Adhesion-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling is controlled by the direct scaffolding of Src from FAK complexes to lipid rafts by SSeCKS/AKAP12

Metastatic cell migration and invasion are regulated by altered adhesion-mediated signaling to the actin-based cytoskeleton via activated Src-FAK complexes. SSeCKS (the rodent orthologue of human Gravin/AKAP12), whose expression is downregulated by oncogenic Src and in many human cancers, antagonizes oncogenic Src pathways including those driving neovascularization at metastatic sites, metastatic cell motility and invasiveness. This is likely manifested through its function as a scaffolder of F-actin and signaling proteins such as cyclins, calmodulin, protein kinase (PK) C and PKA. Here, we show that in contrast to its ability to inhibit haptotaxis, SSeCKS increased prostate cancer cell adhesion to fibronectin (FN) and type I collagen in a FAK-dependent manner, correlating with a relative increase in FAK^poY397 levels. In contrast, SSeCKS suppressed adhesion-induced Src activation (Src^poY416) and phosphorylation of FAK at Y925, a known Src substrate site. SSeCKS also induced increased cell spreading, cell flattening, integrin β1 clustering and formation of mature focal adhesion plaques. An in silico analysis identified a Src-binding domain on SSeCKS (a.a.153–166) that is homologous to the Src binding domain of Caveolin-1, and this region is required for SSeCKS-Src interaction, for SSeCKS-enhanced Src activity and sequestration to lipid rafts, and for SSeCKS-enhanced adhesion of MAT-LyLu and CWR22Rv1 prostate cancer cells. Our data suggest a model in which SSeCKS suppresses oncogenic motility by sequestering Src to caveolin-rich lipid rafts, thereby disengaging Src from FAK-associated adhesion and signaling complexes.

PTPN14 interacts with and negatively regulates the oncogenic function of YAP

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates cellular proliferation and survival, thus exerting profound effects on normal cell fate and tumorigenesis. The pivotal effector of this pathway is YAP, a transcriptional co-activator amplified in mouse and human cancers where it promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and malignant transformation. Here, we report a novel regulatory mechanism for the YAP oncogenic function via direct interaction with non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase 14 (PTPN14) through the WW domain of YAP and the PPxY domain of PTPN14. We also found that YAP is a direct substrate of PTPN14. In addition, luciferase reporter assay showed that the inhibition of the YAP transcriptional co-activator function by PTPN14 is mediated through their protein interactions and may result from an increase in the inactive cytoplasmic form of YAP. Last, knockdown of PTPN14 induces the nuclear retention of YAP and increases the YAP-dependent cell migration. In summary, our results indicate a potential regulatory role of PTPN14 on YAP and demonstrate a novel mechanism in YAP regulation.

Circular viral DNA and anomalous junction sequence in PBMC of HIV-infected individuals with no detectable plasma HIV RNA

Closed circular (cc) forms of extrachromosomal HIV DNA are detected in patients with high viral loads; however, it is unclear whether these forms remain if virus replication is suppressed to undetectable levels by combination antiretroviral therapy. A nested primer polymerase chain reaction amplification assay was used to detect the presence of ccDNA containing two long terminal repeat sequences (2-LTR) in PBMC of patients with low or undetectable plasma HIV RNA. Fifty percent of patients with plasma RNA levels <50 copies/ml of blood had detectable 2-LTR DNA. Sequencing of the products identified normal LTR--LTR junctions in the minority of cases with the majority containing anomalies including deletions and insertions. The persistence of HIV ccDNA in patients with no detectable plasma RNA could be consistent with ongoing de novo infection of dividing cells or with stability of this form of DNA in nondividing cells.

The Src-suppressed C kinase substrate, SSeCKS, is a potential metastasis inhibitor in prostate cancer

The molecular mechanisms leading to prostate cancer remain poorly understood, especially concerning the progression to the metastatic form. SSeCKS, a major protein kinase C substrate with tumor suppressor activity, is likely the rodent orthologue of human Gravin/AKAP12, a scaffolding protein for protein kinases A and C. Gravin was mapped as a single-copy gene to 6q24-25.2, a hotspot for deletion in advanced prostate cancer, and therefore, we investigated the role of SSeCKS/Gravin in prostate oncogenesis. SSeCKS/Gravin protein was detected in untransformed rat and human prostate epithelial cell lines EP12 and PZ-HPV-7, respectively, and in human prostatic epithelium, especially basal epithelial cells. In contrast, SSeCKS/Gravin protein and RNA levels were severely reduced in human (PC-3, PPC-1, LNCaP, DU145, and TSU) and rat Dunning (AT3.1 and MatLyLu) prostate cancer cell lines. The regulated reexpression of SSeCKS in MatLyLu cells induced filopodia-like projections and a decrease in anchorage-independent growth. In nude mice, SSeCKS reexpression slightly decreased primary-site tumor growth but severely decreased the formation of lung metastases. Primary-site tumors that progressed lost regulated SSeCKS reexpression. SSeCKS/Gravin expression was detected in benign human prostatic lesions and well-differentiated carcinomas but not in undifferentiated lesions with Gleason sums > or =6. Our data suggest a role for the loss of SSeCKS/Gravin in the metastatic progression of human prostate cancer.

Functional interaction between the SSeCKS scaffolding protein and the cytoplasmic domain of β1,4-galactosyltransferase

The β1,4-galactosyltransferase family contains at least seven unique gene products, of which β1,4-galactosyltransferase I (GalT) is the most exhaustively studied. GalT exists in the Golgi complex, similar to many other glycosyltransferases, as well as on the cell surface, where it functions as a signaling receptor for extracellular glycoside ligands. When expressed on the surface, GalT associates with the cytoskeleton and, upon ligand-induced aggregation, induces cell-type specific intracellular signal cascades. In an effort to define the mechanisms by which surface GalT exerts these intracellular effects, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that specifically interact with the GalT cytoplasmic domain.

The yeast two-hybrid screen identified two distinct clones (1.12 and 2.52) that showed identity to portions of SSeCKS (Src Suppressed CKinase Substrate). SSeCKS is a previously defined kinase and cytoskeleton scaffolding protein whose subcellular distribution and functions are remarkably similar to those attributed to GalT. Both SSeCKS and GalT have been localized to the perinuclear/Golgi region as well as to filopodia/lamellipodia. SSeCKS and GalT have been implicated in regulating cell growth, actin filament dynamics, and cell spreading. Interestingly, 1.12 and 2.52-GFP constructs were localized to subcellular domains that correlated with the two purported subcellular distributions for GalT; 2.52 being confined to the Golgi, whereas 1.12 localized primarily to filopodia. Coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrate stable binding between the GalT cytoplasmic domain and the 1.12 and 2.52 domains of SSeCKS in appropriately transfected cells. Similar assays demonstrate binding between the endogenous GalT and SSeCKS proteins also. Coimmunoprecipitation assays were performed in both directions and produced similar results (i.e. using either anti-GalT domain or anti-SSeCKS domain antibodies as the precipitating reagent). A functional interaction between the GalT cytoplasmic domain and SSeCKS was illustrated by the ability of either the 1.12 or 2.52 SSeCKS domain to restore a normal adhesive phenotype in cells overexpressing the TL-GFP dominant negative construct. TL-GFP is composed of the GalT cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains fused to GFP, and leads to a loss of cell adhesion on laminin by displacing the endogenous GalT from its cytoskeleton binding sites. This is the first reported interaction between a glycosyltransferase and a scaffolding protein, and suggests that SSeCKS serve to integrate the various functions ascribed to the GalT cytoplasmic domain.

Expression of a down-regulated target, SSeCKS, reverses v-Jun-induced transformation of 10T1/2 murine fibroblasts

Line 10T1/2 mouse fibroblast overexpressing the v-Jun oncoprotein were morphologically altered, grew into multilayered foci in culture and formed colonies when suspended in agar. The growth rate of the v-Jun-transformed 10T1/2 cells was not changed significantly from that of the untransformed parental cells, but the saturation density of the transformed cultures exceeded that of normal controls by a factor of 2. mRNA extracted from v-Jun-transformed 10T1/2 cells was analysed for differential gene expression with DNA micro-array technology. One of the targets downregulated by v-Jun was identified as SSeCKS (Src-suppressed C kinase substrate). Re-expression of SSeCKS in v-Jun-transformed fibroblasts reversed the transformed phenotype of the cells. Their ability to form foci was reduced to background levels, the number and size of agar colonies was lowered by a factor of 10 and the saturation density was significantly diminished. However, expression of SSeCKS had little effect on the morphology of v-Jun-transformed 10T1/2 cells. These data suggest that the SSeCKS protein has growth-attenuating properties. Down-regulation of SSeCKS may be essential for Jun-induced transformation.

SSeCKS, a major protein kinase C substrate with tumor suppressor activity, regulates G(1)-->S progression by controlling the expression and cellular compartmentalization of cyclin D

SSeCKS, first isolated as a G(1)-->S inhibitor that is downregulated in src- and ras-transformed cells, is a major cytoskeleton-associated PKC substrate with tumor suppressor and kinase-scaffolding activities. Previous attempts at constitutive expression resulted in cell variants with truncated ectopic SSeCKS products. Here, we show that tetracycline-regulated SSeCKS expression in NIH 3T3 cells induces G(1) arrest marked by extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2-dependent decreases in cyclin D1 expression and pRb phosphorylation. Unexpectedly, the forced reexpression of cyclin D1 failed to rescue SSeCKS-induced G(1) arrest. Confocal microscopy analysis revealed cytoplasmic colocalization of cyclin D1 with SSeCKS. Because the SSeCKS gene encodes two potential cyclin-binding motifs (CY) flanking major in vivo protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation sites (Ser(507/515)), we addressed whether SSeCKS encodes a phosphorylation-dependent cyclin scaffolding function. Bacterially expressed SSeCKS-CY bound cyclins D1 and E, whereas K-->S mutations within either CY motif ablated binding. Activation of PKC in vivo caused a rapid translocation of cyclin D1 to the nucleus. Cell permeable, penetratin-linked peptides encoding wild-type SSeCKS-CY, but not K-->S or phospho-Ser(507/515) variants, released cyclin D1 from its cytoplasmic sequestration and induced higher saturation density in cyclin D1-overexpressor cells or rat embryo fibroblasts. Our data suggest that SSeCKS controls G(1)-->S progression by regulating the expression and localization of cyclin D1. These data suggest that downregulation of SSeCKS in tumor cells removes gating checkpoints for saturation density, an effect that may promote contact independence.

Control of cytoskeletal architecture by the src-suppressed C kinase substrate, SSeCKS

Activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in many cell types results in cytoskeletal reorganization associated with cell proliferation. We previously described a new cell cycle-regulated myristylated PKC substrate, SSeCKS (pronounced essex), that interacts with the actin cytoskeleton [Lin et al., 1995, 1996]. SSeCKS shares significant homology with Gravin, which encodes kinase scaffolding functions for PKC and PKA [Nauert et al., 1997]. This article describes the cellular effects of ectopically expressing SSeCKS in untransformed NIH3T3 fibroblasts. Because the constitutive overexpression of SSeCKS is toxic [Lin et al., 1995], we developed cell lines with tetracycline (tet)-regulated SSeCKS expression. The induction of SSeCKS (removal of tet) caused significant cell flattening and the elaboration of an SSeCKS-associated cortical cytoskeletal matrix resistant to Triton X-100 extraction. Flattened cells were growth-arrested and marked by the formation of cellular projections and the temporary loss of actin stress fibers and vinculin-associated adhesion plaques. SSeCKS overexpression did not affect steady-state levels of actin, vinculin, or focal adhesion kinase (FAK) but did increase integrin-independent FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. Stress fiber loss was coincident with induced SSeCKS expression, strongly suggesting a direct effect. Cytochalasin, and to a lesser extent nocodazole, inhibited SSeCKS-induced cell flattening, however, only cytochalasin affected the shape of pre-flattened cells, suggesting a greater dependence on microfilaments, rather than microtubules. By contrast, only nocodazole caused retraction of the filopodia-like processes. These data indicate a role for SSeCKS in modulating both cytoskeletal and signaling pathways. Thus, we propose to expand SSeCKS scaffolding functions to include the ability to control actin-based cytoskeletal architecture, as well as mitogenic signal pathways.

A role for SSeCKS, a major protein kinase C substrate with tumour suppressor activity, in cytoskeletal architecture, formation of migratory processes, and cell migration during embryogenesis

SSeCKS is a major protein kinase C substrate which has tumour suppressor activity in models of src- and ras-induced oncogenic transformation. The mitogenic regulatory activity of SSeCKS is likely manifested by its ability to bind key signalling proteins such as protein kinases C and A and calmodulin, and to control actin-based cytoskeletal architecture. Rat SSeCKS shares extensive homology with human Gravin, an autoantigen in myasthenia gravis that encodes kinase scaffolding functions and whose expression pattern in fibroblasts and nerves suggests a role in cell motility. Here, we analyse the expression of SSeCKS and Gravin in rodent and human fibroblast and epithelial cell lines using antibodies specific or crossreactive for SSeCKS or Gravin. SSeCKS expression was then analysed in developing mouse embryos and in adult tissues. In the foetal mouse, early SSeCKS protein expression (E10-11) is focused in the loose mesenchyme, luminal surface of the neural tube, notochord, early heart and pericardium, urogenital ridge, and dorsal and ventral sections of limb buds. In later stages (E12-14), SSeCKS is widely expressed in mesenchymal cells but is absent in the spinal ganglia. By E15, SSeCKS expression is ubiquitous, although the staining pattern varies from being striated within smooth muscle sarcomeres to filamentous in mesenchymal and select epithelial cells. In the adult mouse, SSeCKS staining is relatively ubiquitous, with highest expression in the gonads, smooth and cardiac muscle, lung, brain and heart. High expression is also detected in fibroblasts and nerve fibres as well as in more specialized cells such as glomerular mesangial cells and testicular Sertoli cells. SSeCKS expression in the rat testes correlates with the induction of puberty, and in mature mouse spermatozoa, SSeCKS is found in peripheral acrosome membranes and in a helix-like winding pattern within the midsection. Periodic enrichments of SSeCKS are found in sperm midsections and in developing axons, suggesting a role in architectural infrastructure. As with Gravin, high SSeCKS expression is absent in most epithelial cells; however, in contrast to Gravin, SSeCKS is expressed in Purkinje cells, cardiac muscle, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells, indicating overlapping yet distinct patterns of tissue expression in the SSeCKS/Gravin family. The data suggest roles for SSeCKS in the control of cytoskeletal and tissue architecture, formation of migratory processes and cell migration during embryogenesis.

Involvement of the protein kinase C substrate, SSeCKS, in the actin-based stellate morphology of mesangial cells

Activation of protein kinase C is a key signal transduction event in mesangial cell dedifferentiation and proliferation, yet little is known about downstream substrates or their roles in normal or diseased glomeruli. SSeCKS, a novel protein kinase C substrate originally isolated as a src-suppressed negative mitogenic regulator in fibroblasts, controls actin-based cytoskeletal architecture and scaffolds key signaling kinases such as protein kinase C and protein kinase A. Based on the morphologic similarity between SSeCKS-overexpressing fibroblasts and stellate mesangial cells, we hypothesized that SSeCKS might play a role in mesangial cell morphology in a protein kinase C-dependent manner. Immunoblotting, in situ staining and northern blotting detected abundant expression of SSeCKS in human and rodent mesangial cells and glomerular parietal cells but not in renal tubular epithelia. Immunofluorescence analysis showed enrichment of SSeCKS in mesangial cell podosomes and along a cytoskeletal network distinct from F-actin. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol ester resulted in a rapid serine phosphorylation of SSeCKS and its subsequent translocation to perinuclear sites, coincident with the retraction of stellate processes. These effects were blocked by concentrations of bis-indolylmaleimide that selectively inhibit protein kinase C. Finally, ablation of SSeCKS expression using retroviral anti-sense vectors induced (1) an elongated, fibroblastic cell morphology, (2) production of thick, longitudinal stress fibers and (3) repositioning of vinculin-associated focal complexes away from the cell edges. These data suggest a role for SSeCKS as a downstream mediator of protein kinase C-controlled, actin-based mesangial cell cytoskeletal architecture.

Cell-cycle regulated expression and serine phosphorylation of the myristylated protein kinase C substrate, SSeCKS: correlation with culture confluency, cell cycle phase and serum response

We recently identified a novel myristylated protein kinase C (PKC) substrate, named SSeCKS (pronounced essex), whose transcription is suppressed > 15 fold in src- or ras-transformed rodent fibroblasts, but not in raf-transformed cells [1, 2]. SSeCKS associates with and controls the elaboration of a cortical cytoskeletal matrix in response to phorbol esters [2], and overexpression of SSeCKS causes growth arrest of untransformed NIH3T3 cells [3]. Our preliminary data suggested that SSeCKS functions as a negative mitogenic regulator by controlling cytoskeletal architecture and that serine phosphorylation of SSeCKS by kinases such as PKC alters its interaction with cytoskeletal matrices and its ability to control mitogenesis. Here, we determine the effects of culture confluency, growth arrest and serum response on the steady-state abundance of SSeCKS RNA and protein and on the relative level of phosphoserine-free SSeCKS. SSeCKS transcription is initially induced by serum factors and by contact-inhibited growth rather than by cell-cycle arrest induced by serum starvation, hydroxyurea or nocodazole, and following serum-induced G1/S progression, SSeCKS transcription is suppressed. SSeCKS protein is hyperphosphorylated on serine residues during G1/S progression but not during the G2/M phase. Finally, we show that the induction of SSeCKS protein expression by contact inhibition is independent of SSeCKS' serum responsiveness. These data suggest that SSeCKS expression and function can be controlled at either the transcriptional or post-translational level in response to serum factors and culture confluency. The data strengthen the notion that SSeCKS plays an important, yet transient, role in cell cycle progression from G0 to G1 that differs from its role in controlling contact-inhibited growth.

Reexpression of the major protein kinase C substrate, SSeCKS, suppresses v-src-induced morphological transformation and tumorigenesis

SSeCKS (pronounced essex) encodes a major protein kinase C substrate, the expression of which is down-regulated in src- and ras-transformed rodent fibroblasts but not in raf-transformed rodent fibroblasts (X. Lin et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 15: 2754-2762, 1995). Using a panel of ras-transformed or revertant Rat-6 cells that exhibit selective parameters of transformation, we show that down-regulation of SSeCKS correlates with anchorage-independent growth. Cotransfection of NIH3T3 fibroblasts with an SSeCKS expression plasmid decreased 6-30-fold the ability of a v-src expressor plasmid to induce colonies in soft agar. To differentiate between possible tumor suppressive or growth-inhibitory effects of SSeCKS, we developed conditionally transformed cell lines (expressing ts72v-src) with tetracycline-regulated SSeCKS expression. SSeCKS suppressed the ability of v-src to induce increased cellular refractility, focus formation, soft agar colony formation, in vitro invasiveness in Matrigel, and growth in low serum (0.5%) but did not inhibit cell proliferation in high serum (10%) at the permissive (35 degrees C) temperature for src kinase activity. However, at the nonpermissive (39.5 degrees C) temperature, SSeCKS induced growth arrest. SSeCKS expression did not affect: (a) the protein level, in vivo or in vitro kinase activity of ts72src; (b) the activity of jun NH2-terminal kinase; and (c) the level of mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2) protein. However, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 activity was induced 5-10-fold by SSeCKS in the presence of active src. SSeCKS reversed the ability of v-src to decrease the formation of vinculin-associated adhesion plaques, actin-based stress fibers, and filopodia structures. These data suggest a tumor suppressive role for SSeCKS via the control of cytoskeletal architecture and cell signaling.

A novel src- and ras-suppressed protein kinase C substrate associated with cytoskeletal architecture

We previously identified a novel src- and ras-suppressed gene, 322, encoding a mitogenic regulatory function (Lin, X., Nelson, P. J., Frankfort, B., Tombler, E., Johnson, R., and Gelman, I. H. (1995) Mol. Cell. Biol. 15, 2754-2762). Here, we characterize the 322 gene product as an in vivo and in vitro substrate of protein kinase C (PKC). Hence, we named this product SSeCKS (pronounced essex) for Src Suppressed C Kinase Substrate. Rabbit polyclonal sera raised against glutathione S-transferase (GST)-SSeCKS recognized a myristylated 280/290-kDa doublet in Rat-6 fibroblasts. SSeCKS levels in src- and ras-transformed Rat-6 cells were 15- and 8-fold less, respectively, than those in untransformed cells. Short-term addition of phorbol ester resulted in a 5-fold increase in SSeCKS phosphorylation which was inhibited by bis-indolylmaleimide. In vitro phosphorylation of GST-SSeCKS by purified rabbit brain PKC-alpha was enhanced by phosphatidylserine and blocked by excess PKC pseudosubstrate inhibitor peptide. GST-SSeCKS bound purified PKC-alpha or PKC from Rat-6 lysates in a phosphatidylserine-dependent manner. Four SSeCKS domains containing Lys/Arg-rich motifs similar to the PKC phosphorylation site in MARCKS were phosphorylated in vitro by PKC. Immunofluorescence analysis showed SSeCKS present throughout the cytoplasm with enrichment in podosomes and at the cell edge. Short-term addition of phorbol esters caused the movement of SSeCKS from plasma membrane sites to the perinucleus coincident with a loss of actin stress fibers. These data suggest a role for SSeCKS in the control of cellular cytoskeletal architecture.

Isolation and characterization of a novel mitogenic regulatory gene, 322, which is transcriptionally suppressed in cells transformed by src and ras

In an attempt to isolate novel regulatory and/or tumor suppressor genes, we identified cDNAs whose abundance is low in NIH 3T3 cells and further decreased following the expression of the activated oncogene, v-src. The transcription of one such gene, 322, is suppressed at least 15-fold in src-, ras-, and fos-transformed cells and 3-fold in myc-transformed cells but is unaffected in raf-, mos-, or neu-transformed cells. Activation of a ts-v-src allele in confluent 3Y1 fibroblasts resulted in an initial increase in 322 mRNA levels after 1 to 2 h followed by a rapid decrease to suppressed levels after 4 to 8 h. Morphological transformation was not detected until 12 h later, indicating that the accumulation of 322 transcripts is regulated by v-src and not as a consequence of transformation. Addition of fetal calf serum to starved subconfluent NIH 3T3 or 3Y1 fibroblasts resulted in a similar biphasic regulation of 322, indicating that 322 transcription is responsive to mitogenic factors. Sequence analysis of a putative full-length 322 cDNA clone (5.4 kb) identified a large open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 148.1-kDa product. In vitro transcription and translation of the 322 cDNA from a T7 promoter resulted in a 207-kDa product whose electrophoretic mobility on a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gel was unaffected by digestion with endoglycosidase F. The discrepancy in predicted versus measured molecular weights may result from the high percentage of acidic residues (roughly 20% Glu or Asp) in the 322 ORF product. Comparison of the 322 cDNA ORF with sequences in data banks indicates that this gene is novel. The 322 ORF product contains a potential Cys-1-His-3 Zn finger, at least five nuclear localization signals of the adenovirus E1a motif K(R/K)X(R/K), and alternating acidic and basic domains. Overexpression of the 322 cells resulted in the selection of rapidly growing cells which had lost the transduced 322 cDNA. Thus, 322 represent a novel src- and ras-regulated gene which encodes a potential regulator of mitogenesis and/or tumor suppressor.

Identification of novel cellular genes transcriptionally suppressed by v-src

Our aim is to identify cellular genes whose transcriptional suppression by the v-src oncogene contributes directly and specifically to the transformed and tumorigenic phenotype. We used a modified PCR-based subtractive hybridization technique to isolate 9 cDNAs whose abundance in NIH3T3 fibroblasts is decreased 3-15-fold following transformation by the activated oncogene, v-src. Sequence analysis reveals that 3 cDNAs are unlike those in GenBank. The remaining 6 cDNAs are indentical or highly similar to rat helix-destabilizing protein gene (hnRNP A1), mouse CTLA-2 alpha cysteine protease, rat cytochrome c oxidase (COX) VIc subunit, mouse Type I collagen, human gravin and a partial human cDNA (clone A7C09) isolated by random automated sequencing. Northern blot analysis indicates that the basal level of transcripts in untransformed NIH3T3 of all the genes except mouse Type I collagen was at least 10-fold lower than that of HMG Co-A Reductase, which is abundantly transcribed. These data suggest that the down-regulation of some or all of these genes contributes to v-src-induced changes in mitogenic control or cell morphology.

Morphological transformation, tumorigenicity and src-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-mediated tumor immunity induced by murine 3T3 cells expressing src oncogenes encoding novel non-myristylated N-terminal domains

We previously reported the development of a src-specific tumor regression system in chickens in which preinfection with rASV1702, a mutant of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) encoding non-myristylated src product with a novel N-terminal domain, results in the immune suppression of challenge tumors induced by RSV. In order to adapt this system to the mouse, we have developed NIH3T3 and Balb/c3T3 (B3T3) cell lines that express 1702src, v-src, c-src, and other src variants, either by transfection or by infection with packaged recombinant Moloney virus (MLV) vectors. The sequence of the 1702 src cDNA, produced by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), confirmed the previously suggested 1702src N-terminal domain structure, fusing six amino acids from Pr76gag and 39 amino acids of env signal peptide sequence to Ala-76 of src. These cell lines were characterized for src expression and activity, cell compartmentalization of src product, tyrosine phosphorylation substrate specificity and transforming and tumorigenic potential. Based on these parameters, murine cell lines expressing 1702src were characteristically similar to chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEFs) infected with rASV1702. Finally, B3T3/1702src expressors, or membrane fractions of these cells, induced src-specific tumor protection in syngeneic mice against v-src-transformed tumor challenges. Splenic lymphocytes isolated from Balb/c mice inoculated with B3T3/1702src cells showed in vitro cytotoxicity against B3T3/v-src cells but not against untransformed B3T3 cells. Antibodies specific for Lyt2, mouse CD3 and H-2Dd blocked this cytotoxicity, whereas those specific for L3T4 did not, suggesting MHC class I-restricted, CD8-mediated cell killing. These data indicate that Balb/c3T3-expressed 1702src induces a cellular anti-tumor immunity based on src-specific tumor rejection antigens.

src-specific immune regression of Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumors

We have developed an oncogene-specific tumor regression system in chickens. Injection s.c. of chicken wing webs with either rASV1702 or rASV157, mutants of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) that express nonmyristolyated src product containing novel N-terminal domains, results in noninvasive fibrosarcomas that regress fully. The ability of challenge infections with wild-type RSV to form tumors is suppressed. This protective effect was shown to be specific for determinants encoded or induced by v-src (I. Gelman and H. Hanafusa, J. Virol., 61: 2461-2468, 1989). In the current study, we used SC chickens, inbred for major histocompatibility complex Class I haplotype B2/B2, to investigate whether this protection results from active immunity. Preinoculation of chickens with either replication-defective rASV1702 virus or non-virus-producing syngeneic chicken embryo fibroblasts expressing 1702src conferred protection against challenge infections with RSV. Thus, viremia was not required for this protection. Splenic lymphocytes from rASV1702-infected donors could transfer protective immunity against RSV tumor challenge to naive chickens. These lymphocytes were cytotoxic in vitro against RSV- or rASV1702-infected SC-chicken embryo fibroblasts, but not against SC-chicken embryo fibroblasts infected with helper virus, suggesting a specificity for src-encoded or -induced determinants. In contrast, splenic lymphocytes from RSV-infected chickens transferred protective immunity poorly and exhibited low in vitro cytotoxic potential for src determinants, suggesting possible suppression mechanisms. Finally, murine cell lines expressing 157src or 1702src produced tumors in nude mice that failed to regress. Thus, although cells expressing 157src or 1702src are inherently tumorigenic, the tumors they induce most likely regress due to immune mechanisms. These results suggest that 1702src and 157src induce src-specific tumor Ag that potently prime an oncogene-specific protective cellular immunity.

Identification of a promoter mapping within the reiterated sequences that flank the herpes simplex virus type 1 UL region

Analysis of the promoter for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) immediate-early (alpha) gene alpha 0 in a short-term transient expression assay revealed that a SacI-to-NcoI fragment from -786 to +148 relative to the cap site directed the synthesis of chloramphenicol acetyltransferase when the fragment was present in either orientation. Although the constitutive levels of promoter activity were similar with either orientation, the reverse-orientation promoter was not induced in response to infection with HSV. Analysis of sequences composing the putative promoter in the opposite orientation revealed the presence of important regulatory elements associated with alpha promoters. These include an alpha-trans-inducing factor (alpha-TIF)-like response element, a high-affinity ICP4-binding site, numerous Sp1-binding sites, and a TATA box. Sequences contained within this region formed specific DNA-protein complexes in extracts from mock-infected and HSV-infected HeLa cells. Transient expression assays revealed that this sequence was positively regulated by the alpha 0 and alpha-TIF genes but negatively regulated by alpha 4. Finally, nuclear run-on transcription assays revealed that this promoter is active in its correct genomic context during the course of virus infection. We suggest that the promoter is a hybrid between an alpha and beta promoter because it exhibits maximal expression at 8 h postinfection and is expressed in the presence of cycloheximide.

Identification and evaluation of new primer sets for the detection of lentivirus proviral DNA

We have developed sets of degenerate oligonucleotides designed to detect pol gene sequences from any member of the lentivirus subfamily when used as primers in amplification techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This pan-lentivirus-specific primer set (PLSPS) consists of primers, LV1, LV2, and LV3, based on conserved regions common to lentiviruses only. Our protocol is based on primary amplification with LV1 and LV2 followed by secondary amplification with a nested primer set based on the YM/VDD motif found in all reverse transcriptases (or "DDMY," in the opposite direction), and LV3, a block of lentivirus homology nested just downstream of LV1. PLSPS-PCR analysis of DNA from cells infected with HIV-1, HIV-2, SIVmac239, BIV, visna, EIAV, CAEV, OPPV, or FIV resulted in the amplification of appropriately sized products. Sequence analysis of the LV1/2 products, cloned into pBluescript (pBS), indicated that at least 20% (most often, > 80%) contained the predicted lentivirus pol sequence. Greater than 95% of the LV3/DDMY products contained the expected lentiviral sequences. Using the PLSPS, lentivirus pol sequences could typically be detected at levels of one copy in 2 x 10(6) cells after secondary amplification. No specific lentiviral PCR products were detected in DNA from uninfected human or mouse monocytes, feline or bovine leukocytes, mouse, rat or human fibroblast cell lines, chicken embryo fibroblasts, Tahr lung cells, or cell lines infected with the following retroviruses which are not lentiviruses: Rous sarcoma virus, Moloney leukemia virus or Kirsten sarcoma virus, mouse mammary tumor virus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus I, and feline leukemia virus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acquired immunodeficiency without evidence of infection with human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2

There have been three published cases of acquired immunodeficiency in which no evidence for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) types 1 and 2 was found. We have identified five other individuals, from the New York City area (four who have known risk factors for HIV infection), with profound CD4 depletion and clinical syndromes consistent with definitions of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex. None had evidence of HIV-1, 2 infection, as judged by multiple serologies over several years, standard viral co-cultures for HIV p24 Gag antigen, and proviral DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction.

Regulation of herpes simplex virus immediate-early gene promoters in mouse neuroblastoma cells

The non-permissivity of C1300 mouse neuroblastoma cells for herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is due to a failure of such cells to transcribe the immediate-early (IE) genes following viral infection. We have transfected both C1300 cells and permissive cells with constructs in which each of the 5 IE promoters drives expression of the readily assayable chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene. These experiments show that the lack of IE gene transcription in C1300 cells is due to the weak activity of the five IE promoters in these cells compared to that observed in a range of permissive cell types. This effect is mediated both by up-stream elements and by sequences present in the minimal promoter. The different effects of DNA concentration on the activities of the minimal and complete promoters suggests that the up-stream sequences act by binding a repressor factor present in C1300 cells whilst the weak activity of the minimal promoter results from the absence of a positive factor in such cells.

Suppression of Rous sarcoma virus-induced tumor formation by preinfection with viruses encoding src protein with novel N termini

Two recovered avian sarcoma viruses (rASVs), rASV157 and rASV1702, encode src products which contain novel, nonmyristoylated N-terminal amino acids. These viruses transform chicken embryo fibroblasts and cause tumors in chicks. However, the tumors rASVs induce are small and regress within 2 weeks. To determine whether this regression results from weak tumorigenicity or from the active immunity of the host, we injected 1-week-old chicks with rASV and several days later injected the chicks with challenge virus of a different subgroup. Of the rASV1702-preinfected chicks challenged 5 days later with Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), 40% showed no subsequent tumor formation and 60% formed tumors which regressed within 1 week. The potency of this protective effect depended on the dosage of preinfection virus used and increased as the interval between preinfection and challenge infection was lengthened (when the interval was 9 days, none of the challenged chicks formed tumors). rASV157-preinfected chicks challenged with RSV after 9 days showed only partial protection: 42% formed tumors which regressed, whereas 58% formed tumors which continued to grow. Challenging rASV-preinfected chicks with Fujinami sarcoma virus or a RSV vector encoding the v-fps oncogene or polyomavirus middle T resulted in no suppression of tumor formation. Preinfection with src mutants or a RSV vector encoding polyomavirus middle T antigen, both of which induce slow-growing tumors, failed to elicit the protective effect. Finally, a novel N-terminal domain encoded by rASV1702 src was shown to be involved in but not sufficient for full protection. These data indicate that determinants on or induced by rASV157 and rASV1702 can elicit a potent protection against the tumorigenic potential of RSV-encoded p60v-src.

Dissection of immediate-early gene promoters from herpes simplex virus: sequences that respond to the virus transcriptional activators

The immediate-early promoters of herpes simplex virus give rise to the first series of transcripts after infection. These promoters are composed of compound sequence elements that govern basal level and regulated transcription. The response of three core (truncated) promoters from the herpes simplex virus type 1 IE-4, IE-0, and IE-27 genes to a battery of virus-encoded trans-acting proteins was examined in a short-term transient expression assay system. The results of this study reveal (i) a role for a sequence, 5'---GGGGG---3', flanked by 3 to 5 base pairs of symmetry (the G box), which is present in the upstream region of all immediate-early gene promoters, (ii) a requirement for the consensus sequence protected by ICP4 for autoregulation by this immediate-early gene product, and (iii) an alternative, sequence-independent mechanism for the augmentation of alpha gene expression by the virion-associated transcriptional activator Vmw65, now designated as TIF.

Herpes simplex virus immediate-early promoters are responsive to virus and cell trans-acting factors

The promoters for each of the immediate-early genes from herpes simplex virus type 1 were cloned and fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase cassette. These chimeric genes were used as targets in a transient expression assay to determine how the immediate-early gene products ICP4 and ICP0 and the virion-associated stimulatory protein Vmw65 affected their expression in HeLa and Vero cells. The basal level of expression from these cassettes differed significantly depending on the extent of 5'-flanking sequence and the cell line that served as host. The promoters from IE-4 and IE-0 behaved in a qualitatively similar fashion independent of the host cell. However, the promoter for ICP27 had a unique response pattern: in Vero cells it acted as an alpha gene promoter, whereas in HeLa cells its response was more like that of a beta gene promoter. The promoter sequences for ICP22 and ICP47 behaved as the IE-4 and IE-0 promoters did in HeLa cells, but their response to the effector molecules in Vero cells was unlike that of other alpha gene promoters we have studied. Evidence is also presented for a role for ICP27 in autoregulation.

Co-ordinate regulation of herpes simplex virus gene expression is mediated by the functional interaction of two immediate early gene products

At early times after infection with herpes simplex virus, transcription from beta-promoters is initiated only in the presence of a functional 174,000 Mr phosphoprotein (ICP4), encoded by an immediate early (alpha) gene (IE4). A transient expression assay was used to analyze the requirement for two (ICP4 and ICP0) of the five alpha-gene products in the transcriptional regulation of model alpha and beta-gene promoters. These studies reveal that cells cotransfected with plasmids containing the alpha-gene sequences for infected cell proteins (ICPs) 4 and 0 and a thymidine kinase (TK, a beta-gene) gene or the thymidine kinase promoter fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) cassette accumulate 10 to 20-fold more RNA or exhibit 10 to 20-fold more CAT activity than cells cotransfected with a plasmid encoding either alpha-gene protein and a thymidine kinase indicator gene. Functional ICP4 is required for enhanced transcriptional activation in the transient expression assay system. It is also required for the uniform dispersal of ICP0 throughout the nucleus as shown by immunofluorescence staining analysis of transfected cells. Two alpha-promoter-CAT fusions were used as targets to study what effects ICP4, ICP0 and Vmw65 (the virion-associated alpha-gene transactivator) have on expression from alpha-promoters that contain all of the sequences that confer alpha-gene regulation, or only the core sequence governing basal level expression. We conclude that ICP4 can activate alpha-gene expression from the core sequence and, depending on its abundance, activate or repress expression from a promoter containing the sequences required for alpha-gene regulation. Independent of these alpha-regulatory sequences cotransfection with low levels of sequences encoding both ICP0 and ICP4 activate expression. At higher ratios of effector (both ICP4 and ICP0) the target accumulation of CAT activity decreases. Although a ts allele of IE4 (cloned from the mutant virus tsK) does not activate alpha-gene expression it can enhance the ability of ICP0 to activate a target containing alpha-regulatory sequences. Virus studies involving tsK support the conclusion that functional ICP4 is required to activate beta-promoters and to repress expression from alpha-promoters and help to explain the pleiotropic effects of the tsK mutation. These analyses have also revealed the presence of a novel RNA species that overlaps the sequences encoding ICP0. Our results suggest that co-ordinate regulation of HSV gene expression is mediated by the functional interaction of at least two alpha-gene products, ICP0 and ICP4.