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Pastor F, Charles E, Belmudes L, Chabrolles H, Cescato M, Rivoire M, Burger T, Passot G, Durantel D, Lucifora J, Couté Y, Salvetti A. Deciphering the phospho-signature induced by hepatitis B virus in primary human hepatocytes. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1415449. [PMID: 38841065 PMCID: PMC11150682 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1415449] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphorylation is a major post-translation modification (PTM) of proteins which is finely tuned by the activity of several hundred kinases and phosphatases. It controls most if not all cellular pathways including anti-viral responses. Accordingly, viruses often induce important changes in the phosphorylation of host factors that can either promote or counteract viral replication. Among more than 500 kinases constituting the human kinome only few have been described as important for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infectious cycle, and most of them intervene during early or late infectious steps by phosphorylating the viral Core (HBc) protein. In addition, little is known on the consequences of HBV infection on the activity of cellular kinases. The objective of this study was to investigate the global impact of HBV infection on the cellular phosphorylation landscape early after infection. For this, primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) were challenged or not with HBV, and a mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis was conducted 2- and 7-days post-infection. The results indicated that while, as expected, HBV infection only minimally modified the cell proteome, significant changes were observed in the phosphorylation state of several host proteins at both time points. Gene enrichment and ontology analyses of up- and down-phosphorylated proteins revealed common and distinct signatures induced by infection. In particular, HBV infection resulted in up-phosphorylation of proteins involved in DNA damage signaling and repair, RNA metabolism, in particular splicing, and cytoplasmic cell-signaling. Down-phosphorylated proteins were mostly involved in cell signaling and communication. Validation studies carried out on selected up-phosphorylated proteins, revealed that HBV infection induced a DNA damage response characterized by the appearance of 53BP1 foci, the inactivation of which by siRNA increased cccDNA levels. In addition, among up-phosphorylated RNA binding proteins (RBPs), SRRM2, a major scaffold of nuclear speckles behaved as an antiviral factor. In accordance with these findings, kinase prediction analysis indicated that HBV infection upregulates the activity of major kinases involved in DNA repair. These results strongly suggest that HBV infection triggers an intrinsic anti-viral response involving DNA repair factors and RBPs that contribute to reduce HBV replication in cell culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentin Pastor
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Emilie Charles
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Lucid Belmudes
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UA13 BGE, CEA, CNRS, FR2048, Grenoble, France
| | - Hélène Chabrolles
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Marion Cescato
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | | | - Thomas Burger
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UA13 BGE, CEA, CNRS, FR2048, Grenoble, France
| | - Guillaume Passot
- Service de Chirurgie Générale et Oncologique, Hôpital Lyon Sud, Hospices Civils de Lyon Et CICLY, EA3738, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - David Durantel
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Lucifora
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
| | - Yohann Couté
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CEA, INSERM, UA13 BGE, CEA, CNRS, FR2048, Grenoble, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS, Lyon, France
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2
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Chang CH, Shih C. Significance of hepatitis B virus capsid dephosphorylation via polymerase. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:34. [PMID: 38561844 PMCID: PMC10983652 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01022-9] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is generally believed that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) dephosphorylation (de-P) is important for viral DNA synthesis and virion secretion. HBV polymerase contains four domains for terminal protein, spacer, reverse transcriptase, and RNase H activities. METHODS HBV Polymerase mutants were transfected into HuH-7 cells and assayed for replication and HBc de-P by the Phos-tag gel analysis. Infection assay was performed by using a HepG2-NTCP-AS2 cell line. RESULTS Here, we show that a novel phosphatase activity responsible for HBc de-P can be mapped to the C-terminal domain of the polymerase overlapping with the RNase H domain. Surprisingly, while HBc de-P is crucial for viral infectivity, it is essential for neither viral DNA synthesis nor virion secretion. The potential origin, significance, and mechanism of this polymerase-associated phosphatase activity are discussed in the context of an electrostatic homeostasis model. The Phos-tag gel analysis revealed an intriguing pattern of "bipolar distribution" of phosphorylated HBc and a de-P HBc doublet. CONCLUSIONS It remains unknown if such a polymerase-associated phosphatase activity can be found in other related biosystems. This polymerase-associated phosphatase activity could be a druggable target in clinical therapy for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsu Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Chiaho Shih
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Cell Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan.
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3
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Yang R, Ko YH, Li F, Lokareddy RK, Hou CFD, Kim C, Klein S, Antolínez S, Marín JF, Pérez-Segura C, Jarrold MF, Zlotnick A, Hadden-Perilla JA, Cingolani G. Structural basis for nuclear import of hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid core. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadi7606. [PMID: 38198557 PMCID: PMC10780889 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi7606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Nuclear import of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleocapsid is essential for replication that occurs in the nucleus. The ~360-angstrom HBV capsid translocates to the nuclear pore complex (NPC) as an intact particle, hijacking human importins in a reaction stimulated by host kinases. This paper describes the mechanisms of HBV capsid recognition by importins. We found that importin α1 binds a nuclear localization signal (NLS) at the far end of the HBV coat protein Cp183 carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD). This NLS is exposed to the capsid surface through a pore at the icosahedral quasi-sixfold vertex. Phosphorylation at serine-155, serine-162, and serine-170 promotes CTD compaction but does not affect the affinity for importin α1. The binding of 30 importin α1/β1 augments HBV capsid diameter to ~620 angstroms, close to the maximum size trafficable through the NPC. We propose that phosphorylation favors CTD externalization and prompts its compaction at the capsid surface, exposing the NLS to importins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ying-Hui Ko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Fenglin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Ravi K. Lokareddy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Chun-Feng David Hou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, 1020 Locust Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Christine Kim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, IN 47405, USA
| | - Shelby Klein
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, IN 47405, USA
| | - Santiago Antolínez
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Juan F. Marín
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Carolina Pérez-Segura
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Martin F. Jarrold
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, IN 47405, USA
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, IN 47405, USA
| | | | - Gino Cingolani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1825 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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4
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Ren C, Chen T, Zhang S, Gao Q, Zou J, Li P, Wang B, Zhao Y, OuYang A, Suolang S, Zhou H. PLK3 facilitates replication of swine influenza virus by phosphorylating viral NP protein. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:2275606. [PMID: 37874309 PMCID: PMC10768867 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2275606] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Swine H1N1/2009 influenza is a highly infectious respiratory disease in pigs, which poses a great threat to pig production and human health. In this study, we investigated the global expression profiling of swine-encoded genes in response to swine H1N1/2009 influenza A virus (SIV-H1N1/2009) in newborn pig trachea (NPTr) cells. In total, 166 genes were found to be differentially expressed (DE) according to the gene microarray. After analyzing the DE genes which might affect the SIV-H1N1/2009 replication, we focused on polo-like kinase 3 (PLK3). PLK3 is a member of the PLK family, which is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase in eukaryotes and well known for its role in the regulation of cell cycle and cell division. We validated that the expression of PLK3 was upregulated after SIV-H1N1/2009 infection. Additionally, PLK3 was found to interact with viral nucleoprotein (NP), significantly increased NP phosphorylation and oligomerization, and promoted viral ribonucleoprotein assembly and replication. Furthermore, we identified serine 482 (S482) as the phosphorylated residue on NP by PLK3. The phosphorylation of S482 regulated NP oligomerization, viral polymerase activity and growth. Our findings provide further insights for understanding the replication of influenza A virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyue Ren
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tong Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shishuo Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingxia Gao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Biaoxiong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaxin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aotian OuYang
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sizhu Suolang
- Department of Animal Science, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry College, Linzhi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Zhou
- National Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, the Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Li X, Nakashima K, Ito M, Matsuda M, Chida T, Sekihara K, Takahashi H, Kato T, Sawasaki T, Suzuki T. SRPKIN-1 as an inhibitor against hepatitis B virus blocking the viral particle formation and the early step of the viral infection. Antiviral Res 2023; 220:105756. [PMID: 37992764 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105756] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
New antiviral agents are needed for the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection because currently available drugs do not completely eradicate chronic HBV in patients. Phosphorylation dynamics of the HBV core protein (HBc) regulate several processes in the HBV life cycle, including nucleocapsid formation, cell trafficking, and virus uncoating after entry. In this study, the SRPK inhibitors SPHINX31, SRPIN340, and SRPKIN-1 showed concentration-dependent anti-HBV activity. Detailed analysis of the effects of SRPKIN-1, which exhibited the strongest inhibitory activity, on the HBV replication process showed that it inhibits the formation of infectious particles by inhibiting pregenomic RNA packaging into capsids and nucleocapsid envelopment. Mass spectrometry analysis combined with cell-free translation system experiments revealed that hyperphosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of HBc is inhibited by SRPKIN-1. Further, SRPKIN-1 exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of HBV infection not only in HepG2-hNTCP-C4 cells but also in fresh human hepatocytes (PXB cells) and in the single-round infection system. Treatment with SRPKIN-1 at the time of infection reduced the nuclease sensitivity of HBV DNA in the nuclear fraction. These results suggest that SRPKIN-1 has the potential to not only inhibit the HBV particle formation process but also impair the early stages of viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji Nakashima
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Ito
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mami Matsuda
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Musashi-murayama, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chida
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan; Department of Regional Medical Care Support, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Sekihara
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Takahashi
- Division of Cell-Free Science, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Takanobu Kato
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sawasaki
- Division of Cell-Free Science, Proteo-Science Center, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Suzuki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan.
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6
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El-Khobar KE, Tay E, Diefenbach E, Gloss BS, George J, Douglas MW. Polo-like kinase-1 mediates hepatitis C virus-induced cell migration, a drug target for liver cancer. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201630. [PMID: 37648284 PMCID: PMC10468647 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201630] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a regulator of cell mitosis and cytoskeletal dynamics. PLK1 overexpression in liver cancer is associated with tumour progression, metastasis, and vascular invasion. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein stimulates PLK1-mediated phosphorylation of host proteins, so we hypothesised that HCV-PLK1 interactions might be a mechanism for HCV-induced liver cancer. We used a HCV cell-culture model (Jc1) to investigate the effects of virus infection on the cytoskeleton. In HCV-infected cells, a novel posttranslational modification in β-actin was observed with phosphorylation at Ser239. Using in silico and in vitro approaches, we identified PLK1 as the mediating kinase. In functional experiments with a phosphomimetic mutant form of β-actin, Ser239 phosphorylation influences β-actin polymerization and distribution, resulting in increased cell motility. The changes were prevented by treating cells with the PLK1 inhibitor volasertib. In HCV-infected hepatocytes, increased cell motility contributes to cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. PLK1 is an important mediator of these effects and early treatment with PLK1 inhibitors may prevent or reduce HCC progression, particularly in people with HCV-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korri E El-Khobar
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Researchhttps://ror.org/0384j8v12 , University of Sydney https://ror.org/04gp5yv64 at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
- Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Enoch Tay
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Researchhttps://ror.org/0384j8v12 , University of Sydney https://ror.org/04gp5yv64 at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Eve Diefenbach
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Protein Core Facility, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
| | - Brian S Gloss
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Westmead Research Hub, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Researchhttps://ror.org/0384j8v12 , University of Sydney https://ror.org/04gp5yv64 at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- https://ror.org/04zj3ra44 Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Researchhttps://ror.org/0384j8v12 , University of Sydney https://ror.org/04gp5yv64 at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
- https://ror.org/0384j8v12 Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Sydney https://ror.org/04gp5yv64 at Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
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7
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Colón-Thillet R, Stone D, Loprieno MA, Klouser L, Roychoudhury P, Santo TK, Xie H, Stensland L, Upham SL, Pepper G, Huang ML, Aubert M, Jerome KR. Liver-Humanized NSG-PiZ Mice Support the Study of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Antiviral Therapies. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0517622. [PMID: 37199630 PMCID: PMC10269919 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05176-22] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a pathogen of major public health importance that is largely incurable once a chronic infection is established. Only humans and great apes are fully permissive to HBV infection, and this species restriction has impacted HBV research by limiting the utility of small animal models. To combat HBV species restrictions and enable more in vivo studies, liver-humanized mouse models have been developed that are permissive to HBV infection and replication. Unfortunately, these models can be difficult to establish and are expensive commercially, which has limited their academic use. As an alternative mouse model to study HBV, we evaluated liver-humanized NSG-PiZ mice and showed that they are fully permissive to HBV. HBV selectively replicates in human hepatocytes within chimeric livers, and HBV-positive (HBV+) mice secrete infectious virions and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) into blood while also harboring covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). HBV+ mice develop chronic infections lasting at least 169 days, which should enable the study of new curative therapies targeting chronic HBV, and respond to entecavir therapy. Furthermore, HBV+ human hepatocytes in NSG-PiZ mice can be transduced by AAV3b and AAV.LK03 vectors, which should enable the study of gene therapies that target HBV. In summary, our data demonstrate that liver-humanized NSG-PiZ mice can be used as a robust and cost-effective alternative to existing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) models and may enable more academic research labs to study HBV disease pathogenesis and antiviral therapy. IMPORTANCE Liver-humanized mouse models have become the gold standard for the in vivo study of hepatitis B virus (HBV), yet their complexity and cost have prohibited widespread use of existing models in research. Here, we show that the NSG-PiZ liver-humanized mouse model, which is relatively inexpensive and simple to establish, can support chronic HBV infection. Infected mice are fully permissive to hepatitis B, supporting both active replication and spread, and can be used to study novel antiviral therapies. This model is a viable and cost-effective alternative to other liver-humanized mouse models that are used to study HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Colón-Thillet
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Daniel Stone
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michelle A. Loprieno
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Lindsay Klouser
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Pavitra Roychoudhury
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Tracy K. Santo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Hong Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Laurence Stensland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sarah L. Upham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gregory Pepper
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Meei-Li Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martine Aubert
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Keith R. Jerome
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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8
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Zhao K, Guo F, Wang J, Zhong Y, Yi J, Teng Y, Xu Z, Zhao L, Li A, Wang Z, Chen X, Cheng X, Xia Y. Limited disassembly of cytoplasmic hepatitis B virus nucleocapsids restricts viral infection in murine hepatic cells. Hepatology 2023; 77:1366-1381. [PMID: 35718932 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Murine hepatic cells cannot support hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection even with supplemental expression of viral receptor, human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP). However, the specific restricted step remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to dissect HBV infection process in murine hepatic cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS Cells expressing hNTCP were inoculated with HBV or hepatitis delta virus (HDV). HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA), covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), and different relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) intermediates were produced in vitro . The repair process from rcDNA to cccDNA was assayed by in vitro repair experiments and in mouse with hydrodynamic injection. Southern blotting and in situ hybridization were used to detect HBV DNA. HBV, but not its satellite virus HDV, was restricted from productive infection in murine hepatic cells expressing hNTCP. Transfection of HBV pgRNA could establish HBV replication in human, but not in murine, hepatic cells. HBV replication-competent plasmid, cccDNA, and recombinant cccDNA could support HBV transcription in murine hepatic cells. Different rcDNA intermediates could be repaired to form cccDNA both in vitro and in vivo . In addition, rcDNA could be detected in the nucleus of murine hepatic cells, but cccDNA could not be formed. Interestingly, nuclease sensitivity assay showed that the protein-linked rcDNA isolated from cytoplasm was completely nuclease resistant in murine, but not in human, hepatic cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results imply that the disassembly of cytoplasmic HBV nucleocapsids is restricted in murine hepatic cells. Overcoming this limitation may help to establish an HBV infection mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Fangteng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Youquan Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Junzhu Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Yan Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zaichao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Li Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Aixin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Zichen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology , Wuhan Institute of Virology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Wuhan , China
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Guangzhou , China
| | - Xiaoming Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
- Wuhan University Center for Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics , Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Laboratory of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases , Wuhan , China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology , Institute of Medical Virology , TaiKang Medical School , Wuhan University , Wuhan , China
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Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B and the Potential for a Functional Cure. Drugs 2023; 83:367-388. [PMID: 36906663 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Current therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and indefinite or finite therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (Nucs) are effective in HBV suppression, hepatitis resolution, and prevention of disease progression. However, few achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure), and relapse often occurs after the end of therapy (EOT) because these agents have no direct effect on durable template: covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate increases slightly by adding or switching to Peg-IFN in Nuc-treated patients and this loss rate greatly increases up to 39% in 5 years with finite Nuc therapy with currently available Nuc(s). For this, great effort has been made to develop novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and immunomodulators. Among the DAAs, entry inhibitors and capsid assembly modulators have little effect on reducing HBsAg levels; small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid polymers in combination with Peg-IFN and Nuc may reduce HBsAg levels significantly, even a rate of HBsAg loss sustained for > 24 weeks after EOT up to 40%. Novel immunomodulators, including T-cell receptor agonists, check-point inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies may restore HBV-specific T-cell response but not sustained HBsAg loss. The safety issues and the durability of HBsAg loss warrant further investigation. Combining agents of different classes has the potential to enhance HBsAg loss. Compounds directly targeting cccDNA would be more effective but are still in the early stage of development. More effort is required to achieve this goal.
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Mishra AK, Hossain MM, Sata TN, Yadav AK, Zadran S, Sah AK, Nayak B, Shalimar, Venugopal SK. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein Inhibits the Expression of Barrier To Autointegration factor1 via Upregulating miR-203 Expression in Hepatic Cells. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123522. [PMID: 36519846 PMCID: PMC9927095 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01235-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection targets host restriction factors that inhibit its replication and survival. Previous studies have shown that barriers to autointegration factor1 (BANF1) inhibited the replication of herpes simplex virus and vaccinia virus by binding to phosphate backbone of dsDNA. To date, no reports are available for the interplay between BANF1 and HBV. In this study, we elucidated the mechanisms by which HBV inhibit BANF1. First, the effect of HBV on BANF1 was observed in Huh-7, Hep G2, and Hep G2.2.15 cells. Huh-7 cells were transfected with pHBV1.3 or HBx plasmids. The results showed that there was a decreased expression of BANF1 in Hep G2.2.15 cells (P ≤ 0.005) or in HBV/HBx expressing Huh-7 cells (P ≤ 0.005), whereas BANF1 overexpression decreased viral replication (P ≤ 0.05). To study whether phosphorylation/dephosphorylation of BANF1 was responsible for antiviral activity, mutants were created, and it was found that inhibition due to mutants was less significant compared to BANF1 wild type. Previous studies have shown that HBV, at least in part, could regulate the expression of host miRNAs via HBx. It was found that miR-203 expression was high in Hep G2.2.15 cells (P ≤ 0.005) compared to Hep G2 cells. Next, the effect of HBx on miR-203 expression was studied and result showed that HBx upregulated miR-203 expression (P ≤ 0.005). Overexpression of miR-203 downregulated BANF1 expression (P ≤ 0.05) and viral titer was upregulated (P ≤ 0.05), while inhibition of miR-203, reversed these changes. In conclusion, BANF1 downregulated HBV, whereas HBV inhibited BANF1, at least in part, via HBx-mediated miR-203 upregulation in hepatic cells. IMPORTANCE In this study, for the first time, we found that BANF1 inhibited HBV replication and restricted the viral load. However, as previously reported for other viruses, the results in this study showed that BAF1 phosphorylation/dephosphorylation is not involved in its antiviral activity against HBV. HBV infection inhibited the intracellular expression of BANF1, via HBx-mediated upregulation of miR-203 expression. Overexpression of miR-203 downregulated BANF1 and increased the viral titer, while inhibition of miR-203 reversed these changes. This study helped us to understand the molecular mechanisms by which HBV survives and replicates in the host cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar Mishra
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Md Musa Hossain
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Teja Naveen Sata
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajay K. Yadav
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Shahidullah Zadran
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Amrendra Kumar Sah
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
| | - Baibaswata Nayak
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Senthil Kumar Venugopal
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, India
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11
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Shi Y, Jin X, Wu S, Liu J, Zhang H, Cai X, Yang Y, Zhang X, Wei J, Luo M, Zhou H, Zhou H, Huang A, Wang D. Release of hepatitis B virions is positively regulated by glucose-regulated protein 78 through direct interaction with preS1. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28271. [PMID: 36321566 PMCID: PMC10107996 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-enveloped particle release. Specifically, we used preS1 as a bait protein to screen host proteins using mass spectroscopy, with the results of immunofluorescence, western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, isothermal titration calorimetry, and pull-down assays identifying glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78 as a specific target for preS1 binding. We employed transcriptome sequencing, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and particle gel assays to investigate the mechanism of GRP78-mediated positive regulation of HBV-enveloped particle release. Additionally, we performed phage-display, surface plasmon resonance, and molecular-docking assays to assess peptides inhibiting enveloped-particle release. We found that HBV upregulated GRP78 expression in liver cell lines and the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Furthermore, GRP78 promoted the release of HBV-enveloped particles in vitro and in vivo within an HBV transgenic mouse model. Moreover, we identified interactions of preS1 peptides with GRP78 via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions, which effectively inhibited its interaction with HBV-enveloped particles and their subsequent release. These findings provide novel insights regarding HBV virion release, and demonstrated that GRP78 interacted with preS1 to positively regulate the release of HBV-enveloped particles, suggesting GRP78 as a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing City, Yubei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Jin
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Harbin, Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Junye Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hongpeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,Department of Blood Transfusion, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yubei, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefei Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Wei
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Miao Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital of Yubei District of Chongqing City, Yubei, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Huihao Zhou
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ailong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
| | - Deqiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases designated by the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China.,College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong, Chongqing, China
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12
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Prange R. Hepatitis B virus movement through the hepatocyte: An update. Biol Cell 2022; 114:325-348. [PMID: 35984727 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202200060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens that utilize cellular machinery for many aspects of their propagation and effective egress of virus particles from host cells is one important determinant of virus infectivity. Hijacking host cell processes applies in particular to the hepatitis B virus (HBV), as its DNA genome with about 3 kb in size is one of the smallest viral genomes known. HBV is a leading cause of liver disease and still displays one of the most successful pathogens in human populations worldwide. The extremely successful spread of this virus is explained by its efficient transmission strategies and its versatile particle types, including virions, empty envelopes, naked capsids and others. HBV exploits distinct host trafficking machineries to assemble and release its particle types including nucleocytoplasmic shuttling transport, secretory and exocytic pathways, the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport pathway, and the autophagy pathway. Understanding how HBV uses and subverts host membrane trafficking systems offers the chance of obtaining new mechanistic insights into the regulation and function of this essential cellular processes. It can also help to identify potential targets for antiviral interventions. Here, I will provide an overview of HBV maturation, assembly, and budding, with a focus on recent advances, and will point out areas where questions remain that can benefit from future studies. Unless otherwise indicated, almost all presented knowledge was gained from cell culture-based, HBV in vitro -replication and in vitro -infection systems. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhild Prange
- Department of Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Augustusplatz, Mainz, D-55131, Germany
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13
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Sun J, Wu G, Pastor F, Rahman N, Wang WH, Zhang Z, Merle P, Hui L, Salvetti A, Durantel D, Yang D, Andrisani O. RNA helicase DDX5 enables STAT1 mRNA translation and interferon signalling in hepatitis B virus replicating hepatocytes. Gut 2022; 71:991-1005. [PMID: 34021034 PMCID: PMC8606016 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-323126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE RNA helicase DDX5 is downregulated during HBV replication and poor prognosis HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study is to investigate the role of DDX5 in interferon (IFN) signalling. We provide evidence of a novel mechanism involving DDX5 that enables translation of transcription factor STAT1 mediating the IFN response. DESIGN AND RESULTS Molecular, pharmacological and biophysical assays were used together with cellular models of HBV replication, HCC cell lines and liver tumours. We demonstrate that DDX5 regulates STAT1 mRNA translation by resolving a G-quadruplex (rG4) RNA structure, proximal to the 5' end of STAT1 5'UTR. We employed luciferase reporter assays comparing wild type (WT) versus mutant rG4 sequence, rG4-stabilising compounds, CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the STAT1-rG4 sequence and circular dichroism determination of the rG4 structure. STAT1-rG4 edited cell lines were resistant to the effect of rG4-stabilising compounds in response to IFN-α, while HCC cell lines expressing low DDX5 exhibited reduced IFN response. Ribonucleoprotein and electrophoretic mobility assays demonstrated direct and selective binding of RNA helicase-active DDX5 to the WT STAT1-rG4 sequence. Immunohistochemistry of normal liver and liver tumours demonstrated that absence of DDX5 corresponded to absence of STAT1. Significantly, knockdown of DDX5 in HBV infected HepaRG cells reduced the anti-viral effect of IFN-α. CONCLUSION RNA helicase DDX5 resolves a G-quadruplex structure in 5'UTR of STAT1 mRNA, enabling STAT1 translation. We propose that DDX5 is a key regulator of the dynamic range of IFN response during innate immunity and adjuvant IFN-α therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiazeng Sun
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Guanhui Wu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Florentin Pastor
- International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), INSERM U1111-CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Naimur Rahman
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University System, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Wen-Hung Wang
- Gene Editing Core, Bindley Biosciences Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Zhengtao Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Philippe Merle
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital de La Croix-Rousse Centre Livet, Lyon, Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Lijian Hui
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai, China
| | - Anna Salvetti
- International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), INSERM U1111-CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - David Durantel
- INSERM U1111-CNRS UMR5308 International Center for Infectiology Research (CIRI), Lyon, France
| | - Danzhou Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Ourania Andrisani
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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14
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus and an important human pathogen. There are an estimated 296 million people in the world that are chronically infected by this virus, and many of them will develop severe liver diseases including hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV is a small DNA virus that replicates via the reverse transcription pathway. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that govern the replication of HBV and its interactions with host cells. We also discuss viral and non-viral factors that are associated with HBV-induced carcinogenesis and pathogenesis, as well as the role of host immune responses in HBV persistence and liver pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chuang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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15
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Lubyova B, Tikalova E, Krulova K, Hodek J, Zabransky A, Hirsch I, Weber J. ATM-Dependent Phosphorylation of Hepatitis B Core Protein in Response to Genotoxic Stress. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122438. [PMID: 34960710 PMCID: PMC8705010 DOI: 10.3390/v13122438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus is a life-threatening condition. In fact, 1 million people die annually due to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recently, several studies demonstrated a molecular connection between the host DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and HBV replication and reactivation. Here, we investigated the role of Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) and Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) PI3-kinases in phosphorylation of the HBV core protein (HBc). We determined that treatment of HBc-expressing hepatocytes with genotoxic agents, e.g., etoposide or hydrogen peroxide, activated the host ATM-Chk2 pathway, as determined by increased phosphorylation of ATM at Ser1981 and Chk2 at Thr68. The activation of ATM led, in turn, to increased phosphorylation of cytoplasmic HBc at serine-glutamine (SQ) motifs located in its C-terminal domain. Conversely, down-regulation of ATM using ATM-specific siRNAs or inhibitor effectively reduced etoposide-induced HBc phosphorylation. Detailed mutation analysis of S-to-A HBc mutants revealed that S170 (S168 in a 183-aa HBc variant) is the primary site targeted by ATM-regulated phosphorylation. Interestingly, mutation of two major phosphorylation sites involving serines at positions 157 and 164 (S155 and S162 in a 183-aa HBc variant) resulted in decreased etoposide-induced phosphorylation, suggesting that the priming phosphorylation at these serine-proline (SP) sites is vital for efficient phosphorylation of SQ motifs. Notably, the mutation of S172 (S170 in a 183-aa HBc variant) had the opposite effect and resulted in massively up-regulated phosphorylation of HBc, particularly at S170. Etoposide treatment of HBV infected HepG2-NTCP cells led to increased levels of secreted HBe antigen and intracellular HBc protein. Together, our studies identified HBc as a substrate for ATM-mediated phosphorylation and mapped the phosphorylation sites. The increased expression of HBc and HBe antigens in response to genotoxic stress supports the idea that the ATM pathway may provide growth advantage to the replicating virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Lubyova
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Eva Tikalova
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
| | - Kristyna Krulova
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
| | - Jan Hodek
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
| | - Ales Zabransky
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
| | - Ivan Hirsch
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Weber
- IOCB Gilead Research Center, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 160 00 Prague, Czech Republic; (E.T.); (K.K.); (J.H.); (A.Z.); (I.H.)
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (J.W.)
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16
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Xu W, Lu X, Liu J, Chen Q, Huang X, Huang K, Liu H, Zhu W, Zhang X. Identification of PAFAH1B3 as Candidate Prognosis Marker and Potential Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:700700. [PMID: 34490100 PMCID: PMC8418329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.700700] [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: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. PAFAH1B3 plays an important role on occurrence and development in a variety tumor. However, the function of PAFAH1B3 in HCC remains unclear. Methods The TIMER, ONCOMINE, Human Protein Atlas (HPA), GEPIA, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), HCCDB, UALCAN and LinkedOmics database were used to analyze the prognostic value, co-expression genes and regulator networks of PAFAH1B3 in HCC. siRNA transfections and inhibitor of PAFAH1B3 P11 were used to verify the anti-tumor effect on HCC cell lines. Gene expression was detected by qRT-PCR. The functions of PAFAH1B3 downregulation in HCC cell lines were investigated using cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection, CCK8 assay and transwell assay. Western blot was used to evaluate the role of PAFAH1B3 on metabolic pathways in HCC cells. Results Based on the data from databases, the expression of PAFAH1B3 was remarkably increased in HCC patients. High expression of PAFAH1B3 was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). And PAFAH1B3 was notably linked to age, sex, grade, stage, race, and TP53 mutational status. Then, the functional network analysis showed PAFAH1B3 may be involved in HCC through cell cycle, cell metabolism, spliceosome, and RNA transport. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PAFAH1B3 was also increased in HCC cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis showed that PAFAH1B3 manipulated apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. CCK8 assay showed that PAFAH1B3 silencing or pharmacologic inhibitor of PAFAH1B3 inhibited the proliferation of HepG2, Huh7 and MHCC-97H cells. Transwell assay results showed that PAFAH1B3 silencing also significantly impaired the invasion and migratory ability of HCC cells. In addition, PAFAH1B3 silencing significantly downregulated the expression of glycolysis and lipid synthesis signaling pathways. Conclusion Our findings suggested that PAFAH1B3 plays a critical role in progression of HCC. PAFAH1B3 as a prognosis marker and potential target for HCC has prospective clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuiyuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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17
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Regulation of Hepatitis B Virus Replication by Cyclin Docking Motifs in Core Protein. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.00230-21. [PMID: 33789995 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00230-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid or core protein (HBc) consists of an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) connected by a short linker peptide. Dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of HBc regulate its multiple functions in capsid assembly and viral replication. The cellular cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) plays a major role in HBc phosphorylation and, furthermore, is incorporated into the viral capsid, accounting for most of the "endogenous kinase" activity associated with the capsid. The packaged CDK2 is thought to play a role in phosphorylating HBc to trigger nucleocapsid disassembly (uncoating), an essential step during viral infection. However, little is currently known on how CDK2 is recruited and packaged into the capsid. We have now identified three RXL motifs in the HBc NTD known as cyclin docking motifs (CDMs), which mediate the interactions of various CDK substrates/regulators with CDK/cyclin complexes. Mutations of the CDMs in the HBc NTD reduced CTD phosphorylation and diminished CDK2 packaging into the capsid. Also, the CDM mutations showed little effects on capsid assembly and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) packaging but impaired the integrity of mature nucleocapsids. Furthermore, the CDM mutations blocked covalently closed circular DNA (CCC DNA) formation during infection while having no effect on or enhancing CCC DNA formation via intracellular amplification. These results indicate that the HBc NTD CDMs play a role in CDK2 recruitment and packaging, which, in turn, is important for productive infection.IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important global human pathogen and persistently infects hundreds of millions of people, who are at high risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. HBV capsid packages a host cell protein kinase, the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), which is thought to be required to trigger disassembly of the viral nucleocapsid during infection by phosphorylating the capsid protein, a prerequisite for successful infection. We have identified docking sites on the capsid protein for recruiting CDK2, in complex with its cyclin partner, to facilitate capsid protein phosphorylation and CDK2 packaging. Mutations of these docking sites reduced capsid protein phosphorylation, impaired CDK2 packaging into HBV capsids, and blocked HBV infection. These results provide novel insights regarding CDK2 packaging into HBV capsids and the role of CDK2 in HBV infection and should facilitate the development of antiviral drugs that target the HBV capsid protein.
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18
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Transcriptome Classification Reveals Molecular Subgroups in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5543747. [PMID: 33859718 PMCID: PMC8028738 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5543747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) specifically infects hepatocytes, which can cause progressive liver fibrosis and a significantly increased risk of liver cancer. Multiple studies indicated host genetic, virological, and immunological factors could affect the HBV infection. However, the underlying mechanism involved in HBV infection remained unclear. Based on the analysis of gene expression data of 124 HBV patients (GEO accession: GSE84044), molecular subgroups of patients infected with hepatitis B virus were identified in this study, including C1, C2, and C3 groups. The age, fiber, degree of chemical and inflammation, and gene expression difference were also compared among the three sampling groups. Furthermore, the liver index was calculated using 93 liver-specific genes. The liver-specific gene expression in different molecular subgroups of HBV patients was thoroughly analyzed and then was compared with fibrosis and inflammation levels. Results showed that the C2 group was the youngest and the C3 group had the highest degree of fibrosis and inflammation. Enrichment analysis showed that metabolism-related pathways were mainly expressed in the C1 and C2 groups, and inflammation-related pathways and proteoglycans in cancer were highly expressed in the C1 and C3 groups. The liver index was higher in the C2 group than in the C1 and C3 groups, and it was the lowest in the C3 group. Macrophage M1/M2 and neutrophils were significantly different in the three groups. M1 was mainly abundant in the C3 group, and M2 and neutrophils were mainly abundant in the C2 group. This study provides novel information to understand the mechanisms of HBV infection in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.
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Abstract
Chronic infection of the liver by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with increased risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A multitude of studies have investigated the mechanism of liver cancer pathogenesis due to chronic HBV infection. Chronic inflammation, expression of specific viral proteins such as HBx, the integration site of the viral genome into the host genome, and the viral genotype, are key players contributing to HCC pathogenesis. In addition, the genetic background of the host and exposure to environmental carcinogens are also predisposing parameters in hepatocarcinogenesis. Despite the plethora of studies, the molecular mechanism of HCC pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. In this review, the focus is on epigenetic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC. Epigenetic mechanisms are dynamic molecular processes that regulate gene expression without altering the host DNA, acting by modifying the host chromatin structure via covalent post-translational histone modifications, changing the DNA methylation status, expression of non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs, and altering the spatial, 3-D organization of the chromatin of the virus-infected cell. Herein, studies are described that provide evidence in support of deregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the HBV-infected/-replicating hepatocyte and their contribution to hepatocyte transformation. In contrast to genetic mutations which are permanent, epigenetic alterations are dynamic and reversible. Accordingly, the identification of essential molecular epigenetic targets involved in HBV-mediated HCC pathogenesis offers the opportunity for the design and development of novel epigenetic therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania Andrisani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Xi J, Luckenbaugh L, Hu J. Multiple roles of PP2A binding motif in hepatitis B virus core linker and PP2A in regulating core phosphorylation state and viral replication. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009230. [PMID: 33493210 PMCID: PMC7861550 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid or core protein (HBc) contains an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD) connected by a short linker peptide. HBc plays a critical role in virtually every step of viral replication, which is further modulated by dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of its CTD. While several cellular kinases have been identified that mediate HBc CTD phosphorylation, there is little information on the cellular phosphatases that mediate CTD dephosphorylation. Herein, a consensus binding motif for the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B56 was recognized within the HBc linker peptide. Mutations within this motif designed to block or enhance B56 binding showed pleiotropic effects on CTD phosphorylation state as well as on viral RNA packaging, reverse transcription, and virion secretion. Furthermore, linker mutations affected the HBV nuclear episome (the covalently closed circular or CCC DNA) differentially during intracellular amplification vs. infection. The effects of linker mutations on CTD phosphorylation state varied with different phosphorylation sites and were only partially consistent with the linker motif serving to recruit PP2A-B56, specifically, to dephosphorylate CTD, suggesting that multiple phosphatases and/or kinases may be recruited to modulate CTD (de)phosphorylation. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PP2A could decrease HBc CTD dephosphorylation and increase the nuclear HBV episome. These results thus strongly implicate the HBc linker in recruiting PP2A and other host factors to regulate multiple stages of HBV replication. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. The dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the viral capsid protein (HBc), which are controlled by host cell protein kinases and phosphatases, play a critical role in regulating multiple stages of HBV replication. While a number of cellular kinases have been identified that mediate HBc phosphorylation, there is little information on cellular phosphatases that mediate its dephosphorylation. Herein we have identified a consensus binding motif in HBc for one of the major cellular phosphatases, the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Genetic analysis of this motif revealed that it played multiple roles in regulating CTD phosphorylation state, as well as viral RNA packaging, reverse transcription, virion secretion, and formation of the nuclear HBV episome responsible for viral persistence. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of PP2A decreased HBc dephosphorylation and increased the nuclear episome, further supporting a role of PP2A in HBc dephosphorylation and HBV persistence. These results thus suggest that HBc recruits PP2A, among other host factors, to regulate HBc phosphorylation and dephosphorylation dynamics and HBV replication and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Laura Luckenbaugh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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21
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Shih C, Wu SY, Chou SF, Yuan TTT. Virion Secretion of Hepatitis B Virus Naturally Occurring Core Antigen Variants. Cells 2020; 10:cells10010043. [PMID: 33396864 PMCID: PMC7823318 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In natural infection, hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) accumulates frequent mutations. The most frequent HBc variant in chronic hepatitis B patients is mutant 97L, changing from an isoleucine or phenylalanine to a leucine (L) at HBc amino acid 97. One dogma in the HBV research field is that wild type HBV secretes predominantly virions containing mature double-stranded DNA genomes. Immature genomes, containing single-stranded RNA or DNA, do not get efficiently secreted until reaching genome maturity. Interestingly, HBc variant 97L does not follow this dogma in virion secretion. Instead, it exhibits an immature secretion phenotype, which preferentially secretes virions containing immature genomes. Other aberrant behaviors in virion secretion were also observed in different naturally occurring HBc variants. A hydrophobic pocket around amino acid 97 was identified by bioinformatics, genetic analysis, and cryo-EM. We postulated that this hydrophobic pocket could mediate the transduction of the genome maturation signal for envelopment from the capsid interior to its surface. Virion morphogenesis must involve interactions between HBc, envelope proteins (HBsAg) and host factors, such as components of ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport). Immature secretion can be offset by compensatory mutations, occurring at other positions in HBc or HBsAg. Recently, we demonstrated in mice that the persistence of intrahepatic HBV DNA is related to virion secretion regulated by HBV genome maturity. HBV virion secretion could be an antiviral drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaho Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
| | - Szu-Yao Wu
- Chimera Bioscience Inc., No. 18 Siyuan St., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10087, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Fan Chou
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ta-Tung Thomas Yuan
- TFBS Bioscience, Inc. 3F, No. 103, Ln 169, Kangning St., Xizhi Dist., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.S.); (T.-T.T.Y.)
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CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing of hepatitis B virus in chronically infected humanized mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 20:258-275. [PMID: 33473359 PMCID: PMC7803634 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem. New treatment approaches are needed because current treatments do not target covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the template for HBV replication, and rarely clear the virus. We harnessed adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors and CRISPR-Staphylococcus aureus (Sa)Cas9 to edit the HBV genome in liver-humanized FRG mice chronically infected with HBV and receiving entecavir. Gene editing was detected in livers of five of eight HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9-treated mice, but not control mice, and mice with detectable HBV gene editing showed higher levels of SaCas9 delivery to HBV+ human hepatocytes than those without gene editing. HBV-specific AAV-SaCas9 therapy significantly improved survival of human hepatocytes, showed a trend toward decreasing total liver HBV DNA and cccDNA, and was well tolerated. This work provides evidence for the feasibility and safety of in vivo gene editing for chronic HBV infections, and it suggests that with further optimization, this approach may offer a plausible way to treat or even cure chronic HBV infections.
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The microgravity enhanced polymer-mediated siRNA gene silence by improving cellular uptake. BIOPHYSICS REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41048-020-00121-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Graphical abstract
Abstract
Microgravity (MG) effect is a weightlessness phenomenon caused by the distance from the ground or low gravity of other planets outside the earth’s atmosphere. The various effects of MG have been corroborated in human and animal studies and modeled in cell-based analogs. However, the impact of MG on siRNA performance remains to be elucidated, which is crucial for aerospace medicine. In this study, we prepared nucleic acid nanomicelles (EAASc/siRNA) by using tri-block copolymer of PEG45-PAMA40-P(C7A36-DBA37) (EAASc) and siRNA and explored its working mechanism under simulated microgravity (SMG) condition generated by a random positioning machine (RPM). The binding ability of EAASc to siRNA and silence activity were firstly confirmed in normal gravity (NG) environment. Evaluation of PLK1 mRNA expression revealed that gene inhibition efficiencies were increased by 28.7% (HepG2) and 28.9% (A549) under SMG condition, compared with those under NG condition. In addition, mechanism exploration indicated that morphology and migration capability of cancer cells were significantly changed, the internalization of EAASc/siRNA by cells was magnified when the cells were incubated with RPM. No significant difference was observed regarding the expression profiles of genes involved in RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, including Ago2, Dicer, TRBP, and so on. Taken together, siRNA activity was elevated under SMG condition owning to increased cellular internalization. This study, for the first time to our knowledge, provides valuable theory for development and application of siRNA therapeutic in space in the future.
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Intracellular Trafficking of HBV Particles. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092023. [PMID: 32887393 PMCID: PMC7563130 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The human hepatitis B virus (HBV), that is causative for more than 240 million cases of chronic liver inflammation (hepatitis), is an enveloped virus with a partially double-stranded DNA genome. After virion uptake by receptor-mediated endocytosis, the viral nucleocapsid is transported towards the nuclear pore complex. In the nuclear basket, the nucleocapsid disassembles. The viral genome that is covalently linked to the viral polymerase, which harbors a bipartite NLS, is imported into the nucleus. Here, the partially double-stranded DNA genome is converted in a minichromosome-like structure, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). The DNA virus HBV replicates via a pregenomic RNA (pgRNA)-intermediate that is reverse transcribed into DNA. HBV-infected cells release apart from the infectious viral parrticle two forms of non-infectious subviral particles (spheres and filaments), which are assembled by the surface proteins but lack any capsid and nucleic acid. In addition, naked capsids are released by HBV replicating cells. Infectious viral particles and filaments are released via multivesicular bodies; spheres are secreted by the classic constitutive secretory pathway. The release of naked capsids is still not fully understood, autophagosomal processes are discussed. This review describes intracellular trafficking pathways involved in virus entry, morphogenesis and release of (sub)viral particles.
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Mani SKK, Yan B, Cui Z, Sun J, Utturkar S, Foca A, Fares N, Durantel D, Lanman N, Merle P, Kazemian M, Andrisani O. Restoration of RNA helicase DDX5 suppresses hepatitis B virus (HBV) biosynthesis and Wnt signaling in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Theranostics 2020; 10:10957-10972. [PMID: 33042264 PMCID: PMC7532671 DOI: 10.7150/thno.49629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: RNA helicase DDX5 is downregulated during hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, and poor prognosis HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study is to determine the mechanism and significance of DDX5 downregulation for HBV-driven HCC, and identify biologics to prevent DDX5 downregulation. Methods: Molecular approaches including immunoblotting, qRT-PCR, luciferase transfections, hepatosphere assays, Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq), and RNA-seq were used with cellular models of HBV replication, HBV infection, and HBV-related liver tumors, as well as bioinformatic analyses of liver cancer cells from two independent cohorts. Results: We demonstrate that HBV infection induces expression of the proto-oncogenic miR17~92 and miR106b~25 clusters which target the downregulation of DDX5. Increased expression of these miRNAs is also detected in HBV-driven HCCs exhibiting reduced DDX5 mRNA. Stable DDX5 knockdown (DDX5KD) in HBV replicating hepatocytes increased viral replication, and resulted in hepatosphere formation, drug resistance, Wnt activation, and pluripotency gene expression. ATAC-seq of DDX5KD compared to DDX5 wild-type (WT) cells identified accessible chromatin regions enriched in regulation of Wnt signaling genes. RNA-seq analysis comparing WT versus DDX5KD cells identified enhanced expression of multiple genes involved in Wnt pathway. Additionally, expression of Disheveled, DVL1, a key regulator of Wnt pathway activation, was significantly higher in liver cancer cells with low DDX5 expression, from two independent cohorts. Importantly, inhibitors (antagomirs) to miR17~92 and miR106b~25 restored DDX5 levels, reduced DVL1 expression, and suppressed both Wnt activation and viral replication. Conclusion : DDX5 is a negative regulator of Wnt signaling and hepatocyte reprogramming in HCCs. Restoration of DDX5 levels by miR17~92 / miR106b~25 antagomirs in HBV-infected patients can be explored as both antitumor and antiviral strategy.
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Viswanathan U, Mani N, Hu Z, Ban H, Du Y, Hu J, Chang J, Guo JT. Targeting the multifunctional HBV core protein as a potential cure for chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2020; 182:104917. [PMID: 32818519 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The core (capsid) protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the building block of nucleocapsids where viral DNA reverse transcriptional replication takes place and mediates virus-host cell interaction important for the persistence of HBV infection. The pleiotropic role of core protein (Cp) in HBV replication makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapies of chronic hepatitis B, a disease that affects more than 257 million people worldwide without a cure. Recent clinical studies indicate that core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) have a great promise as a key component of hepatitis B curative therapies. Particularly, it has been demonstrated that modulation of Cp dimer-dimer interactions by several chemical series of CpAMs not only inhibit nucleocapsid assembly and viral DNA replication, but also induce the disassembly of double-stranded DNA-containing nucleocapsids to prevent the synthesis of cccDNA. Moreover, the different chemotypes of CpAMs modulate Cp assembly by interaction with distinct amino acid residues at the HAP pocket between Cp dimer-dimer interfaces, which results in the assembly of Cp dimers into either non-capsid Cp polymers (type I CpAMs) or empty capsids with distinct physical property (type II CpAMs). The different CpAMs also differentially modulate Cp metabolism and subcellular distribution, which may impact cccDNA metabolism and host antiviral immune responses, the critical factors for the cure of chronic HBV infection. This review article highlights the recent research progress on the structure and function of core protein in HBV replication cycle, the mode of action of CpAMs, as well as the current status and perspectives on the discovery and development of core protein-targeting antivirals. This article forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "Wide-ranging immune and direct-acting antiviral approaches to curing HBV and HDV infections."
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Affiliation(s)
- Usha Viswanathan
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Nagraj Mani
- Arbutus Biopharma Inc., 701 Veterans Circle, Warminster, PA, 18974, USA
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Yanming Du
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA.
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Lucifora J, Michelet M, Rivoire M, Protzer U, Durantel D, Zoulim F. Two-dimensional-cultures of primary human hepatocytes allow efficient HBV infection: Old tricks still work! J Hepatol 2020; 73:449-451. [PMID: 32423632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.03.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Lucifora
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France.
| | - Maud Michelet
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | | | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site
| | - David Durantel
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, France; Department of Hepatology, Croix-Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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Hu Z, Ban H, Zheng H, Liu M, Chang J, Guo JT. Protein phosphatase 1 catalyzes HBV core protein dephosphorylation and is co-packaged with viral pregenomic RNA into nucleocapsids. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008669. [PMID: 32702076 PMCID: PMC7402523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its genomic DNA via viral DNA polymerase self-primed reverse transcription of a RNA pre-genome in the nucleocapsid assembled by 120 core protein (Cp) dimers. The arginine-rich carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of Cp plays an important role in the selective packaging of viral DNA polymerase-pregenomic (pg) RNA complex into nucleocapsid. Previous studies suggested that the CTD is initially phosphorylated at multiple sites to facilitate viral RNA packaging and subsequently dephosphorylated in association with viral DNA synthesis and secretion of DNA-containing virions. However, our recent studies suggested that Cp is hyper-phosphorylated as free dimers and its dephosphorylation is associated with pgRNA encapsidation. Herein, we provide further genetic and biochemical evidence supporting that extensive Cp dephosphorylation does take place during the assembly of pgRNA-containing nucleocapsids, but not empty capsids. Moreover, we found that cellular protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) is required for Cp dephosphorylation and pgRNA packaging. Interestingly, the PP1 catalytic subunits α and β were packaged into pgRNA-containing nucleocapsids, but not empty capsids, and treatment of HBV replicating cells with core protein allosteric modulators (CpAMs) promoted empty capsid assembly and abrogated the encapsidation of PP1 α and β. Our study thus identified PP1 as a host cellular factor that is co-packaged into HBV nucleocapsids, and plays an essential role in selective packaging of the viral DNA-polymerase-pgRNA complex through catalyzing Cp dephosphorylation. Selective packaging of pregenomic RNA by core protein dimers into nucleocapsid is a key step of HBV replication and is subjected for the regulation by multiple viral and host cellular factors. HBV core protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation play an essential role in HBV genome replication. However, the cellular kinases and phosphatases responsible for the biochemical events remain elusive. Identification of cellular protein phosphatase 1 as a host cellular factor catalyzing core protein dephosphorylation and facilitating viral pregenomic RNA packaging into nucleocapsids sheds new light on the molecular mechanism of HBV replication and development of therapeutics to cure chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanying Hu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Haiqun Ban
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Haiyan Zheng
- Biological mass spectrometry facility, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mingliang Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tian-Tan Xi-Li, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Phosphorylation of the Arginine-Rich C-Terminal Domains of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Core Protein as a Fine Regulator of the Interaction between HBc and Nucleic Acid. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070738. [PMID: 32650547 PMCID: PMC7412469 DOI: 10.3390/v12070738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenesis of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) viral particles is nucleated by the oligomerization of HBc protein molecules, resulting in the formation of an icosahedral capsid shell containing the replication-competent nucleoprotein complex made of the viral polymerase and the pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA). HBc is a phospho-protein containing two distinct domains acting together throughout the viral replication cycle. The N-terminal domain, (residues 1–140), shown to self-assemble, is linked by a short flexible domain to the basic C-terminal domain (residues 150–183) that interacts with nucleic acids (NAs). In addition, the C-terminal domain contains a series of phospho-acceptor residues that undergo partial phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation during virus replication. This highly dynamic process governs the homeostatic charge that is essential for capsid stability, pgRNA packaging and to expose the C-terminal domain at the surface of the particles for cell trafficking. In this review, we discuss the roles of the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of HBc protein during HBV morphogenesis, focusing on how the C-terminal domain phosphorylation dynamics regulate its interaction with nucleic acids throughout the assembly and maturation of HBV particles.
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Luo J, Xi J, Gao L, Hu J. Role of Hepatitis B virus capsid phosphorylation in nucleocapsid disassembly and covalently closed circular DNA formation. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008459. [PMID: 32226051 PMCID: PMC7145273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) delivers a partially double-stranded, relaxed circular (RC) DNA genome in complete virions to the host cell nucleus for conversion to the covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA, which establishes and sustains viral infection. An overlength pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) is then transcribed from CCC DNA and packaged into immature nucleocapsids (NCs) by the viral core (HBc) protein. pgRNA is reverse transcribed to produce RC DNA in mature NCs, which are then enveloped and secreted as complete virions, or delivered to the nucleus to replenish the nuclear CCC DNA pool. RC DNA, whether originating from extracellular virions or intracellular mature NCs, must be released upon NC disassembly (uncoating) for CCC DNA formation. HBc is known to undergo dynamic phosphorylation and dephosphorylation at its C-terminal domain (CTD) to facilitate pgRNA packaging and reverse transcription. Here, two putative phosphorylation sites in the HBc N-terminal domain (NTD), S44 and S49, were targeted for genetic and biochemical analysis to assess their potential roles in viral replication. The NTD mutant that mimics the non-phosphorylated state (N2A) was competent in all steps of viral replication tested from capsid assembly, pgRNA packaging, reverse transcription, to virion secretion, except for a decrease in CCC DNA formation. On the other hand, the phosphor-mimetic mutant N2E showed a defect in the early step of pgRNA packaging but enhanced the late step of mature NC uncoating and consequently, increased CCC DNA formation. N2E also enhanced phosphorylation in CTD and possibly elsewhere in HBc. Furthermore, inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), which is packaged into viral capsids, could block CCC DNA formation. These results prompted us to propose a model whereby rephosphorylation of HBc at both NTD and CTD by the packaged CDK2, following CTD dephosphorylation during NC maturation, facilitates uncoating and CCC DNA formation by destabilizing mature NCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ji Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Lu Gao
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nishi M, Miyakawa K, Matsunaga S, Khatun H, Yamaoka Y, Watashi K, Sugiyama M, Kimura H, Wakita T, Ryo A. Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Regulates the Stability of Hepatitis B Virus Core Protein. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:26. [PMID: 32083080 PMCID: PMC7005485 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between virus and host proteins is critical for establishing efficient viral replication and virus-induced pathogenesis. Phosphorylation-dependent prolyl isomerization by Pin1 provides a unique mechanism of molecular switching to control both protein function and stability. We demonstrate here that Pin1 binds and stabilizes hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) in a phosphorylation-dependent manner, and promotes the efficient viral propagation. Phos-tag gel electrophoresis with various site-directed mutants of HBc revealed that Thr160 and Ser162 residues within the C terminal arginine-rich domain are phosphorylated concomitantly. GST pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that Pin1 associated with phosphorylated HBc at the Thr160-Pro and Ser162-Pro motifs. Chemical or genetic inhibition of Pin1 significantly accelerated the rapid degradation of HBc via a lysosome-dependent pathway. Furthermore, we found that the pyruvate dehydrogenase phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (PDP2) could dephosphorylate HBc at the Pin1-binding sites, thereby suppressing Pin1-mediated HBc stabilization. Our findings reveal an important regulatory mechanism of HBc stability catalyzed by Pin1 and may facilitate the development of new antiviral therapeutics targeting Pin1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Nishi
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kei Miyakawa
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Satoko Matsunaga
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hajera Khatun
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yutaro Yamaoka
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Isehara Research Laboratory, Technology and Development Division, Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., Isehara, Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medical Technology, Gunma Paz University, Takasaki, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Genome Medical Sciences Project, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Akihide Ryo
- Department of Microbiology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Foca A, Dhillon A, Lahlali T, Lucifora J, Salvetti A, Rivoire M, Lee A, Durantel D. Antiviral activity of PLK1-targeting siRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles in HBV-infected hepatocytes. Antivir Ther 2020; 25:151-162. [PMID: 32496211 DOI: 10.3851/imp3361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A link between HBV and PLK1 was clearly evidenced in HBV-driven carcinogenesis, and we have also recently shown that PLK1 is a proviral factor in the early phases of HBV infection. Moreover, we have shown that BI-2536, a small molecule PLK1 inhibitor, was very efficient at inhibiting HBV DNA neosynthesis, notably by affecting nucleocapsid assembly as a result of the modulation of HBc phosphorylation. Yet, as small molecule kinase inhibitors often feature poor selectivity, a more specific and safer strategy to target PLK1 would be needed for a potential development against chronic HBV infections. METHODS Here, we analysed using both freshly isolated primary human hepatocytes and differentiated HepaRG, the anti-HBV properties of an LNP-encapsulated PLK1-targeting siRNA. Standard assays were used to monitor the effect of LNP siPLK1, or controls (LNP siHBV and LNP siNon-targeting), on HBV replication and cell viability. RESULTS A dose as low as 100 ng/ml of LNP-siPLK1 resulted in a >75% decrease in secreted HBV DNA (viral particles), which was comparable to that obtained with LNP siHBV or 10 µM of tenofovir (TFV), without affecting cell viability. Interestingly, and in contrast to that obtained with TFV, a strong inhibition of viral RNA and HBe/HBsAg secretions was also observed under LNP siPLK1 treatment. This correlated with a significant intracellular decrease of vRNA accumulation, which was independent of any change in cccDNA levels, thus suggesting a transcriptional or post-transcriptional modulation. Such an effect was not obtained with a biochemical approach of PLK1 inhibition, suggesting an enzymatic-independent role of PLK1. CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes that a specific PLK1 inhibition could help in achieving an improved HBsAg loss in CHB patients, likely in combination with other HBsAg-targeting strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Foca
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), UMR_S1052, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | | | - Thomas Lahlali
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), UMR_S1052, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Lucifora
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), UMR_S1052, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), UMR_S1052, UCBL, Lyon, France
| | | | - Amy Lee
- Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - David Durantel
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), UMR_S1052, UCBL, Lyon, France
- Labex DEVweCAN, Lyon, France
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Xiao Y, Liu C, Tang W, Zhang H, Chen X. Evans Blue Inhibits HBV Replication Through a Dual Antiviral Mechanism by Targeting Virus Binding and Capsid Assembly. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2638. [PMID: 31798562 PMCID: PMC6868041 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a global health problem caused by human hepatitis B virus (HBV). Current treatment with interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) can cause population tolerance and drug resistance. Therefore, new antiviral drugs, especially those targeting host factors, are urgently needed. Here, we identified Evans blue as a new HBV inhibitor by screening an FDA drug library using Huh7DhNTCP cells and confirmed the antiviral activity in primary human hepatocytes and human sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (hNTCP)-transfected porcine primary hepatocytes. Our efficacy study showed that Evans blue has an IC50 of 2 μM against HBV infection in Huh7DhNTCP cells, and no apparent toxicity at up to 1000 μM. The IC50 of Evans blue against HBV in primary human hepatocytes was approximately 5 μM. Mechanism studies revealed that Evans blue has a dual anti-HBV effect. It inhibits both the binding of viral preS1 to host cells through the host factor NTCP and the virus capsid assembly by targeting the host factor BK channel. The KD of the direct interaction between Evans blue and NTCP is 8.82E-8 M. Evans blue can suppress capsid assembly at micromolar concentrations by reducing the cytosolic calcium ion concentration. Since the antiviral effects on HBV binding and assembly are both achieved through targeting host factors, Evans blue inhibits the infection of nucleos(t)ide analog drug-resistant HBV strains in Huh7DhNTCP cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Evans blue may be a promising anti-HBV drug candidate in the classes of both entry and assembly inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Haiwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xulin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Jeong GU, Ahn BY. Aurora kinase A promotes hepatitis B virus replication and expression. Antiviral Res 2019; 170:104572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Abstract
With a yearly death toll of 880,000, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a major health problem worldwide, despite an effective prophylactic vaccine and well-tolerated, effective antivirals. HBV causes chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The viral genome persists in infected hepatocytes even after long-term antiviral therapy, and its integration, though no longer able to support viral replication, destabilizes the host genome. HBV is a DNA virus that utilizes a virus-encoded reverse transcriptase to convert an RNA intermediate, termed pregenomic RNA, into the relaxed circular DNA genome, which is subsequently converted into a covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the host cell nucleus. cccDNA is maintained in the nucleus of the infected hepatocyte as a stable minichromosome and functions as the viral transcriptional template for the production of all viral gene products, and thus, it is the molecular basis of HBV persistence. The nuclear cccDNA pool can be replenished through recycling of newly synthesized, DNA-containing HBV capsids. Licensed antivirals target the HBV reverse transcriptase activity but fail to eliminate cccDNA, which would be required to cure HBV infection. Elimination of HBV cccDNA is so far only achieved by antiviral immune responses. Thus, this review will focus on possible curative strategies aimed at eliminating or crippling the viral cccDNA. Newer insights into the HBV life cycle and host immune response provide novel, potentially curative therapeutic opportunities and targets.
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Wang Z, Li W, Jing H, Ding M, Fu G, Yuan T, Huang W, Dai M, Tang D, Zeng M, Chen Y, Zhang H, Zhu X, Peng Y, Li Q, Yu WF, Yan HX, Zhai B. Generation of hepatic spheroids using human hepatocyte-derived liver progenitor-like cells for hepatotoxicity screening. Theranostics 2019; 9:6690-6705. [PMID: 31588244 PMCID: PMC6771233 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (iDILI) is a major cause of acute liver injury and a key challenge in late-stage drug development. Individual heterogeneity is considered to be an essential factor of iDILI. However, few in vitro model can predict heterogeneity in iDILI. We have previously shown that mouse and human hepatocytes can be converted to expandable liver progenitor-like cells in vitro (HepLPCs). However, the limited proliferation potential of human HepLPCs confines its industrial application. Here, we reported the generation of a novel hepatocyte model not only to provide unlimited cell sources for human hepatocytes but also to establish a tool for studying iDILI in vitro. Methods: Human primary hepatocytes were isolated by modified two-step perfusion technique. The chemical reprogramming culture condition together with gene-transfer were then used to generate the immortalized HepLPC cell lines (iHepLPCs). Growth curve, doubling time, and karyotype were analyzed to evaluate the proliferation characteristics of iHepLPCs. Modified Hepatocyte Maturation Medium and 3D spheroid culture were applied to re-differentiate iHepLPCs. Results: iHepLPCs exhibited efficient expansion for at least 40 population doublings, with a stable proliferative ability. They could easily differentiate back into metabolically functional hepatocytes in vitro within 10 days. Furthermore, under three-dimensional culture conditions, the formed hepatic spheroids showed multiple liver functions and toxicity profiles close to those of primary human hepatocytes. Importantly, we established a hepatocyte bank by generating a specific number of such cell lines. Screening for population heterogeneity allowed us to analyze the in vitro heterogeneous responses to hepatotoxicity induced by molecular targeted drugs. Conclusions: In light of the proliferative capacity and the heterogeneity they represented, these iHepLPCs cell lines may offer assistance in studying xenobiotic metabolism as well as liver diseases in vitro.
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Song Z, Yu Z, Chen L, Zhou Z, Zou Q, Liu Y. MicroRNA-1181 supports the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by repressing AXIN1. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 119:109397. [PMID: 31514071 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-RNAs regulate multiple biological behaviors of cancers, making them potential targets of new cancer therapies. MiR-1181 has been demonstrated to perform oncogenic or tumor-suppressing function in a tissue-dependent way, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was unclear. Here, we showed that miR-1181 was significantly overexpressed in HCC tissues when compared with tumor-adjacent normal ones or normal liver tissues from donated organ, and that inhibition of miR-1181 could repress the growth of HCC cells. Through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays, we found that axis inhibition protein 1 (AXIN1) was a direct target of miR-1181, and the expression of AXIN1 showed a negative correlation with that of miR-1181 in HCC. Therefore, these data indicated an oncogenic function of miRNA-1181 in the development of HCC and a potential target for the clinical treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewen Song
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhaomei Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Infection, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Zhijiao Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Qiong Zou
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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38
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Szollosi D, Bill A. Potential Role of Endonuclease Inhibition and Other Targets in the Treatment of Influenza. Curr Drug Targets 2019; 21:202-211. [PMID: 31368872 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190801115130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Influenza is a single-stranded RNA virus that is highly contagious and infects millions of people in the U.S. annually. Due to complications, approximately 959,000 people were hospitalized and another 79,400 people died during the 2017-2018 flu season. While the best methods of prevention continue to be vaccination and hygiene, antiviral treatments may help reduce symptoms for those who are infected. Until recently, the only antiviral drugs in use have been the neuraminidase inhibitors: oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir. OBJECTIVE We reviewed novel drug targets that can be used in the treatment of influenza, particularly in the case of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant strains that may emerge. RESULTS More recently, a drug with a new mechanism of action has been approved. Baloxavir marboxil inhibits the influenza cap-dependent endonuclease that is needed for the virus to initiate replication within the host cell. This endonuclease target is within the polymerase acid (PA) subunit of RNA polymerase. Since the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase consists of two other subunits, polymerase basic 1 and 2, RNA polymerase has several targets that prevent viral replication. Other targets still under investigation include viral kinases, endocytosis, and viral fusion. CONCLUSION Due to the possibility of viral mutations and resistance, it is important to have antivirals with different mechanisms available, especially in the case of a new pandemic strain. Several novel antivirals are within various stages of development and may represent new classes of treatments that can reduce symptoms and complications in those patients who may be at higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Szollosi
- University of Saint Joseph, School of Pharmacy & Physician Assistant Studies 229 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
| | - Ashley Bill
- University of Saint Joseph, School of Pharmacy & Physician Assistant Studies 229 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT 06103, United States
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Hu J, Cheng J, Tang L, Hu Z, Luo Y, Li Y, Zhou T, Chang J, Guo JT. Virological Basis for the Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B. ACS Infect Dis 2019; 5:659-674. [PMID: 29893548 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.8b00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has infected one-third of world population, and 240 million people are chronic carriers, to whom a curative therapy is still not available. Similar to other viruses, persistent HBV infection relies on the virus to exploit host cell functions to support its replication and efficiently evade host innate and adaptive antiviral immunity. Understanding HBV replication and concomitant host cell interactions is thus instrumental for development of therapeutics to disrupt the virus-host interactions critical for its persistence and cure chronic hepatitis B. Although the currently available cell culture systems of HBV infection are refractory to genome-wide high throughput screening of key host cellular factors essential for and/or regulating HBV replication, classic one-gene (or pathway)-at-a-time studies in the last several decades have already revealed many aspects of HBV-host interactions. An overview of the landscape of HBV-hepatocyte interaction indicates that, in addition to more tightly suppressing viral replication by directly targeting viral proteins, disruption of key viral-host cell interactions to eliminate or inactivate the covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA, the most stable HBV replication intermediate that exists as an episomal minichromosome in the nucleus of infected hepatocyte, is essential to achieve a functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Moreover, therapeutic targeting of integrated HBV DNA and their transcripts may also be required to induce hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and prevent liver carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 1 Tian-tan Xi-li, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Junjun Cheng
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Liudi Tang
- Microbiology and Immunology Graduate Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 West Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, United States
| | - Zhanying Hu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Yue Luo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
- Institute of Hepatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, 1 Tian-tan Xi-li, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tianlun Zhou
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18902, United States
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Heger-Stevic J, Zimmermann P, Lecoq L, Böttcher B, Nassal M. Hepatitis B virus core protein phosphorylation: Identification of the SRPK1 target sites and impact of their occupancy on RNA binding and capsid structure. PLoS Pathog 2018; 14:e1007488. [PMID: 30566530 PMCID: PMC6317823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1007488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) replicates its 3 kb DNA genome through capsid-internal reverse transcription, initiated by assembly of 120 core protein (HBc) dimers around a complex of viral pregenomic (pg) RNA and polymerase. Following synthesis of relaxed circular (RC) DNA capsids can be enveloped and secreted as stable virions. Upon infection of a new cell, however, the capsid disintegrates to release the RC-DNA into the nucleus for conversion into covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA. HBc´s interactions with nucleic acids are mediated by an arginine-rich C terminal domain (CTD) with intrinsically strong non-specific RNA binding activity. Adaptation to the changing demands for nucleic acid binding during the viral life cycle is thought to involve dynamic phosphorylation / dephosphorylation events. However, neither the relevant enzymes nor their target sites in HBc are firmly established. Here we developed a bacterial coexpression system enabling access to definably phosphorylated HBc. Combining Phos-tag gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and mutagenesis we identified seven of the eight hydroxy amino acids in the CTD as target sites for serine-arginine rich protein kinase 1 (SRPK1); fewer sites were phosphorylated by PKA and PKC. Phosphorylation of all seven sites reduced nonspecific RNA encapsidation as drastically as deletion of the entire CTD and altered CTD surface accessibility, without major structure changes in the capsid shell. The bulk of capsids from human hepatoma cells was similarly highly, yet non-identically, phosphorylated as by SRPK1. While not proving SRPK1 as the infection-relevant HBc kinase the data suggest a mechanism whereby high-level HBc phosphorylation principally suppresses RNA binding whereas one or few strategic dephosphorylation events enable selective packaging of the pgRNA/polymerase complex. The tools developed in this study should greatly facilitate the further deciphering of the role of HBc phosphorylation in HBV infection and its evaluation as a potential new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Heger-Stevic
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Biological Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Biological Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lauriane Lecoq
- Institut de Biologie et Chimie des Protéines, University of Lyon1, Lyon, France
| | - Bettina Böttcher
- Department of Biochemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Department of Medicine II / Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Wouters R, Pu SY, Froeyen M, Lescrinier E, Einav S, Herdewijn P, De Jonghe S. Cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) affinity and antiviral activity studies of a series of 3-C-substituted isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridines. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 163:256-265. [PMID: 30529544 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) is a cellular regulator of the clathrin-associated host adaptor proteins AP-1 and AP-2, which regulates intracellular trafficking of dengue virus during early and late stages of the viral lifecycle. Previously, the discovery of isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridines as potent and selective GAK inhibitors with promising antiviral activity was reported. In this manuscript, the synthesis of isothiazolo[4,3-b]pyridines with a carbon-linked substituent at position 3 is described by the application of regioselective Suzuki and Sonogashira coupling reactions. A derivative with a 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl residue at position 3 demonstrates low nanomolar binding affinity for GAK and antiviral activity against dengue virus. These findings reveal that appropriate substitution of a phenyl moiety at position 3 of the scaffold can improve GAK binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy Wouters
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Szu-Yuan Pu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Mathy Froeyen
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eveline Lescrinier
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shirit Einav
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- Medicinal Chemistry, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, bus 1041, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Musa J, Li J, Grünewald TG. Hepatitis B virus large surface protein is priming for hepatocellular carcinoma development via induction of cytokinesis failure. J Pathol 2018; 247:6-8. [PMID: 30246253 DOI: 10.1002/path.5169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a main risk factor for development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HBV vaccination and antiviral therapy lead to substantial risk reduction for HCC development, it is evident that both can reduce, but not completely eliminate the risk. High serum levels of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) were shown to predict disease progression of chronic HBV infection in patients harboring low viral load, and in line with this, HBV surface proteins were shown to exert oncogenic functions. As HBsAg seroclearance is infrequently achieved in patients who have undergone antiviral therapy, it is necessary to gain further insights into molecular mechanisms of HBsAg seroclearance failure after antiviral therapy and HCC development mediated by HBV surface proteins. A recent study published in this journal has shown that the HBsAg large surface protein (LHBs) contributes to HCC development by inducing cytokinesis failure and consequent aneuploidy via induction of DNA damage and polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-mediated G2/M checkpoint failure in hepatocytes. Inhibition of PLK1 by a PLK1-specific small molecule inhibitor was shown to restore G2/M checkpoint in vitro and to reduce tumor burden in vivo. The initial LHBs-induced hepatocyte aneuploidy may give rise to further aneuploidy and thereby lead to self-propagating cycles of chromosomal instability driving intra-tumor heterogeneity and clonal cancer evolution. Thus, LHBs-induced cytokinesis failure may be a priming event for HCC development. In conclusion, the study not only provides further mechanistic insights into the oncogenic role of LHBs, but also identifies a potential target to interfere with the vicious circle of LHBs-induced aneuploidy, which may be especially useful in patients showing failure of HBsAg seroclearance after antiviral therapy. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Musa
- Faculty of Medicine, Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jing Li
- Faculty of Medicine, Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Gp Grünewald
- Faculty of Medicine, Max-Eder Research Group for Pediatric Sarcoma Biology, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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43
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Yang F. Post-translational Modification Control of HBV Biological Processes. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:2661. [PMID: 30443247 PMCID: PMC6222169 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.02661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection remains a global healthy issue that needs to be urgently solved. Novel strategies for anti-viral therapy are based on exploring the effective diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets of diseases caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. It is well-established that not only viral proteins themselves but also key factors from the host control the biological processes associated with HBV, including replication, transcription, packaging, and secretion. Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs), such as phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, and ubiquitination, have been shown to control protein activity, regulate protein stability, promote protein interactions and alter protein subcellular localization, leading to the modulation of crucial signaling pathways and affected cellular processes. This review focuses on the functions and effects of diverse PTMs in regulating important processes in the HBV life cycle. The potential roles of PTMs in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated liver diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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44
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Zhang L, Huang Y, Ling J, Zhuo W, Yu Z, Shao M, Luo Y, Zhu Y. Screening and function analysis of hub genes and pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma via bioinformatics approaches. Cancer Biomark 2018; 22:511-521. [PMID: 29843214 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-171160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver carcinoma is a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Up to date, the mechanisms of liver cancerigenesis and development have not been fully understood. Multi-genes and pathways were involved in the tumorigenesis of liver cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to screen key genes and pathways in liver cancerigenesis and development by using bioinformatics methods. METHODS A dataset GSE64041 were retrieved from GEO database and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened out. Then the DEG functions were annotated by gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis, respectively. The hub genes were further selected by protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. Afterwards, the mRNA and protein expressions as well as the prognostic values of the hub genes were assessed. RESULTS As a result, 208 up-regulated and 82 down-regulated genes were screened out. These DEGs were mainly enriched in cell cycle and metabolism-related pathways. Through PPI analysis, TOP2A, PRDM10, CDK1, AURKA, BUB1, PLK1, CDKN3, NCAPG, BUB1B and CCNA2 were selected as hub genes, which were all over-expressed in liver cancers relative to those in normal tissues, respectively. Among them, PLK1 and CCNA2 were suggested to be prognostic factors for liver carcinoma. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the present study identified several hub genes, and cell cycle and metabolism-related pathways that may play critical roles in the tumorigenesis of liver cancer. Future validation laboratory experiments are required to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Junjun Ling
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenlei Zhuo
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengmeng Shao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunbo Luo
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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45
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Mitra B, Thapa RJ, Guo H, Block TM. Host functions used by hepatitis B virus to complete its life cycle: Implications for developing host-targeting agents to treat chronic hepatitis B. Antiviral Res 2018; 158:185-198. [PMID: 30145242 PMCID: PMC6193490 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Similar to other mammalian viruses, the life cycle of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is heavily dependent upon and regulated by cellular (host) functions. These cellular functions can be generally placed in to two categories: (a) intrinsic host restriction factors and innate defenses, which must be evaded or repressed by the virus; and (b) gene products that provide functions necessary for the virus to complete its life cycle. Some of these functions may apply to all viruses, but some may be specific to HBV. In certain cases, the virus may depend upon the host function much more than does the host itself. Knowing which host functions regulate the different steps of a virus' life cycle, can lead to new antiviral targets and help in developing novel treatment strategies, in addition to improving a fundamental understanding of viral pathogenesis. Therefore, in this review we will discuss known host factors which influence key steps of HBV life cycle, and further elucidate therapeutic interventions targeting host-HBV interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Mitra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Haitao Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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46
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Zhu Q, Sun Y, Zhou Q, He Q, Qian H. Identification of key genes and pathways by bioinformatics analysis with TCGA RNA sequencing data in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2018; 9:597-606. [PMID: 30546887 PMCID: PMC6256287 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improved insight into the molecular characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is required to predict prognosis and to develop a new rationale for targeted therapeutic strategy. Bioinformatics methods, including functional enrichment and network analysis combined with survival analysis, are required to process a large volume of data to obtain further information on differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The RNA sequencing data related to HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were analyzed to screen DEGs, which were separately submitted to perform gene enrichment analysis to identify gene sets and signaling pathways, and to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Subsequently, hub genes were selected by the core level in the network, and the top hub genes were focused on gene expression analysis and survival analysis. A total of 610 DEGs were identified, including 444 upregulated and 166 downregulated genes. The upregulated DEGs were significantly enriched in the Gene Ontology analysis (GO): Cell division and in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway: Cell cycle, whereas the downregulated DEGs were enriched in GO: Negative regulation of growth and in the KEGG pathway: Retinol metabolism, with significant differences. Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)1 was selected as the top hub gene by the PPI network, which exhibited a similar expression trend with the data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Survival analysis revealed a significantly negative correlation between CDK1 expression level and overall survival in the TCGA group (P<0.01) and the GEO group (P<0.01). Therefore, high-throughput TCGA data analysis appears to be an effective method for screening tumor molecular markers, and high expression of CDK1 is a prognostic factor for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiandong Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yunpeng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qingqing Zhou
- Department of Operation Room, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qikuan He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Haixin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215006, P.R. China
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Novel Potent Capsid Assembly Modulators Regulate Multiple Steps of the Hepatitis B Virus Life Cycle. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00835-18. [PMID: 30012770 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00835-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) into capsids represents a critical step of viral replication. HBc has multiple functions during the HBV life cycle, which makes it an attractive target for antiviral therapies. Capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) induce the formation of empty capsid or aberrant capsid devoid of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) and finally block relaxed circular DNA neosynthesis and virion progeny. In this study, the novel CAMs JNJ-827 and JNJ-890 were found to be potent inhibitors of HBV replication with respective half-maximal effective concentrations of 4.7 and 66 nM, respectively, in HepG2.117 cells. Antiviral profiling in differentiated HepaRG (dHepaRG) cells and primary human hepatocytes revealed that these compounds efficiently inhibited HBV replication, as well as de novo establishment of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). In addition to these two known effects of CAMs, we observed for the first time that a CAM, here JNJ-827, when added postinfection for a short-term period, significantly reduced hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) secretion without affecting the levels of cccDNA amount, transcription, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion. This inhibitory activity resulted from a direct effect of JNJ-827 on HBeAg biogenesis. In a long-term treatment condition using persistently infected dHepaRG cells, JNJ-827 and JNJ-890 reduced HBsAg concomitantly with a decrease in viral total RNA and pgRNA levels. Altogether, these data demonstrate that some CAMs could interfere with multiple functions of HBc in the viral life cycle.
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48
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Chabrolles H, Lahlali T, Auclair H, Salvetti A. [The multiple functions of the hepatitis B virus core protein: new research directions and therapeutic challenges]. Med Sci (Paris) 2018; 34:693-700. [PMID: 30230454 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20183408016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem with more than 250 millions of people chronically infected worldwide who have a high risk to develop cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Available treatments reduce viremia but do not eradicate the virus from hepatocytes. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new classes of antiviral molecules and the viral capsid protein, Core, constitutes a new favored target. Core protein Allosteric Modulators (CAMs) targeting its assembly functions are in clinical development. In addition, investigation of Core regulatory functions may lead to the development of compounds targeting cellular factors (HTA) that could be used in combined therapies aiming to achieve a better control of HBV replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Chabrolles
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052, 151, cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Thomas Lahlali
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052, 151, cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Héloïse Auclair
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052, 151, cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Anna Salvetti
- Centre de recherche en cancérologie de Lyon (CRCL), Inserm U1052, 151, cours Albert Thomas, 69003 Lyon, France
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49
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Mani SKK, Andrisani O. Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatic Cancer Stem Cells. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9030137. [PMID: 29498629 PMCID: PMC5867858 DOI: 10.3390/genes9030137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis. Despite the availability of a HBV vaccine, current treatments for HCC are inadequate. Globally, 257 million people are chronic HBV carriers, and children born from HBV-infected mothers become chronic carriers, destined to develop liver cancer. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are needed to target essential pathways involved in HCC pathogenesis. Accumulating evidence supports existence of hepatic cancer stem cells (hCSCs), which contribute to chemotherapy resistance and cancer recurrence after treatment or surgery. Understanding how hCSCs form will enable development of therapeutic strategies to prevent their formation. Recent studies have identified an epigenetic mechanism involving the downregulation of the chromatin modifying Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) during HBV infection, which results in re-expression of hCSC marker genes in infected hepatocytes and HBV-associated liver tumors. However, the genesis of hCSCs requires, in addition to the expression of hCSC markers cellular changes, rewiring of metabolism, cell survival, escape from programmed cell death, and immune evasion. How these changes occur in chronically HBV-infected hepatocytes is not yet understood. In this review, we will present the basics about HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. Next, we will discuss studies describing the mutational landscape of liver cancers and how epigenetic mechanisms likely orchestrate cellular reprograming of hepatocytes to enable formation of hCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saravana Kumar Kailasam Mani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - Ourania Andrisani
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences and Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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50
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Lai MMC, Su WC. Polo-like-kinase 1: A key cellular target for anti-HBV therapy? Hepatology 2017; 66:1719-1721. [PMID: 28749534 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M C Lai
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Emerging Viruses, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chi Su
- China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Emerging Viruses, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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