Two viral proteins involved in the proteolytic processing of the cowpea mosaic virus polyproteins

Deep sequencing reveals the first fabavirus infecting peach

A disease causing smaller and cracked fruit affects peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], resulting in significant decreases in yield and quality. In this study, peach tree leaves showing typical symptoms were subjected to deep sequencing of small RNAs for a complete survey of presumed causal viral pathogens. The results revealed two known viroids (Hop stunt viroid and Peach latent mosaic viroid), two known viruses (Apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus and Plum bark necrosis stem pitting-associated virus) and a novel virus provisionally named Peach leaf pitting-associated virus (PLPaV). Phylogenetic analysis based on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase placed PLPaV into a separate cluster under the genus Fabavirus in the family Secoviridae. The genome consists of two positive-sense single-stranded RNAs, i.e., RNA1 [6,357 nt, with a 48-nt poly(A) tail] and RNA2 [3,862 nt, with a 25-nt poly(A) containing two cytosines]. Biological tests of GF305 peach indicator seedlings indicated a leaf-pitting symptom rather than the smaller and cracked fruit symptoms related to virus and viroid infection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a fabavirus infecting peach. PLPaV presents several new molecular and biological features that are absent in other fabaviruses, contributing to an overall better understanding of fabaviruses.

Efficient generation of cowpea mosaic virus empty virus-like particles by the proteolytic processing of precursors in insect cells and plants

To elucidate the mechanism of formation of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) particles, RNA-2-encoded precursor proteins were expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda cells. Processing of the 105K and 95K polyproteins in trans to give the mature Large (L) and Small (S) coat proteins required both the 32K proteinase cofactor and the 24K proteinase itself, while processing of VP60, consisting of the fused L-S protein, required only the 24K proteinase. Release of the L and S proteins resulted in the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs), showing that VP60 can act as a precursor of virus capsids. Processing of VP60 expressed in plants also led to efficient production of VLPs. Analysis of the VLPs produced by the action of the 24K proteinase on precursors showed that they were empty (RNA-free). This has important implications for the use of CPMV VLPs in biotechnology and nanotechnology as it will permit the use of noninfectious particles.

The complete sequence of a Spanish isolate of Broad bean wilt virus 1 (BBWV-1) reveals a high variability and conserved motifs in the genus Fabavirus

The genome of a Spanish isolate of Broad bean wilt virus-1 (BBWV-1) was completely sequenced and compared with available sequences of other isolates of the genus Fabavirus (BBWV-1 and BBWV-2). This consisted of two RNAs of 5814 and 3431 nucleotides, respectively, and their organization was similar to that of other members of the family Comoviridae. Its mean nucleotide identity with a BBWV-1 American isolate was 81.5%, and between 59.8 and 63.5% with seven BBWV-2 isolates. Our analysis showed sequence stretches in the 5' non-coding regions which are conserved in both genomic RNAs and in BBWV-1 and BBWV-2 isolates.

Subcellular location of the helper component-proteinase of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus

The helper component-proteinase (HC-Pro) of Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to obtain HC-Pro antiserum that was used as an analytical tool for HC-Pro studies. The antiserum was used in immunofluorescence assays to study the subcellular location of HC-Pro expressed with other viral proteins in cowpea protoplasts in a natural CABMV infection, or in protoplasts transfected with a transient expression construct expressing HC-Pro separately from other viral proteins under the control of the 35S promoter. In both cases the protein showed a diffuse cytoplasmic location. Similar localisation patterns were shown in live protoplasts when the transient expression system was used to express HC-Pro as a fusion with the green fluorescent protein as a reporter. In an alternative expression system, the HC-Pro coding region was subcloned in-frame between the movement protein and large coat protein genes of RNA2 of Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV). Upon transfection of protoplasts with this construct, HC-Pro was expressed as part of the RNA2 encoded polyprotein from which it was fully processed. In this case, the protein localised in broad cytoplasmic patches reminiscent of the typical CPMV induced cytopathic structures in which CPMV replication occurs, suggesting an interaction of HC-Pro with CPMV proteins or host factors in these structures. Finally, recombinant CPMV expressing HC-Pro showed a strongly enhanced virulence on cowpea and Nicotiana benthamiana consistent with the role of HC-Pro as a pathogenicity determinant, a phenomenon now known to be linked to its role as a suppressor of host defense responses based on post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Cowpea mosaic virus 32- and 60-kilodalton replication proteins target and change the morphology of endoplasmic reticulum membranes

Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) replicates in close association with small membranous vesicles that are formed by rearrangements of intracellular membranes. To determine which of the viral proteins are responsible for the rearrangements of membranes and the attachment of the replication complex, we have expressed individual CPMV proteins encoded by RNA1 in cowpea protoplasts by transient expression and in Nicotiana benthamiana plants by using the tobacco rattle virus (TRV) expression vector. The 32-kDa protein (32K) and 60K, when expressed individually, accumulate in only low amounts but are found associated with membranes mainly derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). 24K and 110K are freely soluble and accumulate to high levels. With the TRV vector, expression of 32K and 60K results in rearrangement of ER membranes. Besides, expression of 32K and 60K results in necrosis of the inoculated N. benthamiana leaves, suggesting that 32K and 60K are cytotoxic proteins. On the other hand, during CPMV infection 32K and 60K accumulate to high levels without causing necrosis.

Nucleotide sequence of black currant reversion associated nepovirus RNA1

The RNA1 of black currant reversion associated nepovirus (BRAV) is 7711 nucleotides (nt) long, excluding the poly-A tail, and contains one long open reading frame (ORF) which is translated into a polyprotein of 2094 amino acids. The 5' NTR of BRAV RNA1 is 66 nt long and 78% identical with RNA2 5' NTR only over the first 57 nucleotides. The 3' non-translated region (3'NTR) is 1360 nucleotides long, and after the first 24 nucleotides 95% identical with the 3'NTR of RNA2. RNA1 3'NTR contains several stretches, 694-24 nucleotides in length, which are 60-80% similar to corresponding areas of the other viruses of the subgroup c of nepoviruses (BLMV, CLRV, PRMV or TomRSV). The 2094 amino acids-long polypeptide encoded by BRAV RNA1 is 33% identical with that of PRMV between amino acids 9 and 2057, and has significant similarity also to those of other nepoviruses and comoviruses. Conserved amino acid motifs, characteristic for the viral protease co-factor, the NTP-binding protein, the cysteine protease and the RdRp core domains, known to occur in the polyproteins of different viruses of the picornavirus-like supergroup, are all detected in the amino acid sequences encoded by BRAV RNA1.

Complete nucleotide sequence and infectious cDNA clone of the RNA1 of a Chinese isolate of broad bean wilt virus 2

The nucleotide sequence of the RNA1 of broad bean wilt virus 2 (BBWV2) isolate B935 has been determined from overlapping cDNA clones. It contains 5956 nucleotides in length excluding the 3' terminal poly(A) tail and contains a single long open reading frame (ORF) of 5613 nucleotides extending from nucleotide 234 to 5846. A repeated motif has been found in the 5' non-coding region. The predicted polyprotein encoded by the long ORF is 1870 amino acid in length with a molecular weight of 210 K. Amino acid sequence comparisons between portions of the BBWV2 RNA1-encoded polyprotein and proteins encoded by several species in Comoviridae revealed the putative functions of BBWV2 RNA1-encoded proteins and the same general genetic organization as that of comoviruses and nepoviruses. Based on the determined sequence, full-length cDNA clone of RNA1 designated as pU1FL was constructed. Together with transcripts from full-length cDNA clone of RNA2 (pU2FL), transcripts from pU1FL infected Chenopodium quinoa successfully.

Engineering cowpea mosaic virus RNA-2 into a vector to express heterologous proteins in plants

A series of new cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) RNA-2-based expression vectors were designed. The jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) was introduced between the movement protein (MP) and the large (L) coat protein or downstream of the small (S) coat protein. Release of the GFP inserted between the MP and L proteins was achieved by creating artificial processing sites each side of the insert, either by duplicating the MP-L cleavage site or by introducing a sequence encoding the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A catalytic peptide. Eight amino acids derived from the C-terminus of the MP and 14-19 amino acids from the N-terminus of the L coat protein were necessary for efficient processing of the artificial Gln/Met sites. Insertion of the FMDV 2A sequence at the C-terminus of the GFP resulted in a genetically stable construct, which produced particles containing about 10 GFP-2A-L fusion proteins. Immunocapture experiments indicated that some of the GFP is present on the virion surface. Direct fusion of GFP to the C-terminus of the S coat protein resulted in a virus which was barely viable. However, when the sequence of GFP was linked to the C-terminus by an active FMDV 2A sequence, a highly infectious construct was obtained.

Cloning and sequencing of peach rosette mosaic virus RNA1

The complete nucleotide sequence of peach rosette mosaic nepovirus (PRMV) RNA1 has been determined. A grapevine isolate of PRMV from Michigan was propagated and purified and cDNA clones representing 99. 5% of the RNA1 were constructed. The cDNA and direct RNA sequence analysis revealed a RNA species of 8004 nucleotides, excluding a 3' polyadenylated tail. The 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions were 52 and 1474 nucleotides, respectively. Computer analysis of the PRMV RNA1 nucleotide sequence unveiled a single long open reading frame of 6477 nucleotides, which is capable of encoding a 240 kDa polyprotein. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence of RNA1 revealed amino acid motifs characteristic of a replicase, proteinase, NTP-binding protein and a proteinase cofactor. The order and identity of these putative proteins are consistent with other nepoviruses. Analysis of PRMV RNA1 further distinguishes the taxonomic subdivisions within the nepovirus group, confirms the subgroup three status of PRMV and lays the groundwork for a replicase-mediated resistance strategy.

Studies on hybrid comoviruses reveal the importance of three-dimensional structure for processing of the viral coat proteins and show that the specificity of cleavage is greater in trans than in cis

A series of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV)-based hybrid comoviral RNA-2 molecules have been constructed. In these, the region encoding both the large (L) and small (S) viral coat proteins was replaced by the equivalent region from bean pod mottle virus (BPMV). The hybrid RNA-2 molecules were able to replicate in cowpea protoplasts in the presence of CPMV RNA-1. Though processing of the hybrid polyproteins by the CPMV-specific 24K proteinase at the site between the 58/48K and L proteins could readily be achieved, no processing at the site between the L and S coat proteins could be obtained even when the sequence of amino acids between the two coat proteins was made CPMV-like. As a result, none of the hybrids was able to form functional virus particles, and they could not infect cowpea plants. Comparison with the processing of the L-S site in cis in reticulocyte lysates demonstrated that the requirements for processing are more stringent in trans than in cis. The results suggest that the L-S cleavage site is defined by more than just a linear sequence of amino acids and probably involves interactions between the L-S loop and the beta barrels of the viral coat proteins.

Mutagenesis of amino acids at two tomato ringspot nepovirus cleavage sites: effect on proteolytic processing in cis and in trans by the 3C-like protease

Tomato ringspot nepovirus (ToRSV) encodes two polyproteins that are processed by a 3C-like protease at specific cleavage sites. Analysis of ToRSV cleavage sites identified previously and in this study revealed that cleavage occurs at conserved Q/(G or S) dipeptides. In addition, a Cys or Val is found in the -2 position. Amino acid substitutions were introduced in the -6 to +1 positions of two ToRSV cleavage sites: the cleavage site between the protease and putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, which is processed in cis, and the cleavage site at the N-terminus of the movement protein, which is cleaved in trans. The effect of the mutations on proteolytic processing at these sites was tested using in vitro translation systems. Substitution of conserved amino acids at the -2, -1, and +1 positions resulted in a significant reduction in proteolytic processing at both cleavage sites. The effects of individual substitutions were stronger on the cleavage site processed in trans than on the one processed in cis. The cleavage site specificity of the ToRSV protease is discussed in comparison to that of related proteases.

Proteinases Involved in Plant Virus Genome Expression

This chapter discusses the proteinases involved in plant virus genome expression. The chapter focuses on virus-encoded proteinases. It gives an overall view of the use of proteolytic processing by different plant virus groups for the expression of their genomes. It also discusses that the development of full-length cDNA clones from which infectious transcripts can be produced either in vitro or in vivo, has facilitated the functional analysis of the plant virus proteinases. In spite of the high specificity of the viral proteinases, cellular substrates for animal virus proteinases have been described in this chapter. The activity of the viral proteinases can interfere with important cellular processes to favor virus replication. The recent use of proteinase inhibitors in AIDS therapy has emphasized the convenience of virus-encoded proteinases as targets of antiviral action. A mutant protein able to inhibit the activity of the TEV proteinase by manipulation of the α₂-macroglobulin bait region was designed by Van Rompaey.

Nucleotide sequence analysis shows that Rhopalosiphum padi virus is a member of a novel group of insect-infecting RNA viruses

Rhopalosiphum padi virus (RhPV) is an aphid virus that has been considered a member of the Picornaviridae based on physicochemical properties. The 10,011-nt polyadenylated RNA genome of RhPV was completely sequenced. Analysis of the sequence revealed the presence of two open reading frames (ORFs). The predicted amino acid sequence of ORF1, representing the first 6600 nt of the RhPV genome, showed significant similarity to the nonstructural proteins of several plant and animal RNA viruses. Direct sequence analysis of the RhPV capsid proteins showed that ORF2, which represents the last 2900 nt, encodes the three structural proteins (28, 29, and 30 kDa). The predicted amino acid sequence of ORF2 is very similar to the corresponding regions of Drosophila C virus, Plautia stali intestine virus, and to a partial sequence from the 3' end of the cricket paralysis virus genome. The site of initiation of protein synthesis for ORF2 could not be determined from the amino acid and nucleotide sequences. ORF1 is preceded by 579 nt of noncoding RNA and the two ORFs are separated by more than 500 nt of noncoding RNA. Like picornaviruses, these regions may function to facilitate the cap-independent initiation of translation of the two ORFs. These data suggest that RhPV, Drosophila C virus, Plautia stali intestine virus, and probably cricket paralysis virus are members of a unique group of small RNA viruses that infect primarily insects.

Studies on the movement of cowpea mosaic virus using the jellyfish green fluorescent protein

The jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP) coding sequence was used to replace the coat protein (CP) genes in a full-length cDNA clone of CPMV RNA-2. Transcripts of this construct were replicated in the presence of RNA-1 in cowpea protoplasts, and GFP expression could be readily detected by fluorescent microscopy. It was not possible to infect cowpea plants with these transcripts, but combined with a mutant RNA-2, in which the 48-kDa movement protein (MP) gene has been deleted infection did occur. With this tripartite virus (CPMV-TRI) green fluorescent spots were visible under UV light on the inoculated leaf after 3 days and a few days later on the higher leaves. These results show that the polyproteins encoded by RNA-2 do not possess an essential function in the virus infection cycle and that there is, contrary to what we have found so far for the proteins encoded by RNA-1, no need for a tight regulation of the amounts of MP and CPs produced in a cell. Subsequently, the GFP gene was introduced between the MP and CP genes of RNA-2 utilizing artificial proteolytic processing sites for the viral proteinase. This CPMV-GFP was highly infectious on cowpea plants and the green fluorescent spots that developed on the inoculated leaves were larger and brighter than those produced by CPMV-TRI described above. When cowpea plants were inoculated with CPMV RNA-1 and RNA-2 mutants containing the GFP gene but lacking the CP or MP genes, only single fluorescent epidermal cells were detected between 2 and 6 days postinoculation. This experiment clearly shows that both the capsid proteins and the MP are absolutely required for cell-to-cell movement.

Three-dimensional model of the potyviral genome-linked protein

The full sequence of the genome-linked viral protein (VPg) cistron located in the central part of potato virus Y (common strain) genome has been identified. The VPg gene codes for a protein of 188 amino acids, with significant homology to other known potyviral VPg polypeptides. A three-dimensional model structure of VPg is proposed on the basis of similarity of hydrophobic-hydrophilic residue distribution to the sequence of malate dehydrogenase of known crystal structure. The 5' end of the viral RNA can be fitted to interact with the protein through the exposed hydroxyl group of Tyr-64, in agreement with experimental data. The complex favors stereochemically the formation of a phosphodiester bond [5'-(O4-tyrosylphospho)adenylate] typical for representatives of picornavirus-like viruses. The chemical mechanisms of viral RNA binding to VPg are discussed on the basis of the model structure of protein-RNA complex.

Gene expression from viral RNA genomes

This review is centered on the major strategies used by plant RNA viruses to produce the proteins required for virus multiplication. The strategies at the level of transcription presented here are synthesis of mRNA or subgenomic RNAs from viral RNA templates, and 'cap-snatching'. At the level of translation, several strategies have been evolved by viruses at the steps of initiation, elongation and termination. At the initiation step, the classical scanning mode is the most frequent strategy employed by viruses; however in a vast number of cases, leaky scanning of the initiation complex allows expression of more than one protein from the same RNA sequence. During elongation, frameshift allows the formation of two proteins differing in their carboxy terminus. At the termination step, suppression of termination produces a protein with an elongated carboxy terminus. The last strategy that will be described is co- and/or post-translational cleavage of a polyprotein precursor by virally encoded proteinases. Most (+)-stranded RNA viruses utilize a combination of various strategies.

Both NS3 and NS4A are required for proteolytic processing of hepatitis C virus nonstructural proteins

The proteolytic cleavages at the NS3-NS4A, NS4A-NS4B, NS4B-NS5A, and NS5A-NS5B junctions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) polyprotein are effected by the virus-encoded serine protease contained within NS3. Using transient expression in HeLa cells of cDNA fragments that code for regions of the HCV polyprotein, we studied whether viral functions other than NS3 are required for proteolytic processing at these sites. We found that, in addition to NS3, a C-terminal 33-amino-acid sequence of the NS4A protein is required for cleavage at the NS3-NS4A and NS4B-NS5A sites and that it accelerates the rate of cleavage at the NS5A-NS5B junction. In addition, we show that NS4A can activate the NS3 protease when supplied in trans. Our data suggest that HCV NS4A may be the functional analog of flavivirus NS2B and pestivirus p10 proteins.

Expression of virus-encoded proteinases: functional and structural similarities with cellular enzymes

Many viruses express their genome, or part of their genome, initially as a polyprotein precursor that undergoes proteolytic processing. Molecular genetic analyses of viral gene expression have revealed that many of these processing events are mediated by virus-encoded proteinases. Biochemical activity studies and structural analyses of these viral enzymes reveal that they have remarkable similarities to cellular proteinases. However, the viral proteinases have evolved unique features that permit them to function in a cellular environment. In this article, the current status of plant and animal virus proteinases is described along with their role in the viral replication cycle. The reactions catalyzed by viral proteinases are not simple enzyme-substrate interactions; rather, the processing steps are highly regulated, are coordinated with other viral processes, and frequently involve the participation of other factors.

The coat protein genes of squash mosaic virus: cloning, sequence analysis, and expression in tobacco protoplasts

Complementary DNA of the middle-component RNA of the melon strain of squash mosaic comovirus (SqMV) was cloned. Clones containing the coat protein genes were identified by hybridization with a degenerate oligonucleotide synthesized according to the amino acid sequence of a purified peptide fragment of the SqMV large coat protein. A clone containing of 2.5 kbp cDNA insert of SqMV M-RNA was sequenced. The total insert sequence of 2510 bp included a 2373 bp open reading frame (ORF) (encoding 791 amino acids), a 123 bp 3'-untranslated region, and a poly(A) region. This ORF is capable of encoding both the 42 and 22 k SqMV coat proteins. Direct N-terminal sequence analysis of the 22 k coat protein revealed its presence at the 3' end of this ORF and the position of the proteolytic cleavage site (Q/S) used to separate the large and small coat proteins from each other. A putative location of the N-terminal proteolytic cleavage site of the 42 k coat protein (Q/N) was predicted by comparisons with the corresponding coat proteins of cowpea mosaic virus, red clover mottle virus, and bean-pod mottle virus. Although the available nucleotide sequences of these viruses revealed little similarity, their encoded coat proteins shared about 47% identity. The identity of the encoded 42 k and 22 k peptides was confirmed by engineering the respective gene regions for expression followed by transfer into tobacco protoplasts using the polyethylene glycol method. Both SqMV coat proteins were expressed in vivo as determined by their reactivity to SqMV coat protein specific antibodies.

Mutational analysis of AUG codons of cowpea mosaic virus M RNA

The involvement of the AUG codons at positions 115, 161, 512 and 524 in translation and infectivity of cowpea mosaic virus M RNA was studied. Mutations were introduced in each of these codons in a full length cDNA clone of M RNA and the effect of the mutations was examined by translation from in vitro transcripts of these mutant cDNAs in rabbit reticulocyte lysates and by checking the replication of these transcripts in the presence of B RNA in cowpea protoplasts and plants. It was found that AUG115, at the beginning of an open reading frame (ORF) for a putative 2-kDa protein, can be used in vitro to initiate translation, but mutation of this AUG codon in the M RNA does not affect the ability of the virus to infect cowpea plants. AUG161, located at the beginning of the large ORF, was shown to be essential for expression of the large 105-kDa polyprotein and for replication of M RNA. Translation of the second 95-kDa polyprotein was found to start at AUG512. Upon mutation of this AUG codon efficient initiation of translation occurred at AUG524. Results with M RNAs that lack AUG512 and/or 524 indicate that an intact 95-kDa polyprotein is not required for replication of M RNA but that this protein has an essential function in cell-to-cell movement of the virus.

A regulatory role for the 32K protein in proteolytic processing of cowpea mosaic virus polyproteins

We have studied the regulation of proteolytic processing of the polyproteins encoded by cowpea mosaic virus M-RNA and B-RNA. For that purpose mutations were introduced in full-length cDNA clones of these RNAs. RNA transcripts were translated in rabbit reticulocyte lysate and the effect of mutations on the processing was analysed. These studies revealed that the 32K protein is released from the 200K B-polyprotein by an intramolecular cleavage and remains associated with the 170K protein, probably by interaction with the 58K domain of the 170K protein. In this complex the conformation of the 170K protein is such that further cleavages are very slow. This complex carries out the processing of the Gln/Met site in the M-polyprotein. The 170K protein produced by a B-RNA mutant that lacks the 32K coding region was efficiently processed into 110K, 87K, 84K, 60K, 58K and 24K cleavage products. Thus, the 32K protein regulates the B-polyprotein processing by slowing it down and, on the other hand, enhances trans cleavage of M-polyproteins at a Gln/Met site.

Processing of VPg-containing polyproteins encoded by the B-RNA from cowpea mosaic virus

To study the processing of putative VPg precursors the expression of specific mutant transcripts derived from a full-length cDNA clone of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) B-RNA was examined in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. This study revealed that the 170K protein produced by a B-RNA mutant that lacks the 32K coding region was efficiently processed by mainly intramolecular cleavages at three different sites into three sets of proteins of 60K + 110K, 84K + 87K, and 58K + 112K. Further cleavage of the 60K protein into 58K and VPg has not been observed in this in vitro system. The 84K protein can be further processed by an intramolecular cleavage reaction via two alternative pathways, either into 26K (VPg + 24K) and 58K proteins or into 24K and 60K proteins. VPg can be released from the 112K (VPg + 110K) precursor either directly or via the 26K intermediate. Immunoblot analysis showed that the 112K protein is present in CPMV-infected plant cells indicating that the in vitro observations may hold true in vivo.

Mutational analysis of the tobacco etch potyviral 35-kDa proteinase: identification of essential residues and requirements for autoproteolysis

The tobacco etch potyvirus (TEV) polyprotein is processed by three virus-encoded proteinases, termed Nla, HC-Pro, and the 35-kDa proteinase. The 35-kDa proteinase is derived from the amino-terminal region of the polyprotein. Analysis of polyproteins containing beta-glucuronidase fused to the expected carboxy terminus of the 35-kDa proteinase confirmed the previously identified Tyr304-Ser305 dipeptide as the cleavage site between the 35-kDa proteinase and HC-Pro. The 35-kDa proteinase of TEV was unable to catalyze proteolysis when synthetic substrate polyproteins were supplied in a bimolecular or trans reaction, suggesting that processing occurs by an autolytic mechanism. The results of a mutational analysis within the 35-kDa proteolytic domain indicated that His214, Asp223, Ser256, and Asp288 were required for optimal autoproteolytic activity. Replacement of Ser256 with either Thr or Cys resulted in low but detectable proteinase activity, as did substitution of Asp223 and Asp288 with Glu. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the 35-kDa proteinase resembles cellular serine-type proteinases, with Ser256 functioning as the nucleophilic residue within the active site. Cleavage mediated by the 35-kDa proteinase has been shown previously to occur after polyprotein synthesis in wheat germ extracts and transgenic plants, but not in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. We were able to demonstrate that processing in vitro may require a heat-labile factor present in wheat germ extracts.

Sequence upstream of the 24K protease enhances cleavage of the cowpea mosaic virus B RNA-encoded polyprotein at the junction between the 24K and 87K proteins

To investigate cleavage at the junction between the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) 24K and 87K proteins, plasmids were constructed containing the sequence of bottom-component (B) RNA encoding the 110K protein plus a variable length of upstream coding sequence. Transcripts derived from these clones were translated in rabbit reticulocyte lysate and the appearance of the 87K protein was used to assess the efficiency of cleavage at the 24K-87K junction. The results show that the 110K protein, containing the contiguous sequence of the 24K and 87K proteins, is stable and that efficient cleavage at 24K-87K junction requires the presence of amino acids upstream of the 24K protease. These observations show that the 170K protein rather than the 110K protein is the precursor of the 87K protein and suggest a mechanism whereby both the B RNA-encoded 110K and 87K proteins can accumulate during infection.

Proteolytic processing of the plum pox potyvirus polyprotein by the NIa protease at a novel cleavage site

The expression of potyvirus genomic RNA takes place through translation of its unique long and functional open reading frame into a large polyprotein that undergoes extensive proteolytic processing. Most of the cleavages are performed by the virus-encoded NIa protease, which cuts the polyprotein at defined sites that are characterized by conserved heptapeptide sequences. We have demonstrated in vitro cleavage activity by the plum pox potyvirus (PPV) NIa protease at a novel site, previously identified by sequence analysis, thus allowing a further refinement of the potyviral genetic map. This novel site is located 52 amino acids upstream from the site corresponding to the N-terminus of the CI protein (the NIa cleavage site previously considered the closest to the beginning of the polyprotein). The specificity of the processing was demonstrated by its abolishment when the Gln at position -1 of the cleavage site was changed to His. This novel NIa cleavage site was only partially processed, a characteristic that was not altered when its heptapeptide sequence was modified to become that of the efficiently cleaved NIb-CP junction. On the contrary, substitutions at the nonconserved position +3 had notable effects, positive or negative, on the efficiency of processing. These results show the relevance of sequence and/or conformational context outside the conserved heptapeptide for modulating the cleavage reaction catalyzed by the NIa protease.

The role of proteolytic processing in the morphogenesis of virus particles

Proteinases are encoded by many RNA viruses, all retroviruses and several DNA viruses. They play essential roles at various stages in viral replication, including the coordinated assembly and maturation of virions. Most of these enzymes belong to one of three (Ser, Cys or Asp) of the four major classes of proteinases, and have highly substrate-selective and cleavage specific activities. They can be thought of as playing one of two general roles in viral morphogenesis. Structural proteins are encoded by retroviruses and many RNA viruses as part of large polyproteins. Their proteolytic release is a prerequisite to particle assembly; consequent structural rearrangement of the capsid domains serves to regulate and direct association and assembly of capsid subunits. The second general role of proteolysis is in assembly-dependent maturation of virus particles, which is accompanied by the acquisition of infectivity.

Processing of the yellow fever virus nonstructural polyprotein: a catalytically active NS3 proteinase domain and NS2B are required for cleavages at dibasic sites

The vaccinia virus-T7 transient expression system was used to further examine the role of the NS3 proteinase in processing of the yellow fever (YF) virus nonstructural polyprotein in BHK cells. YF virus-specific polyproteins and cleavage products were identified by immunoprecipitation with region-specific antisera, by size, and by comparison with authentic YF virus polypeptides. A YF virus polyprotein initiating with a signal sequence derived from the E protein fused to the N terminus of NS2A and extending through the N-terminal 356 amino acids of NS5 exhibited processing at the 2A-2B, 2B-3, 3-4A, 4A-4B, and 4B-5 cleavage sites. Similar results were obtained with polyproteins whose N termini began within NS2A (position 110) or with NS2B. When the NS3 proteinase domain was inactivated by replacing the proposed catalytic Ser-138 with Ala, processing at all sites was abolished. The results suggest that an active NS3 proteinase domain is necessary for cleavage at the diabasic nonstructural cleavage sites and that cleavage at the proposed 4A-4B signalase site requires prior cleavage at the 4B-5 site. Cleavages were not observed with a polyprotein whose N terminus began with NS3, but cleavage at the 4B-5 site could be restored by supplying the the NS2B protein in trans. Several experimental results suggested that trans cleavage at the 4B-5 site requires association of NS2B and the NS3 proteinase domain. Coexpression of different proteinases and catalytically inactive polyprotein substrates revealed that trans cleavage at the 2B-3 and 4B-5 sites was relatively efficient when compared with trans cleavage at the 2A-2B and 3-4A sites.

Mutational analysis of the putative catalytic triad of the cowpea mosaic virus 24K protease

To investigate the mechanism of action of the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) 24K protease, a full-length cDNA clone of bottom component (B) RNA has been constructed from which RNA can be transcribed in vitro using T7 RNA polymerase. Translation of the resulting RNA in rabbit reticulocyte lysate leads to the synthesis of a 200 kDa product (the 200K protein) which cleaves itself in a manner identical to that of the product translated from B RNA isolated from virions. Site-directed mutagenesis of the full-length clone was used to examine the effects of altering individual amino acids in the 24K protease on its activity. The results obtained are consistent with the prediction that the 24K protease is structurally similar to the trypsin-like family of serine proteases and suggest that His40, Glu76, and Cys166 comprise the active site. Substitution of Cys166 by a serine residue results in an enzyme with reduced catalytic activity.

Cowpea mosaic virus middle component RNA contains a sequence that allows internal binding of ribosomes and that requires eukaryotic initiation factor 4F for optimal translation

Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) middle component RNA (M-RNA) encodes two proteins of 105 and 95 kDa, of which translation starts at nucleotide (nt) 161 and nt 512, respectively. In vitro translation of both proteins directed by T7 transcripts of M-RNA was stimulated fourfold by eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF-4F), the cap-binding protein complex. The ratio of the synthesis of both proteins after translation was not influenced by eIF-4F or by any known eIF. Part of the CPMV 5' sequence was cloned downstream of the 5' untranslated region of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC); the latter untranslated sequence has a highly stable secondary structure, preventing efficient translation of ODC. Insertion of nt 161 to 512 of CPMV M-RNA upstream of the ODC initiation codon resulted in a marked increase in ODC translation, which indicates that the CPMV sequence contains an internal ribosome-binding site. The insertion conferred stimulation by eIF-4F on ODC translation, showing that eIF-4F is able to stimulate internal initiation.

Proteolytic origin of the 150-kilodalton protein encoded by turnip yellow mosaic virus genomic RNA

Turnip yellow mosaic virus genomic RNA codes in vitro for two overlapping proteins, 150-kilodalton (150K protein) and 206-kilodalton (206K protein) proteins. The proteolytic maturation known to affect the 206K protein has been further characterized by in vitro translation assays in a reticulocyte lysate or wheat germ extract. Cleavage is inhibited at 37 degrees C and restored when the temperature is shifted to 30 or 25 degrees C. Temperature shift experiments are used here to demonstrate that the 150K protein and the previously characterized 78K protein are the two fragments resulting from a primary cleavage phenomenon that affects the 206K protein in a cotranslational manner under usual translation conditions. This processing is prevented by several cysteine and serine proteinase inhibitors.

Analysis of sequences involved in cowpea mosaic virus RNA replication using site-specific mutants

Using a full-length cDNA clone of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) B-RNA from which infectious transcripts can be generated, we examined the influence of a sequence of 11 nucleotides, UUUUAUUAAAA, comprising the nucleotides 5883 to 5893 in the 3' noncoding region of B-RNA, on viral RNA replication. This sequence is not only present in B-RNA but also in M-RNA and represents the 7 nucleotides preceding the poly(A) tail and the first four A residues of the poly(A) tail. Replication of B-RNA transcripts derived from a series of mutants in this region was tested in cowpea plants and protoplasts. Only mutant transcripts with minor modifications appeared able to replicate, which indicates that the region has a function in viral RNA replication. In addition, the results suggest the existence of a hairpin loop in this region. Those transcripts with deletions which disturb the putative hairpin structure have decreased specific infectivities. Mutant transcripts reversed stepwise to the wild-type sequence during replication in plants. This observation strengthens the idea that the sequence of 11 nucleotides has a function in viral RNA replication.

Improvements of the infectivity of in vitro transcripts from cloned cowpea mosaic virus cDNA: impact of terminal nucleotide sequences

Full-length DNA copies of both B- and M-RNA of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) were constructed downstream from a T7 promoter. By removal of nucleotides from the promoter sequence, B- and M-RNA-like transcripts with varying numbers of additional nonviral sequences at the 5' end were obtained upon transcription with T7 RNA polymerase. The infectivity of the transcripts in cowpea protoplasts was greatly affected by only a few extra nonviral nucleotides at the 5' end. The addition of about 400 nonviral nucleotides at the 3' end did not have any effect. Using the most infectious transcripts, in 40% of the cowpea protoplasts replication and expression of B-RNA like transcripts were observed and in 10% of the protoplasts both B- and M-RNA-like transcripts multiplied. Moreover, cowpea plants could also be infected with these transcripts. Sequence analysis showed that the 5' terminus of the M-RNA transcripts and the 3' terminus of the B-RNA transcripts were completely restored during replication in plants, including a poly(A) tail of variable length. Swapping experiments have been used to identify an influential point mutation in the coding region for the viral polymerase of a noninfectious B transcript. This experiment demonstrates the potential of the optimized infection system for future analysis of virus-encoded functions.

Inhibition of proteolytic processing of the polyproteins of cowpea mosaic virus by hemin

Cleavages of the polyproteins synthesized from cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) B RNA and M RNA in rabbit reticulocyte lysates are inhibited by hemin. Cleavage of the CPMV B RNA-encoded 200K polyprotein and of the M RNA-encoded 60K intermediary precursor protein were most sensitive to hemin inhibition, while cleavages of other precursor proteins were less sensitive. A significant observation was that at a hemin concentration of 25 microM, but not at higher concentrations, the 60K protein was cleaved to yield the two viral capsid proteins. This cleavage reaction has not been observed in vitro previously.

Nucleotide sequence of Hungarian grapevine chrome mosaic nepovirus RNA1

The nucleotide sequence of the RNA1 of hungarian grapevine chrome mosaic virus, a nepovirus very closely related to tomato black ring virus, has been determined from cDNA clones. It is 7212 nucleotides in length excluding the 3' terminal poly(A) tail and contains a large open reading frame extending from nucleotides 216 to 6971. The presumably encoded polyprotein is 2252 amino acids in length with a molecular weight of 250 kDa. The primary structure of the polyprotein was compared with that of other viral polyproteins, revealing the same general genetic organization as that of other picorna-like viruses (comoviruses, potyviruses and picornaviruses), except that an additional protein is suspected to occupy the N-terminus of the polyprotein.

Autocatalytic processing of the potyvirus helper component proteinase in Escherichia coli and in vitro

The virus-encoded proteins of tobacco etch virus (TEV), a plant potyvirus, arise by proteolytic processing of a large polyprotein precursor. The TEV genome codes for two proteinases, a 49-kilodalton proteinase and helper component proteinase (HC-Pro), which cleave the polyprotein at specific sites. The only known cleavage event catalyzed by HC-Pro occurs at the HC-Pro carboxyl terminus. The proteolytic activity of HC-Pro was analyzed by expression of the enzyme in bacterial and cell-free systems. The carboxyl-terminal domain of HC-Pro exhibited proteolytic activity in Escherichia coli with a processing half-time of approximately 100 s. The processing kinetics of HC-Pro expressed in vitro by cell-free transcription and translation was variable, depending on the presence or absence of TEV polypeptide sequences at the amino terminus of the proteolytic domain. Cleavage of the HC-Pro carboxyl terminus appeared to proceed exclusively by an autocatalytic mechanism; the proteinase synthesized in vitro exhibited little or no proteolytic activity when reacted with the HC-Pro cleavage site in trans or biomolecular reactions.

High-level synthesis of cowpea mosaic virus RNA polymerase and protease in Escherichia coli

An expression system for the production of polymerase proteins of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) in Escherichia coli cells is described. High-level synthesis of proteins containing protease and polymerase moieties (110-kDa protein) and polymerase alone (87-kDa protein) were obtained from cells containing different plasmid constructions. Precursor and processed forms of CPMV proteins were detected by immunoblotting with antisera directed against 170-kDa precursor polyprotein and 24-kDa viral protease. Crude lysates and supernatant fractions of the lysates from E. coli cells harboring the various plasmid constructions were analysed for poly(A)-oligo(U) polymerase activity and found to be negative for CPMV activity under conditions where similar expression systems for the production of poliovirus RNA polymerase activity were positive. Thus, conditions for CPMV RNA replication may indeed be different from those for poliovirus even though the genomic organization of these viruses is similar.

Infectious RNA transcripts derived from full-length DNA copies of the genomic RNAs of cowpea mosaic virus

A set of full-length DNA copies of both M and B RNA of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) was cloned downstream of a phage T7 promoter. Upon in vitro transcription using T7 RNA polymerase, M and B RNA-like transcripts were obtained from these DNA copies with only two additional nucleotides at the 5' end and five extra nucleotides at the 3' end in comparison to natural viral RNA. In cowpea protoplasts the transcripts of several cDNA clones of B RNA were able to replicate leading to detectable synthesis of viral RNA and proteins. Transcripts of M cDNA clones inoculated together with these B RNA transcripts were also expressed, although the number of protoplasts in which both transcripts were expressed was very low. Preliminary infectivity tests with mutagenized RNA transcripts indicate essential roles of the B RNA-encoded 24K and 32K polypeptides in viral RNA replication.