus, the Vp3 amino acids 199-221--specifically Lys-202--are important for its nuclear localization, while the Vp3 amino acids 222-234 play a role in its interactions with Vp1. Thus, the two functions, a Vp3 nuclear localization signal and a Vp1-interactive determinant, are spatially and functionally separable within the last 35 residues of Vp3 and are, hence, independent.

In vitro assay for protein-protein interaction: carboxyl-terminal 40 residues of simian virus 40 structural protein VP3 contain a determinant for interaction with VP1

Intermolecular interactions between polypeptide chains play essential roles in the functioning of proteins. We describe here an in vitro assay system for identifying and characterizing such interactions. Such interactions are difficult to study in vivo. We have translated synthetic, nonmethyl-capped RNAs in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system. The translation products were allowed to interact posttranslationally to form protein-protein complexes. The chemical nature of the protein interaction(s) was determined by coimmunoprecipitation of associating proteins, sedimentation through sucrose gradients, followed by NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or by nonreducing NaDodSO4/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The system has been utilized to show the self-assembly of monomeric VP1, the major structural protein of simian virus 40, into disulfide-linked pentamers and to show the noncovalent interaction of another structural protein, VP3, with VP1 at low monomer concentrations. Additionally, we show that the carboxyl-terminal 40 amino acids of VP3 are essential and sufficient for its interaction with VP1 in vitro. The in vitro assay system described here provides a method for identifying the domains involved in, and the molecular nature of, protein-protein interactions, which play an important role in such biological phenomena as replication, transcription, translation, transport, ligand binding, and assembly.

The carboxyl 35 amino acids of SV40 Vp3 are essential for its nuclear accumulation

To identify the moiety responsible for nuclear localization of the SV40 structural protein Vp3 in its natural environment, a transfection vector containing the entire coding regions of Vp2, Vp3, and agnoprotein, and one-third of the coding region of Vp1, was constructed. Several mutations were introduced into the plasmid and the subcellular distribution of Vp3 or mutant Vp3 was examined following DEAE-dextran-mediated DNA transfection into TC7 cells. Our study shows that Vp3 is synthesized and is transported into the nucleus in the absence of Vp2, agnoprotein, and intact Vp1. However, in the absence of its carboxyl-terminal 35 amino acids, the truncated Vp3 is limited to a cytoplasmic and perinuclear accumulation. Thus, the carboxyl 35 amino acids of Vp3 are required for its nuclear localization and may contain a nuclear accumulation signal.

The synthesis and transport of SV40 structural proteins

The kinetics of the synthesis and transport of viral structural proteins, Vp1 and Vp3, and of actin in SV40 infected TC7 cells were studied. The newly synthesized proteins were found in the NP-40-soluble (Sol) fraction of the cell cytoplasm. The majority of newly synthesized viral structural proteins, destined for the cell nucleus for virion assembly, were transported to the cell nucleus (Nuc) between 10 and 30 min after synthesis, whereas the majority of newly synthesized actin remained in the Sol fraction of the cytoplasm, suggesting that some specific mechanism exists for selecting the proper sites for transport. The synthesis and transport of both Vp1 and Vp3 throughout infected cells were similar. However, there is a difference in the transport properties of these two proteins. Once Vp1 was synthesized, the mature Vp1 was transported to both the cytoskeletal (Csk) and the Nuc fractions in the absence of further protein synthesis, whereas the movement of Vp3 from the Sol to the Csk, but not to the Nuc fraction, was partially inhibited in the absence of protein synthesis. Modification of Vp1 occurred in the cell cytoplasm before transport to the cell nucleus. Its modification pattern suggests that the Csk is the site for the modification of Vp1. The efficiency of viral protein transport to the cell nucleus was diminished after 47 hr of infection. This trend was preceded by a decrease in the ability to incorporate label into actin 12 hr earlier in infection. Thus, some marking event appears to have occurred prior to the actual decrease in transport efficiency and the integrity of the cytoarchitecture appears to be important for viral protein transport.

Cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin therapy of yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor of the ovary

Five patients with yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumor of the ovary were treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin combination therapy (PVB). Four of five achieved a complete remission and remain free from disease 24 to 53 months from start of PVB therapy. One patient did not respond well to PVB and died 11 months after start of PVB therapy. One patient who was treated with PVB after unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy has delivered a normal term infant. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels were monitored in all patients during and after therapy. Serum alpha-fetoprotein was correlated with clinical course.

Immuno-electron-microscopic localization of a centriole-related antigen in ciliated cells

An antigen common to purported centriolar and basal body regions of a variety of cell types was previously visualized by immuno-fluorescence microscopy. The present study demonstrates the localization of the antigen relative to the defined basal body structures of ciliated tracheal cells at the electron-microscopic level. After ethyldimethylaminopropyl carbodiimide-glutaraldehyde-saponin (EGS) fixation and permeabilization, immunoferritin labeling is consistently found associated with amorphous electron-opaque material in proximity to basal bodies and their ciliary rootlets, but not with basal body microtubules themselves. This distribution pattern is distinct from that of other proteins found in the apical region of ciliated cells, such as calmodulin. It is proposed that the dense material may be analogous to pericentriolar material of centrosomes.

Subcellular distribution of viral structural proteins during simian virus 40 infection

The amounts of simian virus 40 structural polypeptides Vp1, Vp2, and Vp3 in different subcellular fractions at various times after lytic infection were determined by a quantitative immunoblotting procedure. Simian virus 40-infected cells were lysed with a buffer containing Nonidet P-40 to yield a soluble fraction. The Nonidet P-40-insoluble fraction was further fractionated in the presence of deoxycholate and Tween 40 to yield a soluble fraction (cytoskeletal) and an insoluble fraction (Nuc), which is primarily cell nuclei. At 33 h postinfection, the majority of viral structural proteins was found in the cell nucleus, whereas, at 48 to 65 h postinfection, Vp1 was distributed evenly among all cell fractions and Vp2 and Vp3 were found predominantly in the cytoskeletal and Nuc fractions. Thus, not all of the viral polypeptides synthesized in the cytoplasm migrated into the cell nucleus. Throughout infection, the molar ratio (Vp3/Vp2) was rather constant in all subcellular fractions, indicating that the synthesis or processing or both of Vp2 and Vp3 are coordinately regulated. The molar ratio of Vp1/(Vp2 + Vp3) varied among the fractions. The Vp1/(Vp2 + Vp3) molar ratio in the soluble fraction varied during the course of infection; however, constant ratios were maintained in the cytoskeletal and Nuc fractions. Thus, the mechanism which controls the movement of Vp1 to different compartments of the cell appears to be different from that of Vp2 and Vp3. The Vp1/(Vp2 + Vp3) value in the Nuc fraction was similar to the ratio found in virus particles. The constant molar distribution of Vp1, Vp2, and Vp3 in the Nuc fraction throughout infection suggests that there is a specific mechanism which regulates the transport of viral structural proteins. These results support the hypothesis that the structural proteins of simian virus 40 are transported into the cell nucleus in precise proportions.

The centriolar antigen expression in TC7 cells is dependent on growth conditions and occurs at a particular time point in G1

The correlation between growth conditions and centriolar antigen (Cag) expression in TC7 cells, a subline of African green monkey kidney cells, was studied. TC7 cells became quiescent when their number reached a high cell density, or when serum factors were depleted from media containing a low concentration of fetal bovine serum (FBS). There was a stoichiometric relationship between the concentration of serum present and the number of new cells produced. During proliferation, the projected cell area decreased as a function of cell density with two abrupt transitions. The first transition appeared to be independent of cell-cell contact. However, the second transition seemed to occur mainly as a result of the limitation of the available substratum surface on which the cells could grow. The appearance of Cag in TC7 cells was found to be associated with the cells' growth conditions as well as with the particular phase in cell cycle. In an exponentially growing culture of cells with 10% FBS and in cells that were growth restricted due to a high density (above 2-3 X 10(5) cells/cm2), the incidence of cells with Cag-positive staining was about 10-20%. It increased, however, to about 40-60% at cell densities between 2 X 10(4) cells/cm2 and 1 X 10(5) cells/cm2. The frequency of cells with positive Cag staining was as high as 80% in TC7 cells that were growth restricted by depletion of serum factor(s). Thus, the quiescent states attained by the two different growth restrictions seem to be different in their ability to express Cag. The frequency of Cag could be further increased by stimulating the quiescent cell population by FBS. In mitotically selected TC7 cells, Cag staining appeared about 4 hr after mitosis and about 2-4 hr before the onset of DNA synthesis. Thus, expression of Cag in TC7 cells is related to their growth conditions, and is characteristic of a part of the G1 phase of the cell cycle.

Visualization of antigens attached to cytoskeletal framework in animal cells: colocalization of simian virus 40 Vp1 polypeptide and actin in TC7 cells

Actin and the simian virus 40 viral structural polypeptide Vp1 are observed to be present on cytoskeletal fibers of virus-infected TC7 cells, when these antigens in detergent-extracted whole cell mounts were labeled by specific antibodies and colloidal gold particles coated with a second antibody. In both cases, actin and Vp1 were found associated with fibers and fiber-associated electron-dense materials. Patches or clusters of colloidal gold particles denoting the presence of either Vp1 or actin were found on fibers uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. By using simultaneous decoration of the two antigens with colloidal gold particles of different diameters, it was shown that the majority of Vp1 appears attached to cytoskeletal fibers in association with cellular actin. When Vp1 and actin were decorated with Imposil and ferritin simultaneously in infected cells that were fixed first and then permeabilized with saponin, both labels were found in the same spatial domain of the cell cytoplasm. Thus, the colocalization of Vp1 and actin on the cytoskeletal framework seems to reflect their actual state in the living cells. The electron-dense material to which colloidal gold particles localize in our cytoskeletal preparations may be the remnants of subcellular structures with which actin and Vp1 are both associated in intact cells.

On the electrotransfer of polypeptides from gels to nitrocellulose membranes

The conditions which affect the elution of polypeptides from polyacrylamide gels by electrophoresis and polypeptide-nitrocellulose interactions have been studied. The rate of elution of polypeptides from a 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel is dependent on the molecular weight of the individual polypeptides, which is in agreement with the results of W. N. Burnette (Anal. Biochem. 112, 195 (1981)). We also observed that current density affects the rate of elution. Polypeptides smaller than 20,000 daltons pass through pores of 0.45 microns, but not through the pores of 0.1-microns nitrocellulose membranes during electrophoresis. The nonionic detergent NP-40 inhibits the binding of polypeptides to nitrocellulose and removes prebound polypeptides from the membranes. Amido black and Coomassie blue staining and destaining processes do not remove the bound polypeptides from the membranes, but may affect the antigenicity of polypeptides. Polypeptides immobilized on nitrocellulose can be stored at -70 degrees C for future use.

Isolation of a monoclonal antibody viral polypeptide VP2 of simian virus 40

A stable hybridoma cell line, IIG8-203-2, that secretes a monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin subclass M was obtained by fusion of mouse myeloma cells with spleen cells of mice that had been immunized with the viral polypeptide VP2 of simian virus 40. The monoclonal antibody recognizes viral polypeptides that migrate with VP2 polypeptides in a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel. It also recognizes two intracellular polypeptides (29,000 and 37,000 daltons) in a detergent-insoluble fraction extracted 30 h after virus infection of TC7 cells.

Stimulation of host centriolar antigen in TC7 cells by simian virus 40: requirement for RNA and protein syntheses and an intact simian virus 40 small-t gene function

Simian virus 40 (SV 40) stimulated a host cell antigen in the centriolar region after infection of African green monkey kidney (AGMK) cells. The addition of puromycin and actinomycin D to cells infected with SV40 within 5 h after infection inhibited the stimulation of the host cell antigen, indicating that de novo protein and RNA syntheses that occurred within the first 5 h after infection were essential for the stimulation. Early viable deletion mutants of SV40 with deletions mapping between 0.54 and 0.59 map units on the SV40 genome, dl2000, dl2001, dl2003, dl2004, dl2005, dl2006, and dl2007, did not stimulate the centriolar antigen above the level of uninfected cells. This indicated that an intact, functional small-t protein was essential for the SV40-mediated stimulation of the host cell antigen. Our studies, using cells infected with nondefective adenovirus-SV40 hybrid viruses that lack the small-t gene region of SV40 (Ad2+ND1, Ad2+ND2, Ad2+ND3, Ad2+ND4, and Ad2+ND5), revealed that the lack of small-t gene function of SV40 could be complemented by a gene function of the adenovirus-SV40 hybrid viruses for the centriolar antigen stimulation. Thus, adenovirus 2 has a gene(s) that is analogous to the small-t gene of SV40 for the stimulation of the host cell antigen in AGMK cells.

Identification of antigenically related polypeptides at centrioles and basal bodies

An antigen localized at the centriolar region has been identified by indirect immunofluorescence studies in African green monkey kidney, human, hamster, rat, and mouse cells. The antigen consists of two polypeptides of 14,000 and 17,000 daltons. A related antigen is also present at the basal body region in ciliated cells from chicken, cat, mouse, pig, steer, and rabbit trachea and from rabbit fimbria. Immunoelectron microscopy shows that the immunoreactive antigen is indeed located in the region around the basal bodies of ciliated cat tracheal cells. Thus, we have found an antigen that is common to a variety of cell types from many different animal sources and is specifically associated with both centrioles and basal bodies. The possible role of the antigen in differentiation is discussed.

Intracellular localization of viral polypeptides during simian virus 40 infection

African green monkey kidney cells infected by simian virus 40 were analyzed by immunofluorescence techniques for the nature and the time course of the appearance of viral polypeptides during infection. Reagents used in the study were anti-Vpl sera and affinity-purified anti-Vpl immunoglobulin G, anti-Vp3 sera, antivirus (anti-V) sera, and anti-tumor antigen sera. The results are summarized as follows. (i) Three types of staining, nuclear, perinuclear, and perinuclear accompanied by cytoplasmic staining, were observed in infected cells in reaction with anti-vpl antibody. In addition, a highly structured staining was observed at the periphery of nuclei of infected cells late in infection. (ii) In reaction with anti-Vp3 serum, the staining was confined within nuclei of cells throughout infection. (iii) Vp1 and Vp3 antigens seem to occupy different spacial regions of the nuclear area in cells. (iv) Vp1 and Vp3 antigens were expressed simultaneously during infection. (v) Centriolar staining observed early in infection paralleled the appearance of tumor (T-) antigen until 24 h after infection, after which time the frequency of positive centriolar staining decreased as infection progressed. (vi) T-antigen was first expressed at about 8 h after infection, and Vp1 and Vp3 antigens were first expressed at about 20 h after infection.

Vp1 affects intracellular localization of Vp3 polypeptide during simian virus 40 infection

In order to understand the functions of simian virus 40 genes, permissive cells (TC7) were infected with mutants temperature sensitive in the complementation groups A, B, C, BC, and D at permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. Cells were examined for the localization of viral polypeptide antigens by immunofluorescent staining with monospecific antibodies. The results are as follows: (i) The appearance of Vp1 antigen in cells infected by tsB, C, or BC mutants was not affected appreciably by the mutations. (ii) The appearance of Vp3 antigen was affected by the mutations in B, C, or BC. Vp3 antigen is confined to the nuclei in cells infected by wild-type virus. With mutant virus infection, Vp3 antigen is found in the cytoplasm, perinuclear region, and nucleoli. (iii) The tsD mutants and the tsA mutants did not express either Vp1 or Vp3 antigens at the nonpermissive temperature. (iv) Nucleoli seem to play an essential role in the biosynthesis and assembly of viral polypeptides. Thus, mutations in any one of complementation groups B, C, or BC, which are within the structural gene for Vp1, cause an alteration of intracellular distribution of another late gene product, Vp3. These results suggest that the amino acid sequences of Vp1 polypeptide play a role(s) in the transport of viral antigens across internal membranes or in virus assembly processes or in both.