Complementation of apolipoprotein B mRNA editing by human liver accompanied by secretion of apolipoprotein B48

APOBEC1 mediated C-to-U RNA editing: target sequence and trans-acting factor contribution to 177 RNA editing events in 119 murine transcripts in-vivo

Mammalian C-to-U RNA editing was described more than 30 years ago as a single nucleotide modification in small intestinal Apob RNA, later shown to be mediated by the RNA-specific cytidine deaminase APOBEC1. Reports of other examples of C-to-U RNA editing, coupled with the advent of genome-wide transcriptome sequencing, identified an expanded range of APOBEC1 targets. Here we analyze the cis-acting regulatory components of verified murine C-to-U RNA editing targets, including nearest neighbor as well as flanking sequence requirements and folding predictions. RNA secondary structure of the editing cassette was associated with editing frequency and exhibited minimal free energy values comparable to small nuclear RNAs. We summarize findings demonstrating the relative importance of trans-acting factors (A1CF, RBM47) acting in concert with APOBEC1. Co-factor dominance was associated with editing frequency, with RNAs targeted by both RBM47 and A1CF edited at a lower frequency than RBM47 dominant targets. Using this information, we developed a multivariable linear regression model to predict APOBEC1 dependent C-to-U RNA editing efficiency, incorporating factors independently associated with editing frequencies based on 103 Sanger-confirmed editing sites, which accounted for 84% of the observed variance. This model also predicted a composite score for available human C-to-U RNA targets, which again correlated with editing frequency.

RNA Editors, Cofactors, and mRNA Targets: An Overview of the C-to-U RNA Editing Machinery and Its Implication in Human Disease

One of the most prevalent epitranscriptomic modifications is RNA editing. In higher eukaryotes, RNA editing is catalyzed by one of two classes of deaminases: ADAR family enzymes that catalyze A-to-I (read as G) editing, and AID/APOBEC family enzymes that catalyze C-to-U. ADAR-catalyzed deamination has been studied extensively. Here we focus on AID/APOBEC-catalyzed editing, and review the emergent knowledge regarding C-to-U editing consequences in the context of human disease.

Can modulators of apolipoproteinB biogenesis serve as an alternate target for cholesterol-lowering drugs?

Understanding the molecular defects underlying cardiovascular disease is necessary for the development of therapeutics. The most common method to lower circulating lipids, which reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease, is statins, but other drugs are now entering the clinic, some of which have been approved. Nevertheless, patients cannot tolerate some of these therapeutics, the drugs are costly, and/or the treatments are approved for only rare forms of disease. Efforts to find alternative treatments have focused on other factors, such as apolipoproteinB (apoB), which transports cholesterol in the blood stream. The levels of apoB are regulated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated degradation as well as by a post ER degradation pathway in model systems, and we suggest that these events provide novel therapeutic targets. We discuss first how cardiovascular disease arises and how cholesterol is regulated, and then summarize the mechanisms of action of existing treatments for cardiovascular disease. We then review the apoB biosynthetic pathway, focusing on steps that might be amenable to therapeutic interventions.

RNA editing of the apolipoprotein B gene A mechanism to regulate the atherogenic potential of intestinal lipoproteins?

Apolipoprotein B (apo B) circulates in two distinct isomorphic forms, each the product of a single gene. The larger form, referred to as apo B-100, is the major protein of plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and is synthesized by the human liver. The smaller form, referred to as apo B-48, is produced in the small intestine as a result of a site-specific cytidine deamination, which alters a CAA codon, encoding glutamine in the unedited (apo B-100) mRNA to UAA, which specifies an in-frame stop codon. Apo B-48 lacks the domains involved in LDL receptor interaction and in complex formation with apolipoprotein(a). DNA sequence analysis of the gene that mediates this site-specific cytidine deamination suggests that apo B mRNA editing is an evolutionary adaptation to limit the atherogenic potential of intestinal lipoproteins.

APOBEC-1-mediated RNA editing

RNA editing defines a molecular process by which a nucleotide sequence is modified in the RNA transcript and results in an amino acid change in the recoded message from that specified in the gene. We will restrict our attention to the type of RNA editing peculiar to mammals, i.e., nuclear C to U RNA editing. This category of RNA editing contrasts with RNA modifications described in plants, i.e., organellar RNA editing (reviewed in Ref 1). Mammalian RNA editing is genetically and biochemically classified into two groups, namely insertion-deletional and substitutional. Substitutional RNA editing is exclusive to mammals, again with two types reported, namely adenosine to inosine and cytosine to uracil (C to U). This review will examine mammalian C to U RNA editing of apolipoproteinB (apoB) RNA and the role of the catalytic deaminase Apobec-1. We will speculate on the functions of Apobec-1 beyond C to U RNA editing as implied from its ability to bind AU-rich RNAs and discuss evidence that dysregulation of Apobec-1 expression might be associated with carcinogenesis through aberrant RNA editing or altered RNA stability.

Mouse and other rodent models of C to U RNA editing

Substitutional RNA editing represents an important posttranscriptional enzymatic pathway for increasing genetic plasticity by permitting production of different translation products from a single genomically encoded template. One of the best-characterized examples in mammals is C to U deamination of the nuclear apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA. ApoB mRNA undergoes a single, site-specific cytidine deamination event yielding an edited transcript that results in tissue-specific translation of two distinct isoforms, referred to as apoB100 and apoB48. Tissue- and site-specific cytidine deamination of apoB mRNA is mediated by an incompletely characterized holoenzyme containing a minimal core complex consisting of an RNA-specific cytidine deaminase, Apobec-1 and a requisite cofactor, apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF). The underlying biochemical and genetic mechanisms regulating tissue-specific apoB mRNA editing have been accelerated through development and characterization of physiological rodent models as well as knockout and transgenic animal strains.

Apobec-1 complementation factor modulates liver regeneration by post-transcriptional regulation of interleukin-6 mRNA stability

Apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) is the RNA binding subunit of a core complex that mediates C to U RNA editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA. Targeted deletion of the murine Acf gene is early embryonic lethal and Acf(-/-) blastocysts fail to implant and proliferate, suggesting that ACF plays a key role in cell growth and differentiation. Here we demonstrate that heterozygous Acf(+/-) mice exhibit decreased proliferation and impaired liver mass restitution following partial hepatectomy (PH). To pursue the mechanism of impaired liver regeneration we examined activation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) a key cytokine required for induction of hepatocyte proliferation following PH. Peak induction of hepatic IL-6 mRNA abundance post PH was attenuated >80% in heterozygous Acf(+/-) mice, along with decreased serum IL-6 levels. IL-6 secretion from isolated Kupffer cells (KC) was 2-fold greater in wild-type compared with heterozygous Acf(+/-) mice. Recombinant ACF bound an AU-rich region in the IL-6 3'-untranslated region with high affinity and IL-6 mRNA half-life was significantly shorter in KC isolated from Acf(+/-) mice compared with wild-type controls. These findings suggest that ACF regulates liver regeneration following PH at least in part by controlling the stability of IL-6 mRNA. The results further suggest a new RNA target and an unanticipated physiological function for ACF beyond apoB RNA editing.

Mouse models as tools to explore cytidine-to-uridine RNA editing

RNA editing is a process through which the nucleotide sequence specified in the genomic template is modified to produce a different nucleotide sequence in the transcript. RNA editing is an important mechanism of genetic regulation that amplifies genetic plasticity by allowing the production of alternative protein products from a single gene. There are two generic classes of RNA editing in nuclei, involving enzymatic deamination of either C-to-U or A-to-I nucleotides. The best characterized example of C-to-U RNA editing is that of apolipoprotein B (apoB), which is mediated by a holoenzyme that contains a minimal core composed of an RNA-specific cytidine deaminase apobec-1, and its cofactor apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF). C-to-U editing of apoB RNA generates two different isoforms--apoB100 and apoB48--from a single transcript. Both are important regulators of lipid transport and metabolism, and are functionally distinct. C-to-U apoB RNA editing is regulated by a range of factors including developmental, nutritional, environmental, and metabolic stimuli. Rodent models have provided a tractable system in which to study the effects of such stimuli on lipid metabolism. In addition, both transgenic and gene knockout experiments have provided important insights into gain and loss of function approaches for studying C-to-U RNA editing in a murine background.

A fibrinogen deficiency accelerates the initiation of LDL cholesterol-driven atherosclerosis via thrombin generation and platelet activation in genetically predisposed mice

Mice with combined deficiencies of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR(-/-)) and the catalytic component of an apolipoprotein B-edisome complex (APOBEC1(-/-)) that converts apoB-100 to apoB-48 have been characterized, and this model of LDL cholesterol-driven atherosclerosis was applied to an investigation of the role of fibrinogen (Fg) in the genesis and progression of the plaque. LDLR(-/-)/APOBEC1(-/-)/FG(-/-) (L(-/-)/A(-/-)/FG(-/-)) triple-deficient mice presented more advanced plaque in their aortic trees and aortic sinuses at 24, 36, and 48 weeks of age compared to L(-/-)/A(-/-) mice, a feature that may result from enhanced platelet activation in these former mice. This is supported by the presence of hypercoagulability, increased CD61 and CD62P on resting platelets, and higher plasma soluble P-selectin in L(-/-)/A(-/-)/FG(-/-) mice as compared to L(-/-)/A(-/-), FG(-/-), or wild-type mice. The elevated higher molecular weight forms of von Willebrand factor (VWF) in L(-/-)/A(-/-)/FG(-/-) mice, revealed by increased VWF collagen binding activity, perhaps resulting from down-regulation of its cleaving metalloproteinase, ADAMTS13, further indicates enhanced platelet activation. Thus, the earlier arterial plaque deposition in L(-/-)/A(-/-)/FG(-/-) mice appears to contain a contribution from enhanced levels of thrombin and activated platelets, a synergistic consequence of an Fg deficiency combined with a high LDL cholesterol concentration.

Targeted deletion of the murine apobec-1 complementation factor (acf) gene results in embryonic lethality

apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) is an hnRNP family member which functions as the obligate RNA binding subunit of the core enzyme mediating C-to-U editing of the nuclear apolipoprotein B (apoB) transcript. ACF binds to both apoB RNA and apobec-1, the catalytic cytidine deaminase, which then results in site-specific posttranscriptional editing of apoB mRNA. Targeted deletion of apobec1 eliminates C-to-U editing of apoB mRNA but is otherwise well tolerated. However, the functions and potential targets of ACF beyond apoB mRNA editing are unknown. Here we report the results of generating acf knockout mice using homologous recombination. While heterozygous acf(+/)(-) mice were apparently healthy and fertile, no viable acf(-)(/)(-) mice were identified. Mutant acf(-)(/)(-) embryos were detectable only until the blastocyst (embryonic day 3.5 [E3.5]) stage. No acf(-)(/)(-) blastocysts were detectable following implantation at E4.5, and isolated acf(-)(/)(-) blastocysts failed to proliferate in vitro. Small interfering RNA knockdown of ACF in either rat (apobec-1-expressing) or human (apobec-1-deficient) hepatoma cells decreased ACF protein expression and induced a commensurate increase in apoptosis. Taken together, these data suggest that ACF plays a crucial role, which is independent of apobec-1 expression, in cell survival, particularly during early embryonic development.

NMR structure of the apoB mRNA stem-loop and its interaction with the C to U editing APOBEC1 complementary factor

We have solved the NMR structure of the 31-nucleotide (nt) apoB mRNA stem-loop, a substrate of the cytidine deaminase APOBEC1. We found that the edited base located at the 5' end of the octa-loop is stacked between two adenosines in both the unedited (cytidine 6666) and the edited (uridine 6666) forms and that the rest of the loop is unstructured. The 11-nt "mooring" sequence essential for editing is partially flexible although it is mostly in the stem of the RNA. The octa-loop and the internal loop in the middle of the stem confer this flexibility. These findings shed light on why APOBEC1 alone cannot edit efficiently the cytidine 6666 under physiological conditions, the editing base being buried in the loop and not directly accessible. We also show that APOBEC1 does not specifically bind apoB mRNA and requires the auxiliary factor, APOBEC1 complementary factor (ACF), to edit specifically cytidine 6666. The binding of ACF to both the mooring sequence and APOBEC1 explains the specificity of the reaction. Our NMR study lead us to propose a mechanism in which ACF recognizes first the flexible nucleotides of the mooring sequence (the internal loop and the 3' end octa-loop) and subsequently melts the stem-loop, exposing the amino group of the cytidine 6666 to APOBEC1. Thus, the flexibility of the mooring sequence plays a central role in the RNA recognition by ACF.

Inhibition of the synthesis of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins

Increased serum concentrations of low density lipoproteins represent a major cardiovascular risk factor. Low-density lipoproteins are derived from very low density lipoproteins secreted by the liver. Apolipoprotein (apo)B that constitutes the essential structural protein of these lipoproteins exists in two forms, the full length form apoB-100 and the carboxy-terminal truncated apoB-48. The generation of apoB-48 is due to editing of the apoB mRNA which generates a premature stop translation codon. The editing of apoB mRNA is an important regulatory event because apoB-48-containing lipoproteins cannot be converted into the atherogenic low density lipoproteins. The apoB gene is constitutively expressed in liver and intestine, and the rate of apoB secretion is regulated post-transcriptionally. The translocation of apoB into the endoplasmic reticulum is complicated by the hydrophobicity of the nascent polypeptide. The assembly and secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins within the endoplasmic reticulum is strictly dependent on the microsomal tricylceride transfer protein which shuttles triglycerides onto the nascent lipoprotein particle. The overall synthesis of apoB lipoproteins is regulated by proteosomal and nonproteosomal degradation and is dependent on triglyceride availability. Noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus, obesity and the metabolic syndrome are characterized by an increased hepatic synthesis of apoB-containing lipoproteins. Interventions aimed to reduce the hepatic secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins are therefore of great clinical importance. Lead targets in these pathways are discussed.

Apobec-1 transcription in rat colon cancer: decreased apobec-1 protein production through alterations in polysome distribution and mRNA translation associated with upstream AUGs

Apobec-1 catalyzes C to U editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA in the mammalian intestine. Rat apobec-1 is transcribed from three distinct promoters, which contain distinct 5' untranslated regions (5'UTRs) accompanied by variable numbers of in-frame upstream AUGs (uAUGs). We have observed a shift in apobec-1 promoter usage in an experimental model of colon carcinogenesis, resulting in transcripts loaded with 5'AUGs. In colon cancer, apobec-1 protein levels decreased by 90% in the cancer tissue as compared to normal tissue, suggesting an inhibitory effect of the 5'UTR on apobec-1 translation. We investigated the effects of these different 5'UTRs by site-directed mutagenesis coupled with in vitro translation studies. These studies established that the uAUGs within the 5'UTR of the alternative transcripts inhibit apobec-1 translation. This effect was independent of the length of the 5'UTR. Further analysis demonstrated that these uAUGs altered the polysome distribution, shifting the mRNA towards a denser, post-polyribosomal fraction. These findings were confirmed in transient transfection studies in vivo using HepG2 cells, where functional expression of apobec-1 was restored by mutagenesis of the uAUGs. Taken together, these data imply that rat apobec-1 gene expression is downregulated through alternative promoter usage. This dominant translational control of apobec-1 gene expression is most plausibly exerted through uAUGs.

C-->U editing of neurofibromatosis 1 mRNA occurs in tumors that express both the type II transcript and apobec-1, the catalytic subunit of the apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme

C-->U RNA editing of neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) mRNA changes an arginine (CGA) to a UGA translational stop codon, predicted to result in translational termination of the edited mRNA. Previous studies demonstrated varying degrees of C-->U RNA editing in peripheral nerve-sheath tumor samples (PNSTs) from patients with NF1, but the basis for this heterogeneity was unexplained. In addition, the role, if any, of apobec-1, the catalytic deaminase that mediates C-->U editing of mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) RNA, was unresolved. We have examined these questions in PNSTs from patients with NF1 and demonstrate that a subset (8/34) manifest C-->U editing of RNA. Two distinguishing characteristics were found in the PNSTs that demonstrated editing of NF1 RNA. First, these tumors express apobec-1 mRNA, the first demonstration, in humans, of its expression beyond the luminal gastrointestinal tract. Second, PNSTs with C-->U editing of RNA manifest increased proportions of an alternatively spliced exon, 23A, downstream of the edited base. C-->U editing of RNA in these PNSTs was observed preferentially in transcripts containing exon 23A. These findings were complemented by in vitro studies using synthetic RNA templates incubated in the presence of recombinant apobec-1, which again confirmed preferential editing of transcripts containing exon 23A. Finally, adenovirus-mediated transfection of HepG2 cells revealed induction of editing of apoB RNA, along with preferential editing of NF1 transcripts containing exon 23A. Taken together, the data support the hypothesis that C-->U RNA editing of the NF1 transcript occurs both in a subset of PNSTs and in an alternatively spliced form containing a downstream exon, presumably an optimal configuration for enzymatic deamination by apobec-1.

ARCD-1, an apobec-1-related cytidine deaminase, exerts a dominant negative effect on C to U RNA editing

Mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) C to U RNA editing is catalyzed by a multicomponent holoenzyme containing a single catalytic subunit, apobec-1. We have characterized an apobec-1 homologue, ARCD-1, located on chromosome 6p21.1, and determined its role in apoB mRNA editing. ARCD-1 mRNA is ubiquitously expressed; phylogenetic analysis reveals it to be a distant member of the RNA editing family. Recombinant ARCD-1 demonstrates cytidine deaminase and apoB RNA binding activity but does not catalyze C to U RNA editing, either in vitro or in vivo. Although not competent itself to mediate deamination of apoB mRNA, ARCD-1 inhibits apobec-1-mediated C to U RNA editing. ARCD-1 interacts and heterodimerizes with both apobec-1 and apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) and localizes to both the nucleus and cytoplasm of transfected cells. Together, the data suggest that ARCD-1 is a novel cytidine deaminase that interacts with apobec-1 and ACF to inhibit apoB mRNA editing, possibly through interaction with other protein components of the apoB RNA editing holoenzyme.

Induction of cytidine to uridine editing on cytoplasmic apolipoprotein B mRNA by overexpressing APOBEC-1

Post-transcriptional editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA is regulated in hepatic cells to achieve a steady state proportion of edited and unedited RNA molecules. This activity is catalyzed by APOBEC-1 (apoB mRNA editing catalytic subunit 1) in what has been widely accepted as nuclear event occurring during or after mRNA splicing. Introns impair the efficiency of editing within an adjacent exon in a distance-dependent manner in reporter RNAs. We show here that this inhibition can be overcome by overexpressing APOBEC-1 and that the enhanced editing efficiency on these reporter RNAs occurred after splicing on cytoplasmic transcripts. Given the absolute requirement of auxiliary proteins in apoB mRNA editing, the data suggested that auxiliary proteins were distributed with APOBEC-1 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of McArdle cells. In fact, immunolocalization of one such auxiliary protein, APOBEC-1 complementation factor (ACF) demonstrated a nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution. We also demonstrate that in the absence of alterations in APOBEC-1 expression, changes in edited apoB RNA induced by ethanol arise through the stimulation of nuclear editing activity. The finding that apoB mRNA editing can occur in the cytoplasm but normally does not suggests that under biological conditions, restricting editing activity to the nucleus must be an important step in regulating the proportion of the edited apoB mRNAs.

Purification and molecular cloning of a novel essential component of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme-complex

Editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA requires the catalytic component APOBEC-1 together with "auxiliary" proteins that have not been conclusively characterized so far. Here we report the purification of these additional components of the apoB mRNA editing enzyme-complex from rat liver and the cDNA cloning of the novel APOBEC-1-stimulating protein (ASP). Two proteins copurified into the final active fraction and were characterized by peptide sequencing and mass spectrometry: KSRP, a 75-kDa protein originally described as a splicing regulating factor, and ASP, a hitherto unknown 65-kDa protein. Separation of these two proteins resulted in a reduction of APOBEC-1-stimulating activity. ASP represents a novel type of RNA-binding protein and contains three single-stranded RNA-binding domains in the amino-terminal half and a putative double-stranded RNA-binding domain at the carboxyl terminus. Purified recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)-ASP, but not recombinant GST-KSRP, stimulated recombinant GST-APOBEC-1 to edit apoB RNA in vitro. These data demonstrate that ASP is the second essential component of the apoB mRNA editing enzyme-complex. In rat liver, ASP is apparently associated with KSRP, which may confer stability to the editing enzyme-complex with its substrate apoB RNA serving as an additional auxiliary component.

Molecular cloning of apobec-1 complementation factor, a novel RNA-binding protein involved in the editing of apolipoprotein B mRNA

The C-to-U editing of apolipoprotein B (apo-B) mRNA is catalyzed by a multiprotein complex that recognizes an 11-nucleotide mooring sequence downstream of the editing site. The catalytic subunit of the editing enzyme, apobec-1, has cytidine deaminase activity but requires additional unidentified proteins to edit apo-B mRNA. We purified a 65-kDa protein that functionally complements apobec-1 and obtained peptide sequence information which was used in molecular cloning experiments. The apobec-1 complementation factor (ACF) cDNA encodes a novel 64.3-kDa protein that contains three nonidentical RNA recognition motifs. ACF and apobec-1 comprise the minimal protein requirements for apo-B mRNA editing in vitro. By UV cross-linking and immunoprecipitation, we show that ACF binds to apo-B mRNA in vitro and in vivo. Cross-linking of ACF is not competed by RNAs with mutations in the mooring sequence. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments identified an ACF-apobec-1 complex in transfected cells. Immunodepletion of ACF from rat liver extracts abolished editing activity. The immunoprecipitated complexes contained a functional holoenzyme. Our results support a model of the editing enzyme in which ACF binds to the mooring sequence in apo-B mRNA and docks apobec-1 to deaminate its target cytidine. The fact that ACF is widely expressed in human tissues that lack apobec-1 and apo-B mRNA suggests that ACF may be involved in other RNA editing or RNA processing events.

Absence of APOBEC-1 mediated mRNA editing in human carcinomas

The transgene expression of the catalytic subunit APOBEC-1 of the apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex can cause hepatocellular carcinoma in mice and rabbits. It has been proposed that aberrant editing of mRNA may represent a novel oncogenic principle. This investigation aimed to define whether such aberrant hyperediting mediated by APOBEC-1 occurs in human carcinomas. Editing and hyperediting of apo B, NAT1 or NF1 mRNA was not identified in any of 28 resected tumor specimens, including hepatocellular, bile duct, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic adeno- and neuroendocrine, lung adeno-, medullary thyroid and breast carcinoma, soft tissue sarcoma and neuroblastoma. In most types of carcinoma, significant levels for full-length APOBEC-1 mRNA could not be detected. Low level expression of APOBEC-1 was found in colorectal and gastric carcinoma where most of the APOBEC-1 mRNA is inactivated by alternate splicing. The 'auxiliary' components of the apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex are missing in many tumors including colorectal and gastric carcinoma, but are highly expressed in hepatocellular, lung adeno- and breast carcinoma all of which lack APOBEC-1. Taken together, either APOBEC-1 or the 'auxiliary' components of the apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex or both are missing in human carcinomas resulting in the absence of mRNA editing. Currently, there is no evidence that aberrant editing mediated by APOBEC-1 contributes to the tumorigenesis of natural human carcinomas.

Psoriasis upregulated phorbolin-1 shares structural but not functional similarity to the mRNA-editing protein apobec-1

Earlier studies of psoriatic and normal primary keratinocytes treated with phorbol 12-myristate-1-acetate identified two low-molecular-weight proteins, termed phorbolin-1 (20 kDa; pI 6.6) and phorbolin-2 (17.6 kDa; pI 6.5). As a first step towards elucidating the role of these proteins in psoriasis, we report here the molecular cloning and chromosomal mapping of phorbolin-1 and a related cDNA that codes for a protein exhibiting a similar amino acid sequence. The phorbolins were mapped to position 22q13 immediately centromeric to the c-sis proto-oncogene. Transient expression of the phorbolin-1 cDNA in COS cells and by in vitro transcription/translation, yielded polypeptides that comigrated with phorbolins-1 and -2. Comparative sequence analysis revealed 22% overall identity and a similarity of 44% of the phorbolins to apobec-1, the catalytic subunit of the mammalian apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme; however, recombinant-expressed phorbolin-1 exhibited no cytidine deaminase activity, using either a monomeric nucleoside or apolipoprotein B cRNA as substrate, and failed to bind an AU-rich RNA template. Whereas the precise function of the phorbolins remains to be elucidated, the current data suggest that it is unlikely to include a role in the post-transcriptional modification of RNA in a manner analogous to that described for apobec-1.

Normal perinatal rise in serum cholesterol is inhibited by hepatic delivery of adenoviral vector expressing apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (Apobec1) in rabbits

BACKGROUND

Prenatal or neonatal hepatic gene delivery may result in more effective therapy for inborn errors of metabolism due to the immature immune system of the perinatal animal, and the ability to intervene prior to any significant cellular damage. Newborn New Zealand White rabbits have low serum levels of cholesterol at birth, with a significant and sustained rise of cholesterol while they are nursing. We used this physiologic hypercholesterolemia model to study the effect of adenovirus-mediated hepatic gene transfer of rat apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (Apobec1) on modulation of plasma cholesterol levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Transcutaneous injection of recombinant adenovirus expressing Apobec1 (AvApobec1) into the liver of newborn rabbits in vivo resulted in efficient Apobec1 expression until Day 50, as detected by PCR-Southern blot analysis. By in vitro editing assay, liver extracts of AvApobec1-treated rabbits were found to have apoB mRNA editing activities of approximately 12, 15, and 15%, on Days 2, 10, and 20 after AvApobec1 administration, compared with 0% editing activity in AvLacZ control vector-injected animals. This physiological level of Apobec1 expression was associated with the production of apoB-48-containing lipoprotein particles from rabbit liver, with a concomitant 30% reduction in total plasma cholesterol compared to AvLacZ-treated or untreated control animals.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal intrahepatic delivery of a first-generation adenoviral vector results in efficient gene transfer with little immune response, suggesting that repeated administration may be possible in the neonatal period.

Secondary structure for the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing site. Au-binding proteins interact with a stem loop

The C to U editing of apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA converts a glutamine codon in apoB100 mRNA into a stop translation codon thereby generating apoB48. The catalytic subunit of the editing enzyme, APOBEC-1, is an RNA-binding cytidine deaminase that requires auxiliary factors for the editing of apoB mRNA. Computer modeling and ribonuclease probing of the wild-type and mutant apoB RNA substrates reveal a stem loop at the editing site. This structure incorporates the essential sequence motifs required for editing. The localization of the edited cytidine within the loop suggests how it could be presented to the active site of APOBEC-1 for deamination. We have identified 43/45 kDa proteins from chick enterocytes and show evidence for their involvement in auxiliary editing activity. p43/45 demonstrates preferential binding to AU-rich RNA and to the Caauuug motif that forms the loop and proximal stem of the apoB mRNA.

A sequence-specific RNA-binding protein complements apobec-1 To edit apolipoprotein B mRNA

The editing of apolipoprotein B (apo-B) mRNA involves the site-specific deamination of cytidine to uracil. The specificity of editing is conferred by an 11-nucleotide mooring sequence located downstream from the editing site. Apobec-1, the catalytic subunit of the editing enzyme, requires additional proteins to edit apo-B mRNA in vitro, but the function of these additional factors, known as complementing activity, is not known. Using RNA affinity chromatography, we show that the complementing activity binds to a 280-nucleotide apo-B RNA in the absence of apobec-1. The activity did not bind to the antisense strand or to an RNA with three mutations in the mooring sequence. The eluate from the wild-type RNA column contained a 65-kDa protein that UV cross-linked to apo-B mRNA but not to the triple-mutant RNA. This protein was not detected in the eluates from the mutant or the antisense RNA columns. Introduction of the mooring sequence into luciferase RNA induced cross-linking of the 65-kDa protein. A 65-kDa protein that interacted with apobec-1 was also detected by far-Western analysis in the eluate from the wild-type RNA column but not from the mutant RNA column. For purification, proteins were precleared on the mutant RNA column prior to chromatography on the wild-type RNA column. Silver staining of the affinity-purified fraction detected a single prominent protein of 65 kDa. Our results suggest that the complementing activity may function as the RNA-binding subunit of the holoenzyme.

Inhibition of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme-complex by hnRNP C1 protein and 40S hnRNP complexes

The apolipoprotein (apo) B mRNA can be modified by a posttranscriptional base change from cytidine to uridine at nucleotide position 6666. This editing of apo B mRNA is mediated by a specific enzyme-complex of which only the catalytic subunit APOBEC-1 (apo B mRNA editing enzyme component 1) has been cloned and extensively characterized. In this study, two-hybrid selection in yeast identified hnRNP C1 protein to interact with APOBEC-1. Recombinant hnRNP C1 protein inhibited partially purified apo B mRNA editing activity from rat small intestine and bound specifically to apo B sense RNA around the editing site. The inhibition of apo B mRNA editing by hnRNP C1 protein was not due to masking of the RNA substrate as the mutant protein M104 spanning the RNA-binding domain of hnRNP C1 protein bound strongly to the apo B RNA, but did not inhibit the editing reaction. The apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex of rat liver nuclear extracts sedimented in sucrose density gradients around 22-27S, but did not contain hnRNP C1 protein that was found exclusively within 40S hnRNP complexes. The removal of 40S hnRNP complexes increased the activity of the 22-27S editing enzyme-complex. Adding back 40S hnRNP complexes with hnRNP C1 protein resulted in an inhibition of the 22-27S apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex, while addition of 18S fractions had no effect. In conclusion, hnRNP C1 protein identified by two-hybrid selection in yeast is a potent inhibitor of the apo B mRNA editing enzyme-complex. The abundant hnRNP C1 protein, which is contiguously deposited on nascent pre-mRNA during transcription and is involved in spliceosome assembly and mRNA splicing, is a likely regulator of the editing of apo B mRNA which restricts the activity of APOBEC-1 to limited and specific editing events.

Evolutionary origins of the mammalian apolipoproteinB RNA editing enzyme, apobec-1: structural homology inferred from analysis of a cloned chicken small intestinal cytidine deaminase

Mammalian apolipoproteinB (apoB) RNA editing is a site-specific deamination reaction that mediates the C to U conversion responsible for apoB48 production in the mammalian small intestine. This process is not detected in chicken apoB RNA. Mammalian apoB RNA editing is mediated by a multicomponent enzyme complex that includes a single catalytic subunit, apobec-1. In order to examine the evolution of apobec-1, we have cloned and characterized an orthologous cytidine deaminase cDNA isolated from chicken small intestine. Northern blot analysis revealed expression restricted to the small intestine, colon and lung but not the liver or other tissues. The cDNA encodes a single 31 kDa protein with features reminiscent of other cytidine deaminases and with approximately 39% overall homology to rat apobec-1. The recombinant protein is a cytidine deaminase with activity on a monomeric substrate that was found to be zinc-dependent. However, no RNA editing activity was detectable towards cytidine nucleotides presented in the context of an optimally configured mammalian apoB RNA template. These studies provide information concerning the evolution of the apoB RNA editing machinery and indicate that a chicken small intestinal cytidine deaminase with homology to apobec-1 demonstrates no activity on an RNA substrate.

Low expression of the apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing transgene in mice reduces LDL levels but does not cause liver dysplasia or tumors

Hepatic expression of apolipoprotein (apo) B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 1 (APOBEC-1) has been proposed as a gene therapy approach for lowering plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. However, high-level expression of APOBEC-1 in transgenic mouse and rabbit livers causes liver dysplasia and hepatocellular carcinoma. To determine the physiological and pathological effects of low-level hepatic expression of APOBEC-1, we used a 52-kb rat APOBEC-1 genomic clone (RE4) to generate transgenic mice expressing low levels of APOBEC-1 (2 to 5 times those in nontransgenic mice). Liver function, liver histology, editing of apoB mRNA at the normal editing site (C6666), and abnormal editing at multiple sites (hyperediting) in these mice were compared with those in transgenic mice expressing intermediate (I-20) or high (I-28) levels of APOBEC-1 in the liver. Hyperediting of mRNA coding for the novel APOBEC-1 target 1 (NAT1) was also examined. In the high-expressing I-28 line, 50% of the mice had palpable tumors at 15 weeks of age, whereas in the intermediate-expressing I-20 line, 50% of the mice had evidence of liver tumors after 1 year. In contrast, low-expressing RE4 mice had normal liver function and histology and did not develop liver tumors when examined at 3 to 17 months of age. Moreover, hyperediting of apoB and NAT1 mRNA in the liver was robust in the I-20 mice but barely detectable in the RE4 mice. The low-level expression resulted in sufficient APOBEC-1 to edit essentially all apoB mRNA at the normal editing site, virtually eliminating apoB-100 and LDL in the plasma of RE4 mice. When RE4 mice were crossed with human apoB transgenic mice, which possess high plasma LDL concentrations, plasma LDL levels in the offspring were reduced to very low levels. These results indicates that long-term hepatic expression of APOBEC-1 at low levels sufficient to eliminate LDL does not cause apparent liver damage or liver tumors in transgenic mice. RE4 APOBEC-1 transgenic mice should prove valuable for studying the roles of apoB-containing lipoproteins in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Apolipoprotein B RNA sequence 3' of the mooring sequence and cellular sources of auxiliary factors determine the location and extent of promiscuous editing

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) RNA editing involves a cytidine to uridine transition at nucleotide 6666 (C6666) 5' of an essential cis -acting 11 nucleotide motif known as the mooring sequence. APOBEC-1 (apoB editing catalytic sub-unit 1) serves as the site-specific cytidine deaminase in the context of a multiprotein assembly, the editosome. Experimental over-expression of APOBEC-1 resulted in an increased proportion of apoB mRNAs edited at C6666, as well as editing of sites that would otherwise not be recognized (promiscuous editing). In the rat hepatoma McArdle cell line, these sites occurred predominantly 5' of the mooring sequence on either rat or human apoB mRNA expressed from transfected cDNA. In comparison, over-expression of APOBEC-1 in HepG2 (HepG2-APOBEC) human hepatoma cells, induced promiscuous editing primarily 5' of the mooring sequence, but sites 3' of the C6666 were also used more efficiently. The capacity for promiscuous editing was common to rat, rabbit and human sources of APOBEC-1. The data suggested that differences in the distribution of promiscuous editing sites and in the efficiency of their utilization may reflect cell-type-specific differences in auxiliary proteins. Deletion of the mooring sequence abolished editing at the wild type site and markedly reduced, but did not eliminate, promiscuous editing. In contrast, deletion of a pair of tandem UGAU motifs 3' of the mooring sequence in human apoB mRNA selectively reduced promiscuous editing, leaving the efficiency of editing at the wild type site essentially unaffected. ApoB RNA constructs and naturally occurring mRNAs such as NAT-1 (novel APOBEC-1 target-1) that lack this downstream element were not promiscuously edited in McArdle or HepG2 cells. These findings underscore the importance of RNA sequences and the cellular context of auxiliary factors in regulating editing site utilization.

Human apolipoprotein B RNA editing deaminase gene (APOBEC1)

Genomic clones encoding the human APOBEC1 gene and its 5' flanking region have been isolated and characterized. The human gene contains five coding exons. The introns dividing these exons correspond exactly to those found in the mouse gene. The translation initiation site, ATG, is located in exon 2 at the same site as in the mouse. The 5' flanking sequence contains two Alu repeats of the Sq family. Primer extension analysis demonstrated the presence of two major transcription initiation sites. The first transcription initiation site delineates the beginning of a noncoding first exon and resides downstream of the first Alu sequence. The second transcription initiation site is within the second Alu repeat. This Alu repeat resides within the first intron, which is spliced out of the transcript from the first start site. Neither transcription initiation site has a TATA or CCAT box. Comparison with the mouse gene suggests that the Alu sequence insertion split the intestinal promoter and that subsequently the down-stream Alu sequence took on a promoter function. No evidence was found for a far upstream non-tissue-specific promoter similar to that demonstrated in the mouse gene. Rather, consideration of results from the marsupial APOBEC-1 gene suggests that this upstream mouse promoter may have had a later evolutionary origin.

Multiple protein domains determine the cell type-specific nuclear distribution of the catalytic subunit required for apolipoprotein B mRNA editing

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA editing catalyzed by apoB mRNA editing catalytic subunit 1 (APOBEC-1) has been proposed to be a nuclear process. To test this hypothesis, the subcellular distribution of hemagglutinin- (HA) tagged APOBEC-1 expressed in transiently transfected hepatoma cells was determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. HA-APOBEC-1 was detected in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of rat and human hepatoma cells. Mutagenesis of APOBEC-1 demonstrated that the N-terminal 56 amino acids (1-56) were necessary for the nuclear distribution of APOBEC-1, but this region did not contain a functional nuclear localization signal (NLS). However, we identified a 24-amino acid domain in the C terminus of APOBEC-1 with characteristics of a cytoplasmic retention signal (CRS) or a nuclear export signal (NES). These data suggest, therefore, that the nuclear import of APOBEC-1 may not be mediated by a positive NLS; rather, it may be achieved by overcoming the effect of a CRS/NES. We also demonstrated that the nuclear distribution of APOBEC-1 occurred only in cell lines that were capable of editing apoB RNA. We propose that the cellular distribution of APOBEC-1 is determined by multiple domains within this protein, and a nuclear localization of the enzyme may be regulated by cell type-specific factors that render these cells uniquely editing competent.

A cytidine deaminase expressed in the post-infective L3 stage of the filarial nematode, Brugia pahangi, has a novel RNA-binding activity

A number of genes have been identified that are highly expressed in the post-infective L3 stage of the filarial parasite, Brugia pahangi. Amongst these was a cDNA with homology to the cytidine deaminase (CDD) gene family. Phylogenetic analysis of the various cytosine nucleoside deaminases suggest that Brugia pahangi CDD evolved with significant divergence from the RNA editing family. In order to characterize its function, we have expressed Brugia pahangi CDD in bacteria as a chimera with maltose-binding protein (MBP). Biochemical analysis demonstrates the MBP-CDD fusion protein functions as an authentic cytidine deaminase with an obligate requirement for zinc. In addition to cytidine deaminase activity, however, the fusion protein demonstrates RNA binding activity with specificity for AU-rich sequences and was found to bind an RNA template spanning the edited site of mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA. This RNA binding activity was not found in two different recombinant bacterial CDD proteins. In vitro RNA editing assays revealed that MBP-CDD failed to mediate cytidine deamination of a mammalian apoB RNA template. Furthermore, binding of MBP-CDD to the apoB RNA did not inhibit in vitro editing of this template by apobec-1. The data suggest that the cytosine nucleoside deaminases and RNA editing deaminases have acquired different mechanisms of binding to an AU-rich RNA template, presumably with different functional implications.

Two distinct TATA-less promoters direct tissue-specific expression of the rat apo-B editing catalytic polypeptide 1 gene

The species and tissue specificity of apolipoprotein (apo) B mRNA editing is determined by the expression of apoB editing catalytic polypeptide 1 (APOBEC-1), the cytidine deaminase that catalyzes apoB mRNA editing. To understand the molecular mechanisms that regulate the transcription of APOBEC-1, we characterized rat APOBEC-1 cDNA and genomic DNA. cDNA cloning and RNase protection analysis showed two alternative promoters for the tissue-specific expression of APOBEC-1 in the liver and intestine, Pliv and Pint. Both promoters lack a TATA box, and Pint belongs to the MED-1 class of promoters, which initiate transcription at multiple sites. We also identified two allelic forms of the APOBEC-1 gene from the characterization of two rat APOBEC-1 P1 genomic clones, RE4 and RE5. The RE4 allele is 18 kilobases long and contains six exons and five introns, whereas the RE5 allele contains an additional approximately 8 kilobases of intron sequences and an extra exon encoding a 5'-untranslated region; however, the APOBEC-1 transcripts from the two alleles appear to have similar, if not identical, functions. Transgenic mouse studies showed that Pliv was preferentially used in the liver, kidney, brain, and adipose tissues, whereas Pint was preferentially used in the small intestine, stomach, and lung. Our results suggest that the tissue-specific expression of APOBEC-1 is governed by multiple regulatory elements exerting control over a single coding sequence. The presence or absence of these regulatory elements may determine the tissue-specific expression of APOBEC-1 in other mammalian species.

Effective lowering of plasma, LDL, and esterified cholesterol in LDL receptor-knockout mice by adenovirus-mediated gene delivery of ApoB mRNA editing enzyme (Apobec1)

Adenovirus-mediated gene delivery of apolipoprotein (apo)B mRNA editing enzyme (AvApobec1) was used to study the effect of apoB mRNA editing on apoB production in homozygous LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR-/-) mice. Intravenous injection of AvApobec1 into these mice resulted in a >80% decrease in plasma apoB-100 with a concomitant increase in plasma apoB-48 level. The plasma apoE level also increased. In all cases, total plasma apoB (apoB-100 + apoB-48) decreased by 60% at day 5 and remained approximately 40% lower in AvApobec1-treated compared with control vector Av1LacZ4-treated animals at day 12. On day 12, total plasma cholesterol decreased by 29% in male mice and 18% in female mice that were transduced with AvApobec1. This was reflected in a reduction in apoB-containing lipoprotein cholesterol, which decreased by 34% and 27% in male and female mice, respectively. Apobec1 gene transfer also decreased the cholesteryl ester contents in the LDL fraction, which were 16%, 22%, and 22% in female and 20%, 20%, and 15% in male animals on days 5, 7, and 12, respectively, compared with Av1LacZ controls with 29%, 32%, and 33%, respectively, in female and 29%, 38%, and 36%, respectively, in male animals. Nondenaturing gradient gel electrophoresis indicated almost complete elimination of LDL particles of 29, 27, and 25 nm at days 7 and 12. We conclude that in the absence of a functioning LDL receptor, hepatic overexpression of Apobec1 is highly efficient in lowering plasma apoB-100 levels, leading to the almost complete elimination of LDL particles and a reduction in LDL cholesterol and cholesteryl ester content.

A novel translational repressor mRNA is edited extensively in livers containing tumors caused by the transgene expression of the apoB mRNA-editing enzyme

Transgene expression of the apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme (APOBEC-1) causes dysplasia and carcinoma in mouse and rabbit livers. Using a modified differential display technique, we identified a novel mRNA (NAT1 for novel APOBEC-1 target no. 1) that is extensively edited at multiple sites in these livers. The aberrant editing alters encoded amino acids, creates stop codons, and results in markedly reduced levels of the NAT1 protein in transgenic mouse livers. NAT1 is expressed ubiquitously and is extraordinarily conserved among species. It has homology to the carboxy-terminal portion of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF) 4G that binds eIF4A and eIF4E to form eIF4F. NAT1 binds eIF4A but not eIF4E and inhibits both cap-dependent and cap-independent translation. NAT1 is likely to be a fundamental translational repressor, and its aberrant editing could contribute to the potent oncogenesis induced by overexpression of APOBEC-1.

Apobec-1 interacts with a 65-kDa complementing protein to edit apolipoprotein-B mRNA in vitro

The editing of apolipoprotein-B (apoB) mRNA involves the deamination of cytidine at nucleotide 6666 to uridine. The catalytic subunit of the editing enzyme, apobec-1, is a cytidine deaminase that requires other unidentified proteins to edit apoB mRNA in vitro. We partially purified an activity from baboon kidney that functionally complements apobec-1. The complementing activity was protease-sensitive and micrococcal nuclease-resistant, had a native molecular mass of 65 +/- 10 kDa on size exclusion chromatography, and sedimented at 4.5 S in glycerol gradients. Purified recombinant His6-tagged apobec-1 immobilized on beads depleted >90% of the complementing activity from partially purified extracts. These beads edited apoB mRNA in vitro in the absence of exogenous apobec-1 or complementing activity. A functional holoenzyme containing apobec-1 and the complementing activity was eluted from the apobec-1-affinity resin using 0.5 M imidazole, whereas buffer containing 0.4 M KCl eluted only the complementing activity. The carboxyl-terminal 59 amino acids of apobec-1 were not required for interaction with the complementing activity in vitro. Our results demonstrate that the complementing protein interacts directly with apobec-1 in the absence of apoB mRNA.

Base-modification mRNA editing through deamination--the good, the bad and the unregulated

RNA editing is a co- or post-transcriptional process in which select nucleotide sequences in RNA are altered from that originally encoded in the genome. The mRNAs encoding apolipoprotein B and some glutamate receptor subunits of ionotropic membrane channels are edited by site-specific base-deamination systems. Although these editing systems differ markedly in their mechanism for RNA-substrate binding and in their catalytic subunits, recent results suggest potentially common solutions to the problem of editing-site selectivity. The data suggest that there are multiple editing complexes or 'editosomes', which manifest editing-site preferences due to their macromolecular composition.

Hepatic expression of the catalytic subunit of the apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (apobec-1) ameliorates hypercholesterolemia in LDL receptor-deficient rabbits

Apolipoprotein (apo) B48, a protein contained in intestinally derived lipoprotein particles, is synthesized by post-transcriptional editing of apoB100 mRNA. This reaction is mediated by an enzyme complex that includes the catalytic subunit, apobec-1. The liver of most mammals, by contrast, contains only unedited apoB mRNA and secretes apoB100, the major protein component of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Because rabbits, like humans, fail to edit hepatic apoB100 mRNA, we introduced a recombinant adenovirus encoding apobec-1 into the livers of LDL receptor-defective rabbits to determine the impact on lipoprotein metabolism of hepatic apoB48 secretion. Transgene expression was mainly confined to the liver and was sustained for up to 3 weeks following virus administration, as evidenced by the presence of apobec-1 mRNA and the ability of hepatic S100 extracts to edit a synthetic apoB RNA template in vitro. The transient induction of hepatic apoB mRNA editing accompanied alterations in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) size, the presence of apoB48 in fractions spanning the VLDL and LDL range, and modest reductions in total plasma cholesterol levels.

Chylomicron assembly and catabolism: role of apolipoproteins and receptors

Chylomicrons are lipoproteins synthesized exclusively by the intestine to transport dietary fat and fat-soluble vitamins. Synthesis of apoB48, a translational product of the apob gene, is required for the assembly of chylomicrons. The apob gene transcription in the intestine results in 14 and 7 kb mRNAs. These mRNAs are post-transcriptionally edited creating a stop codon. The edited mRNAs chylomicrons from the shorter apoB48 peptide remains to be elucidated. In addition, the roles of proteins involved in the assembly pathway, e.g. apobec-1, MTP and apoA-IV, needs to be studied. Cloning of enzymes involved in the intestinal biosynthesis of triglycerides will be crucial to fully appreciate the assembly of chylomicrons. There is a need for cell culture and transgenic animal models that can be used for intestinal lipoprotein assembly. The catabolism of chylomicrons is far more complex and efficient than the catabolism of VLDL. Even though the major steps involved in the catabolism of chylomicrons are now known, the determinants for apolipoprotein exchange, processing of remnants in the space of Disse, as well as the mechanism of uptake of these particles by extra-hepatic tissue needs further exploration.

Targeted disruption of the mouse apobec-1 gene abolishes apolipoprotein B mRNA editing and eliminates apolipoprotein B48

A site-specific C to U editing reaction modifies nuclear apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) mRNA, producing apolipoprotein B48 in the mammalian small intestine. This reaction is mediated by a multicomponent enzyme complex, which contains a catalytic subunit, Apobec-1. We have used gene targeting to disrupt mouse apobec-1 in order to establish its requisite importance in apoB mRNA editing and also, in view of its widespread tissue distribution in rodents, as a preliminary indication of other potential roles. Both heterozygous (apobec-1+/-) and homozygous (apobec-1-/-) gene-targeted mice appear healthy and fertile with no alterations in serum cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. The apobec-1+/- mice demonstrated reduced levels of hepatic apoB mRNA editing. By contrast, levels of small intestinal apoB mRNA editing were indistinguishable in wild-type and apobec-1+/- animals, suggesting that Apobec-1 is expressed in limited quantities in the liver but not in the small intestine. The apobec-1-/- mice lacked detectable levels of Apobec-1 mRNA, expressed only unedited apoB mRNA in all tissues, and contained no apoB48 in their serum, demonstrating that there is no functional duplication of this gene.

Overexpression of APOBEC-1 results in mooring sequence-dependent promiscuous RNA editing

Apolipoprotein B (apoB) RNA editing involves site-specific deamination of a cytidine to a uridine. A mooring sequence, a spacer region, and a regulator region are components of the apoB RNA editing motif of which only the mooring sequence is both necessary and sufficient for editosome assembly and editing. The catalytic component of the editosome is APOBEC-1. In rat hepatoma, stable cell lines, overexpression of APOBEC-1 resulted in 3 6-fold stimulation of the editing efficiency on either rat endogenous apoB RNA or transiently expressed human apoB RNA. In these cell lines, cytidines in addition to the one at the wild type site were edited. The occurrence and efficiency of this "promiscuous" editing increased with increasing expression of APOBEC-1. Promiscuous editing was restricted to cytidines 5' of the mooring sequence and only occurred on RNAs that had been edited at the wild type site. Moreover, RNAs with mutant editing motifs supported high efficiency but low fidelity editing in the presence of high levels of APOBEC-1. This study demonstrates that overexpression of APOBEC-1 can increase the efficiency of site-specific editing but can also result in promiscuous editing.

The neurofibromatosis type I messenger RNA undergoes base-modification RNA editing

A functional mooring sequence, known to be required for apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA editing, exists in the mRNA encoding the neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) tumor suppressor. Editing of NF1 mRNA modifies cytidine in an arginine codon (CGA) at nucleotide 2914 to a uridine (UGA), creating an in frame translation stop codon. NF1 editing occurs in normal tissue but was several-fold higher in tumors. In vitro editing and transfection assays demonstrated that apoB and NF1 RNA editing will take place in both neural tumor and hepatoma cells. Unlike apoB, NF1 editing did not demonstrate dependence on rate-limiting quantities of APOBEC-1 (the apoB editing catalytic subunit) suggesting that different trans-acting factors may be involved in the two editing processes.

Gene transfer of cytidine deaminase apoBEC-1 lowers lipoprotein(a) in transgenic mice and induces apolipoprotein B editing in rabbits

Apolipoprotein (apo) B100 is an essential component of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. In mammals, apoB can be edited post-transcriptionally to encode a truncated form of apoB (apoB48) that is unable to form either of these atherogenic lipoproteins. To study the effect of increasing hepatic apoB editing activity on formation of Lp(a), a recombinant adenovirus encoding rat apoBEC-1, the cytidine deaminase component of the apoB mRNA editing complex, was administered to human apoB/apo(a) transgenic mice. This resulted in expression of apoBEC-1 in hepatocytes of these mice, increased hepatic editing of human apoB mRNA, and decreased plasma levels of human apoB100 and Lp(a). The apoBEC-1 recombinant adenovirus was also administered to rabbits, an animal which, like humans, naturally lacks hepatic apoB editing. Expression of the exogenous apoBEC-1 in rabbit liver resulted in editing of up to 10% of apoB mRNA. Hepatic apoB editing was associated with lower LDL levels in these rabbits relative to those treated with a control adenovirus. However, LDL levels were elevated significantly in both animals as a result of adenovirus injection. These studies demonstrate that introduction of the cytidine deaminase apoBEC-1 is sufficient to induce hepatic apoB editing in an animal lacking this activity, and that induction of editing could serve as a novel approach for lowering plasma concentrations of the atherogenic lipoproteins Lp(a) and LDL.

Evolutionary origins of apoB mRNA editing: catalysis by a cytidine deaminase that has acquired a novel RNA-binding motif at its active site

The site-specific C to U editing of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) mRNA requires a 27 kDa protein (p27) with homology to cytidine deaminase. Here, we show that p27 is a zinc-containing deaminase, which operates catalytically like the E. coli enzyme that acts on monomeric substrate. In contrast with the bacterial enzyme that does not bind RNA, p27 interacts with its polymeric apoB mRNA substrate at AU sequences adjacent to the editing site. This interaction is necessary for editing. RNA binding is mediated through amino acid residues involved in zinc coordination, in proton shuttling, and in forming the alpha beta alpha structure that encompasses the active site. However, certain mutations that inactivate the enzyme do not affect RNA binding. Thus, RNA binding does not require a catalytically active site. The acquisition of polymeric substrate binding provides a route for the evolution of this editing enzyme from one that acts on monomeric substrates.