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Zawadzka M, Andrzejewska-Romanowska A, Gumna J, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. Cell Compartment-Specific Folding of Ty1 Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposon RNA Genome. Viruses 2022; 14:2007. [PMID: 36146813 PMCID: PMC9503155 DOI: 10.3390/v14092007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The structural transitions RNAs undergo during trafficking are not well understood. Here, we used the well-developed yeast Ty1 retrotransposon to provide the first structural model of genome (g) RNA in the nucleus from a retrovirus-like transposon. Through a detailed comparison of nuclear Ty1 gRNA structure with those established in the cytoplasm, virus-like particles (VLPs), and those synthesized in vitro, we detected Ty1 gRNA structural alterations that occur during retrotransposition. Full-length Ty1 gRNA serves as the mRNA for Gag and Gag-Pol proteins and as the genome that is reverse transcribed within VLPs. We show that about 60% of base pairs predicted for the nuclear Ty1 gRNA appear in the cytoplasm, and active translation does not account for such structural differences. Most of the shared base pairs are represented by short-range interactions, whereas the long-distance pairings seem unique for each compartment. Highly structured motifs tend to be preserved after nuclear export of Ty1 gRNA. In addition, our study highlights the important role of Ty1 Gag in mediating critical RNA-RNA interactions required for retrotransposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Zawadzka
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Angelika Andrzejewska-Romanowska
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - David J. Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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Gumna J, Andrzejewska-Romanowska A, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. RNA Binding Properties of the Ty1 LTR-Retrotransposon Gag Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169103. [PMID: 34445809 PMCID: PMC8396678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A universal feature of retroelement propagation is the formation of distinct nucleoprotein complexes mediated by the Gag capsid protein. The Ty1 retrotransposon Gag protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacks sequence homology with retroviral Gag, but is functionally related. In addition to capsid assembly functions, Ty1 Gag promotes Ty1 RNA dimerization and cyclization and initiation of reverse transcription. Direct interactions between Gag and retrotransposon genomic RNA (gRNA) are needed for Ty1 replication, and mutations in the RNA-binding domain disrupt nucleation of retrosomes and assembly of functional virus-like particles (VLPs). Unlike retroviral Gag, the specificity of Ty1 Gag-RNA interactions remain poorly understood. Here we use microscale thermophoresis (MST) and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) to analyze interactions of immature and mature Ty1 Gag with RNAs. The salt-dependent experiments showed that Ty1 Gag binds with high and similar affinity to different RNAs. However, we observed a preferential interaction between Ty1 Gag and Ty1 RNA containing a packaging signal (Psi) in RNA competition analyses. We also uncover a relationship between Ty1 RNA structure and Gag binding involving the pseudoknot present on Ty1 gRNA. In all likelihood, the differences in Gag binding affinity detected in vitro only partially explain selective Ty1 RNA packaging into VLPs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.); (A.A.-R.)
| | - Angelika Andrzejewska-Romanowska
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.); (A.A.-R.)
| | - David J. Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland; (J.G.); (A.A.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-61-852-85-03; Fax: +48-61-852-05-32
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Andrzejewska A, Zawadzka M, Gumna J, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. In vivo structure of the Ty1 retrotransposon RNA genome. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:2878-2893. [PMID: 33621339 PMCID: PMC7969010 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons constitute a significant part of eukaryotic genomes and influence their function and evolution. Like other RNA viruses, LTR-retrotransposons efficiently utilize their RNA genome to interact with host cell machinery during replication. Here, we provide the first genome-wide RNA secondary structure model for a LTR-retrotransposon in living cells. Using SHAPE probing, we explore the secondary structure of the yeast Ty1 retrotransposon RNA genome in its native in vivo state and under defined in vitro conditions. Comparative analyses reveal the strong impact of the cellular environment on folding of Ty1 RNA. In vivo, Ty1 genome RNA is significantly less structured and more dynamic but retains specific well-structured regions harboring functional cis-acting sequences. Ribosomes participate in the unfolding and remodeling of Ty1 RNA, and inhibition of translation initiation stabilizes Ty1 RNA structure. Together, our findings support the dual role of Ty1 genomic RNA as a template for protein synthesis and reverse transcription. This study also contributes to understanding how a complex multifunctional RNA genome folds in vivo, and strengthens the need for studying RNA structure in its natural cellular context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Andrzejewska
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Zawadzka
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
| | - David J Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Noskowskiego 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, Poland
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Malicki M, Spaller T, Winckler T, Hammann C. DIRS retrotransposons amplify via linear, single-stranded cDNA intermediates. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:4230-4243. [PMID: 32170321 PMCID: PMC7192593 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Dictyostelium Intermediate Repeat Sequence 1 (DIRS-1) is the name-giving member of the DIRS order of tyrosine recombinase retrotransposons. In Dictyostelium discoideum, DIRS-1 is highly amplified and enriched in heterochromatic centromers of the D. discoideum genome. We show here that DIRS-1 it tightly controlled by the D. discoideum RNA interference machinery and is only mobilized in mutants lacking either the RNA dependent RNA polymerase RrpC or the Argonaute protein AgnA. DIRS retrotransposons contain an internal complementary region (ICR) that is thought to be required to reconstitute a full-length element from incomplete RNA transcripts. Using different versions of D. discoideum DIRS-1 equipped with retrotransposition marker genes, we show experimentally that the ICR is in fact essential to complete retrotransposition. We further show that DIRS-1 produces a mixture of single-stranded, mostly linear extrachromosomal cDNA intermediates. If this cDNA is isolated and transformed into D. discoideum cells, it can be used by DIRS-1 proteins to complete productive retrotransposition. This work provides the first experimental evidence to propose a general retrotransposition mechanism of the class of DIRS like tyrosine recombinase retrotransposons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Malicki
- Ribogenetics Biochemistry Lab, Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH, Campus Ring 1, DE 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Thomas Spaller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Semmelweisstraße 10, DE 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Winckler
- Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Semmelweisstraße 10, DE 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Hammann
- Ribogenetics Biochemistry Lab, Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University Bremen gGmbH, Campus Ring 1, DE 28759 Bremen, Germany
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5
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Maldonado RJK, Rice B, Chen EC, Tuffy KM, Chiari EF, Fahrbach KM, Hope TJ, Parent LJ. Visualizing Association of the Retroviral Gag Protein with Unspliced Viral RNA in the Nucleus. mBio 2020; 11:e00524-20. [PMID: 32265329 PMCID: PMC7157774 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00524-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) by retroviruses is essential for infectivity, yet the subcellular site of the initial interaction between the Gag polyprotein and gRNA remains poorly defined. Because retroviral particles are released from the plasma membrane, it was previously thought that Gag proteins initially bound to gRNA in the cytoplasm or at the plasma membrane. However, the Gag protein of the avian retrovirus Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) undergoes active nuclear trafficking, which is required for efficient gRNA encapsidation (L. Z. Scheifele, R. A. Garbitt, J. D. Rhoads, and L. J. Parent, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99:3944-3949, 2002, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.062652199; R. Garbitt-Hirst, S. P. Kenney, and L. J. Parent, J Virol 83:6790-6797, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00101-09). These results raise the intriguing possibility that the primary contact between Gag and gRNA might occur in the nucleus. To examine this possibility, we created a RSV proviral construct that includes 24 tandem repeats of MS2 RNA stem-loops, making it possible to track RSV viral RNA (vRNA) in live cells in which a fluorophore-conjugated MS2 coat protein is coexpressed. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that both wild-type Gag and a nuclear export mutant (Gag.L219A) colocalized with vRNA in the nucleus. In live-cell time-lapse images, the wild-type Gag protein trafficked together with vRNA as a single ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in the nucleoplasm near the nuclear periphery, appearing to traverse the nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, biophysical imaging methods suggest that Gag and the unspliced vRNA physically interact in the nucleus. Taken together, these data suggest that RSV Gag binds unspliced vRNA to export it from the nucleus, possibly for packaging into virions as the viral genome.IMPORTANCE Retroviruses cause severe diseases in animals and humans, including cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes. To propagate infection, retroviruses assemble new virus particles that contain viral proteins and unspliced vRNA to use as gRNA. Despite the critical requirement for gRNA packaging, the molecular mechanisms governing the identification and selection of gRNA by the Gag protein remain poorly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein colocalizes with unspliced vRNA in the nucleus in the interchromatin space. Using live-cell confocal imaging, RSV Gag and unspliced vRNA were observed to move together from inside the nucleus across the nuclear envelope, suggesting that the Gag-gRNA complex initially forms in the nucleus and undergoes nuclear export into the cytoplasm as a viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Breanna Rice
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eunice C Chen
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin M Tuffy
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Estelle F Chiari
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelly M Fahrbach
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas J Hope
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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Murano K, Iwasaki YW, Ishizu H, Mashiko A, Shibuya A, Kondo S, Adachi S, Suzuki S, Saito K, Natsume T, Siomi MC, Siomi H. Nuclear RNA export factor variant initiates piRNA-guided co-transcriptional silencing. EMBO J 2019; 38:e102870. [PMID: 31368590 PMCID: PMC6717896 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019102870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway preserves genomic integrity by repressing transposable elements (TEs) in animal germ cells. Among PIWI-clade proteins in Drosophila, Piwi transcriptionally silences its targets through interactions with cofactors, including Panoramix (Panx) and forms heterochromatin characterized by H3K9me3 and H1. Here, we identified Nxf2, a nuclear RNA export factor (NXF) variant, as a protein that forms complexes with Piwi, Panx, and p15. Panx-Nxf2-P15 complex formation is necessary in the silencing by stabilizing protein levels of Nxf2 and Panx. Notably, ectopic targeting of Nxf2 initiates co-transcriptional repression of the target reporter in a manner independent of H3K9me3 marks or H1. However, continuous silencing requires HP1a and H1. In addition, Nxf2 directly interacts with target TE transcripts in a Piwi-dependent manner. These findings suggest a model in which the Panx-Nxf2-P15 complex enforces the association of Piwi with target transcripts to trigger co-transcriptional repression, prior to heterochromatin formation in the nuclear piRNA pathway. Our results provide an unexpected connection between an NXF variant and small RNA-mediated co-transcriptional silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensaku Murano
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yuka W Iwasaki
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Hirotsugu Ishizu
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Akane Mashiko
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Graduate School of EngineeringYokohama National UniversityYokohamaJapan
| | - Aoi Shibuya
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Invertebrate Genetics LaboratoryNational Institute of GeneticsMishimaShizuokaJapan
| | - Shungo Adachi
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug DiscoveryNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyoJapan
| | - Saori Suzuki
- Department of Biological SciencesGraduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kuniaki Saito
- Invertebrate Genetics LaboratoryNational Institute of GeneticsMishimaShizuokaJapan
| | - Tohru Natsume
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug DiscoveryNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyTokyoJapan
| | - Mikiko C Siomi
- Department of Biological SciencesGraduate School of ScienceThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular BiologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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7
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Gumna J, Purzycka KJ, Ahn HW, Garfinkel DJ, Pachulska-Wieczorek K. Retroviral-like determinants and functions required for dimerization of Ty1 retrotransposon RNA. RNA Biol 2019; 16:1749-1763. [PMID: 31469343 PMCID: PMC6844567 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1657370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During replication of long terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons, their proteins and genome (g) RNA assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs) that are not infectious but functionally related to retroviral virions. Both virions and VLPs contain gRNA in a dimeric form, but contrary to retroviruses, little is known about how gRNA dimerization and packaging occurs in LTR-retrotransposons. The LTR-retrotransposon Ty1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an informative model for studying LTR-retrotransposon and retrovirus replication. Using structural, mutational and functional analyses, we explored dimerization of Ty1 genomic RNA. We provide direct evidence that interactions of self-complementary PAL1 and PAL2 palindromic sequences localized within the 5′UTR are essential for Ty1 gRNA dimer formation. Mutations disrupting PAL1-PAL2 complementarity restricted RNA dimerization in vitro and Ty1 mobility in vivo. Although dimer formation and mobility of these mutants was inhibited, our work suggests that Ty1 RNA can dimerize via alternative contact points. In contrast to previous studies, we cannot confirm a role for PAL3, tRNAiMet as well as recently proposed initial kissing-loop interactions in dimer formation. Our data also supports the critical role of Ty1 Gag in RNA dimerization. Mature Ty1 Gag binds in the proximity of sequences involved in RNA dimerization and tRNAiMet annealing, but the 5′ pseudoknot in Ty1 RNA may constitute a preferred Gag-binding site. Taken together, these results expand our understanding of genome dimerization and packaging strategies utilized by LTR-retroelements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julita Gumna
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Hyo Won Ahn
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structure and Function of Retrotransposons, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Huang S, Zhang D, Mei H, Kevin M, Qu S, Pan X, Lu L. SMD-Based Interaction-Energy Fingerprints Can Predict Accurately the Dissociation Rate Constants of HIV-1 Protease Inhibitors. J Chem Inf Model 2018; 59:159-169. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.8b00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xianchao Pan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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Rowley PA, Patterson K, Sandmeyer SB, Sawyer SL. Control of yeast retrotransposons mediated through nucleoporin evolution. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007325. [PMID: 29694349 PMCID: PMC5918913 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Yeasts serve as hosts to several types of genetic parasites. Few studies have addressed the evolutionary trajectory of yeast genes that control the stable co-existence of these parasites with their host cell. In Saccharomyces yeasts, the retrovirus-like Ty retrotransposons must access the nucleus. We show that several genes encoding components of the yeast nuclear pore complex have experienced natural selection for substitutions that change the encoded protein sequence. By replacing these S. cerevisiae genes with orthologs from other Saccharomyces species, we discovered that natural sequence changes have affected the mobility of Ty retrotransposons. Specifically, changing the genetic sequence of NUP84 or NUP82 to match that of other Saccharomyces species alters the mobility of S. cerevisiae Ty1 and Ty3. Importantly, all tested housekeeping functions of NUP84 and NUP82 remained equivalent across species. Signatures of natural selection, resulting in altered interactions with viruses and parasitic genetic elements, are common in host defense proteins. Yet, few instances have been documented in essential housekeeping proteins. The nuclear pore complex is the gatekeeper of the nucleus. This study shows how the evolution of this large, ubiquitous eukaryotic complex can alter the replication of a molecular parasite, but concurrently maintain essential host functionalities regarding nucleocytoplasmic trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Rowley
- BioFrontiers Institute, Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States of America
| | - Kurt Patterson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Suzanne B. Sandmeyer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
| | - Sara L. Sawyer
- BioFrontiers Institute, Department of Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
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Salinero AC, Knoll ER, Zhu ZI, Landsman D, Curcio MJ, Morse RH. The Mediator co-activator complex regulates Ty1 retromobility by controlling the balance between Ty1i and Ty1 promoters. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007232. [PMID: 29462141 PMCID: PMC5834202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ty1 retrotransposons present in the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae belong to the large class of mobile genetic elements that replicate via an RNA intermediary and constitute a significant portion of most eukaryotic genomes. The retromobility of Ty1 is regulated by numerous host factors, including several subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex. In spite of its known function in the nucleus, previous studies have implicated Mediator in the regulation of post-translational steps in Ty1 retromobility. To resolve this paradox, we systematically examined the effects of deleting non-essential Mediator subunits on the frequency of Ty1 retromobility and levels of retromobility intermediates. Our findings reveal that loss of distinct Mediator subunits alters Ty1 retromobility positively or negatively over a >10,000-fold range by regulating the ratio of an internal transcript, Ty1i, to the genomic Ty1 transcript. Ty1i RNA encodes a dominant negative inhibitor of Ty1 retromobility that blocks virus-like particle maturation and cDNA synthesis. These results resolve the conundrum of Mediator exerting sweeping control of Ty1 retromobility with only minor effects on the levels of Ty1 genomic RNA and the capsid protein, Gag. Since the majority of characterized intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of Ty1 retromobility do not appear to effect genomic Ty1 RNA levels, Mediator could play a central role in integrating signals that influence Ty1i expression to modulate retromobility. Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that copy their RNA genomes into DNA and insert the DNA copies into the host genome. These elements contribute to genome instability, control of host gene expression and adaptation to changing environments. Retrotransposons depend on numerous host factors for their own propagation and control. The retrovirus-like retrotransposon, Ty1, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been an invaluable model for retrotransposon research, and hundreds of host factors that regulate Ty1 retrotransposition have been identified. Non-essential subunits of the Mediator transcriptional co-activator complex have been identified as one set of host factors implicated in Ty1 regulation. Here, we report a systematic investigation of the effects of loss of these non-essential subunits of Mediator on Ty1 retrotransposition. Our findings reveal a heretofore unknown mechanism by which Mediator influences the balance between transcription from two promoters in Ty1 to modulate expression of an autoinhibitory transcript known as Ty1i RNA. Our results provide new insights into host control of retrotransposon activity via promoter choice and elucidate a novel mechanism by which the Mediator co-activator governs this choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia C. Salinero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth R. Knoll
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Z. Iris Zhu
- Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David Landsman
- Computational Biology Branch, National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - M. Joan Curcio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MJC); (RHM)
| | - Randall H. Morse
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (MJC); (RHM)
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11
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Ribosome Biogenesis Modulates Ty1 Copy Number Control in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2017; 207:1441-1456. [PMID: 29046400 PMCID: PMC5714458 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposons can impact the host genome by altering gene expression and participating in chromosome rearrangements. Therefore, organisms evolved different ways to minimize the level of transposition. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its close relative S. paradoxus, Ty1 copy number control (CNC) is mediated by the self-encoded restriction factor p22, which is derived from the GAG capsid gene and inhibits virus-like particle (VLP) assembly and function. Based on secondary screens of Ty1 cofactors, we identified LOC1, a RNA localization/ribosome biogenesis gene that affects Ty1 mobility predominantly in strains harboring Ty1 elements. Ribosomal protein mutants rps0bΔ and rpl7aΔ displayed similar CNC-specific phenotypes as loc1Δ, suggesting that ribosome biogenesis is critical for CNC. The level of Ty1 mRNA and Ty1 internal (Ty1i) transcripts encoding p22 was altered in these mutants, and displayed a trend where the level of Ty1i RNA increased relative to full-length Ty1 mRNA. The level of p22 increased in these mutants, and the half-life of p22 also increased in a loc1Δ mutant. Transcriptomic analyses revealed small changes in the level of Ty1 transcripts or efficiency of translation initiation in a loc1Δ mutant. Importantly, a loc1Δ mutant had defects in assembly of Gag complexes and packaging Ty1 RNA. Our results indicate that defective ribosome biogenesis enhances CNC by increasing the level of p22, and raise the possibility for versatile links between VLP assembly, its cytoplasmic environment, and a novel stress response.
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Gamache ER, Doh JH, Ritz J, Laederach A, Bellaousov S, Mathews DH, Curcio MJ. Structure-Function Model for Kissing Loop Interactions That Initiate Dimerization of Ty1 RNA. Viruses 2017; 9:E93. [PMID: 28445416 PMCID: PMC5454406 DOI: 10.3390/v9050093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The genomic RNA of the retrotransposon Ty1 is packaged as a dimer into virus-like particles. The 5' terminus of Ty1 RNA harbors cis-acting sequences required for translation initiation, packaging and initiation of reverse transcription (TIPIRT). To identify RNA motifs involved in dimerization and packaging, a structural model of the TIPIRT domain in vitro was developed from single-nucleotide resolution RNA structural data. In general agreement with previous models, the first 326 nucleotides of Ty1 RNA form a pseudoknot with a 7-bp stem (S1), a 1-nucleotide interhelical loop and an 8-bp stem (S2) that delineate two long, structured loops. Nucleotide substitutions that disrupt either pseudoknot stem greatly reduced helper-Ty1-mediated retrotransposition of a mini-Ty1, but only mutations in S2 destabilized mini-Ty1 RNA in cis and helper-Ty1 RNA in trans. Nested in different loops of the pseudoknot are two hairpins with complementary 7-nucleotide motifs at their apices. Nucleotide substitutions in either motif also reduced retrotransposition and destabilized mini- and helper-Ty1 RNA. Compensatory mutations that restore base-pairing in the S2 stem or between the hairpins rescued retrotransposition and RNA stability in cis and trans. These data inform a model whereby a Ty1 RNA kissing complex with two intermolecular kissing-loop interactions initiates dimerization and packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Gamache
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
| | - Jung H Doh
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
| | - Justin Ritz
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Alain Laederach
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Stanislav Bellaousov
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - David H Mathews
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Center for RNA Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
| | - M Joan Curcio
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
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13
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Orchestrating the Selection and Packaging of Genomic RNA by Retroviruses: An Ensemble of Viral and Host Factors. Viruses 2016; 8:v8090257. [PMID: 27657110 PMCID: PMC5035971 DOI: 10.3390/v8090257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious retrovirus particles contain two copies of unspliced viral RNA that serve as the viral genome. Unspliced retroviral RNA is transcribed in the nucleus by the host RNA polymerase II and has three potential fates: (1) it can be spliced into subgenomic messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for the translation of viral proteins; or it can remain unspliced to serve as either (2) the mRNA for the translation of Gag and Gag-Pol; or (3) the genomic RNA (gRNA) that is packaged into virions. The Gag structural protein recognizes and binds the unspliced viral RNA to select it as a genome, which is selected in preference to spliced viral RNAs and cellular RNAs. In this review, we summarize the current state of understanding about how retroviral packaging is orchestrated within the cell and explore potential new mechanisms based on recent discoveries in the field. We discuss the cis-acting elements in the unspliced viral RNA and the properties of the Gag protein that are required for their interaction. In addition, we discuss the role of host factors in influencing the fate of the newly transcribed viral RNA, current models for how retroviruses distinguish unspliced viral mRNA from viral genomic RNA, and the possible subcellular sites of genomic RNA dimerization and selection by Gag. Although this review centers primarily on the wealth of data available for the alpharetrovirus Rous sarcoma virus, in which a discrete RNA packaging sequence has been identified, we have also summarized the cis- and trans-acting factors as well as the mechanisms governing gRNA packaging of other retroviruses for comparison.
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14
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Determinants of Genomic RNA Encapsidation in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Long Terminal Repeat Retrotransposons Ty1 and Ty3. Viruses 2016; 8:v8070193. [PMID: 27428991 PMCID: PMC4974528 DOI: 10.3390/v8070193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are transposable genetic elements that replicate intracellularly, and can be considered progenitors of retroviruses. Ty1 and Ty3 are the most extensively characterized LTR retrotransposons whose RNA genomes provide the template for both protein translation and genomic RNA that is packaged into virus-like particles (VLPs) and reverse transcribed. Genomic RNAs are not divided into separate pools of translated and packaged RNAs, therefore their trafficking and packaging into VLPs requires an equilibrium between competing events. In this review, we focus on Ty1 and Ty3 genomic RNA trafficking and packaging as essential steps of retrotransposon propagation. We summarize the existing knowledge on genomic RNA sequences and structures essential to these processes, the role of Gag proteins in repression of genomic RNA translation, delivery to VLP assembly sites, and encapsidation.
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15
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Abstract
Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons constitute significant fractions of many eukaryotic genomes. Two ancient families are Ty1/Copia (Pseudoviridae) and Ty3/Gypsy (Metaviridae). The Ty3/Gypsy family probably gave rise to retroviruses based on the domain order, similarity of sequences, and the envelopes encoded by some members. The Ty3 element of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most completely characterized elements at the molecular level. Ty3 is induced in mating cells by pheromone stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway as cells accumulate in G1. The two Ty3 open reading frames are translated into Gag3 and Gag3-Pol3 polyprotein precursors. In haploid mating cells Gag3 and Gag3-Pol3 are assembled together with Ty3 genomic RNA into immature virus-like particles in cellular foci containing RNA processing body proteins. Virus-like particle Gag3 is then processed by Ty3 protease into capsid, spacer, and nucleocapsid, and Gag3-Pol3 into those proteins and additionally, protease, reverse transcriptase, and integrase. After haploid cells mate and become diploid, genomic RNA is reverse transcribed into cDNA. Ty3 integration complexes interact with components of the RNA polymerase III transcription complex resulting in Ty3 integration precisely at the transcription start site. Ty3 activation during mating enables proliferation of Ty3 between genomes and has intriguing parallels with metazoan retrotransposon activation in germ cell lineages. Identification of nuclear pore, DNA replication, transcription, and repair host factors that affect retrotransposition has provided insights into how hosts and retrotransposons interact to balance genome stability and plasticity.
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16
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Garfinkel DJ, Tucker JM, Saha A, Nishida Y, Pachulska-Wieczorek K, Błaszczyk L, Purzycka KJ. A self-encoded capsid derivative restricts Ty1 retrotransposition in Saccharomyces. Curr Genet 2015; 62:321-9. [PMID: 26650614 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-015-0550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Retrotransposons and retroviral insertions have molded the genomes of many eukaryotes. Since retroelements transpose via an RNA intermediate, the additive nature of the replication cycle can result in massive increases in copy number if left unchecked. Host organisms have countered with several defense systems, including domestication of retroelement genes that now act as restriction factors to minimize propagation. We discovered a novel truncated form of the Saccharomyces Ty1 retrotransposon capsid protein, dubbed p22 that inhibits virus-like particle (VLP) assembly and function. The p22 restriction factor expands the repertoire of defense proteins targeting the capsid and highlights a novel host-parasite strategy. Instead of inhibiting all transposition by domesticating the restriction gene as a distinct locus, Ty1 and budding yeast may have coevolved a relationship that allows high levels of transposition when Ty1 copy numbers are low and progressively less transposition as copy numbers rise. Here, we offer a perspective on p22 restriction, including its mode of expression, effect on VLP functions, interactions with its target, properties as a nucleic acid chaperone, similarities to other restriction factors, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA.
| | - Jessica M Tucker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Agniva Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Yuri Nishida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, 30602, USA
| | - Katarzyna Pachulska-Wieczorek
- Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Leszek Błaszczyk
- Institute of Computing Science, Poznan University of Technology, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna J Purzycka
- Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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17
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Bilanchone V, Clemens K, Kaake R, Dawson AR, Matheos D, Nagashima K, Sitlani P, Patterson K, Chang I, Huang L, Sandmeyer S. Ty3 Retrotransposon Hijacks Mating Yeast RNA Processing Bodies to Infect New Genomes. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005528. [PMID: 26421679 PMCID: PMC4589538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Retrotransposition of the budding yeast long terminal repeat retrotransposon Ty3 is activated during mating. In this study, proteins that associate with Ty3 Gag3 capsid protein during virus-like particle (VLP) assembly were identified by mass spectrometry and screened for roles in mating-stimulated retrotransposition. Components of RNA processing bodies including DEAD box helicases Dhh1/DDX6 and Ded1/DDX3, Sm-like protein Lsm1, decapping protein Dcp2, and 5' to 3' exonuclease Xrn1 were among the proteins identified. These proteins associated with Ty3 proteins and RNA, and were required for formation of Ty3 VLP retrosome assembly factories and for retrotransposition. Specifically, Dhh1/DDX6 was required for normal levels of Ty3 genomic RNA, and Lsm1 and Xrn1 were required for association of Ty3 protein and RNA into retrosomes. This role for components of RNA processing bodies in promoting VLP assembly and retrotransposition during mating in a yeast that lacks RNA interference, contrasts with roles proposed for orthologous components in animal germ cell ribonucleoprotein granules in turnover and epigenetic suppression of retrotransposon RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Bilanchone
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Kristina Clemens
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Robyn Kaake
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Anthony R. Dawson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Dina Matheos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Kunio Nagashima
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, NCI-Frederick, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Parth Sitlani
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Kurt Patterson
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Ivan Chang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Suzanne Sandmeyer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Abstract
Long-terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposons generate a copy of their DNA (cDNA) by reverse transcription of their RNA genome in cytoplasmic nucleocapsids. They are widespread in the eukaryotic kingdom and are the evolutionary progenitors of retroviruses [1]. The Ty1 element of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae was the first LTR-retrotransposon demonstrated to mobilize through an RNA intermediate, and not surprisingly, is the best studied. The depth of our knowledge of Ty1 biology stems not only from the predominance of active Ty1 elements in the S. cerevisiae genome but also the ease and breadth of genomic, biochemical and cell biology approaches available to study cellular processes in yeast. This review describes the basic structure of Ty1 and its gene products, the replication cycle, the rapidly expanding compendium of host co-factors known to influence retrotransposition and the nature of Ty1's elaborate symbiosis with its host. Our goal is to illuminate the value of Ty1 as a paradigm to explore the biology of LTR-retrotransposons in multicellular organisms, where the low frequency of retrotransposition events presents a formidable barrier to investigations of retrotransposon biology.
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19
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Saha A, Mitchell JA, Nishida Y, Hildreth JE, Ariberre JA, Gilbert WV, Garfinkel DJ. A trans-dominant form of Gag restricts Ty1 retrotransposition and mediates copy number control. J Virol 2015; 89:3922-38. [PMID: 25609815 PMCID: PMC4403431 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03060-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomyces paradoxus lack the conserved RNA interference pathway and utilize a novel form of copy number control (CNC) to inhibit Ty1 retrotransposition. Although noncoding transcripts have been implicated in CNC, here we present evidence that a truncated form of the Gag capsid protein (p22) or its processed form (p18) is necessary and sufficient for CNC and likely encoded by Ty1 internal transcripts. Coexpression of p22/p18 and Ty1 decreases mobility more than 30,000-fold. p22/p18 cofractionates with Ty1 virus-like particles (VLPs) and affects VLP yield, protein composition, and morphology. Although p22/p18 and Gag colocalize in the cytoplasm, p22/p18 disrupts sites used for VLP assembly. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) affinity pulldowns also suggest that p18 and Gag interact. Therefore, this intrinsic Gag-like restriction factor confers CNC by interfering with VLP assembly and function and expands the strategies used to limit retroelement propagation. IMPORTANCE Retrotransposons dominate the chromosomal landscape in many eukaryotes, can cause mutations by insertion or genome rearrangement, and are evolutionarily related to retroviruses such as HIV. Thus, understanding factors that limit transposition and retroviral replication is fundamentally important. The present work describes a retrotransposon-encoded restriction protein derived from the capsid gene of the yeast Ty1 element that disrupts virus-like particle assembly in a dose-dependent manner. This form of copy number control acts as a molecular rheostat, allowing high levels of retrotransposition when few Ty1 elements are present and inhibiting transposition as copy number increases. Thus, yeast and Ty1 have coevolved a form of copy number control that is beneficial to both "host and parasite." To our knowledge, this is the first Gag-like retrotransposon restriction factor described in the literature and expands the ways in which restriction proteins modulate retroelement replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agniva Saha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica A Mitchell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuri Nishida
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan E Hildreth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Joshua A Ariberre
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wendy V Gilbert
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David J Garfinkel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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20
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Purzycka KJ, Garfinkel DJ, Boeke JD, Le Grice SFJ. Influence of RNA structural elements on Ty1 retrotransposition. Mob Genet Elements 2014; 3:e25060. [PMID: 23914314 PMCID: PMC3681743 DOI: 10.4161/mge.25060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-terminal repeat (LTR)-retrotransposon Ty1 is a mobile genetic element that replicates through an RNA intermediate. Retroelement genomic transcripts contain internal structures fundamental to gene expression and propagation. In addition, long non-coding antisense RNAs overlap the 5′-terminal region of the genomic RNA and confer post-translational copy number control. Although LTR- retrotransposons are functionally related to retroviruses, little is known about the structural determinants required for genomic RNA packaging or reverse transcription. This commentary summarizes two recent papers that provide the first snapshot of genomic RNA structures from the retrotransposon Ty1 involved in transposition. We combined structural approaches with functional and genetic assays to determine if antisense RNAs anneal with the genomic RNA. Analysis of various steps in the Ty1 life cycle showed that a novel RNA pseudoknot contributes to retrotransposon function. Comparing different RNA states provides additional information about regions potentially involved in Ty1 RNA dimerization or packaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna J Purzycka
- RNA Structure and Function Laboratory; Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry; Polish Academy of Sciences; Poznań, Poland ; HIV Drug Resistance Program; National Cancer Institute; Frederick, MD USA
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21
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Doh JH, Lutz S, Curcio MJ. Co-translational localization of an LTR-retrotransposon RNA to the endoplasmic reticulum nucleates virus-like particle assembly sites. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004219. [PMID: 24603646 PMCID: PMC3945221 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcript of retrovirus-like transposons functions as an mRNA for synthesis of capsid and replication proteins and as the genomic RNA of virus-like particles (VLPs), wherein the genome is replicated. Retrotransposon RNA and proteins coalesce in a cytoplasmic focus, or retrosome, to initiate VLP assembly, but it is not known how the retrosome is nucleated. We determined how the RNA and Gag protein of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ty1 retrotransposon are directed to the retrosome. We found that Ty1 RNA is translated in association with signal recognition particle (SRP), a universally conserved chaperone that binds specific ribosome-nascent chain (RNC) complexes and targets the nascent peptide to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Gag is translocated to the ER lumen; yet, it is also found in the cytoplasm, associated with SRP-RNC complexes. In the absence of ER translocation, Gag is synthesized but rapidly degraded, and Ty1 RNA does not coalesce in retrosomes. These findings suggest that Gag adopts a stable conformation in the ER lumen, is retrotranslocated to the cytoplasm, binds to Ty1 RNA on SRP-RNC complexes and multimerizes to nucleate retrosomes. Consistent with this model, we show that slowing the rate of co-translational ER translocation by limiting SRP increases the prevalence of retrosomes, while suppressing the translocation defect of srp hypomorphs by slowing translational elongation rapidly decreases retrosome formation. Thus, retrosomes are dynamic foci of Ty1 RNA-RNC complexes whose formation is modulated by the rate of co-translational ER translocation. Together, these findings suggest that translating Ty1 mRNA and the genomic RNA of VLPs originate in a single pool and moreover, that co-translational localization of Ty1 RNA nucleates the presumptive VLP assembly site. The separation of nascent Gag from its RNA template by transit through the ER allows Gag to bind translating Ty1 RNA without displaying a cis-preference for its encoding RNA. Retrotransposons are mobile elements that have invaded the genomes of organisms from bacteria to humans. Facilitated by host co-factors, retrotransposon proteins copy their RNA genomes into DNA that integrates into the host genome, causing mutations and genome instability. The yeast Ty1 element belongs to a family of retrotransposons that are related to infectious retroviruses. Ty1 RNA and its coat protein, Gag, assemble into virus-like particles, wherein the RNA is copied into DNA. It was not previously known how Ty1 RNA and Gag are concentrated in a specific cellular location to initiate the assembly of virus-like particles. In this study, we show that Ty1 RNA is brought to the presumptive assembly site during translation by the protein chaperone, signal recognition particle. As Ty1 RNA is translated, the nascent Gag polypeptide enters the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, where Gag adopts a stable conformation before returning to the cytoplasm to bind to translating Ty1 RNA. An interaction between Gag molecules bound to translating Ty1 RNA results in the nucleation of the virus-like particle assembly site. Our findings identify new host co-factors in retrotransposon mobility and suggest potential approaches to controlling retrotransposon-associated genome instability in aging and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung H. Doh
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - Sheila Lutz
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
| | - M. Joan Curcio
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, Albany, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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22
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Nuclear trafficking of retroviral RNAs and Gag proteins during late steps of replication. Viruses 2013; 5:2767-95. [PMID: 24253283 PMCID: PMC3856414 DOI: 10.3390/v5112767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses exploit nuclear trafficking machinery at several distinct stages in their replication cycles. In this review, we will focus primarily on nucleocytoplasmic trafficking events that occur after the completion of reverse transcription and proviral integration. First, we will discuss nuclear export of unspliced viral RNA transcripts, which serves two essential roles: as the mRNA template for the translation of viral structural proteins and as the genome for encapsidation into virions. These full-length viral RNAs must overcome the cell's quality control measures to leave the nucleus by co-opting host factors or encoding viral proteins to mediate nuclear export of unspliced viral RNAs. Next, we will summarize the most recent findings on the mechanisms of Gag nuclear trafficking and discuss potential roles for nuclear localization of Gag proteins in retrovirus replication.
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