The 5' cap of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is required for virion attachment to the actin/endoplasmic reticulum network during early infection

dsRNA-induced immunity targets plasmodesmata and is suppressed by viral movement proteins

Emerging evidence indicates that in addition to its well-recognized functions in antiviral RNA silencing, dsRNA elicits pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), likely contributing to plant resistance against virus infections. However, compared to bacterial and fungal elicitor-mediated PTI, the mode-of-action and signaling pathway of dsRNA-induced defense remain poorly characterized. Here, using multicolor in vivo imaging, analysis of GFP mobility, callose staining, and plasmodesmal marker lines in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana, we show that dsRNA-induced PTI restricts the progression of virus infection by triggering callose deposition at plasmodesmata, thereby likely limiting the macromolecular transport through these cell-to-cell communication channels. The plasma membrane-resident SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE 1, the BOTRYTIS INDUCED KINASE1/AVRPPHB SUSCEPTIBLE1-LIKE KINASE1 kinase module, PLASMODESMATA-LOCATED PROTEINs 1/2/3, as well as CALMODULIN-LIKE 41 and Ca2+ signals are involved in the dsRNA-induced signaling leading to callose deposition at plasmodesmata and antiviral defense. Unlike the classical bacterial elicitor flagellin, dsRNA does not trigger a detectable reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst, substantiating the idea that different microbial patterns trigger partially shared immune signaling frameworks with distinct features. Likely as a counter strategy, viral movement proteins from different viruses suppress the dsRNA-induced host response leading to callose deposition to achieve infection. Thus, our data support a model in which plant immune signaling constrains virus movement by inducing callose deposition at plasmodesmata and reveals how viruses counteract this layer of immunity.

Distinct Mechanisms of Endomembrane Reorganization Determine Dissimilar Transport Pathways in Plant RNA Viruses

Plant viruses exploit the endomembrane system of infected cells for their replication and cell-to-cell transport. The replication of viral RNA genomes occurs in the cytoplasm in association with reorganized endomembrane compartments induced by virus-encoded proteins and is coupled with the virus intercellular transport via plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells in plant tissues. The transport of virus genomes to and through plasmodesmata requires virus-encoded movement proteins (MPs). Distantly related plant viruses encode different MP sets, or virus transport systems, which vary in the number of MPs and their properties, suggesting their functional differences. Here, we discuss two distinct virus transport pathways based on either the modification of the endoplasmic reticulum tubules or the formation of motile vesicles detached from the endoplasmic reticulum and targeted to endosomes. The viruses with the movement proteins encoded by the triple gene block exemplify the first, and the potyviral system is the example of the second type. These transport systems use unrelated mechanisms of endomembrane reorganization. We emphasize that the mode of virus interaction with cell endomembranes determines the mechanism of plant virus cell-to-cell transport.

Development of a split fluorescent protein-based RNA live-cell imaging system to visualize mRNA distribution in plants

BACKGROUND

RNA live-cell imaging systems have been used to visualize subcellular mRNA distribution in living cells. The RNA-binding protein (RBP)-based RNA imaging system exploits specific RBP and the corresponding RNA recognition sequences to indirectly label mRNAs. Co-expression of fluorescent protein-fused RBP and target mRNA conjugated with corresponding RNA recognition sequences allows for visualizing mRNAs by confocal microscopy. To minimize the background fluorescence in the cytosol, the nuclear localization sequence has been used to sequester the RBP not bound to mRNA in the nucleus. However, strong fluorescence in the nucleus may limit the visualization of nucleus-localized RNA and sometimes may interfere in detecting fluorescence signals in the cytosol, especially in cells with low signal-to-noise ratio.

RESULTS

We eliminated the background fluorescence in the nucleus by using the split fluorescent protein-based approach. We fused two different RBPs with the N- or C-terminus of split fluorescent proteins (FPs). Co-expression of RBPs with the target mRNA conjugated with the corresponding RNA recognition sequences can bring split FPs together to reconstitute functional FPs for visualizing target mRNAs. We optimized the system with minimal background fluorescence and used the imaging system to visualize mRNAs in living plant cells.

CONCLUSIONS

We established a background-free RNA live-cell imaging system that provides a platform to visualize subcellular mRNA distribution in living plant cells.

dsRNA Molecules From the Tobacco Mosaic Virus p126 Gene Counteract TMV-Induced Proteome Changes at an Early Stage of Infection

Exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the tobacco-Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) pathosystem was shown previously to induce resistance against TMV providing an alternative approach to transgenesis. In the present study, we employed proteomics technology to elucidate the effect of TMV on tobacco as well as the effect of exogenous application of TMV p126 dsRNA molecules (dsRNAp126) at an early stage of the tobacco-TMV interaction. The proteome of tobacco leaf at 15 min post inoculation (mpi) in the presence or absence of dsRNAp126 molecules was studied. Thirty-six tobacco proteins were differentially accumulated in TMV-infected vs. healthy tobacco leaf tissue. The identified main differential TMV-responsive proteins were found to be involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, stress, and defense responses. Most of the virus-induced changes in the tobacco leaf proteome were not observed in the leaves treated with dsRNAp126 + TMV. The results indicated that the protein changes induced by TMV infection were counteracted by the exogenous application of dsRNAp126 molecules. Moreover, using small RNA sequencing, we showed that the exogenously applied dsRNAp126 was efficiently processed in tobacco as early as 15 min post application (mpa) to produce small interfering RNAs (siRNAs); the dicing pattern was not affected by the presence of TMV. The presence of dsRNAp126 reduced TMV p126 RNA abundance suggesting virus titer reduction via a sequence-specific mechanism, since a non-homologous dsRNA did not protect from TMV infection nor affect TMV accumulation.

Diversity of Plant Virus Movement Proteins: What Do They Have in Common?

The modern view of the mechanism of intercellular movement of viruses is based largely on data from the study of the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 30-kDa movement protein (MP). The discovered properties and abilities of TMV MP, namely, (a) in vitro binding of single-stranded RNA in a non-sequence-specific manner, (b) participation in the intracellular trafficking of genomic RNA to the plasmodesmata (Pd), and (c) localization in Pd and enhancement of Pd permeability, have been used as a reference in the search and analysis of candidate proteins from other plant viruses. Nevertheless, although almost four decades have passed since the introduction of the term “movement protein” into scientific circulation, the mechanism underlying its function remains unclear. It is unclear why, despite the absence of homology, different MPs are able to functionally replace each other in trans-complementation tests. Here, we consider the complexity and contradictions of the approaches for assessment of the ability of plant viral proteins to perform their movement function. We discuss different aspects of the participation of MP and MP/vRNA complexes in intra- and intercellular transport. In addition, we summarize the essential MP properties for their functioning as “conditioners”, creating a favorable environment for viral reproduction.

Plant SNAREs SYP22 and SYP23 interact with Tobacco mosaic virus 126 kDa protein and SYP2s are required for normal local virus accumulation and spread

Viral proteins often interact with multiple host proteins during virus accumulation and spread. Identities and functions of all interacting host proteins are not known. Through a yeast two-hybrid screen an Arabidopsis thaliana Qa-SNARE protein [syntaxin of plants 23 (AtSYP23)], associated with pre-vacuolar compartment and vacuolar membrane fusion activities, interacted with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 126 kDa protein, associated with virus accumulation and spread. In planta, AtSYP23 and AtSYP22 each fused with mCherry, co-localized with 126 kDa protein-GFP. Additionally, A. thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana SYP2 proteins and 126 kDa protein interacted during bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis. Decreased TMV accumulation in Arabidopsis plants lacking SYP23 and in N. benthamiana plants subjected to virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of SYP2 orthologs was observed. Diminished TMV accumulation during VIGS correlated with less intercellular virus spread. The inability to eliminate virus accumulation suggests that SYP2 proteins function redundantly for TMV accumulation, as for plant development.

The expression of several pepper fatty acid desaturase genes is robustly activated in an incompatible pepper-tobamovirus interaction, but only weakly in a compatible interaction

The replication of positive strand RNA viruses in plant cells is markedly influenced by the desaturation status of fatty acid chains in lipids of intracellular plant membranes. At present, little is known about the role of lipid desaturation in the replication of tobamoviruses. Therefore, we investigated the expression of fatty acid desaturase (FAD) genes and the fatty acid composition of pepper leaves inoculated with two different tobamoviruses. Obuda pepper virus (ObPV) inoculation induced a hypersensitive reaction (incompatible interaction) while Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) inoculation caused a systemic infection (compatible interaction). Changes in the expression of 16 FADs were monitored in pepper leaves following ObPV and PMMoV inoculations. ObPV inoculation rapidly and markedly upregulated seven Δ12-FADs that encode enzymes putatively located in the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. In contrast, PMMoV inoculation resulted in a weaker but rapid upregulation of two Δ12-FADs and a Δ15-FAD. The expression of genes encoding plastidial FADs was not influenced neither by ObPV nor by PMMoV. In accordance with gene expression results, a significant accumulation of linoleic acid was observed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in ObPV-, but not in PMMoV-inoculated leaves. ObPV inoculation led to a marked accumulation of H₂O₂ in the inoculated leaves. Therefore, the effect of H₂O₂ treatments on the expression of six tobamovirus-inducible FADs was also studied. The expression of these FADs was upregulated to different degrees by H₂O₂ that correlated with ObPV-inducibility of these FADs. These results underline the importance of further studies on the role of pepper FADs in pepper-tobamovirus interactions.

Creating Contacts Between Replication and Movement at Plasmodesmata - A Role for Membrane Contact Sites in Plant Virus Infections?

To infect their hosts and cause disease, plant viruses must replicate within cells and move throughout the plant both locally and systemically. RNA virus replication occurs on the surface of various cellular membranes, whose shape and composition become extensively modified in the process. Membrane contact sites (MCS) can mediate non-vesicular lipid-shuttling between different membranes and viruses co-opt components of these structures to make their membrane environment suitable for replication. Whereas animal viruses exit and enter cells when moving throughout their host, the rigid wall of plant cells obstructs this pathway and plant viruses therefore move between cells symplastically through plasmodesmata (PD). PD are membranous channels connecting nearly all plant cells and are now viewed to constitute a specialized type of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-plasma membrane (PM) MCS themselves. Thus, both replication and movement of plant viruses rely on MCS. However, recent work also suggests that for some viruses, replication and movement are closely coupled at ER-PM MCS at the entrances of PD. Movement-coupled replication at PD may be distinct from the main bulk of replication and virus accumulation, which produces progeny virions for plant-to-plant transmission. Thus, MCS play a central role in plant virus infections, and may provide a link between two essential steps in the viral life cycle, replication and movement. Here, we provide an overview of plant virus-MCS interactions identified to date, and place these in the context of the connection between viral replication and cell-to-cell movement.

Visualization of Transiently Expressed mRNA in Plants Using MS2

RNA transport and localization are evolutionarily conserved processes that allow protein translation to occur at specific subcellular sites and thereby having fundamental roles in the determination of cell fates, embryonic patterning, asymmetric cell division, and cell polarity. In addition to localizing RNA molecules to specific subcellular sites, plants have the ability to exchange RNA molecules between cells through plasmodesmata (PD). Plant RNA viruses hijack the mechanisms of intracellular and intercellular RNA transport to establish localized replication centers within infected cells and then to disseminate their infectious genomes between cells and throughout the plant organism with the help of their movement proteins (MP). In this chapter, we describe the transient expression of the tobacco mosaic virus movement protein (TMV-MP) and the application of the MS2 system for the in vivo labeling of the MP-encoding mRNA. The MS2 method is based on the binding of the bacteriophage coat protein (CP) to its origin of assembly (OAS) in the phage RNA. Thus, to label a specific mRNA in vivo, a tandem repetition of a 19-nucleotide-long stem-loop (SL) sequence derived from the MS2 OAS sequence (MSL) is transcriptionally fused to the RNA under investigation. The RNA is detected by the co-expression of fluorescent protein-tagged MS2 CP (MCP), which binds to each of the MSL elements. In providing a detailed protocol for the in vivo visualization of TMV-MP mRNA tagged with the MS2 system in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells, we describe (1) the specific DNA constructs, (2) Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transfection for their transient expression in plants, and (3) imaging conditions required to obtain high-quality mRNA imaging data.

Key checkpoints in the movement of plant viruses through the host

Plant viruses cannot exploit any of the membrane fusion-based routes of entry described for animal viruses. In addition, one of the distinctive structures of plant cells, the cell wall, acts as the first barrier against the invasion of pathogens. To overcome the rigidity of the cell wall, plant viruses normally take advantage of the way of life of different biological vectors. Alternatively, the physical damage caused by environmental stresses can facilitate virus entry. Once inside the cell and taking advantage of the characteristic symplastic continuity of plant cells, viruses need to remodel and/or modify the restricted pore size of the plasmodesmata (channels that connect plant cells). In a successful interaction for the virus, it can reach the vascular tissue to systematically invade the plant. The connections between the different cell types in this path are not designed to allow the passage of molecules with the complexity of viruses. During this process, viruses face different cell barriers that must be overcome to reach the distal parts of the plant. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge about how plant RNA viruses enter plant cells, move between them to reach vascular cells and overcome the different physical and cellular barriers that the phloem imposes. Finally, we update the current research on cellular organelles as key regulator checkpoints in the long-distance movement of plant viruses.

RNA phloem transport mediated by pre-miRNA and viral tRNA-like structures

Phloem-mobile mRNAs are assumed to contain sequence elements directing RNA to the phloem translocation pathway. One of such elements is represented by tRNA sequences embedded in untranslated regions of many mRNAs, including those proved to be mobile. Genomic RNAs of a number of plant viruses possess a 3'-terminal tRNA-like structures (TLSs) only distantly related to genuine tRNAs, but nevertheless aminoacylated and capable of interaction with some tRNA-binding proteins. Here, we elaborated an experimental system for analysis of RNA phloem transport based on an engineered RNA of Potato virus X capable of replication, but not encapsidation and movement in plants. The TLSs of Brome mosaic virus, Tobacco mosaic virus and Turnip yellow mosaic virus were demonstrated to enable the phloem transport of foreign RNA. A miRNA precursor, pre-miR390b, was also found to render RNA competent for the phloem transport. In line with this, sequences of miRNA precursors were identified in a Cucurbita maxima phloem transcriptome, supporting the hypothesis that, at least in some cases, miRNA phloem signaling can involve miRNA precursors. Collectively, the data presented here suggest that RNA molecules can be directed into the phloem translocation pathway by structured RNA elements such as those of viral TLSs and miRNA precursors.

Visualizing nuclear-localized RNA using transient expression system in plants

By modifying the existing cytosolic RNA visualization tool pioneered by Schönberger, Hammes, and Dresselhaus (2012), we developed a method to visualize nuclear-localized RNA. Our method uses (i) an RNA component that consists of an RNA of interest that is fused to a bacteriophage-derived MS2 sequence; and (ii) GFP fused to MS2 coat protein (MSCP), which binds specifically to MS2 as is also the case in the method for cytosolic RNA visualization. The nuclear localization sequence (NLS) at the C-terminal of MSCP-GFP tethers the probe to the nucleus. To reduce background signals in the nucleus, we replaced the NLS with a nuclear export sequence (NES) that anchors the MSCP-GFP probe in the cytosol. Our nuclear RNA visualization method differs from previous methods in two aspects: (i) We used an NES to reduce nuclear background signal so that the MSCP-GFP probe localizes in the cytosol by default; (ii) We added mCherry as a visual marker in the RNA component to increase its efficient usage in a transient system.

The Plant Cellular Systems for Plant Virus Movement

Plasmodesmata (PDs) are specialized intercellular channels that facilitate the exchange of various molecules, including sugars, ribonucleoprotein complexes, transcription factors, and mRNA. Their diameters, estimated to be 2.5 nm in the neck region, are too small to transfer viruses or viral genomes. Tobacco mosaic virus and Potexviruses are the most extensively studied viruses. In viruses, the movement protein (MP) is responsible for the PD gating that allows the intercellular movement of viral genomes. Various host factors interact with MP to regulate complicated mechanisms related to PD gating. Virus replication and assembly occur in viral replication complex (VRC) with membrane association, especially in the endoplasmic reticulum. VRC have a highly organized structure and are highly regulated by interactions among the various host factors, proteins encoded by the viral genome, and the viral genome. Virus trafficking requires host machineries, such as the cytoskeleton and the secretory systems. MP facilitates the virus replication and movement process. Despite the current level of understanding of virus movement, there are still many unknown and complex interactions between virus replication and virus movement. While numerous studies have been conducted to understand plant viruses with regards to cell-to-cell movement and replication, there are still many knowledge gaps. To study these interactions, adequate research tools must be used such as molecular, and biochemical techniques. Without such tools, virologists will not be able to gain an accurate or detailed understanding of the virus infection process.

The 5'-proximal region of Potato virus X RNA involves the potential cap-dependent "conformational element" for encapsidation

Filamentous helical Potato virus X (PVX) can be regarded as one of the well-studied viruses. Nevertheless, some aspects of the PVX assembly remained obscure. Previously, we have shown that the presence of a cap structure at the 5' end of PVX RNA is indispensable for assembly of viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) particles varying in length. Here, most significantly, removal of the cap structure from previously capped PVX RNA did not affect the efficiency of decapped RNA molecules to be assembled into vRNP. This result provided evidence that the cap structure by itself does not act as a signal for initiation of vRNP assembly. These observations allowed to presume that the capping triggers some spatial changes in the 5'-proximal site of PVX RNA creating a "conformational encapsidation signal for vRNP assembly", which is capable of triggering vRNP assembly in the absence of cap structure. Apparently, during capping the 5'-proximal segment of PVX RNA acquires a unique conformation which is stable to be retained even after cap removal.

In vivo RNA labeling using MS2

The trafficking and asymmetric distribution of cytoplasmic RNA is a fundamental process during development and signaling across phyla. Plants support the intercellular trafficking of RNA molecules such as gene transcripts, small RNAs, and viral RNA genomes by targeting these RNA molecules to plasmodesmata (PD). Intercellular transport of RNA molecules through PD has fundamental implications in the cell-to-cell and systemic signaling during plant development and in the systemic spread of viral disease. Recent advances in time-lapse microscopy allow researchers to approach dynamic biological processes at the molecular level in living cells and tissues. These advances include the ability to label RNA molecules in vivo and thus to monitor their distribution and trafficking. In a broadly used RNA labeling approach, the MS2 method, the RNA of interest is tagged with a specific stem-loop (SL) RNA sequence derived from the origin of assembly region of the bacteriophage MS2 genome that binds to the bacteriophage coat protein (CP) and which, if fused to a fluorescent protein, allows the visualization of the tagged RNA by fluorescence microscopy. Here we describe a protocol for the in vivo visualization of transiently expressed SL-tagged RNA and discuss key aspects to study RNA localization and trafficking to and through plasmodesmata in Nicotiana benthamiana plants.

GAPDH--a recruits a plant virus movement protein to cortical virus replication complexes to facilitate viral cell-to-cell movement

The formation of virus movement protein (MP)-containing punctate structures on the cortical endoplasmic reticulum is required for efficient intercellular movement of Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV), a bipartite positive-strand RNA plant virus. We found that these cortical punctate structures constitute a viral replication complex (VRC) in addition to the previously reported aggregate structures that formed adjacent to the nucleus. We identified host proteins that interacted with RCNMV MP in virus-infected Nicotiana benthamiana leaves using a tandem affinity purification method followed by mass spectrometry. One of these host proteins was glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase-A (NbGAPDH-A), which is a component of the Calvin-Benson cycle in chloroplasts. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbGAPDH-A reduced RCNMV multiplication in the inoculated leaves, but not in the single cells, thereby suggesting that GAPDH-A plays a positive role in cell-to-cell movement of RCNMV. The fusion protein of NbGAPDH-A and green fluorescent protein localized exclusively to the chloroplasts. In the presence of RCNMV RNA1, however, the protein localized to the cortical VRC as well as the chloroplasts. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay and GST pulldown assay confirmed in vivo and in vitro interactions, respectively, between the MP and NbGAPDH-A. Furthermore, gene silencing of NbGAPDH-A inhibited MP localization to the cortical VRC. We discuss the possible roles of NbGAPDH-A in the RCNMV movement process.

Viral capsids: kinetics of assembly under transient conditions and kinetics of disassembly

The available kinetic models of assembly of viral protein capsids are focused primarily on the situations in vitro where the amount of protein is fixed. In vivo, however, the viral protein synthesis and capsid assembly occur under transient conditions in parallel with viral genome replication. Herein, a kinetic model describing the latter case of capsid assembly is proposed with emphasis on the period corresponding to the initial stage of viral genome replication. The analysis is aimed at small icosahedral capsids. With biologically reasonable values of model parameters, the model predicts rapid exponential growth of the populations of monomers and fully assembled capsids during the transient period of genome replication. Under the subsequent steady-state conditions with respect to replication, the monomer population is predicted to be nearly constant while the number of fully assembled capsids increases linearly. The kinetics of capsid disassembly, described briefly as well under conditions of negligible monomer concentration, exhibit a short induction period when the number of proteins in a capsid is only slightly smaller than in the beginning, followed by more rapid protein detachment. According to calculations, the latter kinetics may strongly depend on protein degradation.

Single-molecule force spectroscopy study on the mechanism of RNA disassembly in tobacco mosaic virus

To explore the disassembly mechanism of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a model system for virus study, during infection, we have used single-molecule force spectroscopy to mimic and follow the process of RNA disassembly from the protein coat of TMV by the replisome (molecular motor) in vivo, under different pH and Ca(2+) concentrations. Dynamic force spectroscopy revealed the unbinding free-energy landscapes as that at pH 4.7 the disassembly process is dominated by one free-energy barrier, whereas at pH 7.0 the process is dominated by one barrier and that there exists a second barrier. The additional free-energy barrier at longer distance has been attributed to the hindrance of disordered loops within the inner channel of TMV, and the biological function of those protein loops was discussed. The combination of pH increase and Ca(2+) concentration drop could weaken RNA-protein interactions so much that the molecular motor replisome would be able to pull and disassemble the rest of the genetic RNA from the protein coat in vivo. All these facts provide supporting evidence at the single-molecule level, to our knowledge for the first time, for the cotranslational disassembly mechanism during TMV infection under physiological conditions.

Nucleocapsid of Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus forms mobile particles that traffic on an actin/endoplasmic reticulum network driven by myosin XI-K

A number of viral proteins from plant viruses, other than movement proteins, have been shown to traffic intracellularly along actin filaments and to be involved in viral infection. However, there has been no report that a viral capsid protein may traffic within a cell by utilizing the actin/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network. We used Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus (TSWV) as a model virus to study the cell biological properties of a nucleocapsid (N) protein. We found that TSWV N protein was capable of forming highly motile cytoplasmic inclusions that moved along the ER and actin network. The disruption of actin filaments by latrunculin B, an actin-depolymerizing agent, almost stopped the intracellular movement of N inclusions, whereas treatment with a microtubule-depolymerizing reagent, oryzalin, did not. The over-expression of a myosin XI-K tail, functioning in a dominant-negative manner, completely halted the movement of N inclusions. Latrunculin B treatment strongly inhibited the formation of TSWV local lesions in Nicotiana tabacum cv Samsun NN and delayed systemic infection in N. benthamiana. Collectively, our findings provide the first evidence that the capsid protein of a plant virus has the novel property of intracellular trafficking. The findings add capsid protein as a new class of viral protein that traffics on the actin/ER system.

The role of the 5'-cap structure in viral ribonucleoproteins assembly from potato virus X coat protein and RNAs

The potato virus X (PVX) virion can be reconstituted in vitro from the virus coat protein (CP) and RNA; heterologous RNAs may be used as well. In our recent study, structure and properties of cognate and heterologous viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs) were demonstrated to be similar to those of native virions. The assembly was found to be initiated at the 5' terminus of an RNA and was not dependent on RNA sequence. The aim of the present study was to search for a signal or an essential structural element that directs packaging of viral genetic material into vRNPs. vRNPs were formed by incubation of the PVX CP with heterologous capped RNAs, their functional fragments lacking the cap structure, as well as the capped and uncapped transcripts corresponding to the 5'-terminal region of the genomic PVX RNA. Experimental data show that the presence of the cap structure at the 5' end of a nucleic acid is an important condition for vRNP assembly from RNA and CP. Presumably, the 5'-cap affects conformational state of the RNA region responsible for the efficient interaction with CP and creates conformational encapsidation signal for vRNP assembly.

Subcellular dynamics and role of Arabidopsis β-1,3-glucanases in cell-to-cell movement of tobamoviruses

β-1,3-Glucanases (BG) have been implicated in enhancing virus spread by degrading callose at plasmodesmata (Pd). Here, we investigate the role of Arabidopsis BG in tobamovirus spread. During Turnip vein clearing virus infection, the transcription of two pathogenesis-related (PR)-BG AtBG2 and AtBG3 increased but that of Pd-associated BG AtBG_pap did not change. In transgenic plants, AtBG2 was retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network and was not secreted. As a stress response mediated by salicylic acid, AtBG2 was secreted and appeared as a free extracellular protein localized in the entire apoplast but did not accumulate at Pd sites. At the leading edge of Tobacco mosaic virus spread, AtBG2 co-localized with the viral movement protein in the ER-derived bodies, similarly to other ER proteins, but was not secreted to the cell wall. In atbg2 mutants, callose levels at Pd and virus spread were unaffected. Likewise, AtBG2 overexpression had no effect on virus spread. However, in atbg_pap mutants, callose at Pd was increased and virus spread was reduced. Our results demonstrate that the constitutive Pd-associated BG but not the stress-regulated extracellular PR-BG are directly involved in regulation of callose at Pd and cell-to-cell transport in Arabidopsis, including the spread of viruses.

Microtubules in viral replication and transport

Viruses use and subvert host cell mechanisms to support their replication and spread between cells, tissues and organisms. Microtubules and associated motor proteins play important roles in these processes in animal systems, and may also play a role in plants. Although transport processes in plants are mostly actin based, studies, in particular with Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and its movement protein (MP), indicate direct or indirect roles of microtubules in the cell-to-cell spread of infection. Detailed observations suggest that microtubules participate in the cortical anchorage of viral replication complexes, in guiding their trafficking along the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/actin network, and also in developing the complexes into virus factories. Microtubules also play a role in the plant-to-plant transmission of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) by assisting in the development of specific virus-induced inclusions that facilitate viral uptake by aphids. The involvement of microtubules in the formation of virus factories and of other virus-induced inclusions suggests the existence of aggresomal pathways by which plant cells recruit membranes and proteins into localized macromolecular assemblies. Although studies related to the involvement of microtubules in the interaction of viruses with plants focus on specific virus models, a number of observations with other virus species suggest that microtubules may have a widespread role in viral pathogenesis.

Beet yellows virus replicase and replicative compartments: parallels with other RNA viruses

In eukaryotic virus systems, infection leads to induction of membranous compartments in which replication occurs. Virus-encoded subunits of the replication complex mediate its interaction with membranes. As replication platforms, RNA viruses use the cytoplasmic surfaces of different membrane compartments, e.g., endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi, endo/lysosomes, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and peroxisomes. Closterovirus infections are accompanied by formation of multivesicular complexes from cell membranes of ER or mitochondrial origin. So far the mechanisms for vesicles formation have been obscure. In the replication-associated 1a polyprotein of Beet yellows virus (BYV) and other closteroviruses, the region between the methyltransferase and helicase domains (1a central region (CR), 1a CR) is marginally conserved. Computer-assisted analysis predicts several putative membrane-binding domains in the BYV 1a CR. Transient expression of a hydrophobic segment (referred to here as CR-2) of the BYV 1a in Nicotiana benthamiana led to reorganization of the ER and formation of ~1-μm mobile globules. We propose that the CR-2 may be involved in the formation of multivesicular complexes in BYV-infected cells. This provides analogy with membrane-associated proteins mediating the build-up of “virus factories” in cells infected with diverse positive-strand RNA viruses (alpha-like viruses, picorna-like viruses, flaviviruses, and nidoviruses) and negative-strand RNA viruses (bunyaviruses).

Missing links? - The connection between replication and movement of plant RNA viruses

Plant virus infection spreads from cell-to-cell within the host with the aid of viral movement proteins (MPs) that transport infectious genomes through intercellular pores called plasmodesmata (PD). MPs are able to accomplish RNA trafficking independent of virus infection. However, although dispensable for replication, they often associate with or assist in the formation of viral replication complexes. Quantitative analyses of genetic bottlenecks during infection, as well as considerations of transport specificity, suggest that intricate links between replication and movement may facilitate efficient delivery of plant viruses through PD during early infection, at a stage when viral genomes are still rare.

In vivo visualization of RNA in plants cells using the λN₂₂ system and a GATEWAY-compatible vector series for candidate RNAs

The past decade has seen a tremendous increase in RNA research, which has demonstrated that RNAs are involved in many more processes than were previously thought. The dynamics of RNA synthesis towards their regulated activity requires the interplay of RNAs with numerous RNA binding proteins (RBPs). The localization of RNA, a mechanism for controlling translation in a spatial and temporal fashion, requires processing and assembly of RNA into transport granules in the nucleus, transport towards cytoplasmic destinations and regulation of its activity. Compared with animal model systems little is known about RNA dynamics and motility in plants. Commonly used methods to study RNA transport and localization are time-consuming, and require expensive equipment and a high level of experimental skill. Here, we introduce the λN₂₂ RNA stem-loop binding system for the in vivo visualization of RNA in plant cells. The λN₂₂ system consists of two components: the λN₂₂ RNA binding peptide and the corresponding box-B stem loops. We generated fusions of λN₂₂ to different fluorophores and a GATEWAY vector series for the simple fusion of any target RNA 5' or 3' to box-B stem loops. We show that the λN₂₂ system can be used to detect RNAs in transient expression assays, and that it offers advantages compared with the previously described MS2 system. Furthermore, the λN₂₂ system can be used in combination with the MS2 system to visualize different RNAs simultaneously in the same cell. The toolbox of vectors generated for both systems is easy to use and promises significant progress in our understanding of RNA transport and localization in plant cells.

A new viral vector exploiting RNA polymerase I-mediated transcription

We have developed a new viral vector system exploiting RNA-polymerase I transcription. The vector is based on the crucifer-infecting tobacco mosaic virus (crTMV) cDNA inserted into the rRNA transcriptional cassette (promoter and terminator). To visualize reproduction of the vector, the coat protein gene was replaced with the gene encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) resulting in a Pr(rRNA)-crTMV-GFP construct. Our results showed that agroinjection of Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with this vector results in GFP production from uncapped crTMV-GFP RNA because RNA polymerase I mediates synthesis of rRNA lacking a cap. Coexpression of the crTMV 122 kDa capping protein gene and the silencing suppressor encoded by the tomato bushy stunt virus p19 gene stimulated virus-directed GFP production more than 100-fold. We conclude that the Pol I promoter can be used to drive transcription in a transient expression system.

RNA transport during TMV cell-to-cell movement

Studies during the last 25 years have provided increasing evidence for the ability of plants to support the cell-to-cell and systemic transport of RNA molecules and that this process plays a role in plant development and in the systemic orchestration of cellular responses against pathogens and other environmental challenges. Since RNA viruses exploit the cellular RNA transport machineries for spreading their genomes between cells they represent convenient models to investigate the underlying mechanisms. In this regard, the intercellular spread of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) has been studied for many years. The RNA of TMV moves cell-to-cell in a non-encapsidated form in a process depending on virus-encoded movement protein (MP). Here, we discuss the current state of the art in studies using TMV and its MP as a model for RNA transport. While the ability of plants to transport viral and cellular RNA molecules is consistent with RNA transport phenomena in other systems, further studies are needed to increase our ability to visualize viral RNA (vRNA) in vivo and to distinguish RNA-transport related processes from those involved in antiviral defense.

FrontiERs: movers and shapers of the higher plant cortical endoplasmic reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in higher plants performs many important functions, yet our understanding of how its intricate network shape and dynamics relate to function is very limited. Recent work has begun to unpick key molecular players in the generation of the pleomorphic, highly dynamic ER network structure that pervades the entire cytoplasm. ER movement is acto-myosin dependent. ER shape is dependent on RHD3 (Root Hair Defective 3) and a family of proteins called reticulons. The major challenge that lies ahead is understanding how factors that control ER shape and movement are regulated and how this relates to the numerous functions of the ER.

Association of the Tobacco mosaic virus 126kDa replication protein with a GDI protein affects host susceptibility

An interaction between the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 126kDa replication protein and a host-encoded Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor (GDI2) was identified and investigated for its role in infection. GDI proteins are essential components of vesicle trafficking pathways. TMV infection alters the localization of GDI2 from the cytoplasm to ER-associated complexes. Partial silencing of GDI2 results in significant increases in the number of TMV infection foci observed in inoculated tissues. However, GDI2 silencing does not affect TMV accumulation at the infection site, cell-to-cell movement, or susceptibility of the host to mechanical inoculation. Furthermore, increases in the number of successful infection foci were specific to TMV and correlated with the appearance of vesicle-like rearrangements in the vacuolar membrane. Tissue infiltrations with brefeldin A, an inhibitor of vesicle trafficking, also enhanced host susceptibility to TMV. Combined these findings suggest that the 126kDa-GDI2 interaction alters vesicle trafficking to enhance the establishment of an infection.

Viral cell-to-cell movement requires formation of cortical punctate structures containing Red clover necrotic mosaic virus movement protein

Movement protein (MP) of Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) forms punctate structures on the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of Nicotiana benthamiana cells, which are associated with viral RNA1 replication (Kaido et al., Virology 395, 232-242. 2009). We investigated the significance of ER-targeting by MP during virus movement from cell to cell, by analyzing the function of a series of MPs with varying length deletions at their C-terminus, either fused or not fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP). The C-terminal 70 amino acids were crucial to ER-localization of MP-GFP and cell-to-cell movement of the recombinant virus encoding it. However, C-terminal deletion did not affect MP functions, such as increasing the size exclusion limit of plasmodesmata, single-stranded RNA binding in vitro, and MP interacting in vivo. We discuss the possible role of this MP region in virus movement from cell to cell.

Viral protein targeting to the cortical endoplasmic reticulum is required for cell-cell spreading in plants

Sorting signal-mediated oligomerization and localization of the viral protein TGBp3 to curved ER tubules is essential for viral movement between cells in plants.

Many plant RNA viruses use their nonstructural proteins to target and move through the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) tubules within the plant intercellular junction for cell-to-cell spreading. Most of these proteins, including the triple-gene-block 3 protein (TGBp3) of Potexvirus, are ER membrane proteins. We previously showed that TGBp3 of the Bamboo mosaic potexvirus partitions into tubular subdomains of the ER in both yeast and plants, but the mechanism and physiological significance of this localization is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a sorting signal present in TGBp3 is necessary and sufficient for its oligomerization and for targeting integral membrane proteins into puncta within curved ER tubules. Mutations in the TGBp3 sorting signal impair viral spread, and plants infected with viruses harboring these mutants were either asymptomatic or had reduced symptoms. Thus, we propose that Potexvirus use the sorting signal in TGBp3 to target infectious viral derivatives to cortical ER tubules for transmission through the intercellular junctions in plants.

Cellular pathways for viral transport through plasmodesmata

Plant viruses use plasmodesmata (PD) to spread infection between cells and systemically. Dependent on viral species, movement through PD can occur in virion or non-virion form, and requires different mechanisms for targeting and modification of the pore. These mechanisms are supported by viral movement proteins and by other virus-encoded factors that interact among themselves and with plant cellular components to facilitate virus movement in a coordinated and regulated fashion.

Intracellular transport of viruses and their components: utilizing the cytoskeleton and membrane highways

Plant viruses are obligate organisms that require host components for movement within and between cells. A mechanistic understanding of virus movement will allow the identification of new methods to control virus systemic spread and serve as a model system for understanding host macromolecule intra- and intercellular transport. Recent studies have moved beyond the identification of virus proteins involved in virus movement and their effect on plasmodesmal size exclusion limits to the analysis of their interactions with host components to allow movement within and between cells. It is clear that individual virus proteins and replication complexes associate with and, in some cases, traffic along the host cytoskeleton and membranes. Here, we review these recent findings, highlighting the diverse associations observed between these components and their trafficking capacity. Plant viruses operate individually, sometimes within virus species, to utilize unique interactions between their proteins or complexes and individual host cytoskeletal or membrane elements over time or space for their movement. However, there is not sufficient information for any plant virus to create a complete model of its intracellular movement; thus, more research is needed to achieve that goal.

Plasmodesmata: gateways to local and systemic virus infection

As channels that provide cell-to-cell connectivity, plasmodesmata are central to the local and systemic spread of viruses in plants. This review discusses the current state of knowledge of the structure and function of these channels and the ways in which viruses bring about functional changes that allow macromolecular trafficking to occur. Despite the passing of two decades since the first identification of a viral movement protein that mediates these changes, our understanding of the relevant molecular mechanisms remains in its infancy. However, viral movement proteins provide valuable tools for the modification of plasmodesmata and will continue to assist in the dissection of plasmodesmal properties in relation to their core roles in cell-to-cell communication.

Tracking the green invaders: advances in imaging virus infection in plants

Bioimaging contributes significantly to our understanding of plant virus infections. In the present review, we describe technical advances that enable imaging of the infection process at previously unobtainable levels. We highlight how such new advances in subcellular imaging are contributing to a detailed dissection of all stages of the viral infection process. Specifically, we focus on: (i) the increasingly detailed localizations of viral proteins enabled by a diversifying palette of cellular markers; (ii) approaches using fluorescence microscopy for the functional analysis of proteins in vivo; (iii) the imaging of viral RNAs; (iv) methods that bridge the gap between optical and electron microscopy; and (v) methods that are blurring the distinction between imaging and structural biology. We describe the advantages and disadvantages of such techniques and place them in the broader perspective of their utility in analysing plant virus infection.

Fluorescent protein recruitment assay for demonstration and analysis of in vivo protein interactions in plant cells and its application to Tobacco mosaic virus movement protein

We describe a simple fluorescent protein-based method to investigate interactions with a viral movement protein in living cells that relies on the in vivo re-localization of proteins in the presence of their interaction partners. We apply this method in combination with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to demonstrate that a domain of the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) movement protein (MP) previously predicted to mediate protein:protein interactions is dispensable for these contacts. We suggest that this method can be generalized for analysis of other protein interactions in planta.

Advances in imaging RNA in plants

Increasing evidence shows that many RNAs are targeted to specific locations within cells, and that RNA-processing pathways occur in association with specific subcellular structures. Compartmentation of mRNA translation and RNA processing helps to assemble large RNA-protein complexes, while RNA targeting allows local protein synthesis and the asymmetric distribution of transcripts during cell polarisation. In plants, intercellular RNA trafficking also plays an additional role in plant development and pathogen defence. Methods that allow the visualisation of RNA sequences within a cellular context, and preferably at subcellular resolution, can help to answer important questions in plant cell and developmental biology. Here, we summarise the approaches currently available for localising RNA in vivo and address the specific limitations inherent with plant systems.

The Intra- and intercellular movement of Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV) depends on an active secretory pathway

Plant viruses hijack endogenous host transport machinery to aid their intracellular spread. Here, we study the localization of the p7B, the membrane-associated viral movement protein (MP) of the Melon necrotic spot virus (MNSV), and also the potential involvement of the secretory pathway on the p7B targeting and intra- and intercellular virus movements. p7B fused to fluorescent proteins was located throughout the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at motile Golgi apparatus (GA) stacks that actively tracked the actin microfilaments, and at the plasmodesmata (PD). Hence, the secretory pathway inhibitor, Brefeldin A (BFA), and the overexpression of the GTPase-defective mutant of Sar1p, Sar1[H74L], fully retained the p7B within the ER, revealing that the protein is delivered to PD in a BFA-sensitive and COPII-dependent manner. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with latrunculin B led to the accumulation of p7B in the ER, which strongly suggests that p7B is also targeted to the cell periphery in an actin-dependent manner. Remarkably, the local spread of the viral infection was significantly restricted either with the presence of BFA or under the overexpression of Sar1[H74L], thus revealing the involvement of an active secretory pathway in the intracellular movement of MNSV. Overall, these findings support a novel route for the intracellular transport of a plant virus led by the GA.

Endoplasmic reticulum targeting of the Red clover necrotic mosaic virus movement protein is associated with the replication of viral RNA1 but not that of RNA2

Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) is a positive-strand RNA virus with a bipartite genome. The movement protein (MP) encoded by RNA2 is essential for viral movement. To obtain further insights into the viral movement mechanism, subcellular localizations of RCNMV MP fused with green fluorescent protein (MP:GFP) were examined in Nicotiana benthamiana epidermal cells and protoplasts. The MP:GFP expressed from the recombinant virus first appeared in the cell wall and subsequently was observed on the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as punctate spots. In contrast, the MP:GFP expressed transiently in the absence of other viral components was localized exclusively in the cell wall. Transient expression of the MP:GFP with a variety of RCNMV components revealed that the ER localization of the MP:GFP was associated with RNA1 replication, or its negative-strand RNA synthesis, but not those of RNA2 or replicase proteins per se. A model of RCNMV cell-to-cell movement is discussed.

Interaction of the Tobacco mosaic virus movement protein with microtubules during the cell cycle in tobacco BY-2 cells

Cell-to-cell movement of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) involves the interaction of virus-encoded 30-kDa movement protein (MP) with microtubules. In cells behind the infection front that accumulate high levels of MP, this activity is reflected by the formation of stabilized MP/microtubule complexes. The ability of MP to bind along and stabilize microtubules is conserved upon expression in mammalian cells. In mammalian cells, the protein also leads to inhibition of mitosis and cell division through a microtubule-independent process correlated with the loss of centrosomal gamma-tubulin and of centrosomal microtubule-nucleation activity. Since MP has the capacity to interact with plant factors involved in microtubule nucleation and dynamics, we used inducible expression in BY-2 cells to test whether MP expression inhibits mitosis and cell division also in plants. We demonstrate that MP:GFP associates with all plant microtubule arrays and, unlike in mammalian cells, does not interfere with mitosis. Thus, MP function and the interaction of MP with factors of the cytoskeleton do not entail an inhibition of mitosis in plants. We also report that the protein targets primary plasmodesmata in BY-2 cells immediately upon or during cytokinesis and that the accumulation of MP in plasmodesmata occurs in the presence of inhibitors of the cytoskeleton and the secretory pathway.