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Yoon J, Zhang YM, Her C, Grant RA, Ponomarenko AI, Ackermann BE, Hui T, Lin YS, Debelouchina GT, Shoulders MD. The immune-evasive proline-283 substitution in influenza nucleoprotein increases aggregation propensity without altering the native structure. Sci Adv 2024; 10:eadl6144. [PMID: 38640233 PMCID: PMC11029814 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl6144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Nucleoprotein (NP) is a key structural protein of influenza ribonucleoprotein complexes and is central to viral RNA packing and trafficking. NP also determines the sensitivity of influenza to myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), an innate immunity factor that restricts influenza replication. A few critical MxA-resistant mutations have been identified in NP, including the highly conserved proline-283 substitution. This essential proline-283 substitution impairs influenza growth, a fitness defect that becomes particularly prominent at febrile temperature (39°C) when host chaperones are depleted. Here, we biophysically characterize proline-283 NP and serine-283 NP to test whether the fitness defect is caused by the proline-283 substitution introducing folding defects. We show that the proline-283 substitution changes the folding pathway of NP, making NP more aggregation prone during folding, but does not alter the native structure of the protein. These findings suggest that influenza has evolved to hijack host chaperones to promote the folding of otherwise biophysically incompetent viral proteins that enable innate immune system escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimin Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yu Meng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Cheenou Her
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Robert A. Grant
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anna I. Ponomarenko
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryce E. Ackermann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tiffani Hui
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Yu-Shan Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Galia T. Debelouchina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Matthew D. Shoulders
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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2
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Ye G, Tang Y, Yang Q, Zhang C, Shi H, Wang J, Hu X, Wan X, Xu Z, Liang J, Yang Y, Yang M, Liu Y. A peptide derived from SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activity. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29492. [PMID: 38587139 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Guoguo Ye
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yimin Tang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qin Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chenhui Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiping Shi
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofu Wan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhixiang Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinhu Liang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Minghui Yang
- School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxia Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Disease, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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3
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Thomas MN, Zanella GC, Cowan B, Caceres CJ, Rajao DS, Perez DR, Gauger PC, Vincent Baker AL, Anderson TK. Nucleoprotein reassortment enhanced transmissibility of H3 1990.4.a clade influenza A virus in swine. J Virol 2024; 98:e0170323. [PMID: 38353535 PMCID: PMC10949443 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01703-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The increased detection of H3 C-IVA (1990.4.a) clade influenza A viruses (IAVs) in US swine in 2019 was associated with a reassortment event to acquire an H1N1pdm09 lineage nucleoprotein (pdmNP) gene, replacing a TRIG lineage NP (trigNP). We hypothesized that acquiring the pdmNP conferred a selective advantage over prior circulating H3 viruses with a trigNP. To investigate the role of NP reassortment in transmission, we identified two contemporary 1990.4.a representative strains (NC/19 and MN/18) with different evolutionary origins of the NP gene. A reverse genetics system was used to generate wild-type (wt) strains and swap the pdm and TRIG lineage NP genes, generating four viruses: wtNC/19-pdmNP, NC/19-trigNP, wtMN/18-trigNP, and MN/18-pdmNP. The pathogenicity and transmission of the four viruses were compared in pigs. All four viruses infected 10 primary pigs and transmitted to five indirect contact pigs per group. Pigs infected via contact with MN/18-pdmNP shed virus 2 days earlier than pigs infected with wtMN/18-trigNP. The inverse did not occur for wtNC/19-pdmNP and NC/19-trigNP. This suggests that pdmNP reassortment resulted in a combination of genes that improved transmission efficiency when paired with the 1990.4.a hemagglutinin (HA). This is likely a multigenic trait, as replacing the trigNP gene did not diminish the transmission of a wild-type IAV in swine. This study demonstrates how reassortment and evolutionary change of internal genes can result in more transmissible viruses that influence HA clade detection frequency. Thus, rapidly identifying novel reassortants paired with dominant hemagglutinin/neuraminidase may improve the prediction of strains to include in vaccines.IMPORTANCEInfluenza A viruses (IAVs) are composed of eight non-continuous gene segments that can reassort during coinfection of a host, creating new combinations. Some gene combinations may convey a selective advantage and be paired together preferentially. A reassortment event was detected in swine in the United States that involved the exchange of two lineages of nucleoprotein (NP) genes (trigNP to pdmNP) that became a predominant genotype detected in surveillance. Using a transmission study, we demonstrated that exchanging the trigNP for a pdmNP caused the virus to shed from the nose at higher levels and transmit to other pigs more rapidly. Replacing a pdmNP with a trigNP did not hinder transmission, suggesting that transmission efficiency depends on interactions between multiple genes. This demonstrates how reassortment alters IAV transmission and that reassortment events can provide an explanation for why genetically related viruses with different internal gene combinations experience rapid fluxes in detection frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan N. Thomas
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Giovana Ciacci Zanella
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Brianna Cowan
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - C. Joaquin Caceres
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniela S. Rajao
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel R. Perez
- Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Phillip C. Gauger
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Amy L. Vincent Baker
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Tavis K. Anderson
- Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA-ARS, Ames, Iowa, USA
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4
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Wang X, Tong W, Yang X, Zhai H, Qin W, Liu C, Zheng H, Yu H, Tong G, Zhang Z, Kong N, Shan T. RBM14 inhibits the replication of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus by recruiting p62 to degrade nucleocapsid protein through the activation of autophagy and interferon pathway. J Virol 2024; 98:e0018224. [PMID: 38411947 PMCID: PMC10949495 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00182-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) results in PED, which is an infectious intestinal disease with the representative features of diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. PEDV infects neonatal piglets, causing high mortality rates. Therefore, elucidating the interaction between the virus and host in preventing and controlling PEDV infection is of immense significance. We found a new antiviral function of the host protein, RNA-binding motif protein 14 (RBM14), which can inhibit PEDV replication via the activation of autophagy and interferon (IFN) signal pathways. We found that RBM14 can recruit cargo receptor p62 to degrade PEDV nucleocapsid (N) protein through the RBM14-p62-autophagosome pathway. Furthermore, RBM14 can also improve the antiviral ability of the hosts through interacting with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein to induce IFN expression. These results highlight the novel mechanism underlying RBM14-induced viral restriction. This mechanism leads to the degradation of viral N protein via the autophagy pathway and upregulates IFN for inhibiting PEDV replication; thus, offering new ways for preventing and controlling PED.IMPORTANCEPorcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a vital reason for diarrhea in neonatal piglets, which causes high morbidity and mortality rates. There is currently no effective vaccine or drug to treat and prevent infection with the PEDV. During virus infection, the host inhibits virus replication through various antiviral factors, and at the same time, the virus antagonizes the host's antiviral reaction through its own encoded protein, thus completing the process of virus replication. Our study has revealed that the expression of RNA-binding motif protein 14 (RBM14) was downregulated in PEDV infection. We found that RBM14 can recruit cargo receptor p62 to degrade PEDV N protein via the RBM14-p62-autophagosome pathway and interacted with mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein and TRAF3 to activate the interferon signal pathway, resulting in the inhibition of PEDV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Wang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wu Tong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huanjie Zhai
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhen Qin
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Changlong Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hai Yu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guangzhi Tong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhendong Zhang
- Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ning Kong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tongling Shan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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5
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Muradyan N, Arakelov V, Sargsyan A, Paronyan A, Arakelov G, Nazaryan K. Impact of mutations on the stability of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein structure. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5870. [PMID: 38467657 PMCID: PMC10928099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55157-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is known to participate in various host cellular processes, including interferon inhibition, RNA interference, apoptosis, and regulation of virus life cycles. Additionally, it has potential as a diagnostic antigen and/or immunogen. Our research focuses on examining structural changes caused by mutations in the N protein. We have modeled the complete tertiary structure of native and mutated forms of the N protein using Alphafold2. Notably, the N protein contains 3 disordered regions. The focus was on investigating the impact of mutations on the stability of the protein's dimeric structure based on binding free energy calculations (MM-PB/GB-SA) and RMSD fluctuations after MD simulations. The results demonstrated that 28 mutations out of 37 selected mutations analyzed, compared with wild-type N protein, resulted in a stable dimeric structure, while 9 mutations led to destabilization. Our results are important to understand the tertiary structure of the N protein dimer of SARS-CoV-2 and the effect of mutations on it, their behavior in the host cell, as well as for the research of other viruses belonging to the same genus additionally, to anticipate potential strategies for addressing this viral illness․.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Muradyan
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Vahram Arakelov
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Arsen Sargsyan
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Russian-Armenian University, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Adrine Paronyan
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Russian-Armenian University, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Grigor Arakelov
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia.
- Russian-Armenian University, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia.
| | - Karen Nazaryan
- Laboratory of Computational Modeling of Biological Processes, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (NAS RA), 0014, Yerevan, Armenia
- Russian-Armenian University, 0051, Yerevan, Armenia
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6
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Garrison AR, Moresco V, Zeng X, Cline CR, Ward MD, Ricks KM, Olschner SP, Cazares LH, Karaaslan E, Fitzpatrick CJ, Bergeron É, Pegan SD, Golden JW. Nucleocapsid protein-specific monoclonal antibodies protect mice against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1722. [PMID: 38409240 PMCID: PMC10897337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a WHO priority pathogen. Antibody-based medical countermeasures offer an important strategy to mitigate severe disease caused by CCHFV. Most efforts have focused on targeting the viral glycoproteins. However, glycoproteins are poorly conserved among viral strains. The CCHFV nucleocapsid protein (NP) is highly conserved between CCHFV strains. Here, we investigate the protective efficacy of a CCHFV monoclonal antibody targeting the NP. We find that an anti-NP monoclonal antibody (mAb-9D5) protected female mice against lethal CCHFV infection or resulted in a significant delay in mean time-to-death in mice that succumbed to disease compared to isotype control animals. Antibody protection is independent of Fc-receptor functionality and complement activity. The antibody bound NP from several CCHFV strains and exhibited robust cross-protection against the heterologous CCHFV strain Afg09-2990. Our work demonstrates that the NP is a viable target for antibody-based therapeutics, providing another direction for developing immunotherapeutics against CCHFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aura R Garrison
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
| | - Vanessa Moresco
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Curtis R Cline
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Michael D Ward
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Keersten M Ricks
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Scott P Olschner
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Lisa H Cazares
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Elif Karaaslan
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Collin J Fitzpatrick
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Éric Bergeron
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High-Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Scott D Pegan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY, USA
| | - Joseph W Golden
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, MD, USA.
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7
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Edalat F, Khakpour N, Heli H, Letafati A, Ramezani A, Hosseini SY, Moattari A. Immunological mechanisms of the nucleocapsid protein in COVID-19. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3711. [PMID: 38355695 PMCID: PMC10867304 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53906-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), resulting from Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has left an indelible mark on a global scale, causing countless infections and fatalities. This investigation delves into the role of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein within the HEK293 cells, shedding light on its influence over apoptosis, interferon signaling, and cytokines production. The N gene was amplified, inserted into the pAdTrack-CMV vector, and then transfected to the HEK293 cells. Changes in the expression of IRF3, IRF7, IFN-β, BAK, BAX, and BCL-2 genes were evaluated. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines of IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α were also determined. The N protein exhibited an anti-apoptotic effect by modulating critical genes associated with apoptosis, including BAK, BAX, and BCL-2. This effect potentially prolonged the survival of infected cells. The N protein also played a role in immune evasion by suppressing the interferon pathway, evidenced by the downregulation of essential interferon regulatory factors of IRF3 and IRF7, and IFN-β expression. The N protein expression led to a substantial increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines of IL-6, IL-12, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The N protein emerged as a versatile factor and was exerted over apoptosis, interferon signaling, and cytokine production. These findings carry potential implications for the development of targeted therapies to combat COVID-19 and mitigate its global health impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahime Edalat
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Niloofar Khakpour
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Heli
- Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arash Letafati
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Ramezani
- Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Younes Hosseini
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Afagh Moattari
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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8
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Zhang S, Wang J, Liu X, Kan Z, Zhang Y, Niu Z, Hu X, Zhang L, Zhang X, Song Z. Pemetrexed alleviates piglet diarrhea by blocking the interaction between porcine epidemic diarrhea virus nucleocapsid protein and Ezrin. J Virol 2024; 98:e0162523. [PMID: 38084960 PMCID: PMC10804979 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01625-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an enteric coronavirus that causes high mortality in piglets, thus posing a serious threat to the world pig industry. Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) is related to the imbalance of sodium absorption by small intestinal epithelial cells; however, the etiology of sodium imbalanced diarrhea caused by PEDV remains unclear. Herein, we first proved that PEDV can cause a significant decrease in Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) expression on the cell membrane, in a viral dose-dependent manner. Further study showed that the PEDV nucleocapsid (N) protein participates in the regulation of NHE3 activity through interacting with Ezrin. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy results indicated a serious imbalance in Na+ concentration inside and outside cells following overexpression of PEDV N. Meanwhile, molecular docking technology identified that the small molecule drug Pemetrexed acts on the PEDV N-Ezrin interaction region. It was confirmed that Pemetrexed can alleviate the imbalanced Na+ concentration in IPEC-J2 cells and the diarrhea symptoms of Rongchang pigs caused by PEDV infection. Overall, our data suggest that the interaction between PEDV N and Ezrin reduces the level of phosphorylated Ezrin, resulting in a decrease in the amount of NHE3 protein on the cell membrane. This leads to an imbalance of intracellular and extracellular Na+, which causes diarrhea symptoms in piglets. Pemetrexed is effective in relieving diarrhea caused by PEDV. Our results provide a reference to screen for anti-PEDV targets and to develop drugs to prevent PED.IMPORTANCEPorcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) has caused significant economic losses to the pig industry since its initial outbreak, and the pathogenic mechanism of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is still under investigation. Herein, we found that the PEDV nucleocapsid protein interacts with Ezrin to regulate Na+/H+ exchanger 3 activity. In addition, we screened out Pemetrexed, a small molecule drug, which can effectively alleviate pig diarrhea caused by PEDV. These results provide support for further exploration of the pathogenesis of PEDV and the development of drugs to prevent PED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiangyang Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Ürümqi, China
| | - Zifei Kan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiling Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Chongqing Three Gorges Vocational College, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A and F University, Shanxi, China
| | - Xia Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingcui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenhui Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Immunology Research Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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9
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Duan H, Chen X, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Li Z, Wang X, Zhao J, Nan Y, Liu B, Zhang A, Sun Y, Zhao Q. A nanobody inhibiting porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus replication via blocking self-interaction of viral nucleocapsid protein. J Virol 2024; 98:e0131923. [PMID: 38084961 PMCID: PMC10804987 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01319-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a serious global pig industry disease. Understanding the mechanism of viral replication and developing efficient antiviral strategies are necessary for combating with PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection. Recently, nanobody is considered to be a promising antiviral drug, especially for respiratory viruses. The present study evaluated two nanobodies against PRRSV nucleocapsid (N) protein (PRRSV-N-Nb1 and -Nb2) for their anti-PRRSV activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that intracellularly expressed PRRSV-N-Nb1 significantly inhibited PRRSV-2 replication in MARC-145 cells (approximately 100%). Then, the PRRSV-N-Nb1 fused with porcine IgG Fc (Nb1-pFc) as a delivering tag was produced and used to determine its effect on PRRSV-2 replication in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and pigs. The inhibition rate of Nb1-pFc against PRRSV-2 in PAMs could reach >90%, and it can also inhibit viral replication in vivo. Epitope mapping showed that the motif Serine 105 (S105) in PRRSV-2 N protein was the key amino acid binding to PRRSV-N-Nb1, which is also pivotal for the self-interaction of N protein via binding to Arginine 97. Moreover, viral particles were not successfully rescued when the S105 motif was mutated to Alanine (S105A). Attachment, entry, genome replication, release, docking model analysis, and blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) indicated that the binding of PRRSV-N-Nb1 to N protein could block its self-binding, which prevents the viral replication of PRRSV. PRRSV-N-Nb1 may be a promising drug to counter PRRSV-2 infection. We also provided some new insights into the molecular basis of PRRSV N protein self-binding and assembly of viral particles.IMPORTANCEPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes serious economic losses to the swine industry worldwide, and there are no highly effective strategies for prevention. Nanobodies are considered a promising novel approach for treating diseases because of their ease of production and low costing. Here, we showed that PRRSV-N-Nb1 against PRRSV-N protein significantly inhibited PRRSV-2 replication in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the motif Serine 105 (S105) in PRRSV-N protein was the key amino acid to interact with PRRSV-N-Nb1 and bond to its motif R97, which is important for the self-binding of N protein. The PRRSV-N-Nb1 could block the self-interaction of N protein following viral assembly. These findings not only provide insights into the molecular basis of PRRSV N protein self-binding as a key factor for viral replication for the first time but also highlight a novel target for the development of anti-PRRSV replication drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Duan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ziwei Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhihan Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinjie Wang
- Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiakai Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baoyuan Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Angke Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yani Sun
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qin Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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10
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Benning FMC, Jenni S, Garcia CY, Nguyen TH, Zhang X, Chao LH. Helical reconstruction of VP39 reveals principles for baculovirus nucleocapsid assembly. Nat Commun 2024; 15:250. [PMID: 38177118 PMCID: PMC10767040 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44596-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Baculoviruses are insect-infecting pathogens with wide applications as biological pesticides, in vitro protein production vehicles and gene therapy tools. Its cylindrical nucleocapsid, which encapsulates and protects the circular double-stranded viral DNA encoding proteins for viral replication and entry, is formed by the highly conserved major capsid protein VP39. The mechanism for VP39 assembly remains unknown. We use electron cryomicroscopy to determine a 3.2 Å helical reconstruction of an infectious nucleocapsid of Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus, revealing how dimers of VP39 assemble into a 14-stranded helical tube. We show that VP39 comprises a distinct protein fold conserved across baculoviruses, which includes a Zinc finger domain and a stabilizing intra-dimer sling. Analysis of sample polymorphism shows that VP39 assembles in several closely-related helical geometries. This VP39 reconstruction reveals general principles for baculoviral nucleocapsid assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike M C Benning
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Simon Jenni
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Coby Y Garcia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Harvard College, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Tran H Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Xuewu Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Luke H Chao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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11
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Royster A, Ren S, Ali S, Mir S, Mir M. Modulations in the host cell proteome by the hantavirus nucleocapsid protein. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011925. [PMID: 38190410 PMCID: PMC10798635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses have evolved a unique translation strategy to boost the translation of viral mRNA in infected cells. Hantavirus nucleocapsid protein (NP) binds to the viral mRNA 5' UTR and the 40S ribosomal subunit via the ribosomal protein S19. NP associated ribosomes are selectively loaded on viral transcripts to boost their translation. Here we demonstrate that NP expression upregulated the steady-state levels of a subset of host cell factors primarily involved in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Detailed investigation of Valosin-containing protein (VCP/p97), one of the upregulated host factors, in both transfected and virus infected cells revealed that NP with the assistance of VCP mRNA 5' UTR facilitates the translation of downstream VCP ORF. The VCP mRNA contains a 5' UTR of 987 nucleotides harboring six unusual start codons upstream of the correct start codon for VCP which is located at 988th position from the 5' cap. In vitro translation of a GFP reporter transcript harboring the VCP mRNA 5' UTR generated both GFP and a short polypeptide of ~14 KDa by translation initiation from start codon located in the 5' UTR at 542nd position from the 5' cap. The translation initiation from 542nd AUG in the UTR sequence was confirmed in cells using a dual reporter construct expressing mCherry and GFP. The synthesis of 14KDa polypeptide dramatically inhibited the translation of the ORF from the downstream correct start codon at 988th position from the 5' cap. We report that purified NP binds to the VCP mRNA 5' UTR with high affinity and NP binding site is located close to the 542ndAUG. NP binding shuts down the translation of 14KDa polypeptide which then facilitates the translation initiation at the correct AUG codon. Knockdown of VCP generated lower levels of poorly infectious hantavirus particle in the cellular cytoplasm whose egress was dramatically inhibited in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. We demonstrated that VCP binds to the hantavirus glycoprotein Gn before its incorporation into assembled virions and facilitates viral spread to neighboring cells during infection. Our results suggest that ribosome engagement at the 542nd AUG codon in the 5' UTR likely regulates the endogenous steady state levels of VCP in cells. Hantaviruses interrupt this regulatory mechanism to enhance the steady state levels of VCP in virus infected cells. This augmentation facilitates virus replication, supports the transmission of the virus to adjacent cells, and promotes the release of infectious virus particles from the host cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Royster
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Songyang Ren
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Saima Ali
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Sheema Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
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12
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Sabsay KR, te Velthuis AJW. Negative and ambisense RNA virus ribonucleocapsids: more than protective armor. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0008223. [PMID: 37750733 PMCID: PMC10732063 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00082-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYNegative and ambisense RNA viruses are the causative agents of important human diseases such as influenza, measles, Lassa fever, and Ebola hemorrhagic fever. The viral genome of these RNA viruses consists of one or more single-stranded RNA molecules that are encapsidated by viral nucleocapsid proteins to form a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). This RNP acts as protection, as a scaffold for RNA folding, and as the context for viral replication and transcription by a viral RNA polymerase. However, the roles of the viral nucleoproteins extend beyond these functions during the viral infection cycle. Recent advances in structural biology techniques and analysis methods have provided new insights into the formation, function, dynamics, and evolution of negative sense virus nucleocapsid proteins, as well as the role that they play in host innate immune responses against viral infection. In this review, we discuss the various roles of nucleocapsid proteins, both in the context of RNPs and in RNA-free states, as well as the open questions that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly R. Sabsay
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aartjan J. W. te Velthuis
- Lewis Thomas Laboratory, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
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13
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Adly AN, Bi M, Carlson CR, Syed AM, Ciling A, Doudna JA, Cheng Y, Morgan DO. Assembly of SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleosomes by truncated N ∗ variant of the nucleocapsid protein. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105362. [PMID: 37863261 PMCID: PMC10665939 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) compacts the RNA genome into viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes within virions. Assembly of vRNPs is inhibited by phosphorylation of the N protein serine/arginine (SR) region. Several SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern carry N protein mutations that reduce phosphorylation and enhance the efficiency of viral packaging. Variants of the dominant B.1.1 viral lineage also encode a truncated N protein, termed N∗ or Δ(1-209), that mediates genome packaging despite lacking the N-terminal RNA-binding domain and SR region. Here, we use mass photometry and negative stain electron microscopy to show that purified Δ(1-209) and viral RNA assemble into vRNPs that are remarkably similar in size and shape to those formed with full-length N protein. We show that assembly of Δ(1-209) vRNPs requires the leucine-rich helix of the central disordered region and that this helix promotes N protein oligomerization. We also find that fusion of a phosphomimetic SR region to Δ(1-209) inhibits RNA binding and vRNP assembly. Our results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which RNA binding promotes N protein self-association and vRNP assembly, and how this process is modulated by phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin N Adly
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maxine Bi
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Abdullah M Syed
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Alison Ciling
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- J. David Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, California, USA; MBIB Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David O Morgan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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14
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Khramtsov YV, Ulasov AV, Lupanova TN, Georgiev GP, Sobolev AS. Quantitative Description of the N-Protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus Degradation in Cells Stably Expressing It under the Influence of New Modular Nanotransporters. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2023; 513:S63-S66. [PMID: 38379079 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672923700709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Two eukaryotic cell lines, A549 and A431, with stable expression of the nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus fused with the red fluorescent protein mRuby3 were obtained. Using microscopy, the volumes of the cytoplasm and nucleus were determined for these cells. Using quantitative immunoblotting techniques, the concentrations of the N-mRuby3 fusion protein in their cytoplasm were assessed. They were 19 and 9 μM for A549 and A431 cells, respectively. Using these concentrations, the initial rate of N-protein degradation in the studied cells was estimated from the decrease in cell fluorescence. In A549 and A431 cells, it was the same (84 nM per hour). The approach of quantitatively describing the degradation process can be applied to analyze the effectiveness of a wide class of antiviral drugs that cause degradation of viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y V Khramtsov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Ulasov
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - T N Lupanova
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - G P Georgiev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Sobolev
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
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15
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He S, Gou H, Zhou Y, Wu C, Ren X, Wu X, Guan G, Jin B, Huang J, Jin Z, Zhao T. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein suppresses innate immunity by remodeling stress granules to atypical foci. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23269. [PMID: 37889852 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201973rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Viruses deploy multiple strategies to suppress the host innate immune response to facilitate viral replication and pathogenesis. Typical G3BP1+ stress granules (SGs) are usually formed in host cells after virus infection to restrain viral translation and to stimulate innate immunity. Thus, viruses have evolved various mechanisms to inhibit SGs or to repurpose SG components such as G3BP1. Previous studies showed that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection inhibited host immunity during the early stage of COVID-19. However, the precise mechanism is not yet well understood. Here we showed that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (SARS2-N) protein suppressed the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced innate immune response, concomitant with inhibition of SGs and the induction of atypical SARS2-N+ /G3BP1+ foci (N+ foci). The SARS2-N protein-induced formation of N+ foci was dependent on the ability of its ITFG motif to hijack G3BP1, which contributed to suppress the innate immune response. Importantly, SARS2-N protein facilitated viral replication by inducing the formation of N+ foci. Viral mutations within SARS2-N protein that impair the formation of N+ foci are associated with the inability of the SARS2-N protein to suppress the immune response. Taken together, our study has revealed a novel mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 suppresses the innate immune response via induction of atypical N+ foci. We think that this is a critical strategy for viral pathogenesis and has potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Gou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chunxiu Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinxin Ren
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiajunpeng Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guanwen Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Boxing Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinhua Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhigang Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tiejun Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
- School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Dong H, Zhang H, Jalin J, He Z, Wang R, Huang L, Liu Z, Zhang S, Dai B, Li D. Nucleocapsid proteins from human coronaviruses possess phase separation capabilities and promote FUS pathological aggregation. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4826. [PMID: 37906538 PMCID: PMC10659942 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein is an essential structural component necessary for genomic packaging and replication in various human coronaviruses (HCoVs), such as SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV. Recent studies have revealed that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein exhibits a high capacity for liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which plays multiple roles in viral infection and replication. In this study, we systematically investigate the LLPS capabilities of seven homologous N proteins from different HCoVs using a high-throughput protein phase separation assay. We found that LLPS is a shared intrinsic property among these N proteins. However, the phase separation profiles of the various N protein homologs differ, and they undergo phase separation under distinct in vitro conditions. Moreover, we demonstrate that N protein homologs can co-phase separate with FUS, a SG-containing protein, and accelerate its liquid-to-solid phase transition and amyloid aggregation, which is closely related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Further study shows that N protein homologs can directly bind to the low complexity domain of FUS. Together, our work demonstrates that N proteins of different HCoVs possess phase separation capabilities, which may contribute to promoting pathological aggregation of host proteins and disrupting SG homeostasis during the infection and replication of various HCoVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Dong
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Present address:
Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and ChemistryShanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Julie Jalin
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Ziqi He
- College of StomatologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Runhan Wang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Leqi Huang
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zibo Liu
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Shenqing Zhang
- Bio‐X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced StudyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Bin Dai
- School of Life Sciences and BiotechnologyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Dan Li
- Bio‐X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
- Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced StudyShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiChina
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17
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Desmarets L, Danneels A, Burlaud-Gaillard J, Blanchard E, Dubuisson J, Belouzard S. The KxGxYR and DxE motifs in the C-tail of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus membrane protein are crucial for infectious virus assembly. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:353. [PMID: 37940699 PMCID: PMC10632273 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus' (CoV) membrane (M) protein is the driving force during assembly, but this process remains poorly characterized. Previously, we described two motifs in the C-tail of the Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV) M protein involved in its endoplasmic reticulum (ER) exit (211DxE213) and trans-Golgi network (TGN) retention (199KxGxYR204). Here, their function in virus assembly was investigated by two different virus-like particle (VLP) assays and by mutating both motifs in an infectious MERS-CoV cDNA clone. It was shown that the 199KxGxYR204 motif was essential for VLP and infectious virus assembly. Moreover, the mislocalization of the M protein induced by mutation of this motif prevented M-E interaction. Hampering the ER export of M by mutating its 211DxE213 motif still allowed the formation of nucleocapsid-empty VLPs, but prevented the formation of fully assembled VLPs and infectious particles. Taken together, these data show that the MERS-CoV assembly process highly depends on the correct intracellular trafficking of its M protein, and hence that not only specific protein-protein interacting motifs but also correct subcellular localization of the M protein in infected cells is essential for virus formation and should be taken into consideration when studying the assembly process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowiese Desmarets
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Adeline Danneels
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Julien Burlaud-Gaillard
- INSERM U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Emmanuelle Blanchard
- INSERM U1259 MAVIVH, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
- Plate-Forme IBiSA de Microscopie Electronique, Université de Tours and CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Sandrine Belouzard
- Université de Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, 59000, Lille, France.
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18
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Gong X, Ma T, Wang J, Cao X, Zhang Q, Wang Y, Song C, Lai M, Zhang C, Fang X, Chen X. Nucleocapsid protein residues 35, 36, and 113 are critical sites in up-regulating the Interleukin-8 production via C/EBPα pathway by highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. Microb Pathog 2023; 184:106345. [PMID: 37714310 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a highly infectious and pathogenic agent that causes considerable economic damage in the swine industry. It regulates the inflammatory response, triggers inflammation-induced tissue damage, suppresses the innate immune response, and leads to persistent infection. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, plays a crucial role in inflammatory response during numerous bacteria and virus infections. However, the underlying mechanisms of IL-8 regulation during PRRSV infection are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that PRRSV-infected PAMs and Marc-145 cells release higher levels of IL-8. We screened the nucleocapsid protein, non-structural protein (nsp) 9, and nsp11 of PRRSV to enhance IL-8 promoter activity via the C/EBPα pathway. Furthermore, we identified that the amino acids Q35A, S36A, R113A, and I115A of the nucleocapsid protein play a crucial role in the induction of IL-8. Through reverse genetics, we generated two mutant viruses (rQ35-2A and rR113A), which showed lower induction of IL-8 in PAMs during infection. This finding uncovers a previously unrecognized role of the PRRSV nucleocapsid protein in modulating IL-8 production and provides insight into an additional mechanism by which PRRSV modulates immune responses and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Gong
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Tianyi Ma
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Xinran Cao
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Qiaoya Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Yanhong Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Chengchuang Song
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Min Lai
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Chunlei Zhang
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China
| | - Xingtang Fang
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China.
| | - Xi Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, China.
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Chen R, Han X, Xu H, Xu J, Cao T, Shan Y, He F, Fang W, Li X. N-terminal domain of classical swine fever virus N pro induces proteasomal degradation of specificity protein 1 with reduced HDAC1 expression to evade from innate immune responses. J Virol 2023; 97:e0111523. [PMID: 37796122 PMCID: PMC10617410 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01115-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Of the flaviviruses, only CSFV and bovine viral diarrhea virus express Npro as the non-structural protein which is not essential for viral replication but functions to dampen host innate immunity. We have deciphered a novel mechanism with which CSFV uses to evade the host antiviral immunity by the N-terminal domain of its Npro to facilitate proteasomal degradation of Sp1 with subsequent reduction of HDAC1 and ISG15 expression. This is distinct from earlier findings involving Npro-mediated IRF3 degradation via the C-terminal domain. This study provides insights for further studies on how HDAC1 plays its role in antiviral immunity, and if and how other viral proteins, such as the core protein of CSFV, the nucleocapsid protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, or even other coronaviruses, exert antiviral immune responses via the Sp1-HDAC1 axis. Such research may lead to a deeper understanding of viral immune evasion strategies as part of their pathogenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Chen
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hankun Xu
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jidong Xu
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Cao
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Shan
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang He
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihuan Fang
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoliang Li
- Zhejiang University Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine & Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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20
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Zgheib S, Taha N, Zeiger M, Glushonkov O, Lequeu T, Anton H, Didier P, Boutant E, Mély Y, Réal E. The human cellular protein NoL12 is a specific partner of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein NCp7. J Virol 2023; 97:e0004023. [PMID: 37695057 PMCID: PMC10537728 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00040-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) is a nucleic acid chaperone protein with two highly conserved zinc fingers. To exert its key roles in the viral cycle, NCp7 interacts with several host proteins. Among them, the human NoL12 protein (hNoL12) was previously identified in genome wide screens as a potential partner of NCp7. hNoL12 is a highly conserved 25 kDa nucleolar RNA-binding protein implicated in the 5'end processing of ribosomal RNA in the nucleolus and thus in the assembly and maturation of ribosomes. In this work, we confirmed the NCp7/hNoL12 interaction in cells by Förster resonance energy transfer visualized by Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation. The interaction between NCp7 and hNoL12 was found to strongly depend on their both binding to RNA, as shown by the loss of interaction when the cell lysates were pretreated with RNase. Deletion mutants of hNoL12 were tested for their co-immunoprecipitation with NCp7, leading to the identification of the exonuclease domain of hNoL12 as the binding domain for NCp7. Finally, the interaction with hNoL12 was found to be specific of the mature NCp7 and to require NCp7 basic residues. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 mature nucleocapsid (NCp7) results from the maturation of the Gag precursor in the viral particle and is thus mostly abundant in the first phase of the infection which ends with the genomic viral DNA integration in the cell genome. Most if not all the nucleocapsid partners identified so far are not specific of the mature form. We described here the specific interaction in the nucleolus between NCp7 and the human nucleolar protein 12, a protein implicated in ribosomal RNA maturation and DNA damage response. This interaction takes place in the cell nucleolus, a subcellular compartment where NCp7 accumulates. The absence of binding between hNoL12 and Gag makes hNoL12 one of the few known specific cellular partners of NCp7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarwat Zgheib
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Nedal Taha
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Manon Zeiger
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Oleksandr Glushonkov
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Thiebault Lequeu
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Halina Anton
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Pascal Didier
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Emmanuel Boutant
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Yves Mély
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Eléonore Réal
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies - LBP, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
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21
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Huang M, Liu Y, Xia Y, Wang J, Zheng X, Cao Y. Infectious bronchitis virus nucleocapsid protein suppressed type I interferon production by interfering with the binding of MDA5-dsRNA and interacting with LGP2. Vet Microbiol 2023; 284:109798. [PMID: 37307767 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The type I interferon (IFN-I) is a critical component of the innate immune responses, and Coronaviruses (CoVs) from both the Alphacoronavirus and Betacoronavirus genera interfere with the IFN-I signaling pathway in various ways. Of the gammacoronaviruses that mainly infect birds, little is known about how infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), evades or interferes with the innate immune responses in avian hosts since few IBV strains have been adapted to grow in avian passage cells. Previously, we reported that a highly pathogenic IBV strain GD17/04 has adaptability in an avian cell line, providing a material basis for further study on the interaction mechanism. In the present work, we describe the suppression of IBV to IFN-I and the potential role of IBV-encoded nucleocapsid (N) protein. We show that IBV significantly inhibits the poly I: C-induced IFN-I production, accordingly the nuclear translocation of STAT1, and the expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). A detailed analysis revealed that N protein, acting as an IFN-I antagonist, significantly impedes the activation of the IFN-β promoter stimulated by MDA5 and LGP2 but does not counteract its activation by MAVS, TBK1, and IRF7. Further results showed that IBV N protein, verified to be an RNA-binding protein, interferes with MDA5 recognizing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Moreover, we found that the N protein targets LGP2, which is required in the chicken IFN-I signaling pathway. Taken together, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanism by which IBV evades avian innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Huang
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Xuewei Zheng
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China
| | - Yongchang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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22
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Zayabaatar E, Tang NMT, Pham MT. Electrogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis colonizes nasal cavities and alleviates IL-6 progression induced by the SARS2-CoV nucleocapsid protein. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad179. [PMID: 37558389 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
AIM Certain probiotic bacteria have been shown to possess an immunomodulatory effect and a protective effect on influenza infections. Using the Staphylococcus epidermidis K1 colonized mice model, we assessed the effect of nasal administration of glycerol or flavin mononucleotide (FMN) on the production of interleukin (IL)-6 mediated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS2-CoV) nucleocapsid protein (NPP). METHODS AND RESULTS FMN, one of the key electron donors for the generation of electricity facilitated by S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, was detected in the glycerol fermentation medium. Compared to the S. epidermidis ATCC 12228, the S. epidermidis K1 isolate showed significant expression of the electron transfer genes, including pyruvate dehydrogenase (pdh), riboflavin kinase (rk), 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate octaprenyltransferase (menA), and type II NADH quinone oxidoreductase (ndh2). Institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were intranasally administered with S. epidermidis K1 with or without pretreatment with riboflavin kinase inhibitors, then nasally treated with glycerol or FMN before inoculating the NPP. Furthermore, J774A.1 macrophages were exposed to NPP serum and then treated with NPP of SARS2-CoV. The IL-6 levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice and macrophages were quantified using a mouse IL-6 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. CONCLUSIONS Here, we report that nasal administration of NPP strongly elevates IL-6 levels in both BALF and J774A.1 macrophages. It is worth noting that NPP-neutralizing antibodies can decrease IL-6 levels in macrophages. The nasal administration of glycerol or FMN to S. epidermidis K1-colonized mice results in a reduction of NPP-induced IL-6 production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhbat Zayabaatar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan
| | - Nguyen Mai Trinh Tang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, National Central University, Taoyuan 320317, Taiwan
| | - Minh Tan Pham
- Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam
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23
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Min YQ, Huang M, Feng K, Jia Y, Sun X, Ning YJ. A New Cellular Interactome of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Its Biological Implications. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100579. [PMID: 37211047 PMCID: PMC10198743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is still much to uncover regarding the molecular details of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. As the most abundant protein, coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein encapsidates viral RNAs, serving as the structural component of ribonucleoprotein and virion, and participates in transcription, replication, and host regulations. Virus-host interaction might give clues to better understand how the virus affects or is affected by its host during infection and identify promising therapeutic candidates. Considering the critical roles of N, we here established a new cellular interactome of SARS-CoV-2 N by using a high-specific affinity purification (S-pulldown) assay coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry and immunoblotting validations, uncovering many N-interacting host proteins unreported previously. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these host factors are mainly involved in translation regulations, viral transcription, RNA processes, stress responses, protein folding and modification, and inflammatory/immune signaling pathways, in line with the supposed actions of N in viral infection. Existing pharmacological cellular targets and the directing drugs were then mined, generating a drug-host protein network. Accordingly, we experimentally identified several small-molecule compounds as novel inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, a newly identified host factor, DDX1, was verified to interact and colocalize with N mainly by binding to the N-terminal domain of the viral protein. Importantly, loss/gain/reconstitution-of-function experiments showed that DDX1 acts as a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 host factor, inhibiting the viral replication and protein expression. The N-targeting and anti-SARS-CoV-2 abilities of DDX1 are consistently independent of its ATPase/helicase activity. Further mechanism studies revealed that DDX1 impedes multiple activities of N, including the N-N interaction, N oligomerization, and N-viral RNA binding, thus likely inhibiting viral propagation. These data provide new clues to better depiction of the N-cell interactions and SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help inform the development of new therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Qin Min
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengzhuo Huang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Kuan Feng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Jia
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiulian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yun-Jia Ning
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
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24
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Sekine R, Tsuno S, Irokawa H, Sumitomo K, Han T, Sato Y, Nishizawa S, Takeda K, Kuge S. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein-RNA interaction by guanosine oligomeric RNA. J Biochem 2023; 173:447-457. [PMID: 36748338 PMCID: PMC11033527 DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction of the β-coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N) protein with genomic RNA is initiated by specific RNA regions and subsequently induces the formation of a continuous polymer with characteristic structural units for viral formation. We hypothesized that oligomeric RNAs, whose sequences are absent in the 29.9-kb genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2, might affect RNA-N protein interactions. We identified two such hexameric RNAs, In-1 (CCGGCG) and G6 (GGGGGG), and investigated their effects on the small filamentous/droplet-like structures (< a few μm) of N protein-genomic RNA formed by liquid-liquid phase separation. The small N protein structures were sequence-specifically enhanced by In-1, whereas G6 caused them to coalesce into large droplets. Moreover, we found that a guanosine 12-mer (G12, GGGGGGGGGGGG) expelled preexisting genomic RNA from the small N protein structures. The presence of G12 with the genomic RNA suppressed the formation of the small N protein structures, and alternatively apparently altered phase separation to induce the formation of large droplets with unclear phase boundaries. We showed that the N-terminal RNA-binding domain is required for the stability of the small N protein structures. Our results suggest that G12 may be a strong inhibitor of the RNA-N protein interaction.
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Key Words
- N protein
- RNA Interactions < Protein
- RNA < Viruses
- SARS-CoV-2
- liquid–liquid phase separationAbbreviation: COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease-2019; CTD, C-terminal domain; DIC, differential interference contrast; EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, IDR, intrinsically disordered region; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; HEPES, 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, LLPS, liquid–liquid phase separation; NTD, N-terminal domain; N, nucleocapsid; PEG, polyethylene glycol; PNA, peptide nucleic acid; SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus; vRNP, viral ribonucleoprotein
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoya Sekine
- Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1, Komatsuhima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan
| | - Satsuki Tsuno
- Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1, Komatsuhima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan
| | - Hayato Irokawa
- Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1, Komatsuhima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sumitomo
- Division of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 1-15-1, Fukumuro, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 983-8536, Japan
| | - Tianxue Han
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3, Azaaoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3, Azaaoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Seiichi Nishizawa
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 6-3, Azaaoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, Japan
| | - Kouki Takeda
- Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1, Komatsuhima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan
| | - Shusuke Kuge
- Division of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-4-1, Komatsuhima, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 981-8558, Japan
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25
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Lee E, Redzic JS, Saviola AJ, Li X, Ebmeier CC, Kutateladze T, Hansen KC, Zhao R, Ahn N, Sluchanko NN, Eisenmesser E. Molecular insight into the specific interactions of the SARS-Coronavirus-2 nucleocapsid with RNA and host protein. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4603. [PMID: 36807437 PMCID: PMC10019451 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein is the most abundantly expressed viral protein during infection where it targets both RNA and host proteins. However, identifying how a single viral protein interacts with so many different targets remains a challenge, providing the impetus here for identifying the interaction sites through multiple methods. Through a combination of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron microscopy, and biochemical methods, we have characterized nucleocapsid interactions with RNA and with three host proteins, which include human cyclophilin-A, Pin1, and 14-3-3τ. Regarding RNA interactions, the nucleocapsid protein N-terminal folded domain preferentially interacts with smaller RNA fragments relative to the C-terminal region, suggesting an initial RNA engagement is largely dictated by this N-terminal region followed by weaker interactions to the C-terminal region. The nucleocapsid protein forms 10 nm ribonuclear complexes with larger RNA fragments that include 200 and 354 nucleic acids, revealing its potential diversity in sequestering different viral genomic regions during viral packaging. Regarding host protein interactions, while the nucleocapsid targets all three host proteins through its serine-arginine-rich region, unstructured termini of the nucleocapsid protein also engage host cyclophilin-A and host 14-3-3τ. Considering these host proteins play roles in innate immunity, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein may block the host response by competing interactions. Finally, phosphorylation of the nucleocapsid protein quenches an inherent dynamic exchange process within its serine-arginine-rich region. Our studies identify many of the diverse interactions that may be important for SARS-CoV-2 pathology during infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjeong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Jasmina S. Redzic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Anthony J. Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Xueni Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | | | - Tatiana Kutateladze
- Department of PharmacologySchool of Medicine, University of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Kirk Charles Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
| | - Natalie Ahn
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderColoradoUSA
| | - Nikolai N. Sluchanko
- A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of SciencesMoscowRussia
| | - Elan Eisenmesser
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, School of MedicineUniversity of Colorado DenverAuroraColoradoUSA
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26
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Chen F, Guo Z, Zhang R, Zhang Z, Hu B, Bai L, Zhao S, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Li Y. Canine distemper virus N protein induces autophagy to facilitate viral replication. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:60. [PMID: 36922800 PMCID: PMC10015816 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03575-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most contagious and lethal viruses known to the Canidae, with a very broad and expanding host range. Autophagy serves as a fundamental stabilizing response against pathogens, but some viruses have been able to evade or exploit it for their replication. However, the effect of autophagy mechanisms on CDV infection is still unclear. RESULTS In the present study, autophagy was induced in CDV-infected Vero cells as demonstrated by elevated LC3-II levels and aggregation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 spots. Furthermore, CDV promoted the complete autophagic process, which could be determined by the degradation of p62, co-localization of LC3 with lysosomes, GFP degradation, and accumulation of LC3-II and p62 due to the lysosomal protease inhibitor E64d. In addition, the use of Rapamycin to promote autophagy promoted CDV replication, and the inhibition of autophagy by Wortmannin, Chloroquine and siRNA-ATG5 inhibited CDV replication, revealing that CDV-induced autophagy facilitated virus replication. We also found that UV-inactivated CDV still induced autophagy, and that nucleocapsid (N) protein was able to induce complete autophagy in an mTOR-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study for the first time revealed that CDV N protein induced complete autophagy to facilitate viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xu Jiaping, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Zijing Guo
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, 16 Yihuan Rd., Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, 16 Yihuan Rd., Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xu Jiaping, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Key Laboratory of Special Animal Epidemic Disease, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 4899 Juye St., Changchun, 130112, Jilin, China
| | - Ling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xu Jiaping, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Shuaiyang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xu Jiaping, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Yongshu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 1 Xu Jiaping, Lanzhou, 730046, Gansu, China
| | - Zhidong Zhang
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, 16 Yihuan Rd., Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yanmin Li
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Southwest Minzu University, 16 Yihuan Rd., Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Akcesme B, Erkal B, Donmez ZY. Structural and functional characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein mutations identified in Turkey by using in silico approaches. Acta Virol 2023; 67:59-68. [PMID: 36950886 DOI: 10.4149/av_2023_106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Missense mutations in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus may cause changes in the structure of proteins. The nucleocapsid (N) protein is an important target for drugs and vaccines. The main purpose of this study is to detect missense mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 N protein and to reveal the effects of these mutations on protein structure by using in silico approaches. 161 missense mutations of the N protein were determined in 2286 SARS-CoV-2 genomes derived from the GISAID EpiCoV database in the Turkish population. Identified 161 missense mutations were analyzed by using sequence and structure-based methods to predict effects of mutation on function and structure of SARS-CoV-2 N protein. These analyzes revealed that some mutations showed deleterious effects and change of stability and flexibility of nucleocapsid protein. D3L, S194L, S235F, and P13L (Omicron variant) mutations were further analyzed in our study due to their importance in the literature and in our results. Even though, our findings are essential for research of SARS-CoV-2 virus, in vitro and in vivo validations are necessary. Keywords: nucleocapsid protein; SARS-CoV-2; missense mutations; protein stability; protein flexibility.
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González SA, Affranchino JL. The impact of mutations affecting highly conserved amino acids in the simian immunodeficiency virus nucleocapsid protein on virion assembly, genomic RNA packaging and viral infectivity. Virology 2023; 578:163-170. [PMID: 36580863 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (NC) domain of the retroviral Gag polyproteins mediates the incorporation of the viral genomic RNA into virions. Although SIV is widely used as a model for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections, the SIV NC has been the subject of few studies which have provided discrepant data on the relative contribution of the two NC zinc finger motifs to genomic RNA encapsidation. Here, we demonstrate that mutations affecting the first cysteine in the distal zinc finger motif (C33S) or the N-terminal NC basic domain (R7A/K8A) drastically impair virion assembly and viral RNA binding. By contrast, amino acid substitutions targeting the first cysteine of the proximal zinc finger (C12S) or the basic region connecting both zinc fingers (R29A/R30A) allow substantial particle production and genomic RNA encapsidation. Our results help define the relative contribution of the SIV NC zinc finger motifs and basic regions to the NC biological properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A González
- Laboratorio de Virología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Belgrano (UB), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - José L Affranchino
- Centro de Virología Humana y Animal (CEVHAN), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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DeMarino C, Lee MH, Cowen M, Steiner JP, Inati S, Shah AH, Zaghloul KA, Nath A. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Microvascular Disease in the Brain: A Case Report. Neurology 2022; 100:624-628. [PMID: 36526429 PMCID: PMC10065204 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000201682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives:Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause a wide range of neurological complications however its neuropenetrance during the acute phase of the illness is unknown.Methods:Extracellular vesicles were isolated from brain biopsy tissue from a patient undergoing epilepsy surgery using ultracentrifugation and analyzed by Western blot and qPCR for the presence of virus protein and RNA, respectively. Biopsy tissue was assessed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of microvascular damage and compared to three other non-COVID surgical epilepsy brain tissues.Results:We demonstrate the presence of viral nucleocapsid protein in extracellular vesicles and microvascular disease in the brain of a patient undergoing epilepsy surgery shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Endothelial cell activation was indicated by increased levels of PECAM-1 and was associated with fibrinogen leakage and immune cell infiltration in the biopsy tissue as compared to control non-COVID surgical epilepsy brain tissues.Discussion:Despite the lack of evidence of viral replication within the brain, the presence of the nucleocapsid protein was associated with disease-specific endothelial cell activation, fibrinogen leakage, and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine DeMarino
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Myoung-Hwa Lee
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Maria Cowen
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Joseph P Steiner
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sara Inati
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ashish H Shah
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kareem A Zaghloul
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Avindra Nath
- From the Section for Infections of the Nervous System (C.D., M.-H.L., M.C., A.N.), NeuroTherapeutics Development Unit (J.P.S.), Translational Neuroscience Center, Neurophysiology of Epilepsy Unit (S.I.), and Surgical Neurology Branch (A.H.S., K.A.Z.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
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Carlson CR, Adly AN, Bi M, Howard CJ, Frost A, Cheng Y, Morgan DO. Reconstitution of the SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleosome provides insights into genomic RNA packaging and regulation by phosphorylation. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102560. [PMID: 36202211 PMCID: PMC9529352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is responsible for compaction of the ∼30-kb RNA genome in the ∼90-nm virion. Previous studies suggest that each virion contains 35 to 40 viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complexes, or ribonucleosomes, arrayed along the genome. There is, however, little mechanistic understanding of the vRNP complex. Here, we show that N protein, when combined in vitro with short fragments of the viral genome, forms 15-nm particles similar to the vRNP structures observed within virions. These vRNPs depend on regions of N protein that promote protein-RNA and protein-protein interactions. Phosphorylation of N protein in its disordered serine/arginine region weakens these interactions to generate less compact vRNPs. We propose that unmodified N protein binds structurally diverse regions in genomic RNA to form compact vRNPs within the nucleocapsid, while phosphorylation alters vRNP structure to support other N protein functions in viral transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Armin N Adly
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Maxine Bi
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Conor J Howard
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Adam Frost
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David O Morgan
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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31
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Dolan KA, Dutta M, Kern DM, Kotecha A, Voth GA, Brohawn SG. Structure of SARS-CoV-2 M protein in lipid nanodiscs. eLife 2022; 11:e81702. [PMID: 36264056 PMCID: PMC9642992 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 encodes four structural proteins incorporated into virions, spike (S), envelope (E), nucleocapsid (N), and membrane (M). M plays an essential role in viral assembly by organizing other structural proteins through physical interactions and directing them to sites of viral budding. As the most abundant protein in the viral envelope and a target of patient antibodies, M is a compelling target for vaccines and therapeutics. Still, the structure of M and molecular basis for its role in virion formation are unknown. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of SARS-CoV-2 M in lipid nanodiscs to 3.5 Å resolution. M forms a 50 kDa homodimer that is structurally related to the SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a viroporin, suggesting a shared ancestral origin. Structural comparisons reveal how intersubunit gaps create a small, enclosed pocket in M and large open cavity in ORF3a, consistent with a structural role and ion channel activity, respectively. M displays a strikingly electropositive cytosolic surface that may be important for interactions with N, S, and viral RNA. Molecular dynamics simulations show a high degree of structural rigidity in a simple lipid bilayer and support a role for M homodimers in scaffolding viral assembly. Together, these results provide insight into roles for M in coronavirus assembly and structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Dolan
- Biophysics Graduate Group, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Mandira Dutta
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Franck Institute, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - David M Kern
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Abhay Kotecha
- Materials and Structural Analysis Division, Thermo Fisher ScientificEindhovenNetherlands
| | - Gregory A Voth
- Department of Chemistry, Chicago Center for Theoretical Chemistry, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics, and James Franck Institute, The University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Stephen G Brohawn
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, and California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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Kim HI, Kim GN, Yu KL, Park SH, You JC. Identification of Novel Nucleocapsid Chimeric Proteins Inhibiting HIV-1 Replication. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012340. [PMID: 36293198 PMCID: PMC9604505 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) is an essential factor that induces transcription elongation and is also negatively regulated by the cellular factor HEXIM1. Previously, the chimeric protein HEXIM1-Tat (HT) was demonstrated to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV)-1 transcription. In this study, we attempted to develop an improved antiviral protein that specifically binds viral RNA (vRNA) by fusing HT to HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC). Thus, we synthesized NC-HEXIM1-Tat (NHT) and HEXIM1-Tat-NC (HTN). NHT and HTN inhibited virus proliferation more effectively than HT, and they did not attenuate the function of HT. Notably, NHT and HTN inhibited the infectivity of the progeny virus, whereas HT had no such effect. NHT and HTN selectively and effectively interacted with vRNA and inhibited the proper packaging of the HIV-1 genome. Taken together, our results illustrated that the novel NC-fused chimeric proteins NHT and HTN display novel mechanisms of anti-HIV effects by inhibiting both HIV-1 transcription and packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-In Kim
- National Research Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Ga-Na Kim
- National Research Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Kyung-Lee Yu
- National Research Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Seong-Hyun Park
- Graduate Program in Bio-industrial Engineering, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, The Yonsei University, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ji Chang You
- National Research Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence:
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Wu Y, Liu B, Liu Z, Zhang P, Mu X, Tong Z. Construction, Characterization, and Application of a Nonpathogenic Virus-like Model for SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein by Phage Display. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100683. [PMID: 36287952 PMCID: PMC9607219 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
With the outbreak and spread of COVID-19, a deep investigation of SARS-CoV-2 is urgent. Direct usage of this virus for scientific research could provide reliable results and authenticity. However, it is strictly constrained and unrealistic due to its high pathogenicity and infectiousness. Considering its biosafety, different systems and technologies have been employed in immunology and biomedical studies. In this study, phage display technology was used to construct a nonpathogenic model for COVID-19 research. The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 was fused with the M13 phage capsid p3 protein and expressed on the M13 phages. After validation of its successful expression, its potential as the standard for qPCR quantification and affinity with antibodies were confirmed, which may show the possibility of using this nonpathogenic bacteriophage to replace the pathogenic virus in scientific research concerning SARS-CoV-2. In addition, the model was used to develop a system for the classification and identification of different samples using ATR–FTIR, which may provide an idea for the development and evaluation of virus monitoring equipment in the future.
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Hopkins FR, Álvarez-Rodríguez B, Heath GR, Panayi K, Hover S, Edwards TA, Barr JN, Fontana J. The Native Orthobunyavirus Ribonucleoprotein Possesses a Helical Architecture. mBio 2022; 13:e0140522. [PMID: 35762594 PMCID: PMC9426602 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01405-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bunyavirales order is the largest group of negative-sense RNA viruses, containing many lethal human pathogens for which approved anti-infective measures are not available. The bunyavirus genome consists of multiple negative-sense RNA segments enwrapped by the virus-encoded nucleocapsid protein (NP), which together with the viral polymerase form ribonucleoproteins (RNPs). RNPs represent substrates for RNA synthesis and virion assembly, which require inherent flexibility, consistent with the appearance of RNPs spilled from virions. These observations have resulted in conflicting models describing the overall RNP architecture. Here, we purified RNPs from Bunyamwera virus (BUNV), the prototypical orthobunyavirus. The lengths of purified RNPs imaged by negative staining resulted in 3 populations of RNPs, suggesting that RNPs possess a consistent method of condensation. Employing microscopy approaches, we conclusively show that the NP portion of BUNV RNPs is helical. Furthermore, we present a pseudo-atomic model for this portion based on a cryo-electron microscopy average at 13 Å resolution, which allowed us to fit the BUNV NP crystal structure by molecular dynamics. This model was confirmed by NP mutagenesis using a mini-genome system. The model shows that adjacent NP monomers in the RNP chain interact laterally through flexible N- and C-terminal arms only, with no longitudinal helix-stabilizing interactions, thus providing a potential model for the molecular basis for RNP flexibility. Excessive RNase treatment disrupts native RNPs, suggesting that RNA was key in maintaining the RNP structure. Overall, this work will inform studies on bunyaviral RNP assembly, packaging, and RNA replication, and aid in future antiviral strategies. IMPORTANCE Bunyaviruses are emerging RNA viruses that cause significant disease and economic burden and for which vaccines or therapies approved for humans are not available. The bunyavirus genome is wrapped up by the nucleoprotein (NP) and interacts with the viral polymerase, forming a ribonucleoprotein (RNP). This is the only form of the genome active for viral replication and assembly. However, until now how NPs are organized within an RNP was not known for any orthobunyavirus. Here, we purified RNPs from the prototypical orthobunyavirus, Bunyamwera virus, and employed microscopy approaches to show that the NP portion of the RNP was helical. We then combined our helical average with the known structure of an NP monomer, generating a pseudo-atomic model of this region. This arrangement allowed the RNPs to be highly flexible, which was critical for several stages of the viral replication cycle, such as segment circularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis R. Hopkins
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Beatriz Álvarez-Rodríguez
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - George R. Heath
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kyriakoulla Panayi
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha Hover
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas A. Edwards
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - John N. Barr
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Juan Fontana
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leedsgrid.9909.9, Leeds, United Kingdom
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Laitinen T, Meili T, Koyioni M, Koutentis PA, Poso A, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Asquith CRM. Synthesis and evaluation of 1,2,3-dithiazole inhibitors of the nucleocapsid protein of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a model for HIV infection. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 68:116834. [PMID: 35653871 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We disclose a series of potent anti-viral 1,2,3-dithiazoles, accessed through a succinct synthetic approach from 4,5-dichloro-1,2,3-dithiazolium chloride (Appel's salt). A series of small libraries of compounds were screened against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cells as a model for HIV. This approach highlighted new structure activity relationship understanding and led to the development of sub-micro molar anti-viral compounds with reduced toxicity. In addition, insight into the mechanistic progress of this system is provided via advanced QM-MM modelling. The 1,2,3-dithiazole represents a versatile scaffold with potential for further development to treat both FIV and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Theres Meili
- Clinical Laboratory, Department of Clinical Diagnostics and Services, and Center for Clinical Studies, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
| | - Maria Koyioni
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Strasse 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christopher R M Asquith
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Diefenbacher M, Tan TJC, Bauer DLV, Stadtmueller BM, Wu NC, Brooke CB. Interactions between Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein and Gene Segment Untranslated Regions Facilitate Selective Modulation of Viral Gene Expression. J Virol 2022; 96:e0020522. [PMID: 35467364 PMCID: PMC9131868 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00205-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The influenza A virus (IAV) genome is divided into eight negative-sense, single-stranded RNA segments. Each segment exhibits a unique level and temporal pattern of expression; however, the exact mechanisms underlying the patterns of individual gene segment expression are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that a single substitution in the viral nucleoprotein (NP:F346S) selectively modulates neuraminidase (NA) gene segment expression while leaving other segments largely unaffected. Given what is currently known about NP function, there is no obvious explanation for how changes in NP can selectively modulate the replication of individual gene segments. In this study, we found that the specificity of this effect for the NA segment is virus strain specific and depends on the untranslated region (UTR) sequences of the NA segment. While the NP:F346S substitution did not significantly alter the RNA binding or oligomerization activities of NP in vitro, it specifically decreased the ability of NP to promote NA segment viral RNA (vRNA) synthesis. In addition to NP residue F346, we identified two other adjacent aromatic residues in NP (Y385 and F479) capable of similarly regulating NA gene segment expression, suggesting a larger role for this domain in gene-segment specific regulation. Our findings reveal a novel role for NP in selective regulation of viral gene segment replication and provide a framework for understanding how the expression patterns of individual viral gene segments can be modulated during adaptation to new host environments. IMPORTANCE Influenza A virus (IAV) is a respiratory pathogen that remains a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Escape from host immunity or emergence into new host species often requires mutations that modulate the functional activities of the viral glycoproteins hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which are responsible for virus attachment to and release from host cells, respectively. Maintaining the functional balance between the activities of HA and NA is required for fitness across multiple host systems. Thus, selective modulation of viral gene expression patterns may be a key determinant of viral immune escape and cross-species transmission potential. We identified a novel mechanism by which the viral nucleoprotein (NP) gene can selectively modulate NA segment replication and gene expression through interactions with the segment UTRs. Our work highlights an unexpected role for NP in selective regulation of expression from the individual IAV gene segments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Diefenbacher
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Timothy J. C. Tan
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - David L. V. Bauer
- RNA Virus Replication Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Beth M. Stadtmueller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Nicholas C. Wu
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher B. Brooke
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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van Tol S, Kalveram B, Ilinykh PA, Ronk A, Huang K, Aguilera-Aguirre L, Bharaj P, Hage A, Atkins C, Giraldo MI, Wakamiya M, Gonzalez-Orozco M, Warren AN, Bukreyev A, Freiberg AN, Rajsbaum R. Ubiquitination of Ebola virus VP35 at lysine 309 regulates viral transcription and assembly. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010532. [PMID: 35533195 PMCID: PMC9119628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus (EBOV) VP35 is a polyfunctional protein involved in viral genome packaging, viral polymerase function, and host immune antagonism. The mechanisms regulating VP35’s engagement in different functions are not well-understood. We previously showed that the host E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM6 ubiquitinates VP35 at lysine 309 (K309) to facilitate virus replication. However, how K309 ubiquitination regulates the function of VP35 as the viral polymerase co-factor and the precise stage(s) of the EBOV replication cycle that require VP35 ubiquitination are not known. Here, we generated recombinant EBOVs encoding glycine (G) or arginine (R) mutations at VP35/K309 (rEBOV-VP35/K309G/-R) and show that both mutations prohibit VP35/K309 ubiquitination. The K309R mutant retains dsRNA binding and efficient type-I Interferon (IFN-I) antagonism due to the basic residue conservation. The rEBOV-VP35/K309G mutant loses the ability to efficiently antagonize the IFN-I response, while the rEBOV-VP35/K309R mutant’s suppression is enhanced. The replication of both mutants was significantly attenuated in both IFN-competent and -deficient cells due to impaired interactions with the viral polymerase. The lack of ubiquitination on VP35/K309 or TRIM6 deficiency disrupts viral transcription with increasing severity along the transcriptional gradient. This disruption of the transcriptional gradient results in unbalanced viral protein production, including reduced synthesis of the viral transcription factor VP30. In addition, lack of ubiquitination on K309 results in enhanced interactions with the viral nucleoprotein and premature nucleocapsid packaging, leading to dysregulation of virus assembly. Overall, we identified a novel role of VP35 ubiquitination in coordinating viral transcription and assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah van Tol
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Birte Kalveram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Philipp A. Ilinykh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam Ronk
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Leopoldo Aguilera-Aguirre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Preeti Bharaj
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Adam Hage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Colm Atkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria I. Giraldo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maki Wakamiya
- Transgenic Mouse Core Facility, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Gonzalez-Orozco
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Abbey N. Warren
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander Bukreyev
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander N. Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ANF); , (RR)
| | - Ricardo Rajsbaum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ANF); , (RR)
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Ribeiro-Filho HV, Jara GE, Batista FAH, Schleder GR, Costa Tonoli CC, Soprano AS, Guimarães SL, Borges AC, Cassago A, Bajgelman MC, Marques RE, Trivella DBB, Franchini KG, Figueira ACM, Benedetti CE, Lopes-de-Oliveira PS. Structural dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein induced by RNA binding. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010121. [PMID: 35551296 PMCID: PMC9129039 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causal agent of COVID-19, is a multifunction phosphoprotein that plays critical roles in the virus life cycle, including transcription and packaging of the viral RNA. To play such diverse roles, the N protein has two globular RNA-binding modules, the N- (NTD) and C-terminal (CTD) domains, which are connected by an intrinsically disordered region. Despite the wealth of structural data available for the isolated NTD and CTD, how these domains are arranged in the full-length protein and how the oligomerization of N influences its RNA-binding activity remains largely unclear. Herein, using experimental data from electron microscopy and biochemical/biophysical techniques combined with molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that, in the absence of RNA, the N protein formed structurally dynamic dimers, with the NTD and CTD arranged in extended conformations. However, in the presence of RNA, the N protein assumed a more compact conformation where the NTD and CTD are packed together. We also provided an octameric model for the full-length N bound to RNA that is consistent with electron microscopy images of the N protein in the presence of RNA. Together, our results shed new light on the dynamics and higher-order oligomeric structure of this versatile protein. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus plays an essential role in virus particle assembly as it specifically binds to and wraps the virus genomic RNA into a well-organized structure known as the ribonucleoprotein. Understanding how the N protein wraps around the virus RNA is critical for the development of strategies to inhibit virus assembly within host cells. One of the limitations regarding the molecular structure of the ribonucleoprotein, however, is that the N protein has several unstructured and mobile regions that preclude the resolution of its full atomic structure. Moreover, the N protein can form higher-order oligomers, both in the presence and absence of RNA. Here we employed computational methods, supported by experimental data, to simulate the N protein structural dynamics in the absence and presence of RNA. Our data suggest that the N protein forms structurally dynamic dimers in the absence of RNA, with its structured N- and C-terminal domains oriented in extended conformations. In the presence of RNA, however, the N protein assumes a more compact conformation. Our model for the oligomeric structure of the N protein bound to RNA helps to understand how N protein dimers interact to each other to form the ribonucleoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helder Veras Ribeiro-Filho
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Ernesto Jara
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel Ravanhani Schleder
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Celisa Caldana Costa Tonoli
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Adriana Santos Soprano
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Samuel Leite Guimarães
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Borges
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Cassago
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Marcio Chaim Bajgelman
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Elias Marques
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Kleber Gomes Franchini
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Celso Eduardo Benedetti
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail: (CEB); (PSLO)
| | - Paulo Sergio Lopes-de-Oliveira
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM), Campinas, Brazil
- * E-mail: (CEB); (PSLO)
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39
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Chaminade F, Darlix JL, Fossé P. RNA Structural Requirements for Nucleocapsid Protein-Mediated Extended Dimer Formation. Viruses 2022; 14:606. [PMID: 35337013 PMCID: PMC8953772 DOI: 10.3390/v14030606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses package two copies of their genomic RNA (gRNA) as non-covalently linked dimers. Many studies suggest that the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC) plays an important role in gRNA dimerization. The upper part of the L3 RNA stem-loop in the 5' leader of the avian leukosis virus (ALV) is converted to the extended dimer by ALV NC. The L3 hairpin contains three stems and two internal loops. To investigate the roles of internal loops and stems in the NC-mediated extended dimer formation, we performed site-directed mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis, and analysis of thermostability of dimeric RNAs. We showed that the internal loops are necessary for efficient extended dimer formation. Destabilization of the lower stem of L3 is necessary for RNA dimerization, although it is not involved in the linkage structure of the extended dimer. We found that NCs from ALV, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) cannot promote the formation of the extended dimer when the apical stem contains ten consecutive base pairs. Five base pairs correspond to the maximum length for efficient L3 dimerization induced by the three NCs. L3 dimerization was less efficient with M-MuLV NC than with ALV NC and HIV-1 NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Chaminade
- LBPA, UMR8113 CNRS, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
| | - Jean-Luc Darlix
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch, France;
| | - Philippe Fossé
- LBPA, UMR8113 CNRS, ENS Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France;
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40
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Cascarina SM, Ross ED. Phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: Consensus and open questions. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101677. [PMID: 35131265 PMCID: PMC8813722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, a number of labs across the world have reallocated their time and resources to better our understanding of the virus. For some viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, viral proteins can undergo phase separation: a biophysical process often related to the partitioning of protein and RNA into membraneless organelles in vivo. In this review, we discuss emerging observations of phase separation by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein-an essential viral protein required for viral replication-and the possible in vivo functions that have been proposed for N-protein phase separation, including viral replication, viral genomic RNA packaging, and modulation of host-cell response to infection. Additionally, since a relatively large number of studies examining SARS-CoV-2 N-protein phase separation have been published in a short span of time, we take advantage of this situation to compare results from similar experiments across studies. Our evaluation highlights potential strengths and pitfalls of drawing conclusions from a single set of experiments, as well as the value of publishing overlapping scientific observations performed simultaneously by multiple labs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Cascarina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric D Ross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Lee JH, Jung Y, Lee SK, Kim J, Lee CS, Kim S, Lee JS, Kim NH, Kim HG. Rapid Biosensor of SARS-CoV-2 Using Specific Monoclonal Antibodies Recognizing Conserved Nucleocapsid Protein Epitopes. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020255. [PMID: 35215848 PMCID: PMC8879994 DOI: 10.3390/v14020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is characterized by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, a sore throat, diarrhea, and coughing. Although various new vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed, early diagnostics, isolation, and prevention remain important due to virus mutations resulting in rapid and high disease transmission. Amino acid substitutions in the major diagnostic target antigens of SARS-CoV-2 may lower the sensitivity for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. For this reason, we developed specific monoclonal antibodies that bind to epitope peptides as antigens for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 NP. The binding affinity between antigenic peptides and monoclonal antibodies was investigated, and a sandwich pair for capture and detection was employed to develop a rapid biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 NP. The rapid biosensor, based on a monoclonal antibody pair binding to conserved epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 NP, detected cultured virus samples of SARS-CoV-2 (1.4 × 103 TCID50/reaction) and recombinant NP (1 ng/mL). Laboratory confirmation of the rapid biosensor was performed with clinical specimens (n = 16) from COVID-19 patients and other pathogens. The rapid biosensor consisting of a monoclonal antibody pair (75E12 for capture and the 54G6/54G10 combination for detection) binding to conserved epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 NP could assist in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 NP under the circumstance of spreading SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hwan Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Yujin Jung
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Sung-Kyun Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Jung Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Chang-Seop Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju 54896, Jeollabuk-do, Korea;
- Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Jeollabuk-do, Korea
| | - Soohyun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Ji-Seon Lee
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
| | - Nam-Hoon Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (N.-H.K.); (H.-G.K.)
| | - Hong-Gi Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, Korea; (J.-H.L.); (Y.J.); (S.-K.L.); (J.K.); (S.K.); (J.-S.L.)
- Correspondence: (N.-H.K.); (H.-G.K.)
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42
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Dong X, Wang X, Xie M, Wu W, Chen Z. Structural Basis of Human Parainfluenza Virus 3 Unassembled Nucleoprotein in Complex with Its Viral Chaperone. J Virol 2022; 96:e0164821. [PMID: 34730394 PMCID: PMC8791282 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01648-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) belongs to the Paramyxoviridae, causing annual worldwide epidemics of respiratory diseases, especially in newborns and infants. The core components consist of just three viral proteins: nucleoprotein (N), phosphoprotein (P), and RNA polymerase (L), playing essential roles in replication and transcription of HPIV3 as well as other paramyxoviruses. Viral genome encapsidated by N is as a template and recognized by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complex composed of L and P. The offspring RNA also needs to assemble with N to form nucleocapsids. The N is one of the most abundant viral proteins in infected cells and chaperoned in the RNA-free form (N0) by P before encapsidation. In this study, we presented the structure of unassembled HPIV3 N0 in complex with the N-terminal portion of the P, revealing the molecular details of the N0 and the conserved N0-P interaction. Combined with biological experiments, we showed that the P binds to the C-terminal domain of N0 mainly by hydrophobic interaction and maintains the unassembled conformation of N by interfering with the formation of N-RNA oligomers, which might be a target for drug development. Based on the complex structure, we developed a method to obtain the monomeric N0. Furthermore, we designed a P-derived fusion peptide with 10-fold higher affinity, which hijacked the N and interfered with the binding of the N to RNA significantly. Finally, we proposed a model of conformational transition of N from the unassembled state to the assembled state, which helped to further understand viral replication. IMPORTANCE Human parainfluenza virus 3 (HPIV3) causes annual epidemics of respiratory diseases, especially in newborns and infants. For the replication of HPIV3 and other paramyxoviruses, only three viral proteins are required: phosphoprotein (P), RNA polymerase (L), and nucleoprotein (N). Here, we report the crystal structure of the complex of N and its chaperone P. We describe in detail how P acts as a chaperone to maintain the unassembled conformation of N. Our analysis indicated that the interaction between P and N is conserved and mediated by hydrophobicity, which can be used as a target for drug development. We obtained a high-affinity P-derived peptide inhibitor, specifically targeted N, and greatly interfered with the binding of the N to RNA, thereby inhibiting viral encapsidation and replication. In summary, our results provide new insights into the paramyxovirus genome replication and nucleocapsid assembly and lay the basis for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjia Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongzhou Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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43
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Kaur R, Batra J, Stuchlik O, Reed MS, Pohl J, Sambhara S, Lal SK. Heterogeneous Ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) Interacts with the Nucleoprotein of the Influenza a Virus and Impedes Virus Replication. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020199. [PMID: 35215793 PMCID: PMC8880450 DOI: 10.3390/v14020199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV), like other viruses, depends on the host cellular machinery for replication and production of progeny. The relationship between a virus and a host is complex, shaped by many spatial and temporal interactions between viral and host proteome, ultimately dictating disease outcome. Therefore, it is imperative to identify host-virus interactions as crucial determinants of disease pathogenies. Heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) is an RNA binding protein involved in the life cycle of many DNA and RNA viruses; however, its role in IAV remains undiscovered. Here we report that human hnRNPA1 physically interacts with the nucleoprotein (NP) of IAV in mammalian cells at different time points of the viral replication cycle. Temporal distribution studies identify hnRNPA1 and NP co-localize in the same cellular milieu in both nucleus and mitochondria in NP-transfected and IAV-infected mammalian cells. Interestingly, hnRNPA1 influenced NP gene expression and affected viral replication. Most importantly, hnRNPA1 knockdown caused a significant increase in NP expression and enhanced viral replication (93.82%) in IAV infected A549 cells. Conversely, hnRNPA1 overexpression reduced NP expression at the mRNA and protein levels and impeded virus replication by (60.70%), suggesting antagonistic function. Taken together, results from this study demonstrate that cellular hnRNPA1 plays a protective role in the host hitherto unknown and may hold potential as an antiviral target to develop host-based therapeutics against IAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramandeep Kaur
- School of Science, Monash University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (R.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Jyoti Batra
- School of Science, Monash University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (R.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Olga Stuchlik
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (O.S.); (M.S.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Matthew S. Reed
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (O.S.); (M.S.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Jan Pohl
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (O.S.); (M.S.R.); (J.P.)
| | - Suryaprakash Sambhara
- Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; (O.S.); (M.S.R.); (J.P.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.L.)
| | - Sunil Kumar Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia; (R.K.); (J.B.)
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.K.L.)
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Sosic A, Olivato G, Carraro C, Göttlich R, Fabris D, Gatto B. In Vitro Evaluation of Bis-3-Chloropiperidines as RNA Modulators Targeting TAR and TAR-Protein Interaction. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020582. [PMID: 35054766 PMCID: PMC8776071 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
After a long limbo, RNA has gained its credibility as a druggable target, fully earning its deserved role in the next generation of pharmaceutical R&D. We have recently probed the trans-activation response (TAR) element, an RNA stem–bulge–loop domain of the HIV-1 genome with bis-3-chloropiperidines (B-CePs), and revealed the compounds unique behavior in stabilizing TAR structure, thus impairing in vitro the chaperone activity of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) protein. Seeking to elucidate the determinants of B-CePs inhibition, we have further characterized here their effects on the target TAR and its NC recognition, while developing quantitative analytical approaches for the study of multicomponent RNA-based interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Sosic
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Francesco Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.); (C.C.)
| | - Giulia Olivato
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Francesco Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.); (C.C.)
| | - Caterina Carraro
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Francesco Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.); (C.C.)
| | - Richard Göttlich
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 17, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Dan Fabris
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Barbara Gatto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Francesco Marzolo 5, 35131 Padova, Italy; (A.S.); (G.O.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Hayashi M, Schultz EP, Lanchy JM, Lodmell JS. Time-Resolved Analysis of N-RNA Interactions during RVFV Infection Shows Qualitative and Quantitative Shifts in RNA Encapsidation and Packaging. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122417. [PMID: 34960686 PMCID: PMC8704896 DOI: 10.3390/v13122417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a negative-sense, tripartite RNA virus that is endemic to Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It can cause severe disease and mortality in humans and domestic livestock and is a concern for its potential to spread more globally. RVFV's nucleocapsid protein (N) is an RNA-binding protein that is necessary for viral transcription, replication, and the production of nascent viral particles. We have conducted crosslinking, immunoprecipitation, and sequencing (CLIP-seq) to characterize N interactions with host and viral RNAs during infection. In parallel, to precisely measure intracellular N levels, we employed multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). Our results show that N binds mostly to host RNAs at early stages of infection, yielding nascent virus particles of reduced infectivity. The expression of N plateaus 10 h post-infection, whereas the intracellular viral RNA concentration continues to increase. Moreover, the virions produced later in infection have higher infectivity. Taken together, the detailed examination of these N-RNA interactions provides insight into how the regulated expression of N and viral RNA produces both infectious and incomplete, noninfectious particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Hayashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - Eric P. Schultz
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - Jean-Marc Lanchy
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
| | - J. Stephen Lodmell
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
The protein aggregation is one of the major challenges of the biotechnological industry, especially in the areas of development and commercialization of successful protein-based drug products. The inherent high aggregation tendency of proteins during various manufacturing processes, storage, and administration has significant impact upon the product quality, safety and efficacy. We have developed an interesting protein purification approach that separates the functionally active protein from inactive aggregates using a detergent concentration gradient. The C-terminally His tagged nucleocapsid protein of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) has high aggregation tendency and rapidly precipitates upon purification by NiNTA chromatography. Using the new purification approach reported here, the freshly purified protein by NiNTA chromatography was further processed using a detergent gradient. In this new purification approach the active protein is retained in the low detergent concentration zone while the inactive aggregates are promptly removed by their rapid migration to the high detergent concentration zone. The method prevented further aggregation and retained the RNA binding activity in the native protein despite numerous freeze thaw cycles. This simple approach prevents protein aggregation by rapidly separating the preformed early aggregates and creating the appropriate microenvironment for correctly folded proteins to retain their biological activity. It will be of potential importance to the biotechnological industry and other fields of protein biochemistry that routinely face the challenges of protein aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Royster
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Sheema Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MAM); (SM)
| | - Mohammad Ayoub Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MAM); (SM)
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Shuai H, Chan JFW, Yuen TTT, Yoon C, Hu JC, Wen L, Hu B, Yang D, Wang Y, Hou Y, Huang X, Chai Y, Chan CCS, Poon VKM, Lu L, Zhang RQ, Chan WM, Ip JD, Chu AWH, Hu YF, Cai JP, Chan KH, Zhou J, Sridhar S, Zhang BZ, Yuan S, Zhang AJ, Huang JD, To KKW, Yuen KY, Chu H. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants expand species tropism to murines. EBioMedicine 2021; 73:103643. [PMID: 34689086 PMCID: PMC8530107 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wildtype mice are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, and P.3, contain mutations in spike that has been suggested to associate with an increased recognition of mouse ACE2, raising the postulation that these SARS-CoV-2 variants may have evolved to expand species tropism to wildtype mouse and potentially other murines. Our study evaluated this possibility with substantial public health importance. METHODS We investigated the capacity of wildtype (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 variants in infecting mice (Mus musculus) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) under in vitro and in vivo settings. Susceptibility to infection was evaluated with RT-qPCR, plaque assays, immunohistological stainings, and neutralization assays. FINDINGS Our results reveal that B.1.1.7 and other N501Y-carrying variants but not WT SARS-CoV-2 can infect wildtype mice. High viral genome copies and high infectious virus particle titres are recovered from the nasal turbinate and lung of B.1.1.7-inocluated mice for 4-to-7 days post infection. In agreement with these observations, robust expression of viral nucleocapsid protein and histopathological changes are detected from the nasal turbinate and lung of B.1.1.7-inocluated mice but not that of the WT SARS-CoV-2-inoculated mice. Similarly, B.1.1.7 readily infects wildtype rats with production of infectious virus particles. INTERPRETATION Our study provides direct evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.1.7, as well as other N501Y-carrying variants including B.1.351 and P.3, has gained the capability to expand species tropism to murines and public health measures including stringent murine control should be implemented to facilitate the control of the ongoing pandemic. FUNDING A full list of funding bodies that contributed to this study can be found in the Acknowledgements section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Academician workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Terrence Tsz-Tai Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chaemin Yoon
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jing-Chu Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Bingjie Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuxin Hou
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xiner Huang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yue Chai
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chris Chung-Sing Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Kwok-Man Poon
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Rui-Qi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jonathan Daniel Ip
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Allen Wing-Ho Chu
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ye-Fan Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Bao-Zhong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Anna Jinxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Academician workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University, and Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Abstract
In 2019, a new pandemic virus belonging to the betacoronavirus family emerged, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This new coronavirus appeared in Wuhan, China, and is responsible for severe respiratory pneumonia in humans, namely, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Having infected almost 200 million people worldwide and caused more than 4.1 million deaths as of today, this new disease has raised a significant number of questions about its molecular mechanism of replication and, in particular, how infectious viral particles are produced. Although viral entry is well characterized, the full assembly steps of SARS-CoV-2 have still not been fully described. Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have four main structural proteins, namely, the spike glycoprotein (S), the membrane glycoprotein (M), the envelope protein (E), and the nucleocapsid protein (N). All these proteins have key roles in the process of coronavirus assembly and budding. In this review, we gathered the current knowledge about betacoronavirus structural proteins involved in viral particle assembly, membrane curvature and scission, and then egress in order to suggest and question a coherent model for SARS-CoV-2 particle production and release.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bracquemond
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
| | - Delphine Muriaux
- Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, CNRS UMR9004, Montpellier, France
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Wang Z, Ren S, Li Q, Royster AD, lin L, Liu S, Ganaie SS, Qiu J, Mir S, Mir MA. Hantaviruses use the endogenous host factor P58IPK to combat the PKR antiviral response. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1010007. [PMID: 34653226 PMCID: PMC8550428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hantavirus nucleocapsid protein (NP) inhibits protein kinase R (PKR) dimerization by an unknown mechanism to counteract its antiviral responses during virus infection. Here we demonstrate that NP exploits an endogenous PKR inhibitor P58IPK to inhibit PKR. The activity of P58IPK is normally restricted in cells by the formation of an inactive complex with its negative regulator Hsp40. On the other hand, PKR remains associated with the 40S ribosomal subunit, a unique strategic location that facilitates its free access to the downstream target eIF2α. Although both NP and Hsp40 bind to P58IPK, the binding affinity of NP is much stronger compared to Hsp40. P58IPK harbors an NP binding site, spanning to N-terminal TPR subdomains I and II. The Hsp40 binding site on P58IPK was mapped to the TPR subdomain II. The high affinity binding of NP to P58IPK and the overlap between NP and Hsp40 binding sites releases the P58IPK from its negative regulator by competitive inhibition. The NP-P58IPK complex is selectively recruited to the 40S ribosomal subunit by direct interaction between NP and the ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19), a structural component of the 40S ribosomal subunit. NP has distinct binding sites for P58IPK and RPS19, enabling it to serve as bridge between P58IPK and the 40S ribosomal subunit. NP mutants deficient in binding to either P58IPK or RPS19 fail to inhibit PKR, demonstrating that selective engagement of P58IPK to the 40S ribosomal subunit is required for PKR inhibition. Cells deficient in P58IPK mount a rapid PKR antiviral response and establish an antiviral state, observed by global translational shutdown and rapid decline in viral load. These studies reveal a novel viral strategy in which NP releases P58IPK from its negative regulator and selectively engages it on the 40S ribosomal subunit to promptly combat the PKR antiviral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zekun Wang
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Songyang Ren
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Qiming Li
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Austin D. Royster
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
| | - Lei lin
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Sichen Liu
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Safder S. Ganaie
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jianming Qiu
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Sheema Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SM); (MM)
| | - Mohammad A. Mir
- Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SM); (MM)
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50
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Wang Y, Guo C, Wang X, Xu L, Li R, Wang J. The Zinc Content of HIV-1 NCp7 Affects Its Selectivity for Packaging Signal and Affinity for Stem-Loop 3. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101922. [PMID: 34696351 PMCID: PMC8540335 DOI: 10.3390/v13101922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (NC) protein of human immunodeficiency (HIV) is a small, highly basic protein containing two CCHC zinc-finger motifs, which is cleaved from the NC domain of the Gag polyprotein during virus maturation. We previously reported that recombinant HIV-1 Gag and NCp7 overexpressed in an E. coli host contains two and one zinc ions, respectively, and Gag exhibited much higher selectivity for packaging signal (Psi) and affinity for the stem-loop (SL)-3 of Psi than NCp7. In this study, we prepared NCp7 containing 0 (0NCp7), 1 (NCp7) or 2 (2NCp7) zinc ions, and compared their secondary structure, Psi-selectivity and SL3-affinity. Along with the decrease of the zinc content, less ordered conformations were detected. Compared to NCp7, 2NCp7 exhibited a much higher Psi-selectivity and SL3-affinity, similar to Gag, whereas 0NCp7 exhibited a lower Psi-selectivity and SL3-affinity, similar to the H23&H44K double mutant of NCp7, indicating that the different RNA-binding property of Gag NC domain and the mature NCp7 may be resulted, at least partially, from their different zinc content. This study will be helpful to elucidate the critical roles that zinc played in the viral life cycle, and benefit further investigations of the functional switch from the NC domain of Gag to the mature NCp7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China; (Y.W.); (X.W.); (L.X.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
| | - Chao Guo
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China;
| | - Xing Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China; (Y.W.); (X.W.); (L.X.); (R.L.)
| | - Lianmei Xu
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China; (Y.W.); (X.W.); (L.X.); (R.L.)
| | - Rui Li
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China; (Y.W.); (X.W.); (L.X.); (R.L.)
| | - Jinzhong Wang
- TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Nankai University, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China; (Y.W.); (X.W.); (L.X.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology and Technology, Ministry of Education, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Microbial Functional Genomics, 23 Hongda Street, TEDA, Tianjin 300457, China
- Correspondence:
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