2',5'-oligoadenylates inhibit relaxation of supercoiled DNA by calf thymus DNA topoisomerase I

Origin and development of oligoadenylate synthetase immune system

Background

Oligoadenylate synthetases (OASs) are widely distributed in Metazoa including sponges, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals and show large variation, with one to twelve members in any given species. Upon double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding, avian and mammalian OASs generate the second messenger 2'-5'-linked oligoadenylate (2-5A), which activates ribonuclease L (RNaseL) and blocks viral replication. However, how Metazoa shape their OAS repertoires to keep evolutionary balance to virus infection is largely unknown. We performed comprehensive phylogenetic and functional analyses of OAS genes from evolutionarily lower to higher Metazoa to demonstrate how the OAS repertoires have developed anti-viral activity and diversified their functions.

Results

Ancient Metazoa harbor OAS genes, but lack both upstream and downstream genes of the OAS-related pathways, indicating that ancient OASs are not interferon-induced genes involved in the innate immune system. Compared to OASs of ancient Metazoa (i.e. sponge), the corresponding ones of higher Metazoa present an increasing number of basic residues on the OAS/dsRNA interaction interface. Such an increase of basic residues might improve their binding affinity to dsRNA. Moreover, mutations of functional residues in the active pocket might lead to the fact that higher Metazoan OASs lose the ability to produce 3'-5'-linked oligoadenylate (3-5A) and turn into specific 2-5A synthetases. In addition, we found that multiple rounds of gene duplication and domain coupling events occurred in the OAS family and mutations at functionally critical sites were observed in most new OAS members.

Conclusions

We propose a model for the expansion of OAS members and provide comprehensive evidence of subsequent neo-functionalization and sub-functionalization. Our observations lay the foundation for interrogating the evolutionary transition of ancient OAS genes to host defense genes and provide important information for exploring the unknown function of the OAS gene family.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-018-1315-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A central role for RNA in the induction and biological activities of type 1 interferons

In mammals the type 1 interferon (IFN) system functions as the primary innate antiviral defense and more broadly as a stress response and regulator of diverse homeostatic mechanisms. RNA plays a central role in the induction of IFN and in its biologic activities. Cellular toll-like receptors (TLR), RIG-I-like receptors (RLR), and nucleotide organization domain-like receptors (NLR) sense pathogen- and danger-associated RNAs as nonself based on structural features and subcellular location that distinguish them from ubiquitous host RNAs. Detection of nonself RNAs activates signaling pathways to induce IFN transcription and secretion. In turn, IFN binds cell surface receptors to initiate signaling that results in the induction of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that mediate its biologic activities. RNA also plays a critical role in this effector phase of the IFN system, serving as an activator of enzyme activity for protein kinase RNA-dependent (PKR) and oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS), and as a substrate for 2('), 5(') -linked oligoadenylate dependant-endoribonuclease (RNase-L). In contrast to the transcriptional response induced by RNA receptors, these key ISGs mediate their activities primarily through post transcriptional mechanisms to regulate the translation and stability of host and microbial RNAs. Together RNA-sensing and RNA-effector molecules comprise a network of coordinately regulated proteins with integrated feedback and feed-forward loops that tightly regulate the cellular response to RNA. This stringent regulation is essential to prevent deleterious effects of uncontrolled IFN expression and effector activation. In light of this extensive crosstalk, targeting key mediators of the cellular response to RNA represents a viable strategy for therapeutic modulation of immune function and treatment of diseases in which this response is dysregulated (e.g., cancer).

Natural occurrence of 2',5'-linked heteronucleotides in marine sponges

2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) as a component of mammalian interferon-induced antiviral enzymatic system catalyze the oligomerization of cellular ATP into 2′,5′-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A). Though vertebrate OASs have been characterized as 2′-nucleotidyl transferases under in vitro conditions, the natural occurrence of 2′,5′-oligonucleotides other than 2-5A has never been demonstrated. Here we have demonstrated that OASs from the marine sponges Thenea muricata and Chondrilla nucula are able to catalyze in vivo synthesis of 2-5A as well as the synthesis of a series 2′,5′-linked heteronucleotides which accompanied high levels of 2′,5′-diadenylates. In dephosphorylated perchloric acid extracts of the sponges, these heteronucleotides were identified as A2′p5′G, A2′ p5′U, A2′p5′C, G2′p5′A and G2′ p5′U. The natural occurrence of 2′-adenylated NAD⁺ was also detected. In vitro assays demonstrated that besides ATP, GTP was a good substrate for the sponge OAS, especially for OAS from C. nucula. Pyrimidine nucleotides UTP and CTP were also used as substrates for oligomerization, giving 2′,5′-linked homo-oligomers. These data refer to the substrate specificity of sponge OASs that is remarkably different from that of vertebrate OASs. Further studies of OASs from sponges may help to elucidate evolutionary and functional aspects of OASs as proteins of the nucleotidyltransferase family.

Interferon-inducible antiviral effectors

Interferons (IFNs) are key components of the innate immune response and the first line of defence against virus infection.

Among the hundreds of IFN-induced genes, only a few have been ascribed direct antiviral activity in vivo: ISG15 (IFN-stimulated protein of 15 kDa), the Mx (myxovirus resistance) proteins, 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS)-regulated ribonuclease L (RNaseL) and protein kinase R (PKR).

These proteins separately block viral transcription, degrade viral RNA, inhibit translation or modify the proteasome to control all steps of viral replication.

ISG15 is part of a ubiquitin-like pathway that modulates the function of numerous protein targets.

The Mx proteins seem to survey exocytic events and mediate vesicle trafficking to trap viral components.

The OAS-regulated RNaseL pathway degrades single-stranded RNA in virus-infected cells.

PKR inhibits translation and participates in signal transduction.

Additional functions of each of these proteins are still being uncovered, suggesting they have broader roles in the host immune response.

Type I interferons (IFNs) provide the first line of defence against viral infection. As discussed in this Review, the IFN-induced antiviral effector proteins, such as ISG15, Mx proteins, ribonuclease L and protein kinase R, are important components of this response.

Since the discovery of interferons (IFNs), considerable progress has been made in describing the nature of the cytokines themselves, the signalling components that direct the cell response and their antiviral activities. Gene targeting studies have distinguished four main effector pathways of the IFN-mediated antiviral response: the Mx GTPase pathway, the 2′,5′-oligoadenylate-synthetase-directed ribonuclease L pathway, the protein kinase R pathway and the ISG15 ubiquitin-like pathway. As discussed in this Review, these effector pathways individually block viral transcription, degrade viral RNA, inhibit translation and modify protein function to control all steps of viral replication. Ongoing research continues to expose additional activities for these effector proteins and has revealed unanticipated functions of the antiviral response.

On the discovery of interferon-inducible, double-stranded RNA activated enzymes: the 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetases and the protein kinase PKR

The demonstration that double-stranded (ds) RNA inhibits protein synthesis in cell-free systems prepared from interferon-treated cells, lead to the discovery of the two interferon-induced, dsRNA-dependent enzymes: the serine/threonine protein kinase that is referred to as PKR and the 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2',5'-OAS), which converts ATP to 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates with the unusual 2'-5' instead of 3'-5' phosphodiesterase bond. We raised monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against human PKR and the two larger forms of the 2',5'-OAS. Such specific antibodies proved to be indispensable for the detailed characterization of these enzyme and the cloning of cDNAs corresponding to the human PKR and the 69-71 and 100 kDa forms of the 2',5'-OAS. When activated by dsRNA, PKR becomes autophosphorylated and catalyzes phosphorylation of the protein synthesis initiation factor eIF2, whereas the 2'-5'OAS forms 2',5'-oligoadenylates that activate the latent endoribonuclease, the RNAse L. By inhibiting initiation of protein synthesis or by degrading RNA, these enzymes play key roles in two independent pathways that regulate overall protein synthesis and the mechanism of the antiviral action of interferon. In addition, these enzymes are now shown to regulate other cellular events, such as gene induction, normal control of cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis.

The human 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase family: unique interferon-inducible enzymes catalyzing 2'-5' instead of 3'-5' phosphodiester bond formation

The demonstration by Kerr and colleagues that double-stranded (ds) RNA inhibits drastically protein synthesis in cell-free systems prepared from interferon-treated cells, suggested the existence of an interferon-induced enzyme, which is dependent on dsRNA. Consequently, two distinct dsRNA-dependent enzymes were discovered: a serine/threonine protein kinase that nowadays is referred to as PKR and a 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase (2'-5'OAS) that polymerizes ATP to 2'-5'-linked oligomers of adenosine with the general formula pppA(2'p5'A)(n), n>or=1. The product is pppG2'p5'G when GTP is used as a substrate. Three distinct forms of 2'-5'OAS exist in human cells, small, medium, and large, which contain one, two, and three OAS units, respectively, and are encoded by distinct genes clustered on the 2'-5'OAS locus on human chromosome 12. OASL is an OAS like IFN-induced protein encoded by a gene located about 8 Mb telomeric from the 2'-5'OAS locus. OASL is composed of one OAS unit fused at its C-terminus with two ubiquitin-like repeats. The human OASL is devoid of the typical 2'-5'OAS catalytic activity. In addition to these structural differences between the various OAS proteins, the three forms of 2'-5'OAS are characterized by different subcellular locations and enzymatic parameters. These findings illustrate the apparent structural and functional complexity of the human 2'-5'OAS family, and suggest that these proteins may have distinct roles in the cell.

Monoclonal antibodies against topoisomerase I suppressed DNA relaxation and HIV-1 cDNA synthesis

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virion is known to carry a number of cellular components including cellular topoisomerase I. Previously, we have demonstrated that topoisomerase I enhances HIV-1 cDNA synthesis in reverse transcription (RT) assays in vitro. In the present study, we have produced six monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against human topoisomerase I. The MAbs suppressed nicking/closing of supercoiled DNA and cDNA synthesis in an endogenous reverse transcription (ERT) assay using a detergent-disrupted HIV-1 virion. Thus, the results suggest that topoisomerase I plays an important role in RNA-directed DNA polymerization.

The human 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase family: interferon-induced proteins with unique enzymatic properties

2',5'-Oligoadenylate synthetase (2',5'-OAS) was discovered and characterized as an interferon (IFN)-induced enzyme that in the presence of double-stranded (ds) RNA converts ATP into 2',5'-linked oligomers of adenosine with the general formula pppA(2'p'A)n, n > or = 1. The product is pppG2'p5'G when GTP is used as a substrate. Now, 20 years later, this activity is attributed to several well-characterized, homologous, and IFN-induced proteins in human cells. Three distinct forms of 2',5'-OAS exist, small, medium, and large, which contain 1, 2, and 3 OAS units, respectively, and are encoded by distinct genes clustered on the 2',5'-OAS locus on human chromosome 12. Recently, other IFN-induced proteins homologous to the OAS unit but devoid of the typical 2',5'-OAS catalytic activity have been described. These OAS-related proteins are encoded by a gene located at the proximity of the 2',5'-OAS locus. These findings illustrate the apparent structural and functional complexity of the human 2',5'-OAS family.

The 100-kDa 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase catalyzing preferentially the synthesis of dimeric pppA2'p5'A molecules is composed of three homologous domains

The 2-5A synthetases represent a family of proteins implicated in the mechanism of the antiviral action of interferon. When activated by double-stranded RNA, these proteins polymerize ATP into 2'-5'-linked oligomers with the general formula pppA(2'p5'A)n, n >/= 1. Three forms of human 2-5A synthetases have been described corresponding to proteins of 40/46 (p40/p46), 69/71 (p69/p71), and 100 kDa (p100). Here we describe the molecular cloning and characterization of p100. By screening a cDNA expression library with a specific p100 polyclonal antibody, we first isolated a 590-nucleotide cDNA fragment which was subsequently used to isolate the full-length 6365-nucleotide cDNA. This cDNA recognizes a distinct interferon-induced messenger RNA of 7 kilobases. It has an open reading frame encoding a protein of 1087 amino acids including the sequence of seven peptides obtained by microsequencing of the natural p100 protein, which was purified from interferon-treated human cells. p100 is composed of three adjacent domains, each homologous to the previously defined catalytic unit of 350 amino acids, which is present as one unit in p40/p46 and as two units in p69/p71. The recombinant p100 synthesized preferentially dimeric 2', 5'-oligoadenylate molecules and displayed parameters for maximum enzyme activity similar to the natural p100. These results confirm that the enzymatic activity of p100 is distinct compared with that of p40/p46 and p69/p71.

The 2-5A system: modulation of viral and cellular processes through acceleration of RNA degradation

The 2-5A system is an RNA degradation pathway that can be induced by the interferons (IFNs). Treatment of cells with IFN activates genes encoding several double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-dependent synthetases. These enzymes generate 5'-triphosphorylated, 2',5'-phosphodiester-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) from ATP. The effects of 2-5A in cells are transient since 2-5A is unstable in cells due to the activities of phosphodiesterase and phosphatase. 2-5A activates the endoribonuclease 2-5A-dependent RNase L, causing degradation of single-stranded RNA with moderate specificity. The human 2-5A-dependent RNase is an 83.5 kDa polypeptide that has little, if any, RNase activity, unless 2-5A is present. 2-5A binding to RNase L switches the enzyme from its off-state to its on-state. At least three 2',5'-linked oligoadenylates and a single 5'-phosphoryl group are required for maximal activation of the RNase. Even though the constitutive presence of 2-5A-dependent RNase is observed in nearly all mammalian cell types, cellular amounts of 2-5A-dependent mRNA and activity can increase after IFN treatment. One well-established role of the 2-5A system is as a host defense against some types of viruses. Since virus infection of cells results in the production and secretion of IFNs, and since dsRNA is both a frequent product of virus infection and an activator of 2-5A synthesis, the replication of encephalomyocarditis virus, which produces dsRNA during its life cycle, is greatly suppressed in IFN-treated cells as a direct result of RNA decay by the activated 2-5A-dependent RNase. This review covers the organic chemistry, enzymology, and molecular biology of 2-5A and its associated enzymes. Additional possible biological roles of the 2-5A system, such as in cell growth and differentiation, human immunodeficiency virus replication, heat shock, atherosclerotic plaque, pathogenesis of Type I diabetes, and apoptosis, are presented.

Ultrastructural localization of interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA-activated enzymes in human cells

The protein kinase PKR and the 2',5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase are two interferon-induced and double-stranded RNA-activated enzymes which are implicated in the mechanism of action of interferon. Their distribution was undertaken here at the ultrastructural level by the immunogold procedure, following the use of specific monoclonal antibodies directed against PKR and 69- and 100-kDa forms of the 2-5A synthetase. These enzymes were detected as a pool of nonaggregated proteins scattered throughout the cell and as aggregates often associated with electron-dense doughnut-like structures showing a similar aspect whatever their subcellular localization: the cytoplasm, the nuclear envelope, and the nucleus. In general, the 2-5A synthetases were present in much more lower amounts than the PKR, probably due to the difficulty of detecting traces of proteins by electron microscopy. To circumvent this, we used a human lymphoblastoid cell line overexpressing the 69-kDa form of the 2-5A synthetase. In such cells, the synthetase was then clearly observed in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus; isolated or small clusters of gold particles were numerous in the cell mainly over the RNP fibrils of the interchromatin space, nucleolus, and ribosomes. Interestingly, gold particles were also found to be associated with the membranes of nuclear envelope and rough endoplasmic reticulum probably due to the myristilated motif of this form of 2-5A synthetase. Finally, intensely labeled electron-opaque dots sometimes associated with the nuclear pore complexes were present in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm of cells which might suggest their transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm or reciprocally through the nuclear pore complexes. These observations indicate the wider distribution of the dsRNA-activated enzymes in the cell, thus pointing out their potential implication in as yet undetermined physiological function(s) necessary for various cellular metabolic reactions.

69-kDa and 100-kDa isoforms of interferon-induced (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase exhibit differential catalytic parameters

The (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase represents a family of interferon-induced proteins which when activated by double-stranded (ds)RNA polymerizes ATP into 2'-5'-linked oligomers with the general formula pppA(2'p5'A)n, where n > 1, which for convenience are referred to as 2-5A. We studied here the influence of pH, dsRNA concentration and time on oligomeric composition of 2-5A synthesized by purified 69-kDa and 100-kDa isoforms of (2'-5')oligo(adenylate) synthetase. In optimal conditions for activity, the 69-kDa form synthesized higher oligomers of 2-5A molecules whereas the 100 kDa form synthesized preferentially dimeric molecules, which are known not to be functional for the activation of RNase L. This difference does not reflect a differential affinity of the enzymes for the preformed 2-5A dimer, which is found to be a very poor substrate for both enzymes. This latter strongly suggests that the mechanism of elongation is more likely processive. Moreover, we show that both isoforms have efficient nucleotidyl-transferase activity and provide evidence that, in optimized conditions, GTP can be used alone as substrate by these enzymes to generate pppG2'p5'G. Our results clearly demonstrate that the 69-kDa and 100-kDa forms of (2'-5')oligoadenylate synthetase manifest various differential catalytic activities, and favor the hypothesis that these enzymes might have other functions in the cell besides those in the 2-5A system.

Modulation of the Antiviral 2-5A System in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1-Infected CEM Cells by Propentofylline

2′,5′-OIigoadenylates (2-5A) play an essential role in the establishment of the antiviral state of cells exposed to virus infection. However, - after an initial increase observed in some cell lines - the activity of the interferon (IFN)-inducible, 2-5A-forming 2′,5′-oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5A synthetase) strongly decreases soon after infection of cells with the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). In the present report, we show that in IFN-treated human T lymphoblastoid CEM cells, the decrease in 2-5A synthetase activity had already occurred at day 1 post infection (p.i.)- At days 3 and 5 p.i., the 2-5A synthetase activity in the IFN-treated infected cells amounted to only 10-12% of that in IFN-treated uninfected control cells. The decrease in 2-5A synthetase activity was accompanied by a decrease in 2-5A synthetase mRNA and protein. We found that the decrease in 2-5A synthetase activity can be retarded by addition of the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor, propentofylline. At a concentration of 30-100 μM, propentofylline displayed a significant cytoprotective and antiviral effect on HIV-1-infected CEM cells.

Mammalian mitochondrial DNA topoisomerase I preferentially relaxes supercoils in plasmids containing specific mitochondrial DNA sequences

Selected regions of mammalian mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) were inserted into pGEM plasmid vectors and used as substrates in a kinetic analysis of the highly purified bovine mitochondrial type I topoisomerase. Recombinant plasmids containing the bovine mtDNA heavy and light strand origins of replication (pZT-Hori and pZT-Lori, respectively), a major transcription termination region (pZT-Term) and a portion of cytochrome b gene (pZT-Cytb) were prepared. Southern hybridization using probes specific for either control or mtDNA-containing plasmid indicated a relative preference by the mitochondrial topoisomerase I to relax supercoils in pZT-Hori and pZT-Term. Quantitative determination of kinetic parameters derived from double-reciprocal Lineweaver-Burk plots showed that recombinant plasmids containing the heavy and light strand origins and the transcription termination region were preferentially relaxed by the mitochondrial enzyme with Km values 2.3- to 3.3-fold lower than controls. The Km values for pZT-Hori, pZT-Lori and pZT-Term were 21.0 +/- 0.9 microM, 25.2 +/- 1.0 microM and 17.0 +/- 0.8 microM, respectively, while those for control plasmids were 57.5 +/- 2.1 microM and 56.3 +/- 2.3 microM. pZT-Cytb was not preferentially relaxed compared to the control plasmid (Km = 53.4 +/- 2.0 microM vs. 56.3 +/- 2.3 microM, respectively) indicating that mitochondrial topoisomerase I preferentially interacts with certain mtDNA sequences but not others. Identical experiments with the purified nuclear enzyme did not differentiate between control or mtDNA containing plasmids.

Effect of interferon and 2',5'-oligoadenylates on rotavirus RNA synthesis

Based on the antiviral effect of interferon on rotavirus replication the inhibitory effect of 2',5'-oligoadenylates on MRNA and double-stranded RNA synthesis was studied using an in vitro assay. The chemically synthesized oligonucleotides were used to determine several characteristics of the inhibitory effect, such as chain length, presence of phosphate residues at the 5'-end, and the 2',5'-phosphodiester bond itself. In vitro transcription was inhibited by oligos with 5 or more adenine residues at a final concentration of 100 microM or greater. This result makes rotavirus transcriptase different from other viruses in which the inhibitory effects are associated with dinucleotides and trinucleotides. The inhibitory effect was increased when the oligo contained a phosphate residue at the 5'-end; in this case, inhibition was also seen at lower oligo concentrations as well as at shorter oligo chain length. The study of the kinetics of inhibition showed that the inhibition by p(A2'p5')(3)3A was competitive with a Ki value of 256 microM. The effect of the oligonucleotides on the in vitro viral RNA replication showed that the 2',5'-oligoadenylates were not able to significantly inhibit the in vitro rotavirus RNA synthesis. The lack of inhibition in the in vitro assay was very peculiar since RNA transcription and replication involves the viral RNA polymerase, VP1.

Preparation of cyclic 2',3'-monophosphates of oligoadenylates (A2'p)nA > p and A3'p(A2'p)n-1A > p

The action of the guanylyl-preferring RNase from Bacillus intermedius (binase) on a mixture of oligoadenylates with randomly distributed 2'-5' and 3'-5' internucleotide bonds [(A2'/3'p)n] under conditions sufficient for complete hydrolysis of poly(A) results in a mixture containing a single circular oligoadenylate and two series of linear oligoadenylates ending in cyclic 2',3'-phosphate. Individual compounds formed upon digestion of (A2'/3'p)n with binase have been isolated. Their structure was determined on the basis of their chemical and enzymatic conversions and confirmed by 1H-, 13C- and 31P-NMR spectra. According to these data, the circular triadenylate contains one 2'-5' and two 3'-5' internucleotide bonds, linear oligoadenylates of one series contain exclusively 2'-5' internucleotide bonds [(A2'p)nA > p], while each compound of the other series contains a single 3'-5' internucleotide bond connecting the 5'-ultimate nucleotide residue with the penultimate one [A3'p(A2'p)n-1A > p]. The incubation of compounds of the former series A3' p(A2'p)n > p at pH 1.0 and the subsequent action of phosphatase results in successive formation of compounds of two other new series: A3'p(A2'p)nA2'(3')p and A3'p(A2'p)nA.

Inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I activity by 2',5'-oligoadenylates and mismatched double-stranded RNA in uninfected and HIV-1-infected H9 cells

2',5'-Oligoadenylates (2-5As) inhibit the type I DNA topoisomerase activity both in uninfected and HIV-1-infected human T cell line H9 as well as the purified enzyme (calf thymus). Topoisomerase I activity was determined by measuring the relaxation of negatively supercoiled pBR322 DNA. Inhibition of topoisomerase I by 2-5A depends on the chain length of the oligomer and the presence of 5'-phosphate. The 5'-triphosphate of the 2-5A hexamer was most active (almost total inhibition of DNA relaxation at 10 microM concentration); the 2-5A core trimer (at 100 microM) displayed no significant effect. In crosslinking and immunoprecipitation experiments we present evidence that 2-5A (32P-labelled 2-5A derivative, ppp(A2'p)3 A[32P]pCp) is able to bind to nuclear topoisomerase I. The mismatched dsRNA, poly(I).poly(C12U) (Ampligen), exhibited a strong anti-HIV-1 activity. However, our data show that this antiviral effect is not related to topoisomerase I inhibition. On the other hand, we did observe the production of longer oligomers of 2-5A in cells treated with poly(I).poly(C12U). It remains speculative, whether the in vivo effect could be catalyzed by this activity of poly(I).poly(C12U). In addition we could show that 2-5A also inhibits topoisomerase I activity associated with isolated HIV-1 particles.

Determination of 2-5A synthetase and 2-5A phosphodiesterase in neuroblastoma cells by analytical capillary isotachophoresis: effects of cytokines and comparison with radioenzymatic methods

2-5A Synthetase and 2-5A phosphodiesterase were determined by analytical capillary isotachophoresis in comparison to radioenzymatic methods. By means of isotachophoretic analysis, a frequently used radioenzymatic 2-5A synthetase assay was optimized and the results of both assays were compared. Using the isotachophoretic assay the influence of interferon-related cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-2) on 2-5A synthetase induction in neuroblastoma cells was estimated. In contrast to mononuclear blood cells, the tumor necrosis factor induced 2-5A synthetase in these cells. 2-5A Phosphodiesterase was determined using an isotachophoretic assay and a radioenzymatic method. Degradation of A2'p5'A2'p5'A (trimeric form of 2-5A core) was measured by isotachophoresis whereas degradation of a mixture of phosphorus-32 labeled 2-5A cores was registered by radioenzymatic assay. Activity of 2-5A phosphodiesterase was only insignificantly enhanced by interferon in mononuclear blood and neuroblastoma cells. In contrast to the radioenzymatic assays, an accurate determination of 2-5A synthetase as well as of 2-5A phosphodiesterase is possible using the isotachophoretic method because the reactions are followed by measuring the substrates ATP and A2'p5'A2'p5'A, respectively.

The 2-5A system and HIV infection

2',5'-Oligoadenylates (2-5A) have an essential role in the establishment of the antiviral state of a cell exposed to virus infection. The key enzymes of the 2-5A system are the 2-5A forming 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5OAS), the activity of which depends on the presence of viral or cellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), and the 2-5A-activated ribonuclease (RNase L). Basic research in recent years has shown that the 2-5A system is a promising target for anti-HIV chemotherapy, particularly due to its interaction with double-stranded segments within HIV RNA. Two new strategies have been developed which yield a selective antiviral effect of 2-5A against HIV-1 infection: (1) development of 2-5A analogues displaying a dual mode of action (activation of RNase L and inhibition of HIV-1 RT) and (2) intracellular immunization of cells against HIV-1 infection by application of the HIV-1-LTR--2-5OAS hybrid gene. A further strategy is the inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I by longer 2-5A oligomers.

Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activity by nucleoside analogs of thymidine

The poly ADP-ribosylation of proteins catalyzed by poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) is involved in a number of important cellular metabolic activities. We evaluated various analogs of deoxythymidine and deoxyuridine as inhibitors of PARP. Most of these compounds have antiviral and/or anticancer activities. The structural requirements for these nucleoside analogs to be inhibitors of PARP were determined. The compounds evaluated had various substitutions on the 2-, 4- and/or 5-position of the pyrimidine ring, as well as on the 2'-, 3'- and/or 5'-position of the pentose moiety. Inhibition of PARP was strongly dependent on the size of the alkyl or halogen substituent on the 5-position of the pyrimidine ring. Whereas the 5-position of the pyrimidine ring could be varied, alteration of the 2- or 4-position drastically decreased the inhibition of PARP. Kinetic analysis was performed with concentrations of 1-10 microM NAD+. The Ki values for many compounds were five to seven times lower than the Ki for 3-aminobenzamide, a previously described potent inhibitor of PARP. Compounds with combined substituents at both the 5-position of the pyrimidine ring and the 3'- or 5'-position of deoxyribose generally were potent inhibitors of PARP, as for example 3'-amino-2', 3'-dideoxy-(E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)uridine (Ki = 0.7 microM), or 5'-azido-2',5'-dideoxy-5-ethyluridine (Ki = 0.8 microM). The 5-halogenated analogs had Ki values of 18, 35, 110 and greater than 1000 microM for 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-chloro-2'-deoxyuridine, and 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine, respectively, and the 5-alkyl analogs had Ki values of 45, 2.2, 7, 16 and 180 microM for 5-methyl-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-ethyl-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-propyl-2'-deoxyuridine, 5-butyl-2'-deoxyuridine and 5-pentyl-2'-deoxyuridine, respectively. Two other compounds with substituents in the 5-position of the pyrimidine moiety also had potent activities: (E)-5-(2-bromovinyl)-2'-deoxyuridine (Ki = 6 microM) and 5-trifluoromethyl-2'-deoxyuridine (Ki = 1.6 microM). Compounds substituted in the 2'-, 3'- and/or 5'-position of the deoxyribose moiety were investigated and 5'-azido-5'-deoxythymidine, 5'-amino-5'-deoxythymidine, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine and 3'-deoxythymidine (d2T) and Ki values of 12, 16, 18 and 30 microM, respectively.