Effects of a highly basic region of human immunodeficiency virus Tat protein on nucleolar localization

Direct interaction of the human I-mfa domain-containing protein, HIC, with HIV-1 Tat results in cytoplasmic sequestration and control of Tat activity

The primary function of the HIV-1 regulatory protein Tat, activation of transcription from the viral LTR, is highly regulated by complex interactions between Tat and a number of host cell proteins. Tat nuclear import, a process mediated by importin beta, is a prerequisite for its activity. Here, we report and characterize the interaction of the human inhibitor of MyoD family domain-containing protein (I-mfa), HIC, with Tat at a biochemical and a functional level. This interaction was shown to occur in vivo and in vitro and to involve the nuclear localization signal and the transactivation responsive element-binding domains of Tat and the I-mfa domain of HIC. Coexpression of HIC and Tat resulted in the down-regulation of transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR, and colocalization studies revealed the cytoplasmic sequestration of Tat by HIC. Functionally this sequestration appears to be the underlying mechanism of LTR transcriptional repression by HIC and represents a unique mechanism for the control of Tat activity and regulation of HIV-1 replication.

Nuclear localization of the adenovirus E4orf4 protein is mediated through an arginine-rich motif and correlates with cell death

The adenovirus E4orf4 protein induces p53-independent death of human cancer cells by a mechanism requiring interactions with the Balpha subunit of protein phosphatase 2A. When expressed alone E4orf4 localizes predominantly in the nucleus, although significant levels are also present in the cytoplasm. While tyrosine phosphorylation of E4orf4 and recruitment of Src have been linked with E4orf4 cytoplasmic cell death functions, little is known about the functions of E4orf4 in the nucleus. In this study, we identified an arginine-rich motif (E4ARM; residues 66-75) that is necessary and sufficient for nuclear and nucleolar localization. This motif, which is highly homologous to the arginine-rich nuclear and nucleolar localization motif of some lentiviral proteins, was shown to target heterologous proteins to the nucleus and to nucleoli, functions found to be dependent on the overall charge of the motif rather than on specific residues. Furthermore, mutation of arginine residues to alanines but not to lysines in E4ARM was shown to block such targeting activity and, when introduced into full-length E4orf4, to decrease induction of cell death. Finally, coexpression of the ARM motifs of E4orf4, HIV-1 Tat or Rev along with full-length E4orf4 was seen to decrease E4orf4-dependent cell killing. Thus it appears that targeting of E4orf4 to the nucleus and cell nucleoli by E4ARM is an important component of E4orf4-induced cell death.

Characterization of nuclear localization and export signals of the major tegument protein VP8 of bovine herpesvirus-1

Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) VP8 is found in the nucleus immediately after infection. Transient expression of VP8 fused to yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in COS-7 cells confirmed the nuclear localization of VP8 in the absence of other viral proteins. VP8 has four putative nuclear localization signals (NLS). Deletion of pat4 ((51)RRPR(54)) or pat7 ((48)PRVRRPR(54)) NLS2 abrogated nuclear accumulation, whereas deletion of (48)PRV(50) did not, so pat4 NLS2 is critical for nuclear localization of VP8. Furthermore, NLS1 ((11)RRPRR(15)), pat4 NLS2, and pat7 NLS2 were all capable of transporting the majority of YFP to the nucleus. Finally, a 12-amino-acid peptide with the sequence RRPRRPRVRRPR directed all of YFP into the nucleus, suggesting that reiteration of the RRPR motif makes the nuclear localization more efficient. Heterokaryon assays demonstrated that VP8 is also capable of shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell. Deletion mutant analysis revealed that this property is attributed to a leucine-rich nuclear export sequence (NES) consisting of amino acids (485)LSAYLTLFVAL(495). This leucine-rich NES caused transport of YFP to the cytoplasm. These results demonstrate that VP8 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm.

Cytosolic, nuclear and nucleolar localization signals determine subcellular distribution and activity of the NF-kappaB inducing kinase NIK

It has been shown previously that the transcription factor NF-kappaB and its inhibitor IkappaBalpha shuttle constitutively between cytosol and nucleus. Moreover, we have recently demonstrated nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of the NF-kappaB-inducing kinase NIK, a component of the NF-kappaB pathway, which is essential for lymph node development and B-cell function. Here we show that nuclear NIK also occurs in nucleoli and that this localization is mediated by a stretch of basic amino acids in the N-terminal part of the protein (R(143)-K-K-R-K-K-K(149)). This motif is necessary and sufficient for nucleolar localization of NIK, as judged by nuclear localization of mutant versions of the full-length protein and the fact that coupling of these seven amino acids to GFP also leads to accumulation in nucleoli. Using fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) approaches, we demonstrate a dynamic distribution between nucleoli and nucleoplasm and a high mobility of NIK in both compartments. Together with the nuclear export signal in the C-terminal portion of NIK that we have also characterized in detail, the nuclear/nucleolar targeting signals of NIK mediate dynamic circulation of the protein between the cytoplasmic, nucleoplasmic and nucleolar compartments. We demonstrate that nuclear NIK is capable of activating NF-kappaB and that this effect is diminished by nucleolar localization. Thus, subcellular distribution of NIK to different compartments might be a means of regulating the function of this kinase.

Subcellular Distribution of ADAR1 Isoforms Is Synergistically Determined by Three Nuclear Discrimination Signals and a Regulatory Motif

ADAR1 is an RNA-specific adenosine deaminase that edits RNA sequences. We have demonstrated previously that different ADAR1 isoforms are induced during acute inflammation. Here we show that the mouse ADAR1 isoforms are differentially localized in cellular compartments and that their localization is controlled by several independent signals. Nuclear import of the full-length ADAR1 is predominantly regulated by a nuclear localization signal at the C terminus (NLS-c), which consists of a bipartite basic amino acid motif plus the last 39 residues of ADAR1. Deletion of the NLS-c causes the truncated ADAR1 protein to be retained in the cytoplasm. The addition of this sequence to pyruvate kinase causes the cytoplasmic protein to be localized within the nucleus. The localization of nuclear ADAR1 is determined by a dynamic balance between the nucleolar binding activity of the nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) in the middle of the protein and the exporting activity of the nuclear exporter signal (NES) near the N terminus. The NoLS consists of a typical monopartite cluster of basic residues followed by the third double-stranded RNA-binding domain. These signals act independently; however, NES function can be completely silenced by the NLS-c when a regulatory motif within the catalytic domain and the NoLS are deleted. Thus, the intracellular distribution of the various ADAR1 isoforms is determined by NLS-c, NES, NoLS, and a regulatory motif.

Selection of TAR RNA-binding chameleon peptides by using a retroviral replication system

The interaction between the arginine-rich motif (ARM) of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Tat protein and TAR RNA is essential for Tat activation and viral replication. Two related lentiviruses, bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) and Jembrana disease virus (JDV), also require Tat ARM-TAR interactions to mediate activation, but the viruses have evolved different RNA-binding strategies. Interestingly, the JDV ARM can act as a "chameleon," adopting both the HIV and BIV TAR binding modes. To examine how RNA-protein interactions may evolve in a viral context and possibly to identify peptides that recognize HIV TAR in novel ways, we devised a retroviral system based on HIV replication to amplify and select for RNA binders. We constructed a combinatorial peptide library based on the BIV Tat ARM and identified peptides that, like the JDV Tat ARM, also function through HIV TAR, revealing unexpected sequence characteristics of an RNA-binding chameleon. The results suggest that a retroviral screening approach may help identify high-affinity TAR binders and may provide new insights into the evolution of RNA-protein interactions.

Modulation of RNA editing by functional nucleolar sequestration of ADAR2

The adenosine deaminases that act on RNA (ADARs) catalyze the site-specific conversion of adenosine to inosine (A to I) in primary mRNA transcripts, thereby affecting the splicing pattern or coding potential of mature mRNAs. Although the subnuclear localization of A-to-I editing has not been precisely defined, ADARs have been shown to act before splicing, suggesting that they function near nucleoplasmic sites of transcription. Here we demonstrate that ADAR2, a member of the vertebrate ADAR family, is concentrated in the nucleolus, a subnuclear domain disparate from the sites of mRNA transcription. Selective inhibition of ribosomal RNA synthesis or the introduction of mutations in the double-stranded RNA-binding domains within ADAR2 results in translocation of the protein to the nucleoplasm, suggesting that nucleolar association of ADAR2 depends on its ability to bind to ribosomal RNA. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals that ADAR2 can shuttle rapidly between subnuclear compartments. Enhanced translocation of endogenous ADAR2 from the nucleolus to the nucleoplasm results in increased editing of endogenous ADAR2 substrates. These observations indicate that the nucleolar localization of ADAR2 represents an important mechanism by which RNA editing can be modulated by the sequestration of enzymatic activity from potential RNA substrates in the nucleoplasm.

Feline immunodeficiency virus ORF-Ais required for virus particle formation and virus infectivity

The orf-A (orf-2) gene of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a small open reading frame predicted to encode a 77-amino-acid protein that contains putative domains similar to those of the ungulate lentiviral Tat protein. Orf-A is reported to be critical for efficient viral replication in vitro and in vivo. A series of FIV-pPPR-derived proviruses with in-frame deletions and point mutations within orf-A were constructed and tested for replication in feline lymphoid cells. Orf-A mutant proviruses were also tested for viral gene and protein expression, viral particle formation, and virion infectivity. Deletions within orf-A severely restricted FIV replication in feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and interleukin-2-dependent T-cell lines. In addition, substitutions of alanines for leucines in the putative leucine-rich domain, for cysteines in the putative cysteine-rich domain, and for a tryptophan at position 43 in Orf-A restricted the replication of FIV mutants. Deletions and point mutations in orf-A imposed a small effect or no effect on FIV long-terminal-repeat-driven viral gene expression and had no effect on viral protein expression. However, release of cell-free, virion-associated viral RNA in supernatants from cells transfected with orf-A mutant proviruses was severely restricted but was rescued by cotransfection with a wild-type Orf-A expression vector. In addition, virions derived from orf-A mutant proviruses expressed reduced infectivity for feline PBMC. Our findings suggest that Orf-A functions involve multiple steps of the FIV life cycle including both virion formation and infectivity. Furthermore, these observations suggest that Orf-A represents an FIV-encoded analog more similar to the accessory gene vpr, vpu, or nef than to the regulatory gene tat encoded by the primate lentiviruses.

Differential activation of Tat variants in mitogen-stimulated cells: implications for HIV-1 postintegration latency

Like other HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) proteins, Tat undergoes rapid mutation and occurs in numerous sequence variants in nature. Virus isolated from patients often has defects in Tat that lower its activity. The levels of P-TEFb, an essential cellular cofactor for Tat, are elevated by T-cell activation. To test the hypothesis that stimulation of P-TEFb levels might compensate for attenuation of Tat activity, we generated Tat constructs with a range of transactivation function. Transactivation by the Tat mutants correlated with their ability to bind to P-TEFb in vitro. Treatment of U937 cells with the phorbol ester PMA (phorbol myristate acetate) induced P-TEFb and stimulated Tat transactivation for alleles with basal transcription activity above a threshold (>5% compared to wild-type). Highly active alleles (>66% of wild-type) were stimulated to a lesser extent than those with activity in the intermediate range. Thus, attenuation of Tat function, in concert with low levels of P-TEFb activity, could serve to keep the virus in a latent state in quiescent cells yet permit viral replication after cell activation.

Identification of nucleolus localization signal of betanodavirus GGNNV protein alpha

Betanodavirus greasy grouper (Epinephelus tauvina) nervous necrosis viruses (GGNNV) protein alpha, a virus capsid protein, was detected in both nucleolus and cytoplasm of infected cells of Asian sea bass (SB) and transfected cells of SB and Cos-7 with pcDNA3.1/RNA2. To study its subcellular localization, ORF of protein alpha with 338 aa was fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene and was detected in transfected cells in the absence of other viral proteins. In both SB and Cos-7 cells, protein alpha was found to localize EGFP to the nucleolus and cytoplasm. Deletion mutants of protein alpha indicated that N-terminal 43 amino acid residues were required to import EGFP-alpha protein into the nucleolus. Further deletions within the 43 amino acid backbone, EGFP/33aa(1-33) and EGFP/30aa(14-43), localized to the nucleolus, suggesting that the 20 amino acids from 14 to 33 of protein alpha were the domain of nucleolus localization. To further determine the nucleolus targeting sequence, deletion mutations within the 20 amino acids of protein alpha were constructed. It was found that the deletion of (23)RRR(25), (29)RRR(31), or (23)RRRANNRRR(31) prevented the accumulation of EGFP fusion proteins into the nucleolus, demonstrating that (23)RRRANNRRR(31) contain the signal required for nucleolar localization. A similar distribution pattern of localization of protein alpha and its deletion mutants in SB and Cos-7 cells suggested that N-terminal residues of protein alpha (23)RRRANNRRR(31) constitute a nucleolus localization signal that functions in both fish and mammalian cells.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtype C exhibits higher transactivation activity of Tat than subtypes B and E

Although human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) subtypes C and E are expanding faster and seem to be of greater global significance than HIV-1 subtype B, there is only little information about Tat activity of such non-B subtypes. Here, we showed evidence that subtype C Tat exhibits higher transcriptional activity from the HIV-1 long-terminal repeat (LTR) in a human T-cell line, compared with subtypes B and E. This higher activity of subtype C Tat was not due to the LTR, but to the Tat sequence variability. We examined three candidate regions with sequence for the higher activity of subtype C Tat, such as the cysteine-rich motif, the basic domain, and the 2nd exon. The results showed that the variation in subtype C Tat at two amino acid residues, Ser57 and Glu63 in stead of Arg57 and Gln63 in subtypes B and E, within and close to the basic domain were involved in the higher activity of subtype C Tat. This variation did not affect its nuclear localization activity. Thus, there may be a significant advantage for the high Tat activity on subtype C replication.

Mechanisms for inhibition of hepatitis B virus gene expression and replication by hepatitis C virus core protein

We have demonstrated previously that the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exhibits suppression activity on gene expression and replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here we further elucidated the suppression mechanism of HCV core protein. We demonstrated that HCV core protein retained the inhibitory effect on HBV gene expression and replication when expressed as part of the full length of HCV polyprotein. Based on the substitution mutational analysis, our results suggested that mutation introduced into the bipartite nuclear localization signal of the HCV core protein resulted in the cytoplasmic localization of core protein but did not affect its suppression ability on HBV gene expression. Mutational studies also indicated that almost all dibasic residue mutations within the N-terminal 101-amino acid segment of the HCV core protein (except Arg(39)-Arg(40)) impaired the suppression activity on HBV replication but not HBV gene expression. The integrity of Arg residues at positions 101, 113, 114, and 115 was found to be essential for both suppressive effects, whereas the Arg residue at position 104 was important only in the suppression of HBV gene expression. Moreover, our results indicated that the suppression on HBV gene expression was mediated through the direct interaction of HCV core protein with the trans-activator HBx protein, whereas the suppression of HBV replication involved the complex formation between HBV polymerase (pol) and the HCV core protein, resulting in the structural incompetence for the HBV pol to bind the package signal and consequently abolished the formation of the HBV virion. Altogether, this study suggests that these two suppression effects on HBV elicited by the HCV core protein likely depend on different structural context but not on nuclear localization of the core protein, and the two effects can be decoupled as revealed by its differential targets (HBx or HBV pol) on these two processes of the HBV life cycle.

A nucleolar TAR decoy inhibitor of HIV-1 replication

Tat is a critical regulatory factor in HIV-1 gene expression. It mediates the transactivation of transcription from the HIV-1 LTR by binding to the transactivation response (TAR) element in a complex with cyclin T1. Because of its critical and early role in HIV gene expression, Tat and its interaction with the TAR element constitute important therapeutic targets for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Based on the known nucleolar localization properties of Tat, we constructed a chimeric small nucleolar RNA-TAR decoy that localizes to the nucleoli of human cells and colocalizes in the nucleolus with a Tat-enhanced GFP fusion protein. When the chimeric RNA was stably expressed in human T lymphoblastoid CEM cells it potently inhibited HIV-1 replication. These results demonstrate that the nucleolar trafficking of Tat is critical for HIV-1 replication and suggests a role for the nucleolus in HIV-1 viral replication.

Tryptophans 286 and 288 in the C-terminal region of protein B23.1 are important for its nucleolar localization

Nucleolar protein B23 can shuttle between the nucleolus and cytoplasm. However, the mechanism involved in the protein moving and staying in the nucleolus is not fully understood. To identify the nucleolar localization signal sequence of protein B23, we examined the subnuclear location of B23.1 mutant proteins fused with green fluorescent protein in HeLa cells. The results suggested that the two C-terminal tryptophan residues (Trp-286 and Trp-288) of protein B23.1 were important in this phenomenon.

Interaction of the coronavirus nucleoprotein with nucleolar antigens and the host cell

Coronavirus nucleoproteins (N proteins) localize to the cytoplasm and the nucleolus, a subnuclear structure, in both virus-infected primary cells and in cells transfected with plasmids that express N protein. The nucleolus is the site of ribosome biogenesis and sequesters cell cycle regulatory complexes. Two of the major components of the nucleolus are fibrillarin and nucleolin. These proteins are involved in nucleolar assembly and ribosome biogenesis and act as chaperones for the import of proteins into the nucleolus. We have found that fibrillarin is reorganized in primary cells infected with the avian coronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and in continuous cell lines that express either IBV or mouse hepatitis virus N protein. Both N protein and a fibrillarin-green fluorescent protein fusion protein colocalized to the perinuclear region and the nucleolus. Pull-down assays demonstrated that IBV N protein interacted with nucleolin and therefore provided a possible explanation as to how coronavirus N proteins localize to the nucleolus. Nucleoli, and proteins that localize to the nucleolus, have been implicated in cell growth-cell cycle regulation. Comparison of cells expressing IBV N protein with controls indicated that cells expressing N protein had delayed cellular growth. This result could not to be attributed to apoptosis. Morphological analysis of these cells indicated that cytokinesis was disrupted, an observation subsequently found in primary cells infected with IBV. Coronaviruses might therefore delay the cell cycle in interphase, where maximum translation of viral mRNAs can occur.

The human immunodeficiency virus-1 Tat protein activates human umbilical vein endothelial cell E-selectin expression via an NF-kappa B-dependent mechanism

Human immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with inflammation and endothelial cell activation that cannot be ascribed to direct infection by the virus or to the presence of opportunistic infections. Factors related to the virus itself, to the host and/or to environmental exposures probably account for these observations. The HIV protein Tat, a viral regulator required for efficient transcription of the viral genome in host cells is secreted from infected cells and taken up by uninfected by-stander cells. Tat can also act as a general transcriptional activator of key inflammatory molecules. We have examined whether Tat contributes to this endothelial cell activation by activating NF-kappaB. Human endothelial cells exposed to Tat in the culture medium activated E-selectin expression with delayed kinetics compared with tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Tat-mediated E-selectin up-regulation required the basic domain of Tat and was inhibited by a Tat antibody. Transfection of human E-selectin promoter-luciferase reporter constructs into Tat-bearing cells or into endothelial cells co-transfected with a Tat expression vector resulted in induction of luciferase expression. Either Tat or TNF activated p65 translocation and binding to an oligonucleotide containing the E-selectin kappaB site 3 sequence. Tat-mediated p65 translocation was also delayed compared with TNF. Neither agent induced new synthesis of p65. A super-repressor adenovirus (AdIkappaBalphaSR) that constitutively sequesters IkappaB in the cytoplasm as well as cycloheximide or actinomycin D inhibited Tat- or TNF-mediated kappaB translocation and E-selectin up-regulation.

FBI-1 can stimulate HIV-1 Tat activity and is targeted to a novel subnuclear domain that includes the Tat-P-TEFb-containing nuclear speckles

FBI-1 is a cellular POZ-domain-containing protein that binds to the HIV-1 LTR and associates with the HIV-1 transactivator protein Tat. Here we show that elevated levels of FBI-1 specifically stimulate Tat activity and that this effect is dependent on the same domain of FBI-1 that mediates Tat-FBI-1 association in vivo. FBI-1 also partially colocalizes with Tat and Tat's cellular cofactor, P-TEFb (Cdk9 and cyclin T1), at the splicing-factor-rich nuclear speckle domain. Further, a less-soluble population of FBI-1 distributes in a novel peripheral-speckle pattern of localization as well as in other nuclear regions. This distribution pattern is dependent on the FBI-1 DNA binding domain, on the presence of cellular DNA, and on active transcription. Taken together, these results suggest that FBI-1 is a cellular factor that preferentially associates with active chromatin and that can specifically stimulate Tat-activated HIV-1 transcription.

Localization to the nucleolus is a common feature of coronavirus nucleoproteins, and the protein may disrupt host cell division

The subcellular localization of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) (group I and group II coronaviruses, respectively) nucleoproteins (N proteins) were examined by confocal microscopy. The proteins were shown to localize either to the cytoplasm alone or to the cytoplasm and a structure in the nucleus. This feature was confirmed to be the nucleolus by using specific antibodies to nucleolin, a major component of the nucleolus, and by confocal microscopy to image sections through a cell expressing N protein. These findings are consistent with our previous report for infectious bronchitis virus (group III coronavirus) (J. A. Hiscox et al., J. Virol. 75:506-512, 2001), indicating that nucleolar localization of the N protein is a common feature of the coronavirus family and is possibly of functional significance. Nucleolar localization signals were identified in the domain III region of the N protein from all three coronavirus groups, and this suggested that transport of N protein to the nucleus might be an active process. In addition, our results suggest that the N protein might function to disrupt cell division. Thus, we observed that approximately 30% of cells transfected with the N protein appeared to be undergoing cell division. The most likely explanation for this is that the N protein induced a cell cycle delay or arrest, most likely in the G(2)/M phase. In a fraction of transfected cells expressing coronavirus N proteins, we observed multinucleate cells and dividing cells with nucleoli (which are only present during interphase). These findings are consistent with the possible inhibition of cytokinesis in these cells.

Nuclear localization and shuttling of herpes simplex virus tegument protein VP13/14

The herpes simplex virus type 1 gene UL47 encodes the tegument proteins referred to collectively as VP13/14, which are believed to be differentially modified forms of the same protein. Here we show that the major product of the UL47 gene during transient expression is VP14, suggesting that some feature of virus infection is required to produce VP13. We have tagged VP13/14 with green fluorescent protein and have demonstrated that the protein is targeted efficiently to the nucleus, where it often localizes in numerous punctate domains. Furthermore, we show that removal of the N-terminal 127 residues of the protein abrogates nuclear accumulation, and we have identified a 14-amino-acid peptide from this region that is sufficient to function as a nuclear targeting signal and transport a heterologous protein to the nucleus. This short peptide contains two runs of four arginine residues, suggesting that the VP13/14 nuclear localization signal may behave in a manner similar to that of the arginine-rich nuclear localization signals of the retrovirus transactivator proteins Tat, Rev, and Rex. In addition, by using heterokaryon assays, we show that VP13/14 is capable of shuttling between the nucleus and cytoplasm of the cell, a property that may be attributed to three leucine-rich stretches in the C-terminal half of the protein that again bear similarity to the nuclear export signals of Rev and Rex. This is the first demonstration of a tegument protein that is specifically targeted to the nucleus, a feature which may be relevant both during virus entry, when VP13/14 enters the cell as a component of the tegument, and at later times, when large amounts of newly synthesized VP13/14 are present within the cell.

Development of a functional backbone cyclic mimetic of the HIV-1 Tat arginine-rich motif

We have used the backbone cyclic proteinomimetics approach to develop peptides that functionally mimic the arginine-rich motif (ARM) of the HIV-1 Tat protein. This consensus sequence serves both as a nuclear localization signal (NLS) and as an RNA binding domain. Based on the NMR structure of Tat, we have designed and synthesized a backbone cyclic ARM mimetic peptide library. The peptides were screened for their ability to mediate nuclear import of the corresponding BSA conjugates in permeabilized cells. One peptide, designated "Tat11," displayed active NLS properties. Nuclear import of Tat11-BSA was found to proceed by the same distinct pathway used by the Tat-NLS and not by the common importin alpha pathway, which is used by the SV40-NLS. Most of the Tat-derived backbone cyclic peptides display selective inhibitory activity as demonstrated by the inhibition of the nuclear import mediated by the Tat-NLS and not by the SV40-NLS. The Tat-ARM-derived peptides, including Tat-11, also inhibited binding of the HIV-1 Rev-ARM to its corresponding RNA element (Rev response element) with inhibition constants of 5 nm. Here we have shown for the first time (a) a functional mimetic of a protein sequence, which activates a nuclear import receptor and (b) a mimetic of a protein sequence with a dual functionality. Tat11 is a lead compound which can potentially inhibit the HIV-1 life cycle by a dual mechanism: inhibition of nuclear import and of RNA binding.

Ribozyme-mediated inhibition of HIV 1 suggests nucleolar trafficking of HIV-1 RNA

The HIV regulatory proteins Tat and Rev have a nucleolar localization property in human cells. However, no functional role has been attributed to this localization. Recently it has been demonstrated that expression of Rev induces nucleolar relocalization of some protein factors involved in Rev export. Because the function of Rev is to bind HIV RNA and facilitate transport of singly spliced and unspliced RNA to the cytoplasm, it is likely that the nucleolus plays a critical role in HIV-1 RNA export. As a test for trafficking of HIV-1 RNAs into the nucleolus, a hammerhead ribozyme that specifically cleaves HIV-1 RNA was inserted into the body of the U16 small nucleolar RNA, resulting in accumulation of the ribozyme within the nucleoli of human cells. HeLa CD4(+) and T cells expressing this nucleolar localized ribozyme exhibit dramatically suppressed HIV-1 replication. The results presented here suggest a trafficking of HIV-1 RNA through the nucleoli of human cells, thus posing a different paradigm for lentiviral RNA processing.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of a putative nuclear protein, SR-25

We cloned a full-length mouse cDNA and its human homologue encoding a novel protein designated as "SR-25." In Northern blot analysis, SR-25 mRNA was expressed in all organs tested, and relatively abundant in testis and thymus. Deduced amino acid sequences of mouse SR-25 and human SR-25 showed 77.7% identity. SR-25 has a serine-arginine repeat (SR repeat) and two types of amino acid clusters: a serine cluster and a highly basic cluster. Based on the presence of many nuclear localizing signals and a similarity to RNA splicing proteins, SR-25 is strongly suggested to be a nuclear protein and may contribute to RNA splicing.

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax shuttles between functionally discrete subcellular targets

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Tax is a nuclear protein with striking pleiotropic functionality. We recently demonstrated that Tax localizes to a multicomponent nuclear speckled structure (Tax speckled structure [TSS]). Here, we examine these structures further and identify a partial overlap of TSS with transcription hot spots. We used a strategy of directed expression via fusion proteins to determine if these transcription sites are the subtargets within TSS required for Tax function. When fused to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat, the resulting Tat-Tax fusion protein displayed neither a Tat-like nor a Tax-like pattern but rather was targeted specifically to the transcription subsites. The Tat-Tax fusion was able to activate both the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) and the HTVL-1 LTR at the same level as the individual component; thus, targeting proteins to transcription hot spots was compatible with both Tax and Tat transcription function. In contrast, the fusion with HIV-1 Rev, Rev-Tax, resulted in a pattern of expression that was largely Rev-like (nucleolar and cytoplasmic). The reduced localization of Rev-Tax to transcription sites was reflected in a 10-fold drop in activation of the HTLV-1 LTR. However, there was no loss in the ability of Tax to activate via NF-kappaB. Thus, NF-kappaB-dependent Tax function does not require targeting of Tax to these transcription sites and suggests that activation via NF-kappaB is a cytoplasmic function. Selective mutation of the nuclear localization signal site in the Rev portion resulted in retargeting of Rev-Tax to TSS and subsequent restoration of transcription function, demonstrating that inappropriate localization preceded loss of function. Mutation of the nuclear export signal site in the Rev portion had no effect on transcription, although the relative amount of Rev-Tax in the cytoplasm was reduced. Finally, in explaining how Tax can occupy multiple subcellular sites, we show that Tax shuttles from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in a heterokaryon fusion assay. Thus, pleiotropic functionality by Tax is regulatable via shuttling between discrete subcellular compartments.

Functional modules in ribosomal protein L5 for ribonucleoprotein complex formation and nucleocytoplasmic transport

Ribosomal protein L5 forms a small, extraribosomal complex with 5 S ribosomal RNA, referred to as the 5 S ribonucleoprotein complex, which shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm in Xenopus oocytes. Mapping elements in L5 that mediate nuclear protein import defines three separate such activities (L5-nuclear localization sequence (NLS)-1, -2, and -3), which are functional in both oocytes and somatic cells. RNA binding activity involves N-terminal as well as C-terminal elements of L5. In contrast to the full-length protein, none of the individual NLSs carrying L5 fragments are able to allow for the predominating accumulation in the nucleoli that is observed with the full-length protein. The separate L5-NLSs differ in respect to two activities. Firstly, only L5-NLS-1 and -3, not L5-NLS-2, are capable of promoting the nuclear transfer of a heterologous, covalently attached ribonucleoprotein complex. Secondly, only L5-NLS-1 is able to bind strongly to a variety of different import receptors; those that recognize L5-NLS-2 and -3 have yet to be identified.

The localization of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus nucleocapsid protein to the nucleolus of infected cells and identification of a potential nucleolar localization signal sequence

The nucleocapsid (N) protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) possesses two regions in the N-terminal half of the protein that are enriched in basic amino acids. Presumably, these basic regions are important for packaging the RNA genome within the nucleocapsid of the virus. The PSORT computer program identified the same regions as nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence motifs. N protein localization to the nucleus of infected MARC-145 and porcine pulmonary macrophages was observed following staining with SDOW-17 and SR-30 anti-N monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, the co-localization of SR-30 antibody with human ANA-N autoimmune serum identified the nucleolus as the primary site for N protein localization within the nucleus. The localization of the N protein in the absence of infection was studied by following fluorescence in MARC-145 cells transfected with a plasmid, which expressed the nucleocapsid protein fused to an enhanced green fluorescent protein (N-EGFP). Similar to infected cells, N-EGFP localized to the cytoplasm and the nucleolus. Results following the transfection of cells with pEGFP fused to truncated portions of the N gene identified a region containing the second basic stretch of amino acids as the nucleolar localization signal (NoLS) sequence. Another outcome following transfection was the rapid disappearance of cells that expressed high levels of N-EGFP. However, cell death did not correlate with localization of N-EGFP to the nucleolus.

Nuclear and nucleolar targeting of human ribosomal protein S25: common features shared with HIV-1 regulatory proteins

The nuclear and nucleolar targeting properties of human ribosomal protein S25 (RPS25) were analysed by the expression of epitope-tagged RPS25 cDNAs in Cos-1 cells. The tagged RPS25 was localized to the cell nucleus, with a strong predominance in the nucleolus. At the amino terminus of RPS25, two stretches of highly basic residues juxtapose. This configuration shares common features with the nucleolar targeting signals (NOS) of lentiviral RNA-binding transactivators, including human immunodeficiency viruses' (HIV) Rev proteins. Deletion and site-directed mutational analyses demonstrated that the first NOS-like stretch is dispensable for both nuclear and nucleolar localization of RPS25, and that the nuclear targeting signal is located within the second NOS-like stretch. It has also been suggested that a set of continuous basic residues and the total number of basic residues should be required for nucleolar targeting. Signal-mediated nuclear/nucleolar targeting was further characterized by the construction and expression of a variety of chimeric constructs, utilizing three different backbones with RPS25 cDNA fragments. Immunofluorescence analyses demonstrated a 17 residue peptide of RPS25 as a potential nuclear/nucleolar targeting signal. The identified peptide signal may belong to a putative subclass of NOS, characterized by compact structure, together with lentiviral RNA-binding transactivators.

The arginine-rich domains present in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat and Rev function as direct importin beta-dependent nuclear localization signals

Protein nuclear import is generally mediated by basic nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that serve as targets for the importin alpha (Imp alpha) NLS receptor. Imp alpha is in turn bound by importin beta (Imp beta), which targets the resultant protein complex to the nucleus. Here, we report that the arginine-rich NLS sequences present in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 regulatory proteins Tat and Rev fail to interact with Imp alpha and instead bind directly to Imp beta. Using in vitro nuclear import assays, we demonstrate that Imp alpha is entirely dispensable for Tat and Rev nuclear import. In contrast, Imp beta proved both sufficient and necessary, in that other beta-like import factors, such as transportin, were unable to support Tat or Rev nuclear import. Using in vitro competition assays, it was demonstrated that the target sites on Imp beta for Imp alpha, Tat, and Rev binding either are identical or at least overlap. The interaction of Tat and Rev with Imp beta is also similar to Imp alpha binding in that it is inhibited by RanGTP but not RanGDP, a finding that may in part explain why the interaction of the Rev nuclear RNA export factor with target RNA species is efficient in the cell nucleus yet is released in the cytoplasm. Together, these studies define a novel class of arginine-rich NLS sequences that are direct targets for Imp beta and that therefore function independently of Imp alpha.

Molecular characterization of a novel tubby gene family member, TULP3, in mouse and humans

Tubby and related proteins are derived from a small family of novel genes. The carboxytermini of this family are highly conserved across a number of species including humans, mice, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis, rice, and maize. Splicing defects in both tub and another member of the gene family, TULP1 (tubby-like protein 1), lead to phenotypes of retinal degeneration in mice and humans, respectively. We describe here the isolation of the human and mouse homologs of a new family member, TULP3. The cDNAs code for proteins of 442 and 460 amino acids, respectively. The level of identity between the human TULP3 and the mouse homolog is 69%, lower than that observed for the homologs of the other family members (96% for human and mouse TUB), and is higher at the amino- and carboxytermini than in the central region of the protein. Phylogenetically, TULP3 is the family member most closely related to TUB. Also, like TUB, it has a wider pattern of tissue expression than either TULP1 or TULP2. TULP3 is detected at high levels in human RNA from testis, ovaries, thyroid, and spinal chord. Tulp3 is also highly expressed in mouse RNA from eyes and adipose depots, tissues not tested in the human Northern analysis. We also report that TULP3 maps to human chromosome 12p13. The murine homolog, Tulp3, maps to the telomere of mouse chromosome 6.

Signals mediating nuclear targeting and their regulation: application in drug delivery

The recent progress with respect to understanding the signals mediating the transport of proteins in both directions through the NPC, and cellular proteins interacting with these signals to effect the transport process has made possible a number of advances in terms of the use of this information in a clinical setting. In particular, our knowledge of the mechanism of regulation of the process, and of how we may exploit the cellular transport machinery itself in a therapeutic situation, especially where there may be transport pathways specific to particular viruses, has advanced considerably. In this context, this review expounds current understanding of the signals conferring targeting to the nucleus, and their practical and potential use in delivering molecules of interest to the nucleus in a clinical context. It also deals with targeting signals conferring nuclear protein export/ shuttling between nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments as well as with those conferring nuclear or cytoplasmic retention, and with the specific mechanisms regulating the activity of these signals, and in particular those regulating signal-dependent nuclear protein import. Detailed understanding of the processes of signal-mediated nuclear protein import/export and its regulation enables the considered application and optimization of approaches to target molecules of interest, such as plasmid DNA or toxic molecules, efficiently to the nucleus according to need in a clinical or research context, and enhance the expression or efficiency of their action, respectively. The use of nuclear targeting signals in this context is reviewed, and future possibilities in terms of the application of our growing understanding of nuclear transport and its regulation are discussed.

Nucleolar targeting of 5S RNA in Xenopus laevis oocytes: somatic-type nucleotide substitutions enhance nucleolar localization

In Xenopus laevis oocytes, 5S RNA is stored in the cytoplasm until vitellogenesis, at which time it is imported into the nucleus and targeted to nucleoli for ribosome assembly. This article shows that throughout oogenesis there is a pool of nuclear 5S RNA which is not nucleolar-associated. This distribution reflects that of oocyte-type 5S RNA, which is the major 5S RNA species in oocytes; only small amounts of somatic-type, which differs by six nucleotides, are synthesized. Indeed, 32P-labeled oocyte-type 5S RNA showed a degree of nucleolar localization similar to endogenous 5S RNA (33%) after microinjection. In contrast, 32P-labeled somatic-type 5S RNA showed significantly enhanced localization, whereby 70% of nuclear RNA was associated with nucleoli. A chimeric RNA molecule containing only one somatic-specific nucleotide substitution also showed enhanced localization, in addition to other somatic-specific phenotypes, including enhanced nuclear import and ribosome incorporation. The distribution of 35S-labeled ribosomal protein L5 was similar to that of oocyte-type 5S RNA, even when preassembled with somatic-type 5S RNA. The distribution of a series of 5S RNA mutants was also analyzed. These mutants showed various degrees of localization, suggesting that the efficiency of nucleolar targeting can be influenced by many discrete regions of the 5S RNA molecule.

The HIV-1 Tat nuclear localization sequence confers novel nuclear import properties

The different classes of conventional nuclear localization sequences (NLSs) resemble one another in that NLS-dependent nuclear protein import is energy-dependent and mediated by the cytosolic NLS-binding importin/karyopherin subunits and monomeric GTP-binding protein Ran/TC4. Based on analysis of the nuclear import kinetics mediated by the NLS of the human immunodeficiency virus accessory protein Tat using in vivo and in vitro nuclear transport assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we report a novel nuclear import pathway. We demonstrate that the Tat-NLS, not recognized by importin 58/97 subunits as shown using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based binding assay, is sufficient to target the 476-kDa heterologous beta-galactosidase protein to the nucleus in ATP-dependent but cytosolic factor-independent fashion. Excess SV40 large tumor antigen (T-ag) NLS-containing peptide had no significant effect on the nuclear import kinetics implying that the Tat-NLS was able to confer nuclear accumulation through a pathway distinct from conventional NLS-dependent pathways. Nucleoplasmic accumulation of the Tat-NLS-beta-galactosidase fusion protein, in contrast to that of a T-ag-NLS-containing fusion protein, also occurred in the absence of an intact nuclear envelope, implying that the Tat-NLS conferred binding to nuclear components. This is in stark contrast to known NLSs such as those of T-ag which confer nuclear entry rather than retention. Significantly, the ability to accumulate in the nucleus in the absence of an intact nuclear envelope was blocked in the absence of ATP, as well as by nonhydrolyzable ATP and GTP analogs, demonstrating that ATP is required to effect release from a complex with insoluble cytoplasmic components. Taken together, the results demonstrate that, dependent on ATP for release from cytoplasmic retention, the Tat-NLS is able to confer nuclear entry and binding to nuclear components. These unique properties indicate that Tat accumulates in the nucleus through a novel import pathway.

Intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) for gene therapy of infectious diseases

Intracellular antibodies (intrabodies) represent a new class of neutralizing molecules with a potential use in gene therapy. Intrabodies are engineered single-chain antibodies in which the variable domain of the heavy chain is joined to the variable domain of the light chain through a peptide linker, preserving the affinity of the parent antibody. Intrabodies are expressed inside cells and directed to different subcellular compartments where they can exert their function more effectively. The effects of intrabodies have been investigated using structural, regulatory, and enzymatic proteins of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) as targets. These intrabodies have demonstrated their versatility by controlling early as well as late events of the viral life cycle. In this article, we review studies of the use of intrabodies as research tools and therapeutic agents against HIV-1.

Identification of a small, very acidic constitutive nucleolar protein (NO29) as a member of the nucleoplasmin family

We report the discovery and molecular characterization of a small and very acidic nucleolar protein of an SDS/PAGE mobility corresponding to Mr 29,000 (NO29). The cDNA-deduced sequence of the Xenopus laevis protein defines a polypeptide of a calculated molecular mass of 20,121 and a pI of 3.75, with an extended acidic region near its C terminus, and is related to the major nucleolar protein, NO38, and the histone-binding protein, nucleoplasmin. This member of the nucleoplasmin family of proteins was immunolocalized to nucleoli in Xenopus oocytes and diverse somatic cells. Protein NO29 is associated with nuclear particles from Xenopus oocytes, partly complexed with protein NO38, and occurs in preribosomes but not in mature ribosomes. The location and the enormously high content of negatively charged amino acids lead to the hypothesis that NO29 might be involved in the nuclear and nucleolar accumulation of ribosomal proteins and the coordinated assembly of pre-ribosomal particles.

HIV-1 Tat induces the expression of the interleukin-6 (IL6) gene by binding to the IL6 leader RNA and by interacting with CAAT enhancer-binding protein beta (NF-IL6) transcription factors

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection is associated with severe psoriasis, B cell lymphoma, and Kaposi's sarcoma. A deregulated production of interleukin-6 (IL6) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of these diseases. The molecular mechanisms underlying the abnormal IL6 secretion of HIV-1-infected cells may include transactivation of the IL6 gene by HIV-1. Here we report the molecular mechanisms of Tat activity on the expression of the IL6 gene. By using 5' deletion mutants of pIL6Pr-CAT and using IL6:HIV-1-LTR hybrid constructs where discrete regions of the IL6 promoter replaced the TAR sequence in HIV-1 LTR, we identified a short sequence of the 5'-untranslated region of the IL6 mRNA that is required for Tat to trans-activate the IL6 promoter. This sequence acquires a stem-loop structure and includes a UCU sequence that binds to Tat and is necessary for full trans-activation. In addition, we provide the evidence that Tat can function by enhancing the CAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) DNA binding activity and is able to complex with in vitro translated C/EBPbeta, which is a major mediator of IL6 promoter function. By using the yeast two-hybrid system and immunoprecipitation, we observed that the interaction of Tat with C/EBP proteins also occurred in vivo. The data are consistent with the possibility that Tat may function on heterologous genes by interacting with RNA structures possibly present in a large number of cellular and viral genes. In addition, Tat may function by protein-protein interactions, leading to the generation of heterodimers with specific transcription factors.

Cationic liposome-mediated uptake of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat protein into cells

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein strongly transactivates gene expression from the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) and is required for virus efficient replication. Previous studies have shown that cells scrape-loaded in the presence of purified recombinant Tat can absorb the protein in a receptor-independent fashion. Using recombinant Tat in which cysteine residues were blocked by sulfitolysis to prevent disulfide aggregation (S-Tat) we were unable to observe this phenomenon, possibly because of improper protein folding. In this study we report that the block to cellular uptake could be overcome by mixing S-Tat with a cationic liposome, Lipofectin. When mixed with Lipofectin, S-Tat effected a specific, concentration-dependent transactivation of HIV-1 LTR-directed reporter gene activity in Hela Cells. Cellular uptake was confirmed by Western blot analysis with an anti-Tat antibody. The method described utilizes cells plated in a 96-well format, requires only nanogram quantities of S-Tat protein and is much less labor-intensive than assays involving scrape-loading, making it suitable for use as a high-throughput screen for detecting Tat inhibitors. The method may have applications for the analysis of other recombinant proteins that require uptake into intact cells for determination of functionality and presents a general technique for introducing exogenous proteins into cells.

The human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 Tof protein contains a bipartite nuclear localization signal that is able to functionally replace the amino-terminal domain of Rex

The X region of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) encodes two nucleolar/nuclear proteins, the posttranscriptional regulator of mRNA expression Rex and a protein of unknown function named Tof. To gain insight into the possible biological role of Tof, we investigated the mechanism governing its intracellular trafficking and identified its nucleolar/nuclear localization signal (NLS). Mutational analysis of Tof revealed that its NLS was located between amino acids 71 and 98 and contained two arginine-rich domains that functioned in an interdependent manner. Studies of Tof-Rex hybrid proteins showed that the Tof NLS could functionally replace the NLS of Rex at the level of nuclear targeting. As the NLS of Rex is known to mediate its interaction with its RNA target, the Rex-responsive element (RXRE), we tested whether the NLS of Tof could replace that of Rex in mediating activation of a RXRE-containing mRNA. Results showed that the NLS of Tof was indeed able to mediate activation of RXRE-containing mRNAs, suggesting that Tof itself may function as a regulator of RNA expression and utilization. A comparison of their compartmentalization in response to actinomycin D treatment indicated that Tof did not share Rex's shuttling pathway. Expression of Tof from its natural multiply spliced mRNA required the presence of Rex, suggesting that Tof may regulate viral or cellular mRNA expression during the later stages of viral replication.

Intracellular expression of single-chain variable fragments to inhibit early stages of the viral life cycle by targeting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase

Integration of viral DNA into a chromosome of the infected host cell is required for efficient replication of a retroviral genome, and this reaction is mediated by the virus-encoded enzyme integrase (IN). As IN plays a pivotal role in establishing infection during the early stages of the retroviral life cycle, it is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. However, the lack of effective antiviral drug therapy against this enzyme has led to the testing of other novel approaches towards its inhibition. In these studies, a panel of anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (anti-HIV-1) IN hybridomas has been used in the construction of single-chain variable antibody fragments (SFvs). The monoclonal antibodies produced by these hybridomas, and derived SFvs, bind to different domains within IN. We now demonstrate that intracellular expression of SFvs which bind to IN catalytic and carboxy-terminal domains results in resistance to productive HIV-1 infection. This inhibition of HIV-1 replication is observed with SFvs localized in either the cytoplasmic or nuclear compartment of the cell. The expression of anti-IN SFvs in human T-lymphocytic cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells appears to specifically neutralize IN activity prior to integration and, thus, has an effect on the integration process itself. These data support our previous studies with an anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase SFv and demonstrate further that intracellularly expressed SFvs can gain access to viral proteins of the HIV-1 preintegration complex. This panel of anti-HIV-1 IN SFvs also provides the tools with which to dissect the molecular mechanism(s) directly involved in integration within HIV-1-infected cells.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2 Tat function by transdominant Tat protein localized to both the nucleus and cytoplasm

We introduced various mutations into the activation and RNA binding domains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat in order to develop a novel and potent transdominant Tat protein and to characterize its mechanism of action. The different mutant Tat proteins were characterized for their abilities to activate the HIV LTR and inhibit the function of wild-type Tat in trans. A Tat protein containing a deletion of the basic domain (Tat(delta)49-57) localized exclusively to the cytoplasm of transfected human cells was nonfunctional and inhibited both HIV-1 and HIV-2 Tat function in a transdominant manner. Tat proteins containing mutations in the cysteine-rich and core domains were nonfunctional but failed to inhibit Tat function in trans. When Tat nuclear or nucleolar localization signals were fused to the carboxy terminus of Tat(delta)49-57, the chimeric proteins localized to the nucleus or nucleolus, respectively, and remained capable of acting in a transdominant manner. Introduction of secondary mutations in the cysteine-rich and core domains of the various transdominant Tat proteins completely eliminated their abilities to act in a transdominant fashion. Our data best support a mechanism in which these transdominant Tat proteins squelch a cellular factor or factors that interact with the Tat activation domain and are required for Tat to function.

Intracellular compartmentalization of the glycoprotein B of herpesvirus Simian agent 8 expressed with a baculovirus vector in insect cells

The intracellular localization of the glycoprotein B of herpesvirus simian agent 8 expressed with a baculovirus system in insect cells was studied. Cell fractionation and immunoprecipitation revealed that gB is present in microsomal as well as in nuclear membranes. Both fractions contain oligomers, probably dimers, of gB with endoglycosidase-H sensitive, mannose-rich carbohydrates. Nuclear transport of gB was further analysed by immuno electron microscopy of recombinant baculovirus-infected cells. The glycoprotein is present both in the outer and the inner nuclear membrane as well as in cytoplasmic structures and at the cell surface. This study precludes the possibility that glycosylation and/or oligomerisation of SA8 gB are responsible for nuclear targeting.

Inhibition of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication is enhanced by a combination of transdominant Tat and Rev proteins

Mutation of either of two critical human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) regulatory proteins, Tat and Rev, results in marked defects in viral replication. Thus, inhibition of the function of one or both of these proteins can significantly inhibit viral growth. In the present study, we constructed a novel transdominant Tat mutant protein and compared its efficiency in inhibiting HIV-1 replication with that of transdominant mutant Rev M10 when these proteins were stably expressed either alone or in combination in T-lymphocyte cell lines. The transdominant Tat mutant protein alone resulted in a modest inhibition of HIV replication, but it was able to enhance the ability of the M10 Rev mutant protein to inhibit HIV-1 replication. These results suggest a possible synergistic effect of these transdominant mutant proteins in inhibiting HIV-1 replication.

A monoclonal antibody defines a novel HIV type 1 Tat domain involved in trans-cellular trans-activation

In the present study, a CAT assay, a beta-galactosidase assay, and immunofluorescence analysis have been used to study the cellular uptake of the HIV-1 Tat protein. An anti-Tat MAb binding to an epitope comprising both the basic domain and the RGD sequence inhibits trans-activation by exogenous Tat. Two different full-length recombinant Tat proteins were used in these studies. The inhibitory MAb, however, recognized only one of the recombinant Tat proteins. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that only the Tat protein recognized by the inhibitory anti-Tat MAb was taken up by COS and HeLa cells. This indicates that there are conformational differences between the two Tat proteins and that a correct folding of the epitope recognized by the anti-Tat MAb is required for cellular uptake. The recombinant Tat taken up by the cells was distributed between the nucleoli, the nucleoplasm, and along the nuclear membrane. Interactions between Tat and serum components were shown in vitro and also inhibition of trans-cellular trans-activation by fetal calf serum in tissue culture was demonstrated. The specific inhibition of the cellular uptake of Tat by an anti-Tat monoclonal antibody and the blocking of uptake by serum components implies specific binding of Tat to the cell membrane.

The Surf-6 gene of the mouse surfeit locus encodes a novel nucleolar protein

The Surfeit locus contains the tightest cluster of mammalian genes so far described. The five Surfeit genes (Surf-1 to -5) that have been previously isolated and characterized do not share any DNA or amino acid sequence homology. These Surfeit genes appear to be housekeeping genes, with the Surf-3 gene encoding the 1.7a ribosomal protein and the Surf-4 gene encoding an integral membrane protein most likely associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. In this work, we have isolated the Surf-6 gene, a sixth member of the Surfeit locus. The Surf-6 gene contains four exons spanning a genomic region of 14 kb and specifies a mRNA of 2,571 bases. Surf-6 has features common to housekeeping genes because its transcript is present in every tissue tested, its 5' end is associated with a CpG-rich island, and its promoter does not contain a canonical TATA box. The Surf-6 long open reading frame encodes a novel highly basic polypeptide of 355 amino acids (28% Arg and Lys). By immunofluorescence and immunoblot analyses, the Surf-6 protein has been found to be located in the nucleolus and by immunocytochemical microscopy to be localized predominantly in the nucleolar granular component, a structure that is involved in ribosome maturation. These results indicate that the novel Surf-6 gene is involved in a nucleolar function.

The post-transcriptional regulator Rev of HIV: implications for its interaction with the nucleolar protein B23

Human T cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) belong to the complex retrovirus whose replication is controlled by trans-acting proteins. HIV-1 encodes several regulatory proteins, including two essential trans-activations for viral replication, Rev and Tat. Both Rev and Tat have a nucleolar targeting signal and are actually located predominantly in the nucleoli. Within the nucleoli, Rev is localized to the combined regions of the dense fibrillar (DFC) and the granular (GC) components. Tat does not colocalize precisely with any nucleolar component tested, but partly overlaps regions of the DFC and the GC. Regions of both Rev and Tat are overlapped by the distribution of the major nucleolar protein B23. Overexpression of Rev causes nucleolar ballooning and general structural deformity with aberrant accumulation of rRNAs, whereas Tat does not have that effect. B23 is markedly accumulated in those nucleoli deformed by Rev. Components of the nucleolar DFC, GC, and fibrillar center domains are not accumulated but dispersed in a few small spots or larger patches within the enlarged nucleoli. Cytophotometric DNA determinations revealed that transient expression of Rev results in accumulation of G2, prophase, and mitotic cells which have failed cytokinesis, suggesting that Rev is capable of preventing or slowing the progression through mitosis. Tat, in contrast, does not affect the cell cycle. We speculate, based on these results, that Rev represses cell growth inhibiting the transport of ribosomal proteins and preribosomal particles across the nuclear envelope and affecting the cell cycle, both of which may be related to the proposed functions of B23.

Nuclear and nucleolar targeting of human ribosomal protein S6

Chimeric proteins were constructed to define the nuclear localization signals (NLSs) of human ribosomal protein S6. The complete cDNA sequence, different cDNA fragments and oligonucleotides of the human ribosomal proteins S6, respectively, were joined to the 5' end of the entire LacZ gene of Escherichia coli by using recombinant techniques. The hybrid genes were transfected into L cells, transiently expressed, and the intracellular location of the fusion proteins was determined by their beta-galactosidase activity. Three NLSs were identified in the C-terminal half of the S6 protein. Deletion mutagenesis demonstrated that a single NLS is sufficient for targeting the corresponding S6-beta-galactosidase chimera into the nucleus. Removal of all three putative NLSs completely blocked the nuclear import of the resulting S6-beta-galactosidase fusion protein, which instead became evenly distributed in the cytoplasm. Chimeras containing deletion mutants of S6 with at least one single NLS or unmodified S6 accumulated in the nucleolus. Analysis of several constructs reveals the existence of a specific domain that is essential but not sufficient for nucleolar accumulation of S6.

Arginine-rich regions succeeding the nuclear localization region of the herpes simplex virus type 1 regulatory protein ICP27 are required for efficient nuclear localization and late gene expression

The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early protein ICP27 is an essential regulatory protein that localizes to the nuclei of infected cells. The strong nuclear localization signal (NLS) of ICP27 was identified recently and shown to reside in the amino-terminal portion of the polypeptide from residues 110 to 137 (W.E. Mears, V. Lam, and S.A. Rice, J. Virol. 69:935-947, 1995). There are also two arginine-rich regions directly succeeding the NLS. The first of these arginine-rich sequences (residues 141 to 151), together with the NLS, has been shown by Mears et al. to form the nucleolar localization signal. Arginine-rich motifs are common in domains involved in nuclear localization and RNA binding. To analyze the role of the arginine-rich regions in ICP27, we constructed stably transformed cell lines containing ICP27 mutants with deletions of all or parts of the NLS and arginine-rich regions. We also constructed mutants in which these regions were replaced with heterologous NLSs or RNA-binding domains. Characterization of these mutants indicated that the arginine-rich regions were required but not sufficient for wild-type localization of ICP27. More importantly, the NLS and arginine-rich regions were also essential to the function of ICP27. Mutants lacking these sequences were defective in late gene expression during infection even when ICP27 was properly localized to the nucleus by substitution of the NLS from simian virus 40 large T antigen. Further, the defect in late gene expression could not be overcome by replacement with the highly basic RNA-binding domain of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat. The deficiency in late gene expression was independent of ICP27's role in stimulating viral DNA replication. In addition, localization of the HSV-1 proteins ICP4, ICP0, and ICP8 was unaffected by ICP27 mutants in this region. These results suggest that the arginine-rich regions are required for efficient nuclear localization and for the regulatory activity of ICP27 involved in viral late gene expression.

Electroporation-mediated delivery of nucleolar targeting sequences from Semliki Forest virus nucleocapsid protein

Electroporation was used as a powerful and simple method to probe to the intracellular distribution and trafficking of signal sequences. By coupling synthetic peptides to carrier reporter groups, specific amino acid sequences responsible for nucleolar targeting of Semliki Forest virus (SFV) Core (C) protein were found out. In the N-terminal part of the C protein the sequences 66KPKKKKTTKPKPKTQPKK83 and 92KKKDKQADKKKKP105 are able to situate BSA or KLH as reporter proteins in the nucleolus, suggesting that SFV C protein contains at least two independent nucleolar targeting sequences.

A nuclear localization domain in the hnRNP A1 protein

The heterogeneous nuclear RNP (hnRNP) A1 protein is one of the major pre-mRNA/mRNA binding proteins in eukaryotic cells and one of the most abundant proteins in the nucleus. It is localized to the nucleoplasm and it also shuttles between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. The amino acid sequence of A1 contains two RNP motif RNA-binding domains (RBDs) at the amino terminus and a glycine-rich domain at the carboxyl terminus. This configuration, designated 2x RBD-Gly, is representative of perhaps the largest family of hnRNP proteins. Unlike most nuclear proteins characterized so far, A1 (and most 2x RBD-Gly proteins) does not contain a recognizable nuclear localization signal (NLS). We have found that a segment of ca. 40 amino acids near the carboxyl end of the protein (designated M9) is necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization; attaching this segment to the bacterial protein beta-galactosidase or to pyruvate kinase completely localized these otherwise cytoplasmic proteins to the nucleus. The RBDs and another RNA binding motif found in the glycine-rich domain, the RGG box, are not required for A1 nuclear localization. M9 is a novel type of nuclear localization domain as it does not contain sequences similar to classical basic-type NLS. Interestingly, sequences similar to M9 are found in other nuclear RNA-binding proteins including hnRNP A2.