1
|
Costa B, Vale N. Exploring HERV-K (HML-2) Influence in Cancer and Prospects for Therapeutic Interventions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14631. [PMID: 37834078 PMCID: PMC10572383 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This review investigates the intricate role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in cancer development and progression, explicitly focusing on HERV-K (HML-2). This paper sheds light on the latest research advancements and potential treatment strategies by examining the historical context of HERVs and their involvement in critical biological processes such as embryonic development, immune response, and disease progression. This review covers computational modeling for drug-target binding assessment, systems biology modeling for simulating HERV-K viral cargo dynamics, and using antiviral drugs to combat HERV-induced diseases. The findings presented in this review contribute to our understanding of HERV-mediated disease mechanisms and provide insights into future therapeutic approaches. They emphasize why HERV-K holds significant promise as a biomarker and a target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Costa
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li W, Pandya D, Pasternack N, Garcia-Montojo M, Henderson L, Kozak CA, Nath A. Retroviral Elements in Pathophysiology and as Therapeutic Targets for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1085-1101. [PMID: 35415778 PMCID: PMC9587200 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the role of retroviruses in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) dates back to the 1960s shortly after transposable elements themselves were first discovered. It was quickly realized that in wild mice both horizontal and vertical transmissions of retroviral elements were key to the development of an ALS-like syndrome leading to the postulate that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) contribute significantly to the pathogenicity of this disease. Subsequent studies identified retroviral reverse transcriptase activity in brains of individuals with ALS from Guam. However, except for a single study from the former Soviet Union, ALS could not be transmitted to rhesus macaques. The discovery of an ALS-like syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human T cell leukemia virus infected individuals led to renewed interest in the field and reverse transcriptase activity was found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with sporadic ALS. However, exogenous retroviruses could not be found in individuals with ALS which further reinforced the possibility of involvement of a human ERV (HERV). The first demonstration of the involvement of a HERV was the discovery of the activation of human endogenous retrovirus-K subtype HML-2 in the brains of individuals with ALS. The envelope protein of HML-2 is neurotoxic and transgenic animals expressing the envelope protein develop an ALS-like syndrome. Activation of HML-2 occurs in the context of generalized transposable element activation and is not specific for ALS. Individuals with HIV-associated ALS show a remarkable response to antiretroviral therapy; however, antiretroviral trials in ALS down-regulate HML-2 without ameliorating the disease. This highlights the need for specific drugs to be developed against HML-2 as a novel therapeutic target for ALS. Other approaches might include antisense oligonucleotides, shRNA targeted against the envelope gene or antibodies that can target the extracellular envelope protein. Future clinical trials in ALS should consider combination therapies to control these ERVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Li
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Darshan Pandya
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Pasternack
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Montojo
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa Henderson
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christine A Kozak
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- Section of Infections of the Nervous System, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang C, Guo X, Li J, Han J, Jia L, Wen HL, Sun C, Wang X, Zhang B, Li J, Chi Y, An T, Wang Y, Wang Z, Li H, Li L. Significant Upregulation of HERV-K (HML-2) Transcription Levels in Human Lung Cancer and Cancer Cells. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:850444. [PMID: 35359739 PMCID: PMC8960717 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.850444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new and effective biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. Under this circumstance, human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) were recently introduced as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. This study focused on the correlation between lung cancer and HERV-K (HML-2) transcription levels. At the cellular level, different types of lung cancer cells and human normal lung epithelial cells were used to analyze the transcription levels of the HERV-K (HML-2) gag, pol, and env genes by RT–qPCR. At the level of lung cancer patients, blood samples with background information from 734 lung cancer patients and 96 healthy persons were collected to analyze the transcription levels of HERV-K (HML-2) gag, pol, and env genes. The results showed that the transcriptional levels of the HERV-K (HML-2) gag, pol, and env genes in lung cancer cells and lung cancer patient blood samples were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls, which was also verified by RNAScope ISH technology. In addition, we also found that there was a correlation between the abnormal transcription levels of HERV-K (HML-2) genes in lung cancer patients and the clinicopathological parameters of lung cancer. We also identified the distribution locations of the gag, pol, and env primer sequences on each chromosome and analyzed the function of these loci. In conclusion, HERV-K (HML-2) genes may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caiqin Yang
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianjie Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwan Han
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jia
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Ling Wen
- Key Laboratory for the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiological Laboratory Technology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chengxi Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyun Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
| | - Yujia Chi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong An
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ziping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ziping Wang,
| | - Hanping Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
- Hanping Li,
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, Beijing, China
- Lin Li,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phan K, He Y, Fu Y, Dzamko N, Bhatia S, Gold J, Rowe D, Ke YD, Ittner LM, Hodges JR, Piguet O, Kiernan MC, Halliday GM, Kim WS. Pathological manifestation of human endogenous retrovirus K in frontotemporal dementia. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2021; 1:60. [PMID: 35083468 PMCID: PMC8788987 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-021-00060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a common form of younger-onset dementia with a proportion of cases overlapping pathologically and genetically with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous studies have identified that the human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV-K) is elevated in ALS serum and is associated with ALS TDP-43 pathology. In contrast, little is known about HERV-K changes in bvFTD. Here, we investigated the possible role of HERV-K in bvFTD. METHODS We measured the HERV-K env gene in sporadic bvFTD (N = 63), sporadic ALS (N = 89), and control (N = 21) serum by ddPCR. We also analyzed HERV-K env, by qPCR, and the HERV-K reverse transcriptase protein, by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, in the disease-affected superior frontal cortex of bvFTD with TDP-43 pathology. RESULTS Here, we show that HERV-K env levels are significantly elevated (P = 3.5 × 10-6) in bvFTD compared to control serum, differentiating cases with an AUC value of 0.867. HERV-K env levels are also specifically elevated in the superior frontal cortex of bvFTD with TDP-43 pathology, with the HERV-K reverse transcriptase protein and TDP-43 deposit localized to the neuronal cytoplasm. Furthermore, in a neuronal cell line overexpression of TDP-43 induces HERV-K env transcription. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that manifestation of HERV-K is associated with bvFTD TDP-43 pathology. Analysis of HERV-K in bvFTD may provide insight into an unrecognized but targetable perturbed pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Phan
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Ying He
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - YuHong Fu
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Nicolas Dzamko
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Surabhi Bhatia
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Julian Gold
- grid.452312.30000 0004 0644 0381The University of Sydney, The Albion Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Dominic Rowe
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yazi D. Ke
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Lars M. Ittner
- grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Dementia Research Centre and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - John R. Hodges
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Olivier Piguet
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.413249.90000 0004 0385 0051Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Glenda M. Halliday
- grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW Australia ,grid.1013.30000 0004 1936 834XThe University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Woojin Scott Kim
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Inhibition of HERV-K (HML-2) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients on antiretroviral therapy. J Neurol Sci 2021; 423:117358. [PMID: 33653604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.117358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HERV-K), subtype HML-2, has been associated with pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We aimed to assess the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy in inhibiting HML-2 in patients with ALS and a possible association between the change in HML-2 levels and clinical outcomes. We studied the effect of 24-weeks antiretroviral combination therapy with abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir on HML-2 levels in 29 ALS patients. HML-2 levels decreased progressively over 24 weeks (P = 0.001) and rebounded within a week of stopping medications (P = 0.02). The majority of participants (82%), defined as "responders", experienced a decrease in HML-2 at week 24 of treatment compared to the pre-treatment levels. Differences in the evolution of some of the clinical outcomes could be seen between responders and non-responders: FVC decreased 23.69% (SE = 11.34) in non-responders and 12.71% (SE = 8.28) in responders. NPI score decreased 91.95% (SE = 6.32) in non-responders and 53.05% (SE = 10.06) in responders (P = 0.01). Thus, participants with a virological response to treatment showed a trend for slower progression of the illness. These findings further support the possible involvement of HML-2 in the clinical course of the disease.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gold J, Rowe DB, Kiernan MC, Vucic S, Mathers S, van Eijk RPA, Nath A, Garcia Montojo M, Norato G, Santamaria UA, Rogers ML, Malaspina A, Lombardi V, Mehta PR, Westeneng HJ, van den Berg LH, Al-Chalabi A. Safety and tolerability of Triumeq in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the Lighthouse trial. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2019; 20:595-604. [PMID: 31284774 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2019.1632899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neuroinflammation and human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) are thought to have a role in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Therapy directed against endogenous retroviruses has demonstrated positive effects during in vitro and biomarker studies. Consequently, the present study was undertaken to assess the safety and tolerability of long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART), Triumeq (abacavir, lamivudine, and dolutegravir) exposure in patients with ALS, and efficacy against biomarkers of disease progression. Methods: Patients were observed during a 10-week lead-in period before receiving Triumeq treatment for 24 weeks at four specialist ALS centers. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included HERV-K expression levels, urinary p75ECD levels, neurophysiological parameters, and clinical indicators. The ENCALS prediction model was applied to provide an estimate of the cohort survival. The trial was registered (NCT02868580). Findings: 40 patients with ALS received Triumeq and 35 (88%) completed treatment. There were no drug-related serious adverse events; one patient was withdrawn from the study due to a drug-associated increase in liver enzymes. A favorable response on HERV-K expression levels was observed, accompanied by a decline in ALSFRS-R progression rate of 21.8% (95% CI -4.8%-48.6%) and the amount of urinary p75ECD measured. One patient died five months after stopping treatment, while five were expected to have died during the treatment period (interquartile range 2-8). Interpretation: Long-term Triumeq exposure was safe and well tolerated in this cohort. There was suggestive indication for a possible biological response in some pharmacodynamic and clinical biomarkers. A larger international phase 3 trial will be deployed to assess the effect of Triumeq on overall survival and disease progression. Funding: Funding was provided by the FightMND Foundation; MND Research Institute of Australia; MND Association, United Kingdom, and GSK. ViiV Healthcare provided the Triumeq.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Gold
- Prince of Wales Hospital, The Albion Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney , Australia
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience , London , United Kingdom
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Dominic B Rowe
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
| | - Matthew C Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney and Department of Neurology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Sydney , Australia
| | - Steve Vucic
- Department of Neurology, Westmead Hospital , Sydney , Australia
| | - Susan Mathers
- Department of Neurology, Calvary Health Care Bethlehem , Melbourne , Australia
| | - Ruben P A van Eijk
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Section of Infections of the Nervous System , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Marta Garcia Montojo
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Section of Infections of the Nervous System , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Gina Norato
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Section of Infections of the Nervous System , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Ulisses A Santamaria
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Section of Infections of the Nervous System , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- Centre for Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University , Adelaide , Australia
| | - Andrea Malaspina
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Vittoria Lombardi
- Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Puja R Mehta
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience , London , United Kingdom
| | - Henk-Jan Westeneng
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Centre Utrecht , Utrecht , Netherlands
| | | | - Ammar Al-Chalabi
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience , London , United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Maze EA, Ham C, Kelly J, Ussher L, Almond N, Towers GJ, Berry N, Belshaw R. Variable Baseline Papio cynocephalus Endogenous Retrovirus (PcEV) Expression Is Upregulated in Acutely SIV-Infected Macaques and Correlated to STAT1 Expression in the Spleen. Front Immunol 2019; 10:901. [PMID: 31156613 PMCID: PMC6529565 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviral replication leaves a DNA copy in the host cell chromosome, which over millions of years of infection of germline cells has led to 5% of the human genome sequence being comprised of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), distributed throughout an estimated 100,000 loci. Over time these loci have accrued mutations such as premature stop codons that prevent continued replication. However, many loci remain both transcriptionally and translationally active and ERVs have been implicated in interacting with the host immune system. Using archived plasma and tissue samples from past macaque studies, experimentally infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), the expression of one macaque ERV in response to acute viral infection was explored together with a measure of the innate immune response. Specifically, RNA levels were determined for (a) Papio cynocephalus Endogenous Retrovirus (PcEV), an ERV (b) STAT1, a key gene in the interferon signaling pathway, and (c) SIV, an exogenous pathogen. Bioinformatic analysis of DNA sequences of the PcEV loci within the macaque reference genome revealed the presence of open reading frames (ORFs) consistent with potential protein expression but not ERV replication. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of DNase-treated RNA extracts from plasma derived from acute SIV-infection detected PcEV RNA at low levels in 7 of 22 macaques. PcEV RNA levels were significantly elevated in PBMC and spleen samples recovered during acute SIV infection, but not in the thymus and lymph nodes. A strong positive correlation was identified between PcEV and STAT1 RNA levels in spleen samples recovered from SIV-positive macaques. One possibility is that SIV infection induces PcEV expression in infected lymphoid tissue that contributes to induction of an antiviral response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Atangana Maze
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom.,Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute of Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Ham
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute of Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Kelly
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Lindsay Ussher
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Almond
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute of Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Greg J Towers
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Berry
- Division of Infectious Disease Diagnostics, National Institute of Standards and Control (NIBSC), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Belshaw
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garcia-Montojo M, Doucet-O'Hare T, Henderson L, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2): a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2018; 44:715-738. [PMID: 30318978 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2018.1501345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains a large number of retroviral elements acquired over the process of evolution, some of which are specific to primates. However, as many of these are defective or silenced through epigenetic changes, they were historically considered "junk DNA" and their potential role in human physiology or pathological circumstances have been poorly studied. The most recently acquired, human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K), has multiple copies in the human genome and some of them have complete open reading frames that are transcribed and translated, especially in early embryogenesis. Phylogenetically, HERV-K is considered a supergroup of viruses. One of the subtypes, termed HML-2, seems to be the most active and hence, it is the best studied. Aberrant expression of HML-2 in adult tissues has been associated with certain types of cancer and with neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the discovery of these viruses, their classification, structure, regulation and potential for replication, physiological roles, and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Finally, it presents different therapeutic approaches being considered to target these viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Montojo
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Tara Doucet-O'Hare
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lisa Henderson
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Susceptibility of Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K to Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01309-17. [PMID: 28931682 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01309-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) make up 8% of the human genome. The HERV type K (HERV-K) HML-2 (HK2) family contains proviruses that are the most recent entrants into the human germ line and are transcriptionally active. In HIV-1 infection and cancer, HK2 genes produce retroviral particles that appear to be infectious, yet the replication capacity of these viruses and potential pathogenicity has been difficult to ascertain. In this report, we screened the efficacy of commercially available reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) at inhibiting the enzymatic activity of HK2 RT and HK2 genomic replication. Interestingly, only one provirus, K103, was found to encode a functional RT among those examined. Several nucleoside analogue RTIs (NRTIs) blocked K103 RT activity and consistently inhibited the replication of HK2 genomes. The NRTIs zidovudine (AZT), stavudine (d4T), didanosine (ddI), and lamivudine (3TC), and the nucleotide RTI inhibitor tenofovir (TDF), show efficacy in blocking K103 RT. HIV-1-specific nonnucleoside RTIs (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and integrase inhibitors (IIs) did not affect HK2, except for the NNRTI etravirine (ETV). The inhibition of HK2 infectivity by NRTIs appears to take place at either the reverse transcription step of the viral genome prior to HK2 viral particle formation and/or in the infected cells. Inhibition of HK2 by these drugs will be useful in suppressing HK2 infectivity if these viruses prove to be pathogenic in cancer, neurological disorders, or other diseases associated with HK2. The present studies also elucidate a key aspect of the life cycle of HK2, specifically addressing how they do, and/or did, replicate.IMPORTANCE Endogenous retroviruses are relics of ancestral virus infections in the human genome. The most recent of these infections was caused by HK2. While HK2 often remains silent in the genome, this group of viruses is activated in HIV-1-infected and cancer cells. Recent evidence suggests that these viruses are infectious, and the potential exists for HK2 to contribute to disease. We show that HK2, and specifically the enzyme that mediates virus replication, can be inhibited by a panel of drugs that are commercially available. We show that several drugs block HK2 with different efficacies. The inhibition of HK2 replication by antiretroviral drugs appears to occur in the virus itself as well as after infection of cells. Therefore, these drugs might prove to be an effective treatment by suppressing HK2 infectivity in diseases where these viruses have been implicated, such as cancer and neurological syndromes.
Collapse
|
10
|
Medina J, Perron H. [DNA sequences from mobile genetic elements, a hidden half of the human genome]. Med Sci (Paris) 2017; 33:151-158. [PMID: 28240206 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20173302010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current data estimate that mobile genetic elements represent more than one-half of the human genome. The literature is constantly updating data following the evolution of sequencing techniques and of algorithms for genome analyses. This review aims to provide an overview of the topic showing the complexity given by the various designations and classifications found in scientific papers. A particular focus is made on retrotransposons, including Endogenous RetroViruses (ERV), to introduce a second article focusing on their activation and their involvement in physiological functions and/or pathological mechanisms associated with diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Medina
- GeNeuro Innovation, Bioparc Laënnec, 60, avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Hervé Perron
- GeNeuro Innovation, Bioparc Laënnec, 60, avenue Rockefeller, 69008 Lyon, France - GeNeuro, 18, chemin des Aulx, 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates, Genève, Suisse - Université Lyon-1, Faculté de Médecine Laënnec, 69008 Lyon, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
A contaminant-free assessment of Endogenous Retroviral RNA in human plasma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:33598. [PMID: 27640347 PMCID: PMC5027517 DOI: 10.1038/srep33598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) comprise 6–8% of the human genome. HERVs are silenced in most normal tissues, up-regulated in stem cells and in placenta but also in cancer and HIV-1 infection. Crucially, there are conflicting reports on detecting HERV RNA in non-cellular clinical samples such as plasma that suggest the study of HERV RNA can be daunting. Indeed, we find that the use of real-time PCR in a quality assured clinical laboratory setting can be sensitive to low-level proviral contamination. We developed a mathematical model for low-level contamination that allowed us to design a laboratory protocol and standard operating procedures for robust measurement of HERV RNA. We focus on one family, HERV-K HML-2 (HK2) that has been most recently active even though they invaded our ancestral genomes almost 30 millions ago. We extensively validated our experimental design on a model cell culture system showing high sensitivity and specificity, totally eliminating the proviral contamination. We then tested 236 plasma samples from patients infected with HIV-1, HCV or HBV and found them to be negative. The study of HERV RNA for human translational studies should be performed with extensively validated protocols and standard operating procedures to control the widespread low-level human DNA contamination.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hanke K, Hohn O, Bannert N. HERV-K(HML-2), a seemingly silent subtenant - but still waters run deep. APMIS 2016; 124:67-87. [PMID: 26818263 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A large proportion of the human genome consists of endogenous retroviruses, some of which are well preserved, showing transcriptional activity, and expressing retroviral proteins. The HERV-K(HML-2) family represents the most intact members of these elements, with some having open and intact reading frames for viral proteins and the ability to form virus-like particles. Although generally suppressed in most healthy tissues by a variety of epigenetic processes and antiviral mechanisms, there is evidence that some members of this family are (at least partly) still active - particularly in certain stem cells and various tumors. This raises the possibility of their involvement in tumor induction or in developmental processes. In recent years, many new insights into this fascinating field have been attained, and this review focuses on new discoveries about coevolutionary events and intracellular defense mechanisms against HERV-K(HML-2) activity. We also describe what might occur when these mechanisms fail or become modulated by viral proteins or other viruses and discuss the new vistas opened up by the reconstitution of ancestral viral proteins and even complete HML-2 viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Hanke
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Hohn
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Department HIV and Other Retroviruses, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Weber S, Jung S, Doerfler W. DNA methylation and transcription in HERV (K, W, E) and LINE sequences remain unchanged upon foreign DNA insertions. Epigenomics 2016; 8:157-65. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: DNA methylation and transcriptional profiles were determined in the regulatory sequences of the human endogenous retroviral (HERV-K, -W, -E) and LINE-1.2 elements and were compared between non-transgenomic and plasmid-transgenomic cells. Methods: DNA methylation profiles in the HERV (K, W, E) and LINE sequences were determined by bisulfite genomic sequencing. The transcription of these genome segments was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: In HERV-K, HERV-W and LINE-1.2 the levels of DNA methylation ranged between 75 and 98%, while in HERV-E they were around 60%. Nevertheless, the HERV and LINE-1.2 sequences were actively transcribed. No differences were found in comparisons of HERV and LINE-1.2 CpG methylation and transcription patterns between non-transgenomic and plasmid-transgenomic HCT116 cells. Conclusion: The insertion of a 5.6 kbp plasmid into the HCT116 genome had no effect on the HERV and LINE-1.2 methylation and transcription profiles, although other parts of the HCT116 genome had shown marked changes. These repetitive sequences are transcribed, probably because the large number of HERV and LINE-1.2 elements harbor copies with non- or hypo-methylated long terminal repeat sequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Weber
- Institute of Clinical & Molecular Virology, University Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susan Jung
- Pediatric Research Center, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Walter Doerfler
- Institute of Clinical & Molecular Virology, University Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Genetics, University of Cologne, 50674 Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Laderoute MP, Larocque LJ, Giulivi A, Diaz-Mitoma F. Further Evidence that Human Endogenous Retrovirus K102 is a Replication Competent Foamy Virus that may Antagonize HIV-1 Replication. Open AIDS J 2015; 9:112-22. [PMID: 26793281 PMCID: PMC4714383 DOI: 10.2174/1874613601509010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The goals of the research were to determine if a foamy effect on macrophages was due to human
endogenous retrovirus K102 (HERV-K102) replication, and to further address its potential significance in HIV-1
infection. Methods: An RT-PCR HERV-K HML-2 pol method was used to screen the unknown HERV, and isolated bands were
sent for sequencing. Confirmation of RNA expression was performed by a real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) pol ddCt
method. Rabbit antibodies to Env peptides were used to assess expression by immunohistology and processing of Env by
western blots. A qPCR pol ddCt method to ascertain genomic copy number was performed on genomic DNA isolated
from plasma comparing HIV-1 exposed seronegative (HESN) commercial sex workers (CSW) to normal controls and
contrasted with HIV-1 patients. Results: HERV-K102 expression, particle production and replication were associated with foamy macrophage generation
in the cultures of cord blood mononuclear cells under permissive conditions. A five-fold increased HERV-K102 pol
genomic copy number was found in the HESN cohort over normal which was not found in HIV-1 positive patients
(p=0.0005). Conclusions: This work extends the evidence that HERV-K102 has foamy virus attributes, is replication competent, and is
capable of high replication rate in vivo and in vitro. This may be the first characterization of a replication-competent,
foamy-like virus of humans. High particle production inferred by increased integration in the HESN cohort over HIV-1
patients raises the issue of the clinical importance of HERV-K102 particle production as an early protective innate
immune response against HIV-1 replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian P Laderoute
- Bloodborne Pathogens Division, Blood Zoonotics Unit, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Louise J Larocque
- Bloodborne Pathogens Division, Blood Zoonotics Unit, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Antonio Giulivi
- Division of Hematopathology and Transfusion Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| | - Francisco Diaz-Mitoma
- The Advanced Medical Research Institute of Canada, Sudbury, Ontario Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kramer P, Lausch V, Volkwein A, Hanke K, Hohn O, Bannert N. The human endogenous retrovirus K(HML-2) has a broad envelope-mediated cellular tropism and is prone to inhibition at a post-entry, pre-integration step. Virology 2015; 487:121-8. [PMID: 26517399 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The HERV-K(HML-2) family is the most recent addition to the collection of human endogenous retroviruses. It comprises proviruses that encode functional proteins that can assemble into replication defective particles carrying the envelope protein. Using a reconstituted HERV-K113 envelope sequence, we have analyzed its ability to mediate entry into a set of 33 cell lines from 10 species. Of these, 30 were permissive, demonstrating an amphotropism consistent with a broad expression of receptor protein(s). In an initial effort to identify a receptor for HERV-K(HML-2) we investigated whether transferrin receptor 1 and hyaluronidase 2, known cellular receptors of the closely related betaretroviruses mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) and Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV), could facilitate HERV-K(HML-2) entry. However, neither of these proteins could serve as a receptor for HERV-K(HML-2). Moreover, during attempts to further characterize the tropism of HERV-K(HML-2), we identified a cellular activity that inhibits infection at a post-entry, pre-integration step.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kramer
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Veronika Lausch
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Volkwein
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Hanke
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Hohn
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert Koch Institute, Division for HIV and Other Retroviruses, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Contreras-Galindo R, Kaplan MH, Dube D, Gonzalez-Hernandez MJ, Chan S, Meng F, Dai M, Omenn GS, Gitlin SD, Markovitz DM. Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K (HERV-K) Particles Package and Transmit HERV-K-Related Sequences. J Virol 2015; 89:7187-201. [PMID: 25926654 PMCID: PMC4473553 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00544-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) make up 8% of the human genome. While the youngest of these retroviruses, HERV-K(HML-2), termed HK2, is able to code for all viral proteins and produce virus-like particles, it is not known if these virus particles package and transmit HK2-related sequences. Here, we analyzed the capacity of HK2 for packaging and transmitting HK2 sequences. We created an HK2 probe, termed Bogota, which can be packaged into HK2 viruses, and transfected it into cells that make HK2 particles. Supernatants of the transfected cells, which contained HK2 viral particles, then were added to target cells, and the transmissibility of the HK2 Bogota reporter was tracked by G418 resistance. Our studies revealed that contemporary HK2 virions produced by some teratocarcinoma and breast cancer cell lines, as well as by peripheral blood lymphocytes from lymphoma patients, can package HK2 Bogota probes, and these viruses transmitted these probes to other cells. After transmission, HK2 Bogota transcripts undergo reverse transcription, a step impaired by antiretroviral agents or by introduction of mutations into the probe sequences required for reverse transcription. HK2 viruses were more efficiently transmitted in the presence of HK2 Rec or HIV-1 Tat and Vif. Transmitted Bogota probes formed episomes but did not integrate into the cellular genome. Resistance to integration might explain the relatively low number of HK2 insertions that were acquired during the last 25 million years of evolution. Whether transient transmission of modern HK2 sequences, which encode two putative oncoproteins, can lead to disease remains to be studied. IMPORTANCE Retroviruses invaded the genome of human ancestors over the course of millions of years, yet these viruses generally have been inactivated during evolution, with only remnants of these infectious sequences remaining in the human genome. One of these viruses, termed HK2, still is capable of producing virus particles, although these particles have been regarded as being noninfectious. Using a genetic probe derived from HK2, we have discovered that HK2 viruses produced in modern humans can package HK2 sequences and transmit them to various other cells. Furthermore, the genetic sequences packaged in HK2 undergo reverse transcription. The transmitted probe circularized in the cell and failed to integrate into the cellular genome. These findings suggest that modern HK2 viruses can package viral RNA and transmit it to other cells. Contrary to previous views, we provide evidence of an extracellular viral phase of modern HK2 viruses. We have no evidence of sustained, spreading infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark H Kaplan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek Dube
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marta J Gonzalez-Hernandez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Programs in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Susana Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fan Meng
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Manhong Dai
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gilbert S Omenn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott D Gitlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Veteran Affairs Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David M Markovitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Programs in Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Programs in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA Programs in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zahn J, Kaplan MH, Fischer S, Dai M, Meng F, Saha AK, Cervantes P, Chan SM, Dube D, Omenn GS, Markovitz DM, Contreras-Galindo R. Expansion of a novel endogenous retrovirus throughout the pericentromeres of modern humans. Genome Biol 2015; 16:74. [PMID: 25886262 PMCID: PMC4425911 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 8% of the human genome consists of sequences of retroviral origin, a result of ancestral infections of the germ line over millions of years of evolution. The most recent of these infections is attributed to members of the human endogenous retrovirus type-K (HERV-K) (HML-2) family. We recently reported that a previously undetected, large group of HERV-K (HML-2) proviruses, which are descendants of the ancestral K111 infection, are spread throughout human centromeres. RESULTS Studying the genomes of certain cell lines and the DNA of healthy individuals that seemingly lack K111, we discover new HERV-K (HML-2) members hidden in pericentromeres of several human chromosomes. All are related through a common ancestor, termed K222, which is a virus that infected the germ line approximately 25 million years ago. K222 exists as a single copy in the genomes of baboons and high order primates, but not New World monkeys, suggesting that progenitor K222 infected the primate germ line after the split between New and Old World monkeys. K222 exists in modern humans at multiple loci spread across the pericentromeres of nine chromosomes, indicating it was amplified during the evolution of modern humans. CONCLUSIONS Copying of K222 may have occurred through recombination of the pericentromeres of different chromosomes during human evolution. Evidence of recombination between K111 and K222 suggests that these retroviral sequences have been templates for frequent cross-over events during the process of centromere recombination in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Mark H Kaplan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Sabrina Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Manhong Dai
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Fan Meng
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Anjan Kumar Saha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Patrick Cervantes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Susana M Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Derek Dube
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Gilbert S Omenn
- Departments of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Internal Medicine, and Human Genetics, and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - David M Markovitz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5640, USA.
| | - Rafael Contreras-Galindo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Programs in Immunology, Cancer Biology, and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5640, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
ERVK polyprotein processing and reverse transcriptase expression in human cell line models of neurological disease. Viruses 2015; 7:320-32. [PMID: 25609305 PMCID: PMC4306841 DOI: 10.3390/v7010320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced expression of the reverse transcriptase (RT) protein encoded by human endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) is a promising biomarker for several inflammatory and neurological diseases. However, unlike RT enzymes encoded by exogenous retroviruses, little work has been done to identify ERVK RT isoforms, their expression patterns, and cellular localization. Using Western blot, we showcase the ERVK gag-pro-pol polyprotein processing leading to the production of several ERVK RT isoforms in human neuronal (ReNcell CX) and astrocytic (SVGA) models of neuroinflammatory disease. Since the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFNγ plays a key role in the pathology of several ERVK-associated neurological diseases, we sought to determine if IFNγ can drive ERVK RT expression. IFNγ signalling markedly enhanced ERVK polyprotein and RT expression in both human astrocytes and neurons. RT isoforms were expressed in a cell-type specific pattern and the RT-RNase H form was significantly increased with IFNγ treatment. Fluorescent imaging revealed distinct cytoplasmic, perinuclear and nuclear ERVK RT staining patterns upon IFNγ stimulation of astrocytes and neurons. These findings indicate that ERVK expression is inducible under inflammatory conditions such as IFNγ exposure—and thus, these newly established in vitro models may be useful in exploring ERVK biology in the context of neuroinflammatory disease.
Collapse
|
19
|
Manghera M, Ferguson J, Douville R. Endogenous Retrovirus-K and Nervous System Diseases. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2014; 14:488. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-014-0488-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|