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Vishwakarma P, Puri S, Banerjee M, Chang CY, Chang CC, Chaudhuri TK. Deciphering the Thermal Stability of Bacteriophage MS2-Derived Virus-like Particle and Its Engineered Variant. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4812-4822. [PMID: 38976823 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
RNA bacteriophage MS2-derived virus-like particles (VLPs) have been widely used in biomedical research as model systems to study virus assembly, structure-function relationships, vaccine development, and drug delivery. Considering the diverse utility of these VLPs, a systemic engineering approach has been utilized to generate smaller particles with optimal serum stability and tissue penetrance. Additionally, it is crucial to demonstrate the overall stability of these mini MS2 VLPs, ensuring cargo protection until they reach their target cell/organ. However, no detailed analysis of the thermal stability and heat-induced disassembly of MS2 VLPs has yet been attempted. In this work, we investigated the thermal stability of both wild-type (WT) MS2 VLP and its "mini" variant containing S37P mutation (mini MS2 VLP). The mini MS2 VLP exhibits a higher capsid melting temperature (Tm) when compared to its WT MS2 VLP counterpart, possibly attributed to its smaller interdimer angle. Our study presents that the thermal unfolding of MS2 VLPs follows a sequential process involving particle destabilization, nucleic acid exposure/melting, and disassembly of VLP. This observation underscores the disruption of cooperative intersubunit interactions and protein-nucleic acid interactions, shedding light on the mechanism of heat-induced VLP disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati Vishwakarma
- Kusuma School of Biological Science, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Sarita Puri
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Manidipa Banerjee
- Kusuma School of Biological Science, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Chia-Yu Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tsung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ching Chang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tsung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- Department of Electrophysics, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- International College of Semiconductor Technology, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tapan K Chaudhuri
- Kusuma School of Biological Science, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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2
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Miller LM, Draper BE, Wang JCY, Jarrold MF. Charge Detection Mass Spectrometry Reveals Favored Structures in the Assembly of Virus-Like Particles: Polymorphism in Norovirus GI.1. Anal Chem 2024. [PMID: 39074122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
The main capsid protein (CP) of norovirus, the leading cause of gastroenteritis, is expected to self-assemble into virus-like particles with the same structure as the wild-type virus, a capsid with 180 CPs in a T = 3 icosahedron. Using charge detection mass spectrometry (CD-MS), we find that the norovirus GI.1 variant is structurally promiscuous, forming a wide variety of well-defined structures, some that are icosahedral capsids and others that are not. The structures that are present evolve with time and vary with solution conditions. The presence of icosahedral T = 3 and T = 4 capsids (240 CPs) under some conditions was confirmed by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The cryo-EM studies also confirmed the presence of an unexpected prolate geometry based on an elongated T = 4 capsid with 300 CPs. In addition, CD-MS measurements indicate the presence of well-defined peaks with masses corresponding to 420, 480, 600, and 700 CPs. The peak corresponding to 420 CPs is probably due to an icosahedral T = 7 capsid, but this could not be confirmed by cryo-EM. It is possible that the T = 7 particles are too fragile to survive vitrification. There are no mass peaks associated with the T = 9 and T = 12 icosahedra with 540 and 720 CPs. The larger structures with 480, 600, and 700 CPs are not icosahedral; however, their measured charges suggest that they are hollow shells. The use of CD-MS to monitor virus-like particles assembly may have important applications in vaccine development and quality control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohra M Miller
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Benjamin E Draper
- Megadalton Solutions Inc, 3750 E Bluebird Ln, Bloomington, Indiana 47401, United States
| | - Joseph C-Y Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
| | - Martin F Jarrold
- Chemistry Department, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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3
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Sun X, Lian Y, Tian T, Cui Z. Advancements in Functional Nanomaterials Inspired by Viral Particles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402980. [PMID: 39058214 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures composed of one or more structural proteins, exhibiting stable and symmetrical structures. Their precise compositions and dimensions provide versatile opportunities for modifications, enhancing their functionality. Consequently, VLP-based nanomaterials have gained widespread adoption across diverse domains. This review focuses on three key aspects: the mechanisms of viral capsid protein self-assembly into VLPs, design methods for constructing multifunctional VLPs, and strategies for synthesizing multidimensional nanomaterials using VLPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in virus-inspired functional nanomaterials, encompassing VLP assembly, functionalization, and the synthesis of multidimensional nanomaterials. Additionally, this review explores future directions, opportunities, and challenges in the field of VLP-based nanomaterials, aiming to shed light on potential advancements and prospects in this exciting area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxun Sun
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yindong Lian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tao Tian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zongqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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4
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Niblo JK, Swartley JR, Zhang Z, DuBay KH. 2D capsid formation within an oscillatory energy landscape: orderly self-assembly depends on the interplay between a dynamic potential and intrinsic relaxation times. SOFT MATTER 2024. [PMID: 39046256 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00455h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Multiple dissipative self-assembly protocols designed to create novel structures or to reduce kinetic traps have recently emerged. Specifically, temporal oscillations of particle interactions have been shown effective at both aims, but investigations thus far have focused on systems of simple colloids or their binary mixtures. In this work, we expand our understanding of the effect of temporally oscillating interactions to a two-dimensional coarse-grained viral capsid-like model that undergoes a self-limited assembly. This model includes multiple intrinsic relaxation times due to the internal structure of the capsid subunits and, under certain interaction regimes, proceeds via a two-step nucleation mechanism. We find that oscillations much faster than the local intrinsic relaxation times can be described via a time averaged inter-particle potential across a wide range of interaction strengths, while oscillations much slower than these relaxation times result in structures that adapt to the attraction strength of the current half-cycle. Interestingly, oscillation periods similar to these relaxation times shift the interaction window over which orderly assembly occurs by enabling error correction during the half-cycles with weaker attractions. Our results provide fundamental insights to non-equilibrium self-assembly on temporally variant energy landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Niblo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, McCormick Road, PO Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4319, USA.
| | - Jacob R Swartley
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, McCormick Road, PO Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4319, USA.
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campus Box 3290, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA
| | - Kateri H DuBay
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, McCormick Road, PO Box 400319, Charlottesville, VA 22903-4319, USA.
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5
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Zhao H, Syed AM, Khalid MM, Nguyen A, Ciling A, Wu D, Yau WM, Srinivasan S, Esposito D, Doudna J, Piszczek G, Ott M, Schuck P. Assembly of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with nucleic acid. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6647-6661. [PMID: 38587193 PMCID: PMC11194069 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 is packaged by the nucleocapsid (N-)protein into ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), 38 ± 10 of which are contained in each virion. Their architecture has remained unclear due to the pleomorphism of RNPs, the high flexibility of N-protein intrinsically disordered regions, and highly multivalent interactions between viral RNA and N-protein binding sites in both N-terminal (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD). Here we explore critical interaction motifs of RNPs by applying a combination of biophysical techniques to ancestral and mutant proteins binding different nucleic acids in an in vitro assay for RNP formation, and by examining nucleocapsid protein variants in a viral assembly assay. We find that nucleic acid-bound N-protein dimers oligomerize via a recently described protein-protein interface presented by a transient helix in its long disordered linker region between NTD and CTD. The resulting hexameric complexes are stabilized by multivalent protein-nucleic acid interactions that establish crosslinks between dimeric subunits. Assemblies are stabilized by the dimeric CTD of N-protein offering more than one binding site for stem-loop RNA. Our study suggests a model for RNP assembly where N-protein scaffolding at high density on viral RNA is followed by cooperative multimerization through protein-protein interactions in the disordered linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdullah M Syed
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mir M Khalid
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alison Ciling
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wai-Ming Yau
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Khaykelson D, Asor R, Zhao Z, Schlicksup CJ, Zlotnick A, Raviv U. Guanidine Hydrochloride-Induced Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Disassembly Hysteresis. Biochemistry 2024; 63:1543-1552. [PMID: 38787909 PMCID: PMC11191408 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.4c00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) displays remarkable self-assembly capabilities that interest the scientific community and biotechnological industries as HBV is leading to an annual mortality of up to 1 million people worldwide (especially in Africa and Southeast Asia). When the ionic strength is increased, hepatitis B virus-like particles (VLPs) can assemble from dimers of the first 149 residues of the HBV capsid protein core assembly domain (Cp149). Using solution small-angle X-ray scattering, we investigated the disassembly of the VLPs by titrating guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl). Measurements were performed with and without 1 M NaCl, added either before or after titrating GuHCl. Fitting the scattering curves to a linear combination of atomic models of Cp149 dimer (the subunit) and T = 3 and T = 4 icosahedral capsids revealed the mass fraction of the dimer in each structure in all the titration points. Based on the mass fractions, the variation in the dimer-dimer association standard free energy was calculated as a function of added GuHCl, showing a linear relation between the interaction strength and GuHCl concentration. Using the data, we estimated the energy barriers for assembly and disassembly and the critical nucleus size for all of the assembly reactions. Extrapolating the standard free energy to [GuHCl] = 0 showed an evident hysteresis in the assembly process, manifested by differences in the dimer-dimer association standard free energy obtained for the disassembly reactions compared with the equivalent assembly reactions. Similar hysteresis was observed in the energy barriers for assembly and disassembly and the critical nucleus size. The results suggest that above 1.5 M, GuHCl disassembled the capsids by attaching to the protein and adding steric repulsion, thereby weakening the hydrophobic attraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Khaykelson
- Institute
of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Roi Asor
- Institute
of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Zhongchao Zhao
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Christopher John Schlicksup
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Uri Raviv
- Institute
of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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7
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Kordys M, Urbanowicz A. 3D Puzzle at the Nanoscale-How do RNA Viruses Self-Assemble their Capsids into Perfectly Ordered Structures. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400088. [PMID: 38864315 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The phenomenon of RNA virus self-organization, first observed in the mid-20th century in tobacco mosaic virus, is the subject of extensive research. Efforts to comprehend this process intensify due to its potential for producing vaccines or antiviral compounds as well as nanocarriers and nanotemplates. However, direct observation of the self-assembly is hindered by its prevalence within infected host cells. One of the approaches involves in vitro and in silico research using model viruses featuring a ssRNA(+) genome enclosed within a capsid made up of a single type protein. While various pathways are proposed based on these studies, their relevance in vivo remains uncertain. On the other hand, the development of advanced microscopic methods provide insights into the events within living cells, where following viral infection, specialized compartments form to facilitate the creation of nascent virions. Intriguingly, a growing body of evidence indicates that the primary function of packaging signals in viral RNA is to effectively initiate the virion self-assembly. This is in contrast to earlier opinions suggesting a role in marking RNA for encapsidation. Another noteworthy observation is that many viruses undergo self-assembly within membraneless liquid organelles, which are specifically induced by viral proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Kordys
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego Str. 12/14, Poznan, 61-704, Poland
| | - Anna Urbanowicz
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego Str. 12/14, Poznan, 61-704, Poland
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8
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Duque CM, Hall DM, Tyukodi B, Hagan MF, Santangelo CD, Grason GM. Limits of economy and fidelity for programmable assembly of size-controlled triply periodic polyhedra. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315648121. [PMID: 38669182 PMCID: PMC11067059 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315648121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We propose and investigate an extension of the Caspar-Klug symmetry principles for viral capsid assembly to the programmable assembly of size-controlled triply periodic polyhedra, discrete variants of the Primitive, Diamond, and Gyroid cubic minimal surfaces. Inspired by a recent class of programmable DNA origami colloids, we demonstrate that the economy of design in these crystalline assemblies-in terms of the growth of the number of distinct particle species required with the increased size-scale (e.g., periodicity)-is comparable to viral shells. We further test the role of geometric specificity in these assemblies via dynamical assembly simulations, which show that conditions for simultaneously efficient and high-fidelity assembly require an intermediate degree of flexibility of local angles and lengths in programmed assembly. Off-target misassembly occurs via incorporation of a variant of disclination defects, generalized to the case of hyperbolic crystals. The possibility of these topological defects is a direct consequence of the very same symmetry principles that underlie the economical design, exposing a basic tradeoff between design economy and fidelity of programmable, size controlled assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos M. Duque
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden01307, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden01307, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | - Douglas M. Hall
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
| | - Botond Tyukodi
- Department of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca400084, Romania
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Michael F. Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Christian D. Santangelo
- Department of Physics, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
- Department of Physics, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY13210
| | - Gregory M. Grason
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003
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9
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Hori M, Steinauer A, Tetter S, Hälg J, Manz EM, Hilvert D. Stimulus-responsive assembly of nonviral nucleocapsids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3576. [PMID: 38678040 PMCID: PMC11055949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Controlled assembly of a protein shell around a viral genome is a key step in the life cycle of many viruses. Here we report a strategy for regulating the co-assembly of nonviral proteins and nucleic acids into highly ordered nucleocapsids in vitro. By fusing maltose binding protein to the subunits of NC-4, an engineered protein cage that encapsulates its own encoding mRNA, we successfully blocked spontaneous capsid assembly, allowing isolation of the individual monomers in soluble form. To initiate RNA-templated nucleocapsid formation, the steric block can be simply removed by selective proteolysis. Analyses by transmission and cryo-electron microscopy confirmed that the resulting assemblies are structurally identical to their RNA-containing counterparts produced in vivo. Enzymatically triggered cage formation broadens the range of RNA molecules that can be encapsulated by NC-4, provides unique opportunities to study the co-assembly of capsid and cargo, and could be useful for studying other nonviral and viral assemblies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), SB ISIC LIBN, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jamiro Hälg
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Eva-Maria Manz
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Kawasaki H, Hariyama T, Kosugi I, Meguro S, Iwata F, Shimizu K, Magata Y, Iwashita T. Human induced pluripotent stem cells are resistant to human cytomegalovirus infection primarily at the attachment level due to the reduced expression of cell-surface heparan sulfate. J Virol 2024; 98:e0127823. [PMID: 38345384 PMCID: PMC10949504 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01278-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV), a type of herpes virus, is the predominant cause of congenital anomalies due to intrauterine infections in humans. Adverse outcomes related to intrauterine infections with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) vary widely, depending on factors such as fetal infection timing, infection route, and viral virulence. The precise mechanism underlying HCMV susceptibility remains unclear. In this study, we compared the susceptibility of neonatal human dermal fibroblast cells (NHDFCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from NHDFCs, which are genetically identical to HCMV, using immunostaining, microarray, in situ hybridization, quantitative PCR, and scanning electron microscopy. These cells were previously used to compare CMV susceptibility, but the underlying mechanisms were not fully elucidated. HCMV susceptibility of hiPSCs was significantly lower in the earliest phase. No shared gene ontologies were observed immediately post-infection between the two cell types using microarray analysis. Early-stage expression of HCMV antigens and the HCMV genome was minimal in immunostaining and in in situ hybridization in hiPSCs. This strongly suggests that HCMV does not readily bind to hiPSC surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy performed using the NanoSuit method confirmed the scarcity of HCMV particles on hiPSC surfaces. The zeta potential and charge mapping of the charged surface in NHDFCs and hiPSCs exhibited minimal differences when assessed using zeta potential analyzer and scanning ion conductance microscopy; however, the expression of heparan sulfate (HS) was significantly lower in hiPSCs compared with that in NHDFCs. Thus, HS expression could be a primary determinant of HCMV resistance in hiPSCs at the attachment level. IMPORTANCE Numerous factors such as attachment, virus particle entry, transcription, and virus particle egress can affect viral susceptibility. Since 1984, pluripotent cells are known to be CMV resistant; however, the exact mechanism underlying this resistance remains elusive. Some researchers suggest inhibition in the initial phase of HCMV binding, while others have suggested the possibility of a sufficient amount of HCMV entering the cells to establish latency. This study demonstrates that HCMV particles rarely attach to the surfaces of hiPSCs. This is not due to limitations in the electrostatic interactions between the surface of hiPSCs and HCMV particles, but due to HS expression. Therefore, HS expression should be recognized as a key factor in determining the susceptibility of HCMV in congenital infection in vitro and in vivo. In the future, drugs targeting HS may become crucial for the treatment of congenital CMV infections. Thus, further research in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Kawasaki
- Institute for NanoSuit Research, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiko Hariyama
- Institute for NanoSuit Research, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Isao Kosugi
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shiori Meguro
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Futoshi Iwata
- Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Shimizu
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Magata
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Iwashita
- Department of Regenerative and Infectious Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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11
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Wei WS, Trubiano A, Sigl C, Paquay S, Dietz H, Hagan MF, Fraden S. Hierarchical assembly is more robust than egalitarian assembly in synthetic capsids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2312775121. [PMID: 38324570 PMCID: PMC10873614 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2312775121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-assembly of complex and functional materials remains a grand challenge in soft material science. Efficient assembly depends on a delicate balance between thermodynamic and kinetic effects, requiring fine-tuning affinities and concentrations of subunits. By contrast, we introduce an assembly paradigm that allows large error-tolerance in the subunit affinity and helps avoid kinetic traps. Our combined experimental and computational approach uses a model system of triangular subunits programmed to assemble into T = 3 icosahedral capsids comprising 60 units. The experimental platform uses DNA origami to create monodisperse colloids whose three-dimensional geometry is controlled to nanometer precision, with two distinct bonds whose affinities are controlled to kBT precision, quantified in situ by static light scattering. The computational model uses a coarse-grained representation of subunits, short-ranged potentials, and Langevin dynamics. Experimental observations and modeling reveal that when the bond affinities are unequal, two distinct hierarchical assembly pathways occur, in which the subunits first form dimers in one case and pentamers in another. These hierarchical pathways produce complete capsids faster and are more robust against affinity variation than egalitarian pathways, in which all binding sites have equal strengths. This finding suggests that hierarchical assembly may be a general engineering principle for optimizing self-assembly of complex target structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Shao Wei
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Anthony Trubiano
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Christian Sigl
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching85748, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching85748, Germany
| | - Stefan Paquay
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Hendrik Dietz
- Laboratory for Biomolecular Nanotechnology, Department of Physics, Technical University of Munich, Garching85748, Germany
- Munich Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Munich, Garching85748, Germany
| | - Michael F. Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
| | - Seth Fraden
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
- Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA02453
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12
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Skene KR. Systems theory, thermodynamics and life: Integrated thinking across ecology, organization and biological evolution. Biosystems 2024; 236:105123. [PMID: 38244715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2024.105123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we explore the relevance and integration of system theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system. It is proposed that together, these fields explain the evolution, organization, functionality and directionality of life on Earth. We begin by summarizing historical and current thinking on the definition of life itself. We then investigate the evidence for a single unit of life. Given that any definition of life and its levels of organization are intertwined, we explore how the Earth system is structured and functions from an energetic perspective, by outlining relevant thermodynamic theory relating to molecular, metabolic, cellular, individual, population, species, ecosystem and biome organization. We next investigate the fundamental relationships between systems theory and thermodynamics in terms of the Earth system, examining the key characteristics of self-assembly, self-organization (including autonomy), emergence, non-linearity, feedback and sub-optimality. Finally, we examine the relevance of systems theory and thermodynamics with reference to two specific aspects: the tempo and directionality of evolution and the directional and predictable process of ecological succession. We discuss the importance of the entropic drive in understanding altruism, multicellularity, mutualistic and antagonistic relationships and how maximum entropy production theory may explain patterns thought to evidence the intermediate disturbance hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith R Skene
- Biosphere Research Institute, Angus, United Kingdom.
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13
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Krenger PS, Josi R, Sobczak J, Velazquez TLC, Balke I, Skinner MA, Kramer MF, Scott CJW, Hewings S, Heath MD, Zeltins A, Bachmann MF. Influence of antigen density and TLR ligands on preclinical efficacy of a VLP-based vaccine against peanut allergy. Allergy 2024; 79:184-199. [PMID: 37815010 DOI: 10.1111/all.15897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virus-like particle (VLP) Peanut is a novel immunotherapeutic vaccine candidate for the treatment of peanut allergy. The active pharmaceutical ingredient represents cucumber mosaic VLPs (CuMVTT -VLPs) that are genetically fused with one of the major peanut allergens, Ara h 2 (CuMVTT -Ara h 2). We previously demonstrated the immunogenicity and the protective capacity of VLP Peanut-based immunization in a murine model for peanut allergy. Moreover, a Phase I clinical trial has been initiated using VLP Peanut material manufactured following a GMP-compliant manufacturing process. Key product characterization studies were undertaken here to understand the role and contribution of critical quality attributes that translate as predictive markers of immunogenicity and protective efficacy for clinical vaccine development. METHOD The role of prokaryotic RNA encapsulated within VLP Peanut on vaccine immunogenicity was assessed by producing a VLP Peanut batch with a reduced RNA content (VLP Peanut low RNA). Immunogenicity and peanut allergen challenge studies were conducted with VLP Peanut low RNA, as well as with VLP Peanut in WT and TLR 7 KO mice. Furthermore, mass spectrometry and SDS-PAGE based methods were used to determine Ara h 2 antigen density on the surface of VLP Peanut particles. This methodology was subsequently applied to investigate the relationship between Ara h 2 antigen density and immunogenicity of VLP Peanut. RESULTS A TLR 7 dependent formation of Ara h 2 specific high-avidity IgG antibodies, as well as a TLR 7 dependent change in the dominant IgG subclass, was observed following VLP Peanut vaccination, while total allergen-specific IgG remained relatively unaffected. Consistently, a missing TLR 7 signal caused only a weak decrease in allergen tolerability after vaccination. In contrast, a reduced RNA content for VLP Peanut resulted in diminished total Ara h 2 specific IgG responses, followed by a significant impairment in peanut allergen tolerability. The discrepant effect on allergen tolerance caused by an absent TLR 7 signal versus a reduced RNA content is explained by the observation that VLP Peanut-derived RNA not only stimulates TLR 7 but also TLR 3. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between the number of Ara h 2 antigens displayed on the surface of VLP Peanut particles and the vaccine's immunogenicity and protective capacity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that prokaryotic RNA encapsulated within VLP Peanut, including antigen density of Ara h 2 on viral particles, are key contributors to the immunogenicity and protective capacity of the vaccine. Thus, antigenicity and RNA content are two critical quality attributes that need to be determined at the stage of manufacturing, providing robust information regarding the immunogenicity and protective capacity of VLP Peanut in the mouse which has translational relevance to the human setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal S Krenger
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Romano Josi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jan Sobczak
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School of Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Ina Balke
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Matthias F Kramer
- Allergy Therapeutics (UK) Ltd, Worthing, UK
- Bencard Allergie GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- Saiba AG, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CCMP), The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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14
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Heymann JB. Structural Studies of Bacteriophage Φ6 and Its Transformations during Its Life Cycle. Viruses 2023; 15:2404. [PMID: 38140645 PMCID: PMC10747372 DOI: 10.3390/v15122404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
From the first isolation of the cystovirus bacteriophage Φ6 from Pseudomonas syringae 50 years ago, we have progressed to a better understanding of the structure and transformations of many parts of the virion. The three-layered virion, encapsulating the tripartite double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) genome, breaches the cell envelope upon infection, generates its own transcripts, and coopts the bacterial machinery to produce its proteins. The generation of a new virion starts with a procapsid with a contracted shape, followed by the packaging of single-stranded RNA segments with concurrent expansion of the capsid, and finally replication to reconstitute the dsRNA genome. The outer two layers are then added, and the fully formed virion released by cell lysis. Most of the procapsid structure, composed of the proteins P1, P2, P4, and P7 is now known, as well as its transformations to the mature, packaged nucleocapsid. The outer two layers are less well-studied. One additional study investigated the binding of the host protein YajQ to the infecting nucleocapsid, where it enhances the transcription of the large RNA segment that codes for the capsid proteins. Finally, I relate the structural aspects of bacteriophage Φ6 to those of other dsRNA viruses, noting the similarities and differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Bernard Heymann
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 50 South Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; ; Tel.: +1-301-846-6924
- National Cryo-EM Program, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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15
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Zhao H, Syed AM, Khalid MM, Nguyen A, Ciling A, Wu D, Yau WM, Srinivasan S, Esposito D, Doudna JA, Piszczek G, Ott M, Schuck P. Assembly reactions of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with nucleic acid. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568361. [PMID: 38045338 PMCID: PMC10690241 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 is packaged by the nucleocapsid (N-) protein into ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), 38±10 of which are contained in each virion. Their architecture has remained unclear due to the pleomorphism of RNPs, the high flexibility of N-protein intrinsically disordered regions, and highly multivalent interactions between viral RNA and N-protein binding sites in both N-terminal (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD). Here we explore critical interaction motifs of RNPs by applying a combination of biophysical techniques to mutant proteins binding different nucleic acids in an in vitro assay for RNP formation, and by examining mutant proteins in a viral assembly assay. We find that nucleic acid-bound N-protein dimers oligomerize via a recently described protein-protein interface presented by a transient helix in its long disordered linker region between NTD and CTD. The resulting hexameric complexes are stabilized by multi-valent protein-nucleic acid interactions that establish crosslinks between dimeric subunits. Assemblies are stabilized by the dimeric CTD of N-protein offering more than one binding site for stem-loop RNA. Our study suggests a model for RNP assembly where N-protein scaffolding at high density on viral RNA is followed by cooperative multimerization through protein-protein interactions in the disordered linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Abdullah M. Syed
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | | | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Alison Ciling
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Wai-Ming Yau
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Jennifer A. Doudna
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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16
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Jia X, Gao Y, Huang Y, Sun L, Li S, Li H, Zhang X, Li Y, He J, Wu W, Venkannagari H, Yang K, Baker ML, Zhang Q. Architecture of the baculovirus nucleocapsid revealed by cryo-EM. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7481. [PMID: 37980340 PMCID: PMC10657434 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43284-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) has been widely used as a bioinsecticide and a protein expression vector. Despite their importance, very little is known about the structure of most baculovirus proteins. Here, we show a 3.2 Å resolution structure of helical cylindrical body of the AcMNPV nucleocapsid, composed of VP39, as well as 4.3 Å resolution structures of both the head and the base of the nucleocapsid composed of over 100 protein subunits. AcMNPV VP39 demonstrates some features of the HK97-like fold and utilizes disulfide-bonds and a set of interactions at its C-termini to mediate nucleocapsid assembly and stability. At both ends of the nucleocapsid, the VP39 cylinder is constricted by an outer shell ring composed of proteins AC104, AC142 and AC109. AC101(BV/ODV-C42) and AC144(ODV-EC27) form a C14 symmetric inner layer at both capsid head and base. In the base, these proteins interact with a 7-fold symmetric capsid plug, while a portal-like structure is seen in the central portion of head. Additionally, we propose an application of AlphaFold2 for model building in intermediate resolution density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Jia
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanzhu Gao
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
- Cryo-EM Facility Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuxuan Huang
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linjun Sun
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siduo Li
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongmei Li
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Zhang
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinyin Li
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian He
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbi Wu
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Harikanth Venkannagari
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kai Yang
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China
| | - Matthew L Baker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Qinfen Zhang
- State key laboratory of biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275, Guangzhou, China.
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17
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Herrera-Rodríguez AM, Dasanna AK, Daday C, Cruz-Chú ER, Aponte-Santamaría C, Schwarz US, Gräter F. The role of flow in the self-assembly of dragline spider silk proteins. Biophys J 2023; 122:4241-4253. [PMID: 37803828 PMCID: PMC10645567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrodynamic flow in the spider duct induces conformational changes in dragline spider silk proteins (spidroins) and drives their assembly, but the underlying physical mechanisms are still elusive. Here we address this challenging multiscale problem with a complementary strategy of atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations with uniform flow. The conformational changes at the molecular level were analyzed for single-tethered spider silk peptides. Uniform flow leads to coiled-to-stretch transitions and pushes alanine residues into β sheet and poly-proline II conformations. Coarse-grained simulations of the assembly process of multiple semi-flexible block copolymers using multi-particle collision dynamics reveal that the spidroins aggregate faster but into low-order assemblies when they are less extended. At medium-to-large peptide extensions (50%-80%), assembly slows down and becomes reversible with frequent association and dissociation events, whereas spidroin alignment increases and alanine repeats form ordered regions. Our work highlights the role of flow in guiding silk self-assembly into tough fibers by enhancing alignment and kinetic reversibility, a mechanism likely relevant also for other proteins whose function depends on hydrodynamic flow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anil Kumar Dasanna
- BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Csaba Daday
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eduardo R Cruz-Chú
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- BioQuant, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Frauke Gräter
- Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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Asor R, Singaram SW, Levi-Kalisman Y, Hagan MF, Raviv U. Effect of ionic strength on the assembly of simian vacuolating virus capsid protein around poly(styrene sulfonate). THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2023; 46:107. [PMID: 37917241 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-023-00363-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are noninfectious nanocapsules that can be used for drug delivery or vaccine applications. VLPs can be assembled from virus capsid proteins around a condensing agent, such as RNA, DNA, or a charged polymer. Electrostatic interactions play an important role in the assembly reaction. VLPs assemble from many copies of capsid protein, with a combinatorial number of intermediates. Hence, the mechanism of the reaction is poorly understood. In this paper, we combined solution small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and computational modeling to determine the effect of ionic strength on the assembly of Simian Vacuolating Virus 40 (SV40)-like particles. We mixed poly(styrene sulfonate) with SV40 capsid protein pentamers at different ionic strengths. We then characterized the assembly product by SAXS and cryo-TEM. To analyze the data, we performed Langevin dynamics simulations using a coarse-grained model that revealed incomplete, asymmetric VLP structures consistent with the experimental data. We found that close to physiological ionic strength, [Formula: see text] VLPs coexisted with VP1 pentamers. At lower or higher ionic strengths, incomplete particles coexisted with pentamers and [Formula: see text] particles. Including the simulated structures was essential to explain the SAXS data in a manner that is consistent with the cryo-TEM images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roi Asor
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Surendra W Singaram
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, 02453, MA, USA
| | - Yael Levi-Kalisman
- Institute of Life Sciences and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Department of Physics, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, 02453, MA, USA.
| | - Uri Raviv
- Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
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19
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Su Y, Liu B, Huang Z, Teng Z, Yang L, Zhu J, Huo S, Liu A. Virus-like particles nanoreactors: from catalysis towards bio-applications. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:9084-9098. [PMID: 37697810 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01112g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled supramolecular structures found in nature, often used for compartmentalization. Exploiting their inherent properties, including precise nanoscale structures, monodispersity, and high stability, these architectures have been widely used as nanocarriers to protect or enrich catalysts, facilitating catalytic reactions and avoiding interference from the bulk solutions. In this review, we summarize the current progress of virus-like particles (VLPs)-based nanoreactors. First, we briefly introduce the physicochemical properties of the most commonly used virus particles to understand their roles in catalytic reactions beyond the confined space. Next, we summarize the self-assembly of nanoreactors forming higher-order hierarchical structures, highlighting the emerging field of nanoreactors as artificial organelles and their potential biomedical applications. Finally, we discuss the current findings and future perspectives of VLPs-based nanoreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Su
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Beibei Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Zhenkun Huang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Zihao Teng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Liulin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhu
- National-Local Joint Engineering Research and High-Quality Utilization, Changzhou University, Changzhou 213164, China
| | - Shuaidong Huo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Aijie Liu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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20
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García Coll J, Ulrich S. Nucleic-Acid-Templated Synthesis of Smart Polymer Vectors for Gene Delivery. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300333. [PMID: 37401911 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are information-rich and readily available biomolecules, which can be used to template the polymerization of synthetic macromolecules. Here, we highlight the control over the size, composition, and sequence one can nowadays obtain by using this methodology. We also highlight how templated processes exploiting dynamic covalent polymerization can, in return, result in therapeutic nucleic acids fabricating their own dynamic delivery vector - a biomimicking concept that can provide original solutions for gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José García Coll
- IBMM, Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Ulrich
- IBMM, Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095, Montpellier, France
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21
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Borodavka A, Acker J. Seeing Biomolecular Condensates Through the Lens of Viruses. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:163-182. [PMID: 37040799 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-111821-103226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation of viral biopolymers is a key factor in the formation of cytoplasmic viral inclusions, known as sites of virus replication and assembly. This review describes the mechanisms and factors that affect phase separation in viral replication and identifies potential areas for future research. Drawing inspiration from studies on cellular RNA-rich condensates, we compare the hierarchical coassembly of ribosomal RNAs and proteins in the nucleolus to the coordinated coassembly of viral RNAs and proteins taking place within viral factories in viruses containing segmented RNA genomes. We highlight the common characteristics of biomolecular condensates in viral replication and how this new understanding is reshaping our views of virus assembly mechanisms. Such studies have the potential to uncover unexplored antiviral strategies targeting these phase-separated states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Borodavka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
| | - Julia Acker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom;
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22
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Mellid-Carballal R, Gutierrez-Gutierrez S, Rivas C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Viral protein nanoparticles (Part 1): Pharmaceutical characteristics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 187:106460. [PMID: 37156338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein nanoparticles fill the gap between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. Combining advantageous properties of both systems, they have revolutionized pharmaceutical research. Virus-like particles are characterized by a structure identical to viruses but lacking genetic material. Another type of viral protein nanoparticles, virosomes, are similar to liposomes but include viral spike proteins. Both systems are effective and safe vaccine candidates capable of overcoming the disadvantages of both traditional and subunit vaccines. Besides, their particulate structure, biocompatibility, and biodegradability make them good candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze viral protein nanoparticles from a pharmaceutical perspective and examine current research focused on their development process, from production to administration. Advances in synthesis, modification and formulation of viral protein nanoparticles are critical so that large-scale production of viral protein nanoparticle products becomes viable and affordable, which ultimately will increase their market penetration in the future. We will discuss their expression systems, modification strategies, formulation, biopharmaceutical properties, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Mellid-Carballal
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Gutierrez-Gutierrez
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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23
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Sion E, Ab-Rahim S, Muhamad M. Trends on Human Norovirus Virus-like Particles (HuNoV-VLPs) and Strategies for the Construction of Infectious Viral Clones toward In Vitro Replication. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1447. [PMID: 37511822 PMCID: PMC10381778 DOI: 10.3390/life13071447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Most acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks and sporadic cases in developing countries are attributable to infection by human norovirus (HuNoV), the enteric virus mainly transmitted via fecal-contaminated water. However, it has been challenging to study HuNoV due to the lack of suitable systems to cultivate and replicate the virus, hindering the development of treatments and vaccines. Researchers have been using virus-like particles (VLPs) and infectious viral clones to overcome this challenge as alternatives to fresh virus isolates in various in vitro and ex vivo models. VLPs are multiprotein structures that mimic the wild-type virus but cannot replicate in host cells due to the lack of genetic materials for replication, limiting downstream analysis of the virus life cycle and pathogenesis. The development of in vitro cloning systems has shown promise for HuNoV replication studies. This review discusses the approaches for constructing HuNoV-VLPs and infectious viral clones, the techniques involved, and the challenges faced. It also highlights the relationship between viral genes and their protein products and provides a perspective on technical considerations for producing efficient HuNoV-VLPs and infectious viral clones, which could substitute for native human noroviruses in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilly Sion
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharaniza Ab-Rahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mudiana Muhamad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
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24
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Sadihov-Hanoch H, Bandela AK, Chotera-Ouda A, Ben David O, Cohen-Luria R, Lynn DG, Ashkenasy G. Dynamic exchange controls the assembly structure of nucleic-acid-peptide chimeras. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3940-3945. [PMID: 37211859 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01528e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Recent attempts to develop the next generation of functional biomaterials focus on systems chemistry approaches exploiting dynamic networks of hybrid molecules. This task is often found challenging, but we herein present ways for profiting from the multiple interaction interfaces forming Nucleic-acid-Peptide assemblies and tuning their formation. We demonstrate that the formation of well-defined structures by double-stranded DNA-peptide conjugates (dsCon) is restricted to a specific range of environmental conditions and that precise DNA hybridization, satisfying the interaction interfaces, is a crucial factor in this process. We further reveal the impact of external stimuli, such as competing free DNA elements or salt additives, which initiate dynamic interconversions, resulting in hybrid structures exhibiting spherical and fibrillar domains or a mixture of spherical and fibrillar particles. This extensive analysis of the co-assembly systems chemistry offers new insights into prebiotic hybrid assemblies that may now facilitate the design of new functional materials. We discuss the implications of these findings for the emergence of function in synthetic materials and during early chemical evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hava Sadihov-Hanoch
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Anil Kumar Bandela
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Agata Chotera-Ouda
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Oshrat Ben David
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - Rivka Cohen-Luria
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
| | - David G Lynn
- Departments of Chemistry and Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gonen Ashkenasy
- Department of Chemistry, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel.
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25
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Lynch DL, Pavlova A, Fan Z, Gumbart JC. Understanding Virus Structure and Dynamics through Molecular Simulations. J Chem Theory Comput 2023. [PMID: 37192279 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Viral outbreaks remain a serious threat to human and animal populations and motivate the continued development of antiviral drugs and vaccines, which in turn benefits from a detailed understanding of both viral structure and dynamics. While great strides have been made in characterizing these systems experimentally, molecular simulations have proven to be an essential, complementary approach. In this work, we review the contributions of molecular simulations to the understanding of viral structure, functional dynamics, and processes related to the viral life cycle. Approaches ranging from coarse-grained to all-atom representations are discussed, including current efforts at modeling complete viral systems. Overall, this review demonstrates that computational virology plays an essential role in understanding these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane L Lynch
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Anna Pavlova
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - Zixing Fan
- Interdisciplinary Bioengineering Graduate Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
| | - James C Gumbart
- School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States
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26
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Hagan MF, Mohajerani F. Self-assembly coupled to liquid-liquid phase separation. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010652. [PMID: 37186597 PMCID: PMC10212142 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid condensate droplets with distinct compositions of proteins and nucleic acids are widespread in biological cells. While it is known that such droplets, or compartments, can regulate irreversible protein aggregation, their effect on reversible self-assembly remains largely unexplored. In this article, we use kinetic theory and solution thermodynamics to investigate the effect of liquid-liquid phase separation on the reversible self-assembly of structures with well-defined sizes and architectures. We find that, when assembling subunits preferentially partition into liquid compartments, robustness against kinetic traps and maximum achievable assembly rates can be significantly increased. In particular, both the range of solution conditions leading to productive assembly and the corresponding assembly rates can increase by orders of magnitude. We analyze the rate equation predictions using simple scaling estimates to identify effects of liquid-liquid phase separation as a function of relevant control parameters. These results may elucidate self-assembly processes that underlie normal cellular functions or pathogenesis, and suggest strategies for designing efficient bottom-up assembly for nanomaterials applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
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27
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Fuertes MA, López Mateos D, Valiente L, Rodríguez Huete A, Valbuena A, Mateu MG. Electrostatic Screening, Acidic pH and Macromolecular Crowding Increase the Self-Assembly Efficiency of the Minute Virus of Mice Capsid In Vitro. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051054. [PMID: 37243141 DOI: 10.3390/v15051054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The hollow protein capsids from a number of different viruses are being considered for multiple biomedical or nanotechnological applications. In order to improve the applied potential of a given viral capsid as a nanocarrier or nanocontainer, specific conditions must be found for achieving its faithful and efficient assembly in vitro. The small size, adequate physical properties and specialized biological functions of the capsids of parvoviruses such as the minute virus of mice (MVM) make them excellent choices as nanocarriers and nanocontainers. In this study we analyzed the effects of protein concentration, macromolecular crowding, temperature, pH, ionic strength, or a combination of some of those variables on the fidelity and efficiency of self-assembly of the MVM capsid in vitro. The results revealed that the in vitro reassembly of the MVM capsid is an efficient and faithful process. Under some conditions, up to ~40% of the starting virus capsids were reassembled in vitro as free, non aggregated, correctly assembled particles. These results open up the possibility of encapsidating different compounds in VP2-only capsids of MVM during its reassembly in vitro, and encourage the use of virus-like particles of MVM as nanocontainers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Angel Fuertes
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Diego López Mateos
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Valiente
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Rodríguez Huete
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Valbuena
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mauricio G Mateu
- Centro de Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa", Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
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28
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Charman M, Grams N, Kumar N, Halko E, Dybas JM, Abbott A, Lum KK, Blumenthal D, Tsopurashvili E, Weitzman MD. A viral biomolecular condensate coordinates assembly of progeny particles. Nature 2023; 616:332-338. [PMID: 37020020 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-05887-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates formed by phase separation can compartmentalize and regulate cellular processes1,2. Emerging evidence has suggested that membraneless subcellular compartments in virus-infected cells form by phase separation3-8. Although linked to several viral processes3-5,9,10, evidence that phase separation contributes functionally to the assembly of progeny particles in infected cells is lacking. Here we show that phase separation of the human adenovirus 52-kDa protein has a critical role in the coordinated assembly of infectious progeny particles. We demonstrate that the 52-kDa protein is essential for the organization of viral structural proteins into biomolecular condensates. This organization regulates viral assembly such that capsid assembly is coordinated with the provision of viral genomes needed to produce complete packaged particles. We show that this function is governed by the molecular grammar of an intrinsically disordered region of the 52-kDa protein, and that failure to form condensates or to recruit viral factors that are critical for assembly results in failed packaging and assembly of only non-infectious particles. Our findings identify essential requirements for coordinated assembly of progeny particles and demonstrate that phase separation of a viral protein is critical for production of infectious progeny during adenovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Charman
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Nicholas Grams
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Namrata Kumar
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edwin Halko
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph M Dybas
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Health Informatics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amber Abbott
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Krystal K Lum
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Blumenthal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cell Pathology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Matthew D Weitzman
- Division of Protective Immunity, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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29
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Miller LM, Jarrold MF. Charge detection mass spectrometry for the analysis of viruses and virus-like particles. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:315-323. [PMID: 36062529 PMCID: PMC10842916 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Heterogeneity usually restricts conventional mass spectrometry to molecular weights less than around a megadalton. As a single-particle technique, charge detection mass spectrometry (CDMS) overcomes this limitation. In CDMS, the mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio and charge are measured simultaneously for individual ions, giving a direct mass measurement for each ion. Recent applications include the analysis of viruses, virus-like particles, vaccines, heavily glycosylated proteins, and gene therapy vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohra M Miller
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington 47401, Indiana
| | - Martin F Jarrold
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington 47401, Indiana
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30
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Cho Y, Jacobs WM. Tuning Nucleation Kinetics via Nonequilibrium Chemical Reactions. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2023; 130:128203. [PMID: 37027881 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.130.128203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Unlike fluids at thermal equilibrium, biomolecular mixtures in living systems can sustain nonequilibrium steady states, in which active processes modify the conformational states of the constituent molecules. Despite qualitative similarities between liquid-liquid phase separation in these systems, the extent to which the phase-separation kinetics differ remains unclear. Here we show that inhomogeneous chemical reactions can alter the nucleation kinetics of liquid-liquid phase separation in a manner that is consistent with classical nucleation theory, but can only be rationalized by introducing a nonequilibrium interfacial tension. We identify conditions under which nucleation can be accelerated without changing the energetics or supersaturation, thus breaking the correlation between fast nucleation and strong driving forces that is typical of phase separation and self-assembly at thermal equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongick Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - William M Jacobs
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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31
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Liu Q, Zhao C, Sun K, Deng Y, Li Z. Engineered biocontainable RNA virus vectors for non-transgenic genome editing across crop species and genotypes. MOLECULAR PLANT 2023; 16:616-631. [PMID: 36751129 DOI: 10.1016/j.molp.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas genome-editing tools provide unprecedented opportunities for basic plant biology research and crop breeding. However, the lack of robust delivery methods has limited the widespread adoption of these revolutionary technologies in plant science. Here, we report an efficient, non-transgenic CRISPR/Cas delivery platform based on the engineered tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), an RNA virus with a host range of over 1000 plant species. We eliminated viral elements essential for insect transmission to liberate genome space for accommodating large genetic cargoes without sacrificing the ability to infect plant hosts. The resulting non-insect-transmissible viral vectors enabled effective and stable in planta delivery of Cas12a and Cas9 nucleases as well as adenine and cytosine base editors. In systemically infected plant tissues, the deconstructed TSWV-derived vectors induced efficient somatic gene mutations and base conversions in multiple crop species with little genotype dependency. Plants with heritable, bi-allelic mutations could be readily regenerated by culturing the virus-infected tissues in vitro without antibiotic selection. Moreover, we showed that antiviral treatment with ribavirin during tissue culture cleared the viral vectors in 100% of regenerated plants and further augmented the recovery of heritable mutations. Because many plants are recalcitrant to stable transformation, the viral delivery system developed in this work provides a promising tool to overcome gene delivery bottlenecks for genome editing in various crop species and elite varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenglu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yinlu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenghe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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32
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Canova CT, Inguva PK, Braatz RD. Mechanistic modeling of viral particle production. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:629-641. [PMID: 36461898 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Viral systems such as wild-type viruses, viral vectors, and virus-like particles are essential components of modern biotechnology and medicine. Despite their importance, the commercial-scale production of viral systems remains highly inefficient for multiple reasons. Computational strategies are a promising avenue for improving process development, optimization, and control, but require a mathematical description of the system. This article reviews mechanistic modeling strategies for the production of viral particles, both at the cellular and bioreactor scales. In many cases, techniques and models from adjacent fields such as epidemiology and wild-type viral infection kinetics can be adapted to construct a suitable process model. These process models can then be employed for various purposes such as in-silico testing of novel process operating strategies and/or advanced process control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher T Canova
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pavan K Inguva
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard D Braatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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33
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Gomez Melo S, Wörthmüller D, Gönczy P, Banterle N, Schwarz US. Grand canonical Brownian dynamics simulations of adsorption and self-assembly of SAS-6 rings on a surface. J Chem Phys 2023; 158:085102. [PMID: 36859084 DOI: 10.1063/5.0135349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6 (SAS-6) forms dimers, which then self-assemble into rings that are critical for the nine-fold symmetry of the centriole organelle. It has recently been shown experimentally that the self-assembly of SAS-6 rings is strongly facilitated on a surface, shifting the reaction equilibrium by four orders of magnitude compared to the bulk. Moreover, a fraction of non-canonical symmetries (i.e., different from nine) was observed. In order to understand which aspects of the system are relevant to ensure efficient self-assembly and selection of the nine-fold symmetry, we have performed Brownian dynamics computer simulation with patchy particles and then compared our results with the experimental ones. Adsorption onto the surface was simulated by a grand canonical Monte Carlo procedure and random sequential adsorption kinetics. Furthermore, self-assembly was described by Langevin equations with hydrodynamic mobility matrices. We find that as long as the interaction energies are weak, the assembly kinetics can be described well by coagulation-fragmentation equations in the reaction-limited approximation. By contrast, larger interaction energies lead to kinetic trapping and diffusion-limited assembly. We find that the selection of nine-fold symmetry requires a small value for the angular interaction range. These predictions are confirmed by the experimentally observed reaction constant and angle fluctuations. Overall, our simulations suggest that the SAS-6 system works at the crossover between a relatively weak binding energy that avoids kinetic trapping and a small angular range that favors the nine-fold symmetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Gomez Melo
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dennis Wörthmüller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pierre Gönczy
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Niccolo Banterle
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich S Schwarz
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Heidelberg University, Philosophenweg 19, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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34
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Żywicka A, Ciecholewska-Juśko D, Charęza M, Drozd R, Sobolewski P, Junka A, Gorgieva S, El Fray M, Fijałkowski K. Argon plasma-modified bacterial cellulose filters for protection against respiratory pathogens. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 302:120322. [PMID: 36604039 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.120322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In this work, we present novel, sustainable filters based on bacterial cellulose (BC) functionalized with low-pressure argon plasma (LPP-Ar). The "green" production process involved BC biosynthesis by Komagataeibacter xylinus, followed by simple purification, homogenization, lyophilization, and finally LPP-Ar treatment. The obtained LPP-Ar-functionalized BC-based material (LPP-Ar-BC-bM) showed excellent antimicrobial and antiviral properties against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, and an enveloped bacteriophage phage Φ6, with no cytotoxicity versus murine fibroblasts in vitro. Further, filters consisting of three layers of LPP-Ar-BC-bM had >99 % bacterial and viral filtration efficiency, while maintaining sufficiently low airflow resistance (6 mbar at an airflow of 95 L/min). Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we were able to prepare 80 masks with LPP-Ar-BC-bM filter and ~85 % of volunteer medical staff assessed them as "good" or "very good" in terms of comfort. We conclude that our novel sustainable, biobased, biodegradable filters are suitable for respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks and respirators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Żywicka
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Daria Ciecholewska-Juśko
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Charęza
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Radosław Drozd
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Peter Sobolewski
- Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Adam Junka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211A, 50-556 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Selestina Gorgieva
- Institute of Engineering Materials and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
| | - Miroslawa El Fray
- Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Science, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Karol Fijałkowski
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Piastów 45, 70-311 Szczecin, Poland.
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35
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Wijesundara YH, Herbert FC, Kumari S, Howlett T, Koirala S, Trashi O, Trashi I, Al-Kharji NM, Gassensmith JJ. Rip it, stitch it, click it: A Chemist's guide to VLP manipulation. Virology 2022; 577:105-123. [PMID: 36343470 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are some of nature's most ubiquitous self-assembled molecular containers. Evolutionary pressures have created some incredibly robust, thermally, and enzymatically resistant carriers to transport delicate genetic information safely. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are human-engineered non-infectious systems that inherit the parent virus' ability to self-assemble under controlled conditions while being non-infectious. VLPs and plant-based viral nanoparticles are becoming increasingly popular in medicine as their self-assembly properties are exploitable for applications ranging from diagnostic tools to targeted drug delivery. Understanding the basic structure and principles underlying the assembly of higher-order structures has allowed researchers to disassemble (rip it), reassemble (stitch it), and functionalize (click it) these systems on demand. This review focuses on the current toolbox of strategies developed to manipulate these systems by ripping, stitching, and clicking to create new technologies in the biomedical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalini H Wijesundara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Fabian C Herbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Sneha Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Thomas Howlett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Shailendra Koirala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Orikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Noora M Al-Kharji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Gassensmith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
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Alphavirus Particles Can Assemble with an Alternate Triangulation Number. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122650. [PMID: 36560655 PMCID: PMC9780915 DOI: 10.3390/v14122650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are spherical, enveloped RNA viruses primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, and cause significant arthritogenic and neurotropic disease in humans and livestock. Previous reports have shown that-in contrast to prototypical icosahedral viruses-alphaviruses incorporate frequent defects, and these may serve important functions in the viral life cycle. We confirm the genus-wide pleomorphism in live viral particles and extend our understanding of alphavirus assembly through the discovery of an alternate architecture of Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) particles. The alternate T = 3 icosahedral architecture differs in triangulation number from the classic T = 4 icosahedral organization that typifies alphaviruses, but the alternate architecture maintains the quasi-equivalence relationship of asymmetric units. The fusion spike glycoproteins are more loosely apposed in the T = 3 form with corresponding changes in the underlying capsid protein lattice. This alternate architecture could potentially be exploited in engineering alphavirus-based particles for delivery of alphaviral or other RNA.
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Becchi M, Capelli R, Perego C, Pavan GM, Micheletti C. Density-tunable pathway complexity in a minimalistic self-assembly model. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8106-8116. [PMID: 36239129 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00968d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
An open challenge in self-assembly is learning how to design systems that can be conditionally guided towards different target structures depending on externally-controlled conditions. Using a theoretical and numerical approach, here we discuss a minimalistic self-assembly model that can be steered towards different types of ordered constructs at the equilibrium by solely tuning a facile selection parameter, namely the density of building blocks. Metadynamics and Langevin dynamics simulations allow us to explore the behavior of the system in and out of equilibrium conditions. We show that the density-driven tunability is encoded in the pathway complexity of the system, and specifically in the competition between two different main self-assembly routes. A comprehensive set of simulations provides insight into key factors allowing to make one self-assembling pathway prevailing on the other (or vice versa), determining the selection of the final self-assembled products. We formulate and validate a practical criterion for checking whether a specific molecular design is predisposed for such density-driven tunability of the products, thus offering a new, broader perspective to realize and harness this facile extrinsic control of conditional self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Becchi
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati - SISSA, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Capelli
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Giovanni Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Claudio Perego
- Department of Innovative Technologies, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Polo Universitario Lugano, Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962 Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni M Pavan
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
- Department of Innovative Technologies, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Polo Universitario Lugano, Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962 Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Cristian Micheletti
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati - SISSA, via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy.
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Geometrically programmed self-limited assembly of tubules using DNA origami colloids. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2207902119. [PMID: 36252043 PMCID: PMC9618141 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2207902119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nature is replete with self-assembled materials that have one or more self-limited dimensions, including shells, tubules, and fibers. Despite significant advances in making nanometer- and micrometer-scale subunits, the programmable assembly of similar self-limiting architectures from synthetic components has remained largely out of reach. In this article, we create geometrically programmed subunits using DNA origami and study their assembly into tubules with a self-limited width. We show that the average self-limited dimension can be tuned by changing the local curvature encoded in a single subunit. Exploiting the programmability of our system, we further test the tradeoffs between fidelity and complexity embodied by two paradigms for self-limited assembly: self-closure through programmed curvature and addressable assembly through programmed specific interactions. Self-assembly is one of the most promising strategies for making functional materials at the nanoscale, yet new design principles for making self-limiting architectures, rather than spatially unlimited periodic lattice structures, are needed. To address this challenge, we explore the tradeoffs between addressable assembly and self-closing assembly of a specific class of self-limiting structures: cylindrical tubules. We make triangular subunits using DNA origami that have specific, valence-limited interactions and designed binding angles, and we study their assembly into tubules that have a self-limited width that is much larger than the size of an individual subunit. In the simplest case, the tubules are assembled from a single component by geometrically programming the dihedral angles between neighboring subunits. We show that the tubules can reach many micrometers in length and that their average width can be prescribed through the dihedral angles. We find that there is a distribution in the width and the chirality of the tubules, which we rationalize by developing a model that considers the finite bending rigidity of the assembled structure as well as the mechanism of self-closure. Finally, we demonstrate that the distributions of tubules can be further sculpted by increasing the number of subunit species, thereby increasing the assembly complexity, and demonstrate that using two subunit species successfully reduces the number of available end states by half. These results help to shed light on the roles of assembly complexity and geometry in self-limited assembly and could be extended to other self-limiting architectures, such as shells, toroids, or triply periodic frameworks.
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Mizrahi I, Bruinsma R, Rudnick J. Spanning tree model and the assembly kinetics of RNA viruses. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:044405. [PMID: 36397584 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.044405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses self-assemble spontaneously in solutions that contain the viral RNA genome molecules and viral capsid proteins. The self-assembly of empty capsids can be understood on the basis of free energy minimization. However, during the self-assembly of complete viral particles in the cytoplasm of an infected cell, the viral genome molecules must be selected from a large pool of very similar host messenger RNA molecules and it is not known whether this also can be understood by free energy minimization. We address this question using a simple mathematical model, the spanning tree model, that was recently proposed for the assembly of small ssRNA viruses. We present a statistical physics analysis of the properties of this model. RNA selection takes place via a kinetic mechanism that operates during the formation of the nucleation complex and that is related to Hopfield kinetic proofreading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Mizrahi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Robijn Bruinsma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Joseph Rudnick
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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Single-particle studies of the effects of RNA-protein interactions on the self-assembly of RNA virus particles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206292119. [PMID: 36122222 PMCID: PMC9522328 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206292119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathways by which simple RNA viruses self-assemble from their coat proteins and RNA is of practical and fundamental interest. Although RNA-protein interactions are thought to play a critical role in the assembly, our understanding of their effects is limited because the assembly process is difficult to observe directly. We address this problem by using interferometric scattering microscopy, a sensitive optical technique with high dynamic range, to follow the in vitro assembly kinetics of more than 500 individual particles of brome mosaic virus (BMV)-for which RNA-protein interactions can be controlled by varying the ionic strength of the buffer. We find that when RNA-protein interactions are weak, BMV assembles by a nucleation-and-growth pathway in which a small cluster of RNA-bound proteins must exceed a critical size before additional proteins can bind. As the strength of RNA-protein interactions increases, the nucleation time becomes shorter and more narrowly distributed, but the time to grow a capsid after nucleation is largely unaffected. These results suggest that the nucleation rate is controlled by RNA-protein interactions, while the growth process is driven less by RNA-protein interactions and more by protein-protein interactions and intraprotein forces. The nucleated pathway observed with the plant virus BMV is strikingly similar to that previously observed with bacteriophage MS2, a phylogenetically distinct virus with a different host kingdom. These results raise the possibility that nucleated assembly pathways might be common to other RNA viruses.
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41
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Mohajerani F, Tyukodi B, Schlicksup CJ, Hadden-Perilla JA, Zlotnick A, Hagan MF. Multiscale Modeling of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Assembly and Its Dimorphism. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13845-13859. [PMID: 36054910 PMCID: PMC10273259 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c02119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an endemic, chronic virus that leads to 800000 deaths per year. Central to the HBV lifecycle, the viral core has a protein capsid assembled from many copies of a single protein. The capsid protein adopts different (quasi-equivalent) conformations to form icosahedral capsids containing 180 or 240 proteins: T = 3 or T = 4, respectively, in Caspar-Klug nomenclature. HBV capsid assembly has become an important target for recently developed antivirals; nonetheless, the assembly pathways and mechanisms that control HBV dimorphism remain unclear. We describe computer simulations of the HBV assembly, using a coarse-grained model that has parameters learned from all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of a complete HBV capsid and yet is computationally tractable. Dynamical simulations with the resulting model reproduce experimental observations of HBV assembly pathways and products. By constructing Markov state models and employing transition path theory, we identify pathways leading to T = 3, T = 4, and other experimentally observed capsid morphologies. The analysis shows that capsid polymorphism is promoted by the low HBV capsid bending modulus, where the key factors controlling polymorphism are the conformational energy landscape and protein-protein binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts02453, United States
| | - Botond Tyukodi
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts02453, United States
- Department of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University, 400084Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Christopher J Schlicksup
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana47405, United States
| | - Jodi A Hadden-Perilla
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware19716, United States
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry Department, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana47405, United States
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts02453, United States
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Sawanaka Y, Yamashina M, Ohtsu H, Toyota S. A self-complementary macrocycle by a dual interaction system. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5648. [PMID: 36163173 PMCID: PMC9512892 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-complementary assembly is one of the most promising phenomena for the formation of discrete assemblies, e.g., proteins and capsids. However, self-complementary assembly based on multiple host-guest systems has been scarcely reported due to the difficulty in controlling each assembly. Herein, we report a dual interaction system in which the key assembly direction is well regulated by both π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding to construct a self-complementary macrocycle. Continuous host-guest behavior of anthracene-based molecular tweezers during crystallization leads to successful construction of a cyclic hexamer, which is reminiscent of Kekulé’s monkey model. Furthermore, the cyclic hexamer in a tight and triple-layered fashion shows hierarchical assembly into cuboctahedron and rhombohedral assemblies in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid. Our findings would be potentially one of metal-free strategies for constructing anthracene-based supramolecular assemblies with higher-order structure. In nature, HIV capsid consists of single class of protein unit by self-complementarity. Here, the authors find that a molecular tweezer forms a cyclic hexamer by its continuous host-guest behavior, and constructs a large cuboctahedron by hierarchical assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Sawanaka
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamashina
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroyoshi Ohtsu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinji Toyota
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan.
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43
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Kumar Bandela A, Sadihov‐Hanoch H, Cohen‐Luria R, Gordon C, Blake A, Poppitz G, Lynn DG, Ashkenasy G. The Systems Chemistry of Nucleic‐acid‐Peptide Networks. Isr J Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Bandela
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Hava Sadihov‐Hanoch
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Rivka Cohen‐Luria
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Christella Gordon
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Alexis Blake
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - George Poppitz
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - David G. Lynn
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Gonen Ashkenasy
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
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44
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Synthesis, Assembly and Processing of Viral Proteins. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081650. [PMID: 36016272 PMCID: PMC9412880 DOI: 10.3390/v14081650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The papers published in this Special Issue include various essential steps and regulatory mechanisms involved in viral protein synthesis, protein processing, glycosylation, and assembly [...]
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45
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Yi S, Kim SY, Vincent MP, Yuk SA, Bobbala S, Du F, Scott EA. Dendritic peptide-conjugated polymeric nanovectors for non-toxic delivery of plasmid DNA and enhanced non-viral transfection of immune cells. iScience 2022; 25:104555. [PMID: 35769884 PMCID: PMC9234717 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) transfection is advantageous for gene therapies requiring larger genetic elements, including "all-in-one" CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids, but is limited by toxicity as well as poor intracellular release and transfection efficiency in immune cell populations. Here, we developed a synthetic non-viral gene delivery platform composed of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(propylene sulfide) copolymers linked to a cationic dendritic peptide (DP) via a reduceable bond, PEG-b-PPS-ss-DP (PPDP). A library of self-assembling PPDP polymers was synthesized and screened to identify optimal constructs capable of transfecting macrophages with small (pCMV-DsRed, 4.6 kb) and large (pL-CRISPR.EFS.tRFP, 11.7 kb) plasmids. The optimized PPDP construct transfected macrophages, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, and T cells more efficiently and with less toxicity than a commercial Lipo2K reagent, regardless of pDNA size and under standard culture conditions in the presence of serum. The PPDP technology described herein is a stimuli-responsive polymeric nanovector that can be leveraged to meet diverse challenges in gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Yi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sun-Young Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), 2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Michael P Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Simseok A Yuk
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Sharan Bobbala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Fanfan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Evan Alexander Scott
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.,Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.,Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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46
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Virus Hijacks Host Proteins and Machinery for Assembly and Budding, with HIV-1 as an Example. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071528. [PMID: 35891508 PMCID: PMC9318756 DOI: 10.3390/v14071528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral assembly and budding are the final steps and key determinants of the virus life cycle and are regulated by virus–host interaction. Several viruses are known to use their late assembly (L) domains to hijack host machinery and cellular adaptors to be used for the requirement of virus replication. The L domains are highly conserved short sequences whose mutation or deletion may lead to the accumulation of immature virions at the plasma membrane. The L domains were firstly identified within retroviral Gag polyprotein and later detected in structural proteins of many other enveloped RNA viruses. Here, we used HIV-1 as an example to describe how the HIV-1 virus hijacks ESCRT membrane fission machinery to facilitate virion assembly and release. We also introduce galectin-3, a chimera type of the galectin family that is up-regulated by HIV-1 during infection and further used to promote HIV-1 assembly and budding via the stabilization of Alix–Gag interaction. It is worth further dissecting the details and finetuning the regulatory mechanism, as well as identifying novel candidates involved in this final step of replication cycle.
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Microbial Natural Products with Antiviral Activities, Including Anti-SARS-CoV-2: A Review. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134305. [PMID: 35807550 PMCID: PMC9268554 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which caused the COVID-19 infection, was discovered two and a half years ago. It caused a global pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths and substantial damage to the worldwide economy. Currently, only a few vaccines and antiviral drugs are available to combat SARS-CoV-2. However, there has been an increase in virus-related research, including exploring new drugs and their repurposing. Since discovering penicillin, natural products, particularly those derived from microbes, have been viewed as an abundant source of lead compounds for drug discovery. These compounds treat bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and viral infections. This review incorporates evidence from the available research publications on isolated and identified natural products derived from microbes with anti-hepatitis, anti-herpes simplex, anti-HIV, anti-influenza, anti-respiratory syncytial virus, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 properties. About 131 compounds with in vitro antiviral activity and 1 compound with both in vitro and in vivo activity have been isolated from microorganisms, and the mechanism of action for some of these compounds has been described. Recent reports have shown that natural products produced by the microbes, such as aurasperone A, neochinulin A and B, and aspulvinone D, M, and R, have potent in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, targeting the main protease (Mpro). In the near and distant future, these molecules could be used to develop antiviral drugs for treating infections and preventing the spread of disease.
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Three-Dimensional Investigations of Virus-Associated Structures in the Nuclei with White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) Infection in Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131730. [PMID: 35804629 PMCID: PMC9265099 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Infections of white spot syndrome virus could be a lethal disease in shrimp culture systems. The 3D structures of the virus-associated structures were obtained through electron tomography. The relationships between the mature and immature particles were connected by the localizations of viral proteins. Our study provided new structural information on the virus through 3D, which extends the limited 2D knowledge of pathogen assembling in the white spot disease, further contributing to the development of a strategy for therapy or prevention. Abstract White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been reported to cause severe economic loss in the shrimp industry. With WSSV being a large virus still under investigation, the 3D structure of its assembly remains unclear. The current study was planned to clarify the 3D structures of WSSV infections in the cell nucleus of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). The samples from various tissues were prepared on the seventh day post-infection. The serial sections of the intestinal tissue were obtained for electron tomography after the ultrastructural screening. After 3D reconstruction, the WSSV-associated structures were further visualized, and the expressions of viral proteins were confirmed with immuno-gold labeling. While the pairs of sheet-like structures with unknown functions were observed in the nucleus, the immature virions could be recognized by the core units of nucleocapsids on a piece of the envelope. The maturation of the particle could include the elongation of core units and the filling of empty nucleocapsids with electron-dense materials. Our observations may bring to light a possible order of WSSV maturation in the cell nucleus of the crayfish, while more investigations remain necessary to visualize the detailed viral–host interactions.
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Tsidilkovski L, Mohajerani F, Hagan MF. Microcompartment assembly around multicomponent fluid cargoes. J Chem Phys 2022; 156:245104. [PMID: 35778087 PMCID: PMC9249432 DOI: 10.1063/5.0089556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes dynamical simulations of the assembly of an icosahedral protein shell around a bicomponent fluid cargo. Our simulations are motivated by bacterial microcompartments, which are protein shells found in bacteria that assemble around a complex of enzymes and other components involved in certain metabolic processes. The simulations demonstrate that the relative interaction strengths among the different cargo species play a key role in determining the amount of each species that is encapsulated, their spatial organization, and the nature of the shell assembly pathways. However, the shell protein–shell protein and shell protein–cargo component interactions that help drive assembly and encapsulation also influence cargo composition within certain parameter regimes. These behaviors are governed by a combination of thermodynamic and kinetic effects. In addition to elucidating how natural microcompartments encapsulate multiple components involved within reaction cascades, these results have implications for efforts in synthetic biology to colocalize alternative sets of molecules within microcompartments to accelerate specific reactions. More broadly, the results suggest that coupling between self-assembly and multicomponent liquid–liquid phase separation may play a role in the organization of the cellular cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lev Tsidilkovski
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Martin A. Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA
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Tyukodi B, Mohajerani F, Hall DM, Grason GM, Hagan MF. Thermodynamic Size Control in Curvature-Frustrated Tubules: Self-Limitation with Open Boundaries. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9077-9085. [PMID: 35638478 PMCID: PMC10362403 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
We use computational modeling to investigate the assembly thermodynamics of a particle-based model for geometrically frustrated assembly, in which the local packing geometry of subunits is incompatible with uniform, strain-free large-scale assembly. The model considers discrete triangular subunits that drive assembly toward a closed, hexagonal-ordered tubule, but have geometries that locally favor negative Gaussian curvature. We use dynamical Monte Carlo simulations and enhanced sampling methods to compute the free energy landscape and corresponding self-assembly behavior as a function of experimentally accessible parameters that control assembly driving forces and the magnitude of frustration. The results determine the parameter range where finite-temperature self-limiting assembly occurs, in which the equilibrium assembly size distribution is sharply peaked around a well-defined finite size. The simulations also identify two mechanisms by which the system can escape frustration and assemble to unlimited size, and determine the particle-scale properties of subunits that suppress unbounded growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Tyukodi
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Farzaneh Mohajerani
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
| | - Douglas M Hall
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Gregory M Grason
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Michael F Hagan
- Martin Fisher School of Physics, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02454, United States
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