1
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Monette A, Niu M, Nijhoff Asser M, Gorelick RJ, Mouland AJ. Scaffolding viral protein NC nucleates phase separation of the HIV-1 biomolecular condensate. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111251. [PMID: 36001979 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Membraneless biomolecular condensates (BMCs) contribute to the replication of a growing number of viruses but remain to be functionally characterized. Previously, we demonstrated that pan-retroviral nucleocapsid (NC) proteins phase separated into condensates regulating virus assembly. Here we discover that intrinsically disordered human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) core proteins condense with the viral genomic RNA (vRNA) to assemble as BMCs attaining a geometry characteristic of viral reverse transcription complexes. We explore the predisposition, mechanisms, and pharmacologic sensitivity of HIV-1 core BMCs in living cells. HIV-1 vRNA-interacting NC condensates were found to be scaffolds onto which client capsid, reverse transcriptase, and integrase condensates assemble. HIV-1 core BMCs exhibit fundamental characteristics of BMCs and are drug-sensitive. Lastly, protease-mediated maturation of Gag and Gag-Pol precursor proteins yield abundant and visible BMCs in cells. This study redefines HIV-1 core components as fluid BMCs and advances our understanding of the nature of viral cores during ingress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Monette
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada.
| | - Meijuan Niu
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Maya Nijhoff Asser
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Robert J Gorelick
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4A 3J1, Canada.
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2
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Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus p12 Is Required for Histone Loading onto Retroviral DNAs. J Virol 2021; 95:e0049521. [PMID: 34011543 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00495-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During retrovirus infection, a histone-free DNA copy of the viral RNA genome is synthesized and rapidly loaded with nucleosomes de novo upon nuclear entry. The potential role of viral accessory proteins in histone loading onto retroviral DNAs has not been extensively investigated. The p12 protein of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV) is a virion protein that is critical for tethering the incoming viral DNA to host chromatin in the early stages of infection. Infection by virions containing a mutant p12 (PM14) defective in chromatin tethering results in the formation of viral DNAs that do not accumulate in the nucleus. In this report, we show that viral DNAs of these mutants are not loaded with histones. Moreover, the DNA genomes delivered by mutant p12 show prolonged association with viral structural proteins nucleocapsid (NC) and capsid (CA). The histone-poor viral DNA genomes do not become associated with the host RNA polymerase II machinery. These findings provide insights into fundamental aspects of retroviral biology, indicating that tethering to host chromatin by p12 and retention in the nucleus are required to allow loading of histones onto the viral DNA. IMPORTANCE Incoming retroviral DNAs are rapidly loaded with nucleosomal histones upon entry into the nucleus and before integration into the host genome. The entry of murine leukemia virus DNA into the nucleus occurs only upon dissolution of the nuclear membrane in mitosis, and retention in the nucleus requires the action of a viral protein, p12, which tethers the DNA to host chromatin. Data presented here show that the tethering activity of p12 is required for the loading of histones onto the viral DNA. p12 mutants lacking tethering activity fail to acquire histones, retain capsid and nucleocapsid proteins, and are poorly transcribed. The work defines a new requirement for a viral protein to allow chromatinization of viral DNA.
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3
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Sheng Y, Cao B, Ou M, Wang Y, Yuan S, Zhang N, Zou T, Liu Y. Nucleocapsid protein preferentially binds the stem-loop of duplex/quadruplex hybrid that unfolds the quadruplex structure. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:5298-5301. [PMID: 33942834 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc01767e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
NCp7 protein binds the duplex/quadruplex hybrid structure, which decreases the thermal stability of DNA and unfolds the G-quadruplex structure. Interestingly, the duplex in the stem-loop region is the more favorable binding site of NCp7. The NCp7 binding twists the top G-tetrad, weakens hydrogen bonding and causes K+ ejection, hence disrupting the G4 structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Sheng
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Bei Cao
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology and General Education Division, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, P. R. China
| | - Mingxi Ou
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Siming Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Na Zhang
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Taotao Zou
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China.
| | - Yangzhong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
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4
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Nucleocapsid Protein Precursors NCp9 and NCp15 Suppress ATP-Mediated Rescue of AZT-Terminated Primers by HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2020; 64:AAC.00958-20. [PMID: 32747359 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00958-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In HIV-1, development of resistance to AZT (3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine) is mediated by the acquisition of thymidine analogue resistance mutations (TAMs) (i.e., M41L, D67N, K70R, L210W, T215F/Y, and K219E/Q) in the viral reverse transcriptase (RT). Clinically relevant combinations of TAMs, such as M41L/T215Y or D67N/K70R/T215F/K219Q, enhance the ATP-mediated excision of AZT monophosphate (AZTMP) from the 3' end of the primer, allowing DNA synthesis to continue. Additionally, during HIV-1 maturation, the Gag polyprotein is cleaved to release a mature nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) and two intermediate precursors (NCp9 and NCp15). NC proteins interact with the viral genome and facilitate the reverse transcription process. Using wild-type and TAM-containing RTs, we showed that both NCp9 and NCp15 inhibited ATP-mediated rescue of AZTMP-terminated primers annealed to RNA templates but not DNA templates, while NCp7 had no effect on rescue activity. RNase H inactivation by introducing the active-site mutation E478Q led to the loss of the inhibitory effect shown by NCp9. NCp15 had a stimulatory effect on the RT's RNase H activity not observed with NCp7 and NCp9. However, analysis of RNase H cleavage patterns revealed that in the presence of NCp9, RNA/DNA complexes containing duplexes of 12 bp had reduced stability in comparison with those obtained in the absence of NC or with NCp7 or NCp15. These effects are expected to have a strong influence on the inhibitory action of NCp9 and NCp15 by affecting the efficiency of RNA-dependent DNA polymerization after unblocking DNA primers terminated with AZTMP and other nucleotide analogues.
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How HIV-1 Gag Manipulates Its Host Cell Proteins: A Focus on Interactors of the Nucleocapsid Domain. Viruses 2020; 12:v12080888. [PMID: 32823718 PMCID: PMC7471995 DOI: 10.3390/v12080888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) polyprotein Gag (Group-specific antigen) plays a central role in controlling the late phase of the viral lifecycle. Considered to be only a scaffolding protein for a long time, the structural protein Gag plays determinate and specific roles in HIV-1 replication. Indeed, via its different domains, Gag orchestrates the specific encapsidation of the genomic RNA, drives the formation of the viral particle by its auto-assembly (multimerization), binds multiple viral proteins, and interacts with a large number of cellular proteins that are needed for its functions from its translation location to the plasma membrane, where newly formed virions are released. Here, we review the interactions between HIV-1 Gag and 66 cellular proteins. Notably, we describe the techniques used to evidence these interactions, the different domains of Gag involved, and the implications of these interactions in the HIV-1 replication cycle. In the final part, we focus on the interactions involving the highly conserved nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag and detail the functions of the NC interactants along the viral lifecycle.
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Monette A, Niu M, Chen L, Rao S, Gorelick RJ, Mouland AJ. Pan-retroviral Nucleocapsid-Mediated Phase Separation Regulates Genomic RNA Positioning and Trafficking. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107520. [PMID: 32320662 PMCID: PMC8965748 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The duality of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of cellular components into membraneless organelles defines the nucleation of both normal and disease processes including stress granule (SG) assembly. From mounting evidence of LLPS utility by viruses, we discover that HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) protein condenses into zinc-finger (ZnF)-dependent LLPSs that are dynamically influenced by cytosolic factors. ZnF-dependent and Zinc (Zn2+)-chelation-sensitive NC-LLPS are formed in live cells. NC-Zn2+ ejection reverses the HIV-1 blockade on SG assembly, inhibits NC-SG assembly, disrupts NC/Gag-genomic RNA (vRNA) ribonucleoprotein complexes, and causes nuclear sequestration of NC and the vRNA, inhibiting Gag expression and virus release. NC ZnF mutagenesis eliminates the HIV-1 blockade of SG assembly and repositions vRNA to SGs. We find that NC-mediated, Zn2+-coordinated phase separation is conserved among diverse retrovirus subfamilies, illustrating that this exquisitely evolved Zn2+-dependent feature of virus replication represents a critical target for pan-antiretroviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Monette
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada.
| | - Meijuan Niu
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Lois Chen
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Shringar Rao
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Ee634, PO Box 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert James Gorelick
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Andrew John Mouland
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Laboratory, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada.
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7
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Ku T, Lopresti N, Shirley M, Mori M, Marchant J, Heng X, Botta M, Summers MF, Seley-Radtke KL. Synthesis of distal and proximal fleximer base analogues and evaluation in the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:2883-2892. [PMID: 31126822 PMCID: PMC6556414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Anti-HIV-1 drug design has been notably challenging due to the virus’ ability to mutate and develop immunity against commercially available drugs. The aims of this project were to develop a series of fleximer base analogues that not only possess inherent flexibility that can remain active when faced with binding site mutations, but also target a non-canonical, highly conserved target: the nucleocapsid protein of HIV (NC). The compounds were predicted by computational studies not to function via zinc ejection, which would endow them with significant advantages over non-specific and thus toxic zinc-ejectors. The target fleximer bases were synthesized using palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling techniques and subsequently tested against NC and HIV-1. The results of those studies are described herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Ku
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Natalie Lopresti
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Matthew Shirley
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Mattia Mori
- University of Siena, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Jan Marchant
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Xiao Heng
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Maurizio Botta
- University of Siena, Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, BioLife Science Bldg., Suite 333, 1900 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Michael F Summers
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
| | - Katherine L Seley-Radtke
- University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
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8
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Sancineto L, Iraci N, Tabarrini O, Santi C. NCp7: targeting a multitasking protein for next-generation anti-HIV drug development part 1: covalent inhibitors. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:260-271. [PMID: 29107765 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The major internal component of the HIV virion core is the nucleocapsid protein 7 (NCp7), a small, highly basic protein that is essential for multiple stages of the viral replicative cycle, and whose structure is preserved in all viral strains, including clinical isolates from therapy-experienced patients. This key protein is recognised as a potential target for an effective next-generation antiretroviral therapy, because it could offer the possibility to develop broad-spectrum agents that are less prone to select for resistant strains. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the covalent NCp7 inhibitors that have emerged over the past 25 years of drug discovery campaigns, emphasising, where possible, their structure-activity relationships (SARs) and pharmacophoric features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Sancineto
- Department of Heterorganic Chemistry, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Nunzio Iraci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
| | - Oriana Tabarrini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Santi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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9
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The multiple roles of the nucleocapsid in retroviral RNA conversion into proviral DNA by reverse transcriptase. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 44:1427-1440. [PMID: 27911725 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160101-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Retroviruses are enveloped plus-strand RNA viruses that can cause cancer, immunodeficiency and neurological disorder in human and animals. Retroviruses have several unique properties, such as a genomic RNA in a dimeric form found in the virus, and a replication strategy called 'copy-and-paste' during which the plus-strand genomic RNA is converted into a double-stranded DNA, subsequently integrated into the cellular genome. Two essential viral enzymes, reverse transcriptase (RT) and integrase (IN), direct this 'copy-and-paste' replication. RT copies the genomic RNA generating the double-stranded proviral DNA, while IN catalyzes proviral DNA integration into the cellular DNA, then called the provirus. In that context, a major component of the virion core, the nucleocapsid protein (NC), was found to be a potent nucleic-acid chaperone that assists RT during the conversion of the genomic RNA into proviral DNA. Here we briefly review the interplay of NC with viral nucleic-acids, which enables rapid and faithful folding and hybridization of complementary sequences, and with active RT thus providing assistance to the synthesis of the complete proviral DNA. Because of its multiple roles in retrovirus replication, NC could be viewed as a two-faced Janus-chaperone acting on viral nucleic-acids and enzymes.
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10
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Histones Are Rapidly Loaded onto Unintegrated Retroviral DNAs Soon after Nuclear Entry. Cell Host Microbe 2016; 20:798-809. [PMID: 27866901 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal structure of nuclear DNA is usually maintained by insertion of nucleosomes into preexisting chromatin, both on newly synthesized DNA at replication forks and at sites of DNA damage. But during retrovirus infection, a histone-free DNA copy of the viral genome is synthesized that must be loaded with nucleosomes de novo. Here, we show that core histones are rapidly loaded onto unintegrated Moloney murine leukemia virus DNAs. Loading of nucleosomes requires nuclear entry, but does not require viral DNA integration. The histones associated with unintegrated DNAs become marked by covalent modifications, with a delay relative to the time of core histone loading. Expression from unintegrated DNA can be enhanced by modulation of the histone-modifying machinery. The data show that histone loading onto unintegrated DNAs occurs very rapidly after nuclear entry and does not require prior establishment of an integrated provirus.
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11
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Abstract
The HIV genome encodes a small number of viral proteins (i.e., 16), invariably establishing cooperative associations among HIV proteins and between HIV and host proteins, to invade host cells and hijack their internal machineries. As a known example, the HIV envelope glycoprotein GP120 is closely associated with GP41 for viral entry. From a genome-wide perspective, a hypothesis can be worked out to determine whether 16 HIV proteins could develop 120 possible pairwise associations either by physical interactions or by functional associations mediated via HIV or host molecules. Here, we present the first systematic review of experimental evidence on HIV genome-wide protein associations using a large body of publications accumulated over the past 3 decades. Of 120 possible pairwise associations between 16 HIV proteins, at least 34 physical interactions and 17 functional associations have been identified. To achieve efficient viral replication and infection, HIV protein associations play essential roles (e.g., cleavage, inhibition, and activation) during the HIV life cycle. In either a dispensable or an indispensable manner, each HIV protein collaborates with another viral protein to accomplish specific activities that precisely take place at the proper stages of the HIV life cycle. In addition, HIV genome-wide protein associations have an impact on anti-HIV inhibitors due to the extensive cross talk between drug-inhibited proteins and other HIV proteins. Overall, this study presents for the first time a comprehensive overview of HIV genome-wide protein associations, highlighting meticulous collaborations between all viral proteins during the HIV life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangdi Li
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Erik De Clercq
- KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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HIV Genome-Wide Protein Associations: a Review of 30 Years of Research. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:679-731. [PMID: 27357278 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00065-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV genome encodes a small number of viral proteins (i.e., 16), invariably establishing cooperative associations among HIV proteins and between HIV and host proteins, to invade host cells and hijack their internal machineries. As a known example, the HIV envelope glycoprotein GP120 is closely associated with GP41 for viral entry. From a genome-wide perspective, a hypothesis can be worked out to determine whether 16 HIV proteins could develop 120 possible pairwise associations either by physical interactions or by functional associations mediated via HIV or host molecules. Here, we present the first systematic review of experimental evidence on HIV genome-wide protein associations using a large body of publications accumulated over the past 3 decades. Of 120 possible pairwise associations between 16 HIV proteins, at least 34 physical interactions and 17 functional associations have been identified. To achieve efficient viral replication and infection, HIV protein associations play essential roles (e.g., cleavage, inhibition, and activation) during the HIV life cycle. In either a dispensable or an indispensable manner, each HIV protein collaborates with another viral protein to accomplish specific activities that precisely take place at the proper stages of the HIV life cycle. In addition, HIV genome-wide protein associations have an impact on anti-HIV inhibitors due to the extensive cross talk between drug-inhibited proteins and other HIV proteins. Overall, this study presents for the first time a comprehensive overview of HIV genome-wide protein associations, highlighting meticulous collaborations between all viral proteins during the HIV life cycle.
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13
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Mori M, Kovalenko L, Lyonnais S, Antaki D, Torbett BE, Botta M, Mirambeau G, Mély Y. Nucleocapsid Protein: A Desirable Target for Future Therapies Against HIV-1. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2015; 389:53-92. [PMID: 25749978 PMCID: PMC7122173 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The currently available anti-HIV-1 therapeutics is highly beneficial to infected patients. However, clinical failures occur as a result of the ability of HIV-1 to rapidly mutate. One approach to overcome drug resistance is to target HIV-1 proteins that are highly conserved among phylogenetically distant viral strains and currently not targeted by available therapies. In this respect, the nucleocapsid (NC) protein, a zinc finger protein, is particularly attractive, as it is highly conserved and plays a central role in virus replication, mainly by interacting with nucleic acids. The compelling rationale for considering NC as a viable drug target is illustrated by the fact that point mutants of this protein lead to noninfectious viruses and by the inability to select viruses resistant to a first generation of anti-NC drugs. In our review, we discuss the most relevant properties and functions of NC, as well as recent developments of small molecules targeting NC. Zinc ejectors show strong antiviral activity, but are endowed with a low therapeutic index due to their lack of specificity, which has resulted in toxicity. Currently, they are mainly being investigated for use as topical microbicides. Greater specificity may be achieved by using non-covalent NC inhibitors (NCIs) targeting the hydrophobic platform at the top of the zinc fingers or key nucleic acid partners of NC. Within the last few years, innovative methodologies have been developed to identify NCIs. Though the antiviral activity of the identified NCIs needs still to be improved, these compounds strongly support the druggability of NC and pave the way for future structure-based design and optimization of efficient NCIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, via A. Moro 2, 53100, Siena, Italy
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14
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Anton H, Taha N, Boutant E, Richert L, Khatter H, Klaholz B, Rondé P, Réal E, de Rocquigny H, Mély Y. Investigating the cellular distribution and interactions of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein by quantitative fluorescence microscopy. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116921. [PMID: 25723396 PMCID: PMC4344342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) of the Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a small basic protein containing two zinc fingers. About 2000 NCp7 molecules coat the genomic RNA in the HIV-1 virion. After infection of a target cell, the viral core enters into the cytoplasm, where NCp7 chaperones the reverse transcription of the genomic RNA into the proviral DNA. As a consequence of their much lower affinity for double-stranded DNA as compared to single-stranded RNAs, NCp7 molecules are thought to be released in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of infected cells in the late steps of reverse transcription. Yet, little is known on the cellular distribution of the released NCp7 molecules and on their possible interactions with cell components. Hence, the aim of this study was to identify potential cellular partners of NCp7 and to monitor its intracellular distribution and dynamics by means of confocal fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy, and raster imaging correlation spectroscopy. HeLa cells transfected with eGFP-labeled NCp7 were used as a model system. We found that NCp7-eGFP localizes mainly in the cytoplasm and the nucleoli, where it binds to cellular RNAs, and notably to ribosomal RNAs which are the most abundant. The binding of NCp7 to ribosomes was further substantiated by the intracellular co-diffusion of NCp7 with the ribosomal protein 26, a component of the large ribosomal subunit. Finally, gradient centrifugation experiments demonstrate a direct association of NCp7 with purified 80S ribosomes. Thus, our data suggest that NCp7 molecules released in newly infected cells may primarily bind to ribosomes, where they may exert a new potential role in HIV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halina Anton
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- * E-mail: (YM); (HA)
| | - Nedal Taha
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Emmanuel Boutant
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Ludovic Richert
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Heena Khatter
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 7104 CNRS, U964 Inserm, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Bruno Klaholz
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, UMR 7104 CNRS, U964 Inserm, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Philippe Rondé
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Eléonore Réal
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Hugues de Rocquigny
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR 7213 CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, Illkirch, France
- * E-mail: (YM); (HA)
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15
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Mori M, Nucci A, Lang MCD, Humbert N, Boudier C, Debaene F, Sanglier-Cianferani S, Catala M, Schult-Dietrich P, Dietrich U, Tisné C, Mely Y, Botta M. Functional and structural characterization of 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole inhibitors of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein with antiviral activity. ACS Chem Biol 2014; 9:1950-5. [PMID: 24988251 DOI: 10.1021/cb500316h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NC) is a highly conserved protein in diverse HIV-1 subtypes that plays a central role in virus replication, mainly by interacting with conserved nucleic acid sequences. NC is considered a highly profitable drug target to inhibit multiple steps in the HIV-1 life cycle with just one compound, a unique property not shown by any of the other antiretroviral classes. However, most of NC inhibitors developed so far act through an unspecific and potentially toxic mechanism (zinc ejection) and are mainly being investigated as topical microbicides. In an effort to provide specific NC inhibitors that compete for the binding of nucleic acids to NC, here we combined molecular modeling, organic synthesis, biophysical studies, NMR spectroscopy, and antiviral assays to design, synthesize, and characterize an efficient NC inhibitor endowed with antiviral activity in vitro, a desirable property for the development of efficient antiretroviral lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Mori
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Nucci
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Dasso Lang
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicolas Humbert
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Christian Boudier
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Francois Debaene
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Sarah Sanglier-Cianferani
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Marjorie Catala
- Laboratoire
de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, CNRS, Paris Sorbonne Cité, 4 avenue de l’Observatoire, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Schult-Dietrich
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ursula Dietrich
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 42-44, D-60596 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Carine Tisné
- Laboratoire
de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, CNRS, Paris Sorbonne Cité, 4 avenue de l’Observatoire, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Yves Mely
- Laboratoire
de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, Faculté de Pharmacie, UMR 7213 CNRS, 74 route du Rhin, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department
of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Aldo Moro 2, I-53019 Siena, Italy
- Sbarro
Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, BioLife Science Bldg.,
Suite 333, 1900 N. 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122, United States
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16
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Retrospective on the all-in-one retroviral nucleocapsid protein. Virus Res 2014; 193:2-15. [PMID: 24907482 PMCID: PMC7114435 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This retrospective reviews 30 years of research on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC) focusing on HIV-1 NC. Originally considered as a non-specific nucleic-acid binding protein, NC has seminal functions in virus replication. Indeed NC turns out to be a all-in-one viral protein that chaperones viral DNA synthesis and integration, and virus formation. As a chaperone NC provides assistance to genetic recombination thus allowing the virus to escape the immune response and antiretroviral therapies against HIV-1.
This review aims at briefly presenting a retrospect on the retroviral nucleocapsid protein (NC), from an unspecific nucleic acid binding protein (NABP) to an all-in-one viral protein with multiple key functions in the early and late phases of the retrovirus replication cycle, notably reverse transcription of the genomic RNA and viral DNA integration into the host genome, and selection of the genomic RNA together with the initial steps of virus morphogenesis. In this context we will discuss the notion that NC protein has a flexible conformation and is thus a member of the growing family of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) where disorder may account, at least in part, for its function as a nucleic acid (NA) chaperone and possibly as a protein chaperone vis-à-vis the viral DNA polymerase during reverse transcription. Lastly, we will briefly review the development of new anti-retroviral/AIDS compounds targeting HIV-1 NC because it represents an ideal target due to its multiple roles in the early and late phases of virus replication and its high degree of conservation.
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17
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Wang W, Naiyer N, Mitra M, Li J, Williams MC, Rouzina I, Gorelick RJ, Wu Z, Musier-Forsyth K. Distinct nucleic acid interaction properties of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein precursor NCp15 explain reduced viral infectivity. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:7145-59. [PMID: 24813443 PMCID: PMC4066767 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) maturation, three different forms of nucleocapsid (NC) protein—NCp15 (p9 + p6), NCp9 (p7 + SP2) and NCp7—appear successively. A mutant virus expressing NCp15 shows greatly reduced infectivity. Mature NCp7 is a chaperone protein that facilitates remodeling of nucleic acids (NAs) during reverse transcription. To understand the strict requirement for NCp15 processing, we compared the chaperone function of the three forms of NC. NCp15 anneals tRNA to the primer-binding site at a similar rate as NCp7, whereas NCp9 is the most efficient annealing protein. Assays to measure NA destabilization show a similar trend. Dynamic light scattering studies reveal that NCp15 forms much smaller aggregates relative to those formed by NCp7 and NCp9. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies suggest that the acidic p6 domain of HIV-1 NCp15 folds back and interacts with the basic zinc fingers. Neutralizing the acidic residues in p6 improves the annealing and aggregation activity of NCp15 to the level of NCp9 and increases the protein–NA aggregate size. Slower NCp15 dissociation kinetics is observed by single-molecule DNA stretching, consistent with the formation of electrostatic inter-protein contacts, which likely contribute to the distinct aggregate morphology, irregular HIV-1 core formation and non-infectious virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Nada Naiyer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mithun Mitra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jialin Li
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mark C Williams
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ioulia Rouzina
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Robert J Gorelick
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Zhengrong Wu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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18
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Goldschmidt V, Miller Jenkins LM, de Rocquigny H, Darlix JL, Mély Y. The nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1 as a promising therapeutic target for antiviral drugs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.2217/hiv.10.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) is a major HIV-1 structural protein that plays key roles in viral replication, mainly through its conserved zinc fingers that direct specific interactions with the viral nucleic acids. Owing to its high degree of conservation and critical functions, NCp7 represents a target of choice for drugs that can potentially complement HAART, thus possibly impairing the circulation of drug-resistant HIV-1 strains. Zinc ejectors showing potent antiretroviral activity were developed, but early generations suffered from limited selectively and significant toxicity. Compounds with improved selectivity have been developed and are being explored as topical microbicide candidates. Several classes of molecules inhibiting the interaction of NCp7 with the viral nucleic acids have also been developed. Although small molecules would be more suited for drug development, most molecules selected by screening showed limited antiretroviral activity. Peptides and RNA aptamers appear to be more promising, but the mechanism of their antiretroviral activity remains elusive. Substantial and more concerted efforts are needed to further develop anti-HIV drugs targeting NCp7 and bring them to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Goldschmidt
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR-CNRS 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch-Cedex, France
| | - Lisa M Miller Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hugues de Rocquigny
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR-CNRS 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch-Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Luc Darlix
- LaboRetro, Unité de Virologie Humaine INSERM 758, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 allée d’Italie, 69364 Lyon, France
| | - Yves Mély
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR-CNRS 7213, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74 route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch-Cedex, France
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19
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Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 nucleocapsid inhibitors impede trans infection in cellular and explant models and protect nonhuman primates from infection. J Virol 2009; 83:9175-82. [PMID: 19587055 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00820-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report that the S-acyl-2-mercaptobenzamide thioester (SAMT) class of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) nucleocapsid protein (NCp7) inhibitors was able to prevent transmission of HIV-1 from infected cells, including primary cells. Furthermore, when SAMTs were introduced during an HIV-1 challenge of cervical explant tissue, inhibition of dissemination of infectious virus by cells emigrating from the tissue explants was observed. Preliminary studies using a rhesus macaque vaginal challenge model with mixed R5 and X4 simian-human immunodeficiency virus infection found that five of six monkeys were completely protected, with the remaining animal being partially protected, infected only by the R5 virus. These data suggest that SAMTs may be promising new drug candidates for further development in anti-HIV-1 topical microbicide applications.
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20
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Lesbats P, Métifiot M, Calmels C, Baranova S, Nevinsky G, Andreola ML, Parissi V. In vitro initial attachment of HIV-1 integrase to viral ends: control of the DNA specific interaction by the oligomerization state. Nucleic Acids Res 2008; 36:7043-58. [PMID: 18987001 PMCID: PMC2602759 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkn796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 integrase (IN) oligomerization and DNA recognition are crucial steps for the subsequent events of the integration reaction. Recent advances described the involvement of stable intermediary complexes including dimers and tetramers in the in vitro integration processes, but the initial attachment events and IN positioning on viral ends are not clearly understood. In order to determine the role of the different IN oligomeric complexes in these early steps, we performed in vitro functional analysis comparing IN preparations having different oligomerization properties. We demonstrate that in vitro IN concerted integration activity on a long DNA substrate containing both specific viral and nonspecific DNA sequences is highly dependent on binding of preformed dimers to viral ends. In addition, we show that IN monomers bound to nonspecific DNA can also fold into functionally different oligomeric complexes displaying nonspecific double-strand DNA break activity in contrast to the well known single strand cut catalyzed by associated IN. Our results imply that the efficient formation of the active integration complex highly requires the early correct positioning of monomeric integrase or the direct binding of preformed dimers on the viral ends. Taken together the data indicates that IN oligomerization controls both the enzyme specificity and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lesbats
- Laboratoire MCMP, UMR 5234-CNRS, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France
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21
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Morcock DR, Thomas JA, Sowder RC, Henderson LE, Crise BJ, Gorelick RJ. HIV-1 inactivation by 4-vinylpyridine is enhanced by dissociating Zn(2+) from nucleocapsid protein. Virology 2008; 375:148-58. [PMID: 18304600 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2008.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2007] [Revised: 12/06/2007] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Selective inactivation of critical cysteine residues in human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) was observed after treatment with 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP), with and without the membrane-permeable metal chelator N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-ethylenediamine (TPEN). Chromatographic analysis showed that cysteines contained within nucleocapsid zinc fingers, in the context of whole virus or purified protein, were essentially unreactive, but became reactive when a chelator was included. Virus treated with 4-VP showed only a modest decrease in infectivity; after TPEN addition, nearly complete inactivation of HIV-1 occurred. Similarly, quantitation of viral DNA products from 4-VP-treated virus infections showed no significant effects on reverse transcription, but did show a 14-fold reduction in proviruses; when TPEN was added, a 10(5)-fold decrease in late reverse transcription products was observed and no proviruses were detected. Since 4-VP effectiveness was greatly enhanced by TPEN, this strongly suggests that modification of nucleocapsid zinc fingers is necessary and sufficient for HIV-1 inactivation by sulfhydryl reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Morcock
- AIDS Vaccine Program, Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Building 535, 4th floor, P.O. Box B, Frederick, Maryland 21702-1201, USA
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22
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Nucleocapsid protein function in early infection processes. Virus Res 2008; 134:39-63. [PMID: 18279991 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2007.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2007] [Revised: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/13/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The role of nucleocapsid protein (NC) in the early steps of retroviral replication appears largely that of a facilitator for reverse transcription and integration. Using a wide variety of cell-free assay systems, the properties of mature NC proteins (e.g. HIV-1 p7(NC) or MLV p10(NC)) as nucleic acid chaperones have been extensively investigated. The effect of NC on tRNA annealing, reverse transcription initiation, minus-strand-transfer, processivity of reverse transcription, plus-strand-transfer, strand-displacement synthesis, 3' processing of viral DNA by integrase, and integrase-mediated strand-transfer has been determined by a large number of laboratories. Interestingly, these reactions can all be accomplished to varying degrees in the absence of NC; some are facilitated by both viral and non-viral proteins and peptides that may or may not be involved in vivo. What is one to conclude from the observation that NC is not strictly required for these necessary reactions to occur? NC likely enhances the efficiency of each of these steps, thereby vastly improving the productivity of infection. In other words, one of the major roles of NC is to enhance the effectiveness of early infection, thereby increasing the probability of productive replication and ultimately of retrovirus survival.
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23
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Coren LV, Thomas JA, Chertova E, Sowder RC, Gagliardi TD, Gorelick RJ, Ott DE. Mutational analysis of the C-terminal gag cleavage sites in human immunodeficiency virus type 1. J Virol 2007; 81:10047-54. [PMID: 17634233 PMCID: PMC2045408 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02496-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag is expressed as a polyprotein that is cleaved into six proteins by the viral protease in a maturation process that begins during assembly and budding. While processing of the N terminus of Gag is strictly required for virion maturation and infectivity, the necessity for the C-terminal cleavages of Gag is less well defined. To examine the importance of this process, we introduced a series of mutations into the C terminus of Gag that interrupted the cleavage sites that normally produce in the nucleocapsid (NC), spacer 2 (SP2), or p6(Gag) proteins. Protein analysis showed that all of the mutant constructs produced virions efficiently upon transfection of cells and appropriately processed Gag polyprotein at the nonmutated sites. Mutants that produced a p9(NC/SP2) protein exhibited only minor effects on HIV-1 infectivity and replication. In contrast, mutants that produced only the p8(SP2/p6) or p15(NC/SP2/p6) protein had severe defects in infectivity and replication. To identify the key defective step, we quantified reverse transcription and integration products isolated from infected cells by PCR. All mutants tested produced levels of reverse transcription products either similar to or only somewhat lower than that of wild type. In contrast, mutants that failed to cleave the SP2-p6(Gag) site produced drastically less provirus than the wild type. Together, our results show that processing of the SP2-p6(Gag) and not the NC-SP2 cleavage site is important for efficient viral DNA integration during infection in vitro. In turn, this finding suggests an important role for the p9(NC/SP2) species in some aspect of integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori V Coren
- AIDS Vaccine Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702-1201, USA.
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24
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Darlix JL, Garrido JL, Morellet N, Mély Y, de Rocquigny H. Properties, functions, and drug targeting of the multifunctional nucleocapsid protein of the human immunodeficiency virus. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2007; 55:299-346. [PMID: 17586319 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(07)55009-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Luc Darlix
- LaboRetro, Unité INSERM de Virologie Humaine, IFR128, ENS Sciences de Lyon 46 allée d'Italie, Lyon, France
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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26
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Bampi C, Bibillo A, Wendeler M, Divita G, Gorelick RJ, Le Grice SFJ, Darlix JL. Nucleotide excision repair and template-independent addition by HIV-1 reverse transcriptase in the presence of nucleocapsid protein. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:11736-43. [PMID: 16500895 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600290200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During HIV replication, reverse transcriptase (RT), assisted by the nucleocapsid protein (NC), converts the genomic RNA into proviral DNA. This process appears to be the major source of genetic variability, as RT can misincorporate nucleotides during minus and plus strand DNA synthesis. To investigate nucleotide addition or substitution by RT, we set up in vitro models containing HIV-1 RNA, cDNA, NC, and various RTs. We used the wild type RT and azidothymidine- and didanosine-resistant RTs, because they represent the major forms of resistant RTs selected in patients undergoing therapies. Results show that all RTs can add nucleotides in a non-template fashion at the cDNA 3'-end, a reaction stimulated by NC. Nucleotide substitutions were examined using in vitro systems where 3'-mutated cDNAs were extended by RT on an HIV-1 RNA template. With NC, RT extension of the mutated cDNAs was efficient, and surprisingly, mutations were frequently corrected. These results suggest for the first time that RT has excision-repair activity that is triggered by NC. Chaperoning of RT by NC might be explained by the fact that NC stabilizes an RT-DNA binary complex. In conclusion, RT-NC interactions appear to play critical roles in HIV-1 variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Bampi
- LaboRetro, Unité de Virologie Humaine, INSERM U412, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46 Allée d'Italie, Institut Fédératif de Recherche 128, 69364 Lyon Cedex 07, France
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27
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Butterfield-Gerson KL, Scheifele LZ, Ryan EP, Hopper AK, Parent LJ. Importin-beta family members mediate alpharetrovirus gag nuclear entry via interactions with matrix and nucleocapsid. J Virol 2006; 80:1798-806. [PMID: 16439536 PMCID: PMC1367160 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.80.4.1798-1806.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The retroviral Gag polyprotein orchestrates the assembly and release of virus particles from infected cells. We previously reported that nuclear transport of the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein is intrinsic to the virus assembly pathway. To identify cis- and trans-acting factors governing nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, we developed novel vectors to express regions of Gag in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The localization of Gag proteins was examined in the wild type and in mutant strains deficient in members of the importin-beta family. We confirmed the Crm1p dependence of the previously identified Gag p10 nuclear export signal. The known nuclear localization signal (NLS) in MA (matrix) was also functional in S. cerevisiae, and additionally we discovered a novel NLS within the NC (nucleocapsid) domain of Gag. MA utilizes Kap120p and Mtr10p import receptors while nuclear entry of NC involves the classical importin-alpha/beta (Kap60p/95p) pathway. NC also possesses nuclear targeting activity in avian cells and contains the primary signal for the import of the Gag polyprotein. Thus, the nucleocytoplasmic dynamics of RSV Gag depend upon the counterbalance of Crm1p-mediated export with two independent NLSs, each interacting with distinct nuclear import factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Butterfield-Gerson
- Division of Infectious Diseases HO36, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
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28
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Levin JG, Guo J, Rouzina I, Musier-Forsyth K. Nucleic acid chaperone activity of HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein: critical role in reverse transcription and molecular mechanism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 80:217-86. [PMID: 16164976 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6603(05)80006-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Judith G Levin
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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29
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Nakayama M, Quang ND, Matsumoto K, Shibata T, Ito F, Kawasaki K. RECQ5/QE DNA Helicase Interacts with Retrotransposon mdg3 gag, an HIV Nucleocapsid-Related Protein. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1248/jhs.52.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Nakayama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, RIKEN
| | | | - Kouji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saitama University
| | | | - Fumiaki Ito
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Katsumi Kawasaki
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, RIKEN
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
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30
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Crise B, Li Y, Yuan C, Morcock DR, Whitby D, Munroe DJ, Arthur LO, Wu X. Simian immunodeficiency virus integration preference is similar to that of human immunodeficiency virus type 1. J Virol 2005; 79:12199-204. [PMID: 16160146 PMCID: PMC1211548 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.19.12199-12204.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2005] [Accepted: 07/05/2005] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is a useful model for studying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. As with all other retroviruses, integration is a necessary step in the replication cycle of SIV. The location of the retrovirus integration site is known to impact on viral gene expression, establishment of viral latency, and other aspects of the replication cycle of a retrovirus. In this study, 148 SIV provirus integration sites were sequenced and mapped in the human genome. Our analysis showed that SIV integration, like that of HIV type 1 (HIV-1), exhibited a strong preference for actively transcribed regions in the genome (A. R. Schroder et al., Cell 110:521-529, 2002) and no preference for the CpG islands or transcription start sites, in contrast to observations for murine leukemia virus (X. Wu et al., Science 300:1749-1751, 2003). The parallel integration target site preferences of SIV and HIV-1 suggest that these lentiviruses may share similar mechanisms for target site selection and that SIV serves as an accurate model of HIV-1 with respect to integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Crise
- AIDS Vaccine Program, Scientific Application International Corporation-Frederick, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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Heath MJ, Destefano JJ. A complementary single-stranded docking site is required for enhancement of strand exchange by human immunodeficiency virus nucleocapsid protein on substrates that model viral recombination. Biochemistry 2005; 44:3915-25. [PMID: 15751967 DOI: 10.1021/bi0477945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Enhancement of strand exchange by nucleocapsid protein (NC) is proposed to occur during retroviral recombination. The mechanism was examined using an RNA (donor)-DNA hybrid that mimicked a retrovirus replication intermediate. This consisted of a 25 base pair hybrid region flanked on each side by single-stranded RNA or DNA. A second set of acceptor RNAs that could bind to the 25-base hybrid region and to various lengths of additional bases on the DNA was used to displace the donor by hybridizing with the DNA. Displacement required a complementary single-stranded DNA region outside the donor-DNA 25-nucleotide hybrid region. NC enhanced displacement slightly when the acceptor could bind 10 nucleotides and significantly when binding 22 or more nucleotides in the single-stranded region. Two mutated acceptors that bound over 47 total nucleotides on the DNA (22 in the single-stranded region plus 25 in the hybrid region) were constructed. One had three mismatches in the hybrid region; the other, three in the single-stranded region and one in the hybrid region. Each acceptor bound the DNA with approximately equal thermodynamic stability, yet NC stimulated exchange with the former and actually inhibited with the latter. This emphasized the importance of the single-stranded region in NC stimulation. The results support a mechanism where NC enhances the docking of the acceptor to the single-stranded region and then the acceptor "zippers" through the hybrid and displaces the donor. Results with the mutated acceptors indicate that NC may actually inhibit strand exchange between genomes in nonhomologous regions.
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MESH Headings
- Base Pairing/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Single-Stranded/chemistry
- DNA, Single-Stranded/genetics
- DNA, Single-Stranded/metabolism
- DNA, Viral/chemistry
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- DNA, Viral/metabolism
- HIV-1/chemistry
- HIV-1/genetics
- Models, Chemical
- Nucleic Acid Hybridization
- Nucleocapsid Proteins/chemistry
- Nucleocapsid Proteins/genetics
- Nucleocapsid Proteins/metabolism
- Point Mutation
- RNA, Viral/chemistry
- RNA, Viral/genetics
- RNA, Viral/metabolism
- Recombination, Genetic
- Thermodynamics
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Heath
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland College Park, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Morcock DR, Thomas JA, Gagliardi TD, Gorelick RJ, Roser JD, Chertova EN, Bess JW, Ott DE, Sattentau QJ, Frank I, Pope M, Lifson JD, Henderson LE, Crise BJ. Elimination of retroviral infectivity by N-ethylmaleimide with preservation of functional envelope glycoproteins. J Virol 2005; 79:1533-42. [PMID: 15650179 PMCID: PMC544125 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.3.1533-1542.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The zinc finger motifs in retroviral nucleocapsid (NC) proteins are essential for viral replication. Disruption of these Cys-X2-Cys-X4-His-X4-Cys zinc-binding structures eliminates infectivity. To determine if N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) can inactivate human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) preparations by alkylating cysteines of NC zinc fingers, we treated infectious virus with NEM and evaluated inactivation of infectivity in cell-based assays. Inactivation was rapid and proportional to the NEM concentration. NEM treatment of HIV-1 or SIV resulted in extensive covalent modification of NC and other internal virion proteins. In contrast, viral envelope glycoproteins, in which the cysteines are disulfide bonded, remained intact and functional, as assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography, fusion-from-without analyses, and dendritic cell capture. Quantitative PCR assays for reverse transcription intermediates showed that NEM and 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide (aldrithiol-2), a reagent which inactivates retroviruses through oxidation of cysteines in internal virion proteins such as NC, blocked HIV-1 reverse transcription prior to the formation of minus-strand strong-stop products. However, the reverse transcriptase from NEM-treated virions remained active in exogenous template assays, consistent with a role for NC in reverse transcription. Since disruption of NC zinc finger structures by NEM blocks early postentry steps in the retroviral infection cycle, virus preparations with modified NC proteins may be useful as vaccine immunogens and probes of the role of NC in viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Morcock
- AIDS Vaccine Program, SAIC Frederick, NCI-Frederick, Building 535, 5th Floor, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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33
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Krishnamoorthy G, Roques B, Darlix JL, Mély Y. DNA condensation by the nucleocapsid protein of HIV-1: a mechanism ensuring DNA protection. Nucleic Acids Res 2003; 31:5425-32. [PMID: 12954779 PMCID: PMC203321 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkg738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2003] [Revised: 07/12/2003] [Accepted: 07/28/2003] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (NC) protein NCp7 of the immunodeficiency virus type 1 is a small basic protein with two zinc finger motifs. NCp7 has key roles in virus replication and structure, which rely on its interactions with nucleic acids. Although most interactions involve RNAs, binding to the viral DNA is thought to be of importance to achieve protection of the DNA against cellular nucleases and its integration into the host genome. We investigated the interaction of NCp7 with plasmid DNA as a model system. The fluorescence probe YOYO-1 was used as the reporter. Binding of NCp7 to DNA caused DNA condensation, as inferred from the dramatic decrease in YOYO-1 fluorescence. Efficient condensation of DNA required the full length NCp7 with the zinc fingers. The fingerless peptide was less efficient in condensing DNA. Binding of both these NC peptides led to freezing of the segmental dynamics of DNA as revealed by anisotropy decay kinetics of YOYO-1. The truncated peptide NC(12-55) which retains the zinc fingers did not lead to DNA condensation despite its ability to bind and partially freeze the segmental motion of DNA. We propose that the histone-like property of NCp7 leading to DNA condensation contributes to viral DNA stability, in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Krishnamoorthy
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie et Physicochimie des interactions cellulaires et moléculaires, UMR 7034 du CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Louis Pasteur de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France.
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