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Yin P, May NA, Lello LS, Fayed A, Parks MG, Drobish AM, Wang S, Andrews M, Sticher Z, Kolykhalov AA, Natchus MG, Painter GR, Merits A, Kielian M, Morrison TE. 4'-Fluorouridine inhibits alphavirus replication and infection in vitro and in vivo. mBio 2024; 15:e0042024. [PMID: 38700353 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00420-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus that has re-emerged to cause millions of human infections worldwide. In humans, acute CHIKV infection causes fever and severe muscle and joint pain. Chronic and debilitating arthritis and joint pain can persist for months to years. To date, there are no approved antivirals against CHIKV. Recently, the ribonucleoside analog 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU) was reported as a highly potent orally available inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza virus replication. In this study, we assessed 4'-FlU's potency and breadth of inhibition against a panel of alphaviruses including CHIKV, and found that it broadly suppressed alphavirus production in cell culture. 4'-FlU acted on the viral RNA replication step, and the first 4 hours post-infection were the critical time for its antiviral effect. In vitro replication assays identified nsP4 as the target of inhibition. In vivo, treatment with 4'-FlU reduced disease signs, inflammatory responses, and viral tissue burden in mouse models of CHIKV and Mayaro virus infection. Treatment initiated at 2 hours post-infection was most effective; however, treatment initiated as late as 24-48 hours post-infection produced measurable antiviral effects in the CHIKV mouse model. 4'-FlU showed effective oral delivery in our mouse model and resulted in the accumulation of both 4'-FlU and its bioactive triphosphate form in tissues relevant to arthritogenic alphavirus pathogenesis. Together, our data indicate that 4'-FlU inhibits CHIKV infection in vitro and in vivo and is a promising oral therapeutic candidate against CHIKV infection.IMPORTANCEAlphaviruses including chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are mosquito-borne positive-strand RNA viruses that can cause various diseases in humans. Although compounds that inhibit CHIKV and other alphaviruses have been identified in vitro, there are no licensed antivirals against CHIKV. Here, we investigated a ribonucleoside analog, 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU), and demonstrated that it inhibited infectious virus production by several alphaviruses in vitro and reduced virus burden in mouse models of CHIKV and Mayaro virus infection. Our studies also indicated that 4'-FlU treatment reduced CHIKV-induced footpad swelling and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition in the mouse model correlated with effective oral delivery of 4'-FlU and accumulation of both 4'-FlU and its bioactive form in relevant tissues. In summary, 4'-FlU exhibits potential as a novel anti-alphavirus agent targeting the replication of viral RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiqi Yin
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Nicholas A May
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Atef Fayed
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - M Guston Parks
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Adam M Drobish
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sainan Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Meghan Andrews
- Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zachary Sticher
- Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | | | - George R Painter
- Emory Institute for Drug Development (EIDD), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Drug Innovations Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Bioengineering, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Margaret Kielian
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Thomas E Morrison
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Yıldız A, Răileanu C, Beissert T. Trans-Amplifying RNA: A Journey from Alphavirus Research to Future Vaccines. Viruses 2024; 16:503. [PMID: 38675846 PMCID: PMC11055088 DOI: 10.3390/v16040503] [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: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Replicating RNA, including self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA), holds great potential for advancing the next generation of RNA-based vaccines. Unlike in vitro transcribed mRNA found in most current RNA vaccines, saRNA or taRNA can be massively replicated within cells in the presence of RNA-amplifying enzymes known as replicases. We recently demonstrated that this property could enhance immune responses with minimal injected RNA amounts. In saRNA-based vaccines, replicase and antigens are encoded on the same mRNA molecule, resulting in very long RNA sequences, which poses significant challenges in production, delivery, and stability. In taRNA-based vaccines, these challenges can be overcome by splitting the replication system into two parts: one that encodes replicase and the other that encodes a short antigen-encoding RNA called transreplicon. Here, we review the identification and use of transreplicon RNA in alphavirus research, with a focus on the development of novel taRNA technology as a state-of-the art vaccine platform. Additionally, we discuss remaining challenges essential to the clinical application and highlight the potential benefits related to the unique properties of this future vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim Beissert
- TRON—Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.Y.); (C.R.)
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Glineburg MR, Yildirim E, Gomez N, Li X, Pak J, Altheim C, Waksmacki J, McInerney G, Barmada SJ, Todd PK. Stress granule formation helps to mitigate neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.07.566060. [PMID: 37986813 PMCID: PMC10659376 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.07.566060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Cellular stress pathways that inhibit translation initiation lead to transient formation of cytoplasmic RNA/protein complexes known as stress granules. Many of the proteins found within stress granules and the dynamics of stress granule formation and dissolution are implicated in neurodegenerative disease. Whether stress granule formation is protective or harmful in neurodegenerative conditions is not known. To address this, we took advantage of the alphavirus protein nsP3, which selectively binds dimers of the central stress granule nucleator protein G3BP ( rin in Drosophila ) and markedly reduces stress granule formation without directly impacting the protein translational inhibitory pathways that trigger stress granule formation. In Drosophila and rodent neurons, reducing stress granule formation with nsP3 had modest impacts on lifespan even in the setting of serial stress pathway induction. In contrast, reducing stress granule formation in models of ataxia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia largely exacerbated disease phenotypes. These data support a model whereby stress granules mitigate, rather than promote, neurodegenerative cascades.
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Ng WH, Liu X, Ling ZL, Santos CNO, Magalhães LS, Kueh AJ, Herold MJ, Taylor A, Freitas JR, Koit S, Wang S, Lloyd AR, Teixeira MM, Merits A, Almeida RP, King NJC, Mahalingam S. FHL1 promotes chikungunya and o'nyong-nyong virus infection and pathogenesis with implications for alphavirus vaccine design. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6605. [PMID: 37884534 PMCID: PMC10603155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthritogenic alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses that cause debilitating musculoskeletal diseases affecting millions worldwide. A recent discovery identified the four-and-a-half-LIM domain protein 1 splice variant A (FHL1A) as a crucial host factor interacting with the hypervariable domain (HVD) of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) nonstructural protein 3 (nsP3). Here, we show that acute and chronic chikungunya disease in humans correlates with elevated levels of FHL1. We generated FHL1-/- mice, which when infected with CHIKV or o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) displayed reduced arthritis and myositis, fewer immune infiltrates, and reduced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine outputs, compared to infected wild-type (WT) mice. Interestingly, disease signs were comparable in FHL1-/- and WT mice infected with arthritogenic alphaviruses Ross River virus (RRV) or Mayaro virus (MAYV). This aligns with pull-down assay data, which showed the ability of CHIKV and ONNV nsP3 to interact with FHL1, while RRV and MAYV nsP3s did not. We engineered a CHIKV mutant unable to bind FHL1 (CHIKV-ΔFHL1), which was avirulent in vivo. Following inoculation with CHIKV-ΔFHL1, mice were protected from disease upon challenge with CHIKV and ONNV, and viraemia was significantly reduced in RRV- and MAYV-challenged mice. Targeting FHL1-binding as an approach to vaccine design could lead to breakthroughs in mitigating alphaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wern Hann Ng
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Xiang Liu
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Zheng L Ling
- Viral Immunopathology Laboratory, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Theme, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Camilla N O Santos
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Lucas S Magalhães
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Andrew J Kueh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Joseph R Freitas
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Koit
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sainan Wang
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andrew R Lloyd
- Viral Immunology Systems Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Mauro M Teixeira
- Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Roque P Almeida
- Division of Immunology and Molecular Biology Laboratory, University Hospital/EBSERH, Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Nicholas J C King
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
- Viral Immunopathology Laboratory, Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research Theme, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
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5
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Activity, Template Preference, and Compatibility of Components of RNA Replicase of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0136822. [PMID: 36533950 PMCID: PMC9888243 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01368-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) usually cycles between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and birds; however, it can also infect humans. EEEV has a positive-sense RNA genome that, in infected cells, serves as an mRNA for the P1234 polyprotein. P1234 undergoes a series of precise cleavage events producing four nonstructural proteins (nsP1-4) representing subunits of the RNA replicase. Here, we report the construction and properties of a trans-replicase for EEEV. The template RNA of EEEV was shown to be replicated by replicases of diverse alphaviruses. The EEEV replicase, on the other hand, demonstrated limited ability in replicating template RNAs originating from alphaviruses of the Semliki Forest virus complex. The replicase of EEEV was also successfully reconstructed from P123 and nsP4 components. The ability of EEEV P123 to form functional RNA replicases with heterologous nsP4s was more efficient using EEEV template RNA than heterologous alphavirus template RNA. This finding indicates that unlike with previously studied Semliki Forest complex alphaviruses, P123 and/or its processing products have a leading role in EEEV template RNA recognition. Infection of HEK293T cells harboring the EEEV template RNA with EEEV or Western equine encephalitis virus prominently activated expression of a reporter encoded in the template RNA; the effect was much smaller for infection with other alphaviruses and not detectable upon flavivirus infection. At the same time, EEEV infection resulted only in a limited activation of the template RNA of chikungunya virus. Thus, cells harboring reporter-carrying template RNAs can be used as sensitive and selective biosensors for different alphaviruses. IMPORTANCE Infection of EEEV in humans can cause serious neurologic disease with an approximately 30% fatality rate. Although human infections are rare, a record-breaking number was documented in 2019. The replication of EEEV has a unique requirement for host factors but is poorly studied, partly because the virus requires biosafety level 3 facilities which can limit the scope of experiments; at the same time, these studies are crucial for developing antiviral approaches. The EEEV trans-replicase developed here contributes significantly to research on EEEV, providing a safe and versatile tool for studying the virus RNA replication. Using this system, the compatibility of EEEV replicase components with counterparts from other alphaviruses was analyzed. The obtained data can be used to develop unique biosensors that provide alternative methods for detection, identification, quantitation, and neutralization of viable alphaviruses that are compatible with high throughput, semiautomated approaches.
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6
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Westcott CE, Isom CM, Karki D, Sokoloski KJ. Dancing with the Devil: A Review of the Importance of Host RNA-Binding Proteins to Alphaviral RNAs during Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:164. [PMID: 36680204 PMCID: PMC9865062 DOI: 10.3390/v15010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses are arthropod-borne, single-stranded positive sense RNA viruses that rely on the engagement of host RNA-binding proteins to efficiently complete the viral lifecycle. Because of this reliance on host proteins, the identification of host/pathogen interactions and the subsequent characterization of their importance to viral infection has been an intensive area of study for several decades. Many of these host protein interaction studies have evaluated the Protein:Protein interactions of viral proteins during infection and a significant number of host proteins identified by these discovery efforts have been RNA Binding Proteins (RBPs). Considering this recognition, the field has shifted towards discovery efforts involving the direct identification of host factors that engage viral RNAs during infection using innovative discovery approaches. Collectively, these efforts have led to significant advancements in the understanding of alphaviral molecular biology; however, the precise extent and means by which many RBPs influence viral infection is unclear as their specific contributions to infection, as per any RNA:Protein interaction, have often been overlooked. The purpose of this review is to summarize the discovery of host/pathogen interactions during alphaviral infection with a specific emphasis on RBPs, to use new ontological analyses to reveal potential functional commonalities across alphaviral RBP interactants, and to identify host RBPs that have, and have yet to be, evaluated in their native context as RNA:Protein interactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Westcott
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Cierra M. Isom
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Deepa Karki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Kevin J. Sokoloski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Disease (CPM), University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
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Skidmore AM, Bradfute SB. The life cycle of the alphaviruses: From an antiviral perspective. Antiviral Res 2023; 209:105476. [PMID: 36436722 PMCID: PMC9840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The alphaviruses are a widely distributed group of positive-sense, single stranded, RNA viruses. These viruses are largely arthropod-borne and can be found on all populated continents. These viruses cause significant human disease, and recently have begun to spread into new populations, such as the expansion of Chikungunya virus into southern Europe and the Caribbean, where it has established itself as endemic. The study of alphaviruses is an active and expanding field, due to their impacts on human health, their effects on agriculture, and the threat that some pose as potential agents of biological warfare and terrorism. In this systematic review we will summarize both historic knowledge in the field as well as recently published data that has potential to shift current theories in how alphaviruses are able to function. This review is comprehensive, covering all parts of the alphaviral life cycle as well as a brief overview of their pathology and the current state of research in regards to vaccines and therapeutics for alphaviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Skidmore
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3245, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
| | - Steven B Bradfute
- Center for Global Health, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 915 Camino de Salud, IDTC Room 3330A, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA.
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G3BP/Rin-Binding Motifs Inserted into Flexible Regions of nsP2 Support RNA Replication of Chikungunya Virus. J Virol 2022; 96:e0127822. [PMID: 36226983 PMCID: PMC9645214 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01278-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus. In infected cells, its positive-sense RNA genome is translated into polyproteins that are subsequently processed into four nonstructural proteins (nsP1 to 4), the virus-encoded subunits of the RNA replicase. However, for RNA replication, interactions between nsPs and host proteins are also needed. These interactions are mostly mediated through the intrinsically disordered C-terminal hypervariable domain (HVD) in nsP3. Duplicate FGDF motifs in the HVD are required for interaction with mammalian RasGAP SH3-binding proteins (G3BPs) and their mosquito homolog Rin; these interactions are crucial for CHIKV RNA replication. In this study, we inactivated G3BP/Rin-binding motifs in the HVD and inserted peptides containing either native or inactivated G3BP/Rin-binding motifs into flexible regions of nsP1, nsP2, or nsP4. Insertion of native motifs into nsP1 or nsP2 but not into the C terminus of nsP4 activated CHIKV RNA replication in human cells in a G3BP-dependent manner. In mosquito cells, activation also resulted from the insertion of inactive motifs after residue 8 or 466 in nsP2; however, the effect was significantly larger when the inserted sequence contained native motifs. Nonetheless, CHIKV mutants harboring mutations in the HVD and containing insertions of native motifs in nsP2 were not viable in mosquito cells. In contrast, mutant genomes containing native motifs after residue 466 or 618 in nsP2 replicated in BHK-21 cells, with the latter mutant forming infectious progeny. Thus, the binding of G3BPs to nsP2 can support CHIKV RNA replication and restore the infectivity of viruses lacking G3BP-binding motifs in the HVD of nsP3. IMPORTANCE CHIKV is a reemerging alphavirus that has spread throughout more than 60 countries and is the causative agent of chikungunya fever. No approved drugs or vaccines are available for the treatment or prevention of CHIKV infection. CHIKV replication depends on the ability of its replicase proteins to interact with host cell factors, and a better understanding of host cell factor roles in viral infection will increase our understanding of CHIKV RNA replication and provide new strategies for viral infection attenuation. Here, we demonstrate that the motifs required for the binding of host G3BP/Rin proteins remain functional when transferred from their natural location in nsP3 to different replicase proteins and may enable mutant viruses to complete a full replication cycle. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of interaction motifs for crucial host factors being successfully transferred from one replicase protein to another subunit of alphavirus replicase.
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Yang E, Huang S, Jami-Alahmadi Y, McInerney GM, Wohlschlegel JA, Li MMH. Elucidation of TRIM25 ubiquitination targets involved in diverse cellular and antiviral processes. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010743. [PMID: 36067236 PMCID: PMC9481182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tripartite motif (TRIM) family of E3 ubiquitin ligases is well known for its roles in antiviral restriction and innate immunity regulation, in addition to many other cellular pathways. In particular, TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination affects both carcinogenesis and antiviral response. While individual substrates have been identified for TRIM25, it remains unclear how it regulates diverse processes. Here we characterized a mutation, R54P, critical for TRIM25 catalytic activity, which we successfully utilized to "trap" substrates. We demonstrated that TRIM25 targets proteins implicated in stress granule formation (G3BP1/2), nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (UPF1), nucleoside synthesis (NME1), and mRNA translation and stability (PABPC4). The R54P mutation abolishes TRIM25 inhibition of alphaviruses independently of the host interferon response, suggesting that this antiviral effect is a direct consequence of ubiquitination. Consistent with that, we observed diminished antiviral activity upon knockdown of several TRIM25-R54P specific interactors including NME1 and PABPC4. Our findings highlight that multiple substrates mediate the cellular and antiviral activities of TRIM25, illustrating the multi-faceted role of this ubiquitination network in modulating diverse biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Yang
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Serina Huang
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Gerald M. McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor, and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James A. Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Melody M. H. Li
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Neyret A, Bernard E, Aïqui-Reboul-Paviet O, Bakhache W, Eldin P, Chaloin L, Briant L. Identification of a non-canonical G3BP-binding sequence in a Mayaro virus nsP3 hypervariable domain. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:958176. [PMID: 36034716 PMCID: PMC9403187 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.958176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ras-GTPase-activating SH3 domain-binding-proteins 1 (G3BP1) and 2 (G3BP2) are multifunctional RNA-binding proteins involved in stress granule nucleation, previously identified as essential cofactors of Old World alphaviruses. They are recruited to viral replication complexes formed by the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Semliki Forest virus (SFV), and Sindbis virus (SINV) via an interaction with a duplicated FGxF motif conserved in the hypervariable domain (HVD) of virus-encoded nsP3. According to mutagenesis studies, this FGxF duplication is strictly required for G3BP binding and optimal viral growth. Contrasting with this scenario, nsP3 encoded by Mayaro virus (MAYV), an arthritogenic virus grouped with Old World alphaviruses, contains a single canonical FGxF sequence. In light of this unusual feature, we questioned MAYV nsP3/G3BPs relationships. We report that G3BP1 and G3BP2 are both required for MAYV growth in human cells and bind nsP3 protein. In infected cells, they are recruited to nsP3-containing cytosolic foci and active replication complexes. Unexpectedly, deletion of the single FGxF sequence in MAYV nsP3 did not abolish these phenotypes. Using mutagenesis and in silico modeling, we identify an upstream FGAP amino acid sequence as an additional MAYV nsP3/G3BP interaction motif required for optimal viral infectivity. These results, therefore, highlight a non-conventional G3BP binding sequence in MAYV nsP3.
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Abstract
Alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses, typically transmitted by mosquitoes between vertebrate hosts. They encode four essential replication proteins, the non-structural proteins nsP1-4, which possess the enzymatic activities of RNA capping, RNA helicase, site-specific protease, ADP-ribosyl removal and RNA polymerase. Alphaviruses have been key models in the study of membrane-associated RNA replication, which is a conserved feature among the positive-strand RNA viruses of animals and plants. We review new structural and functional information on the nsPs and their interaction with host proteins and membranes, as well as with viral RNA sequences. The dodecameric ring structure of nsP1 is likely to be one of the evolutionary innovations that facilitated the success of the progenitors of current positive-strand RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tero Ahola
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gerald McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.
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12
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Abstract
Alphaviruses have positive-strand RNA genomes containing two open reading frames (ORFs). The first ORF encodes the nonstructural (ns) polyproteins P123 and P1234 that act as precursors for the subunits of the viral RNA replicase (nsP1 to nsP4). Processing of P1234 leads to the formation of a negative-strand replicase consisting of nsP4 (RNA polymerase) and P123 components. Subsequent processing of P123 results in a positive-strand replicase. The second ORF encoding the structural proteins is expressed via the synthesis of a subgenomic RNA. Alphavirus replicase is capable of using template RNAs that contain essential cis-active sequences. Here, we demonstrate that the replicases of nine alphaviruses, expressed in the form of separate P123 and nsP4 components, are active. Their activity depends on the abundance of nsP4. The match of nsP4 to its template strongly influences efficient subgenomic RNA synthesis. nsP4 of Barmah Forest virus (BFV) formed a functional replicase only with matching P123, while nsP4s of other alphaviruses were compatible also with several heterologous P123s. The P123 components of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and Sindbis virus (SINV) required matching nsP4s, while P123 of other viruses could form active replicases with different nsP4s. Chimeras of Semliki Forest virus, harboring the nsP4 of chikungunya virus, Ross River virus, BFV, or SINV were viable. In contrast, chimeras of SINV, harboring an nsP4 from different alphaviruses, exhibited a temperature-sensitive phenotype. These findings highlight the possibility for formation of new alphaviruses via recombination events and provide a novel approach for the development of attenuated chimeric viruses for vaccination strategies. IMPORTANCE A key element of every virus with an RNA genome is the RNA replicase. Understanding the principles of RNA replicase formation and functioning is therefore crucial for understanding and responding to the emergence of new viruses. Reconstruction of the replicases of nine alphaviruses from nsP4 and P123 polyproteins revealed that the nsP4 of the majority of alphaviruses, including the mosquito-specific Eilat virus, could form a functional replicase with P123 originating from a different virus, and the corresponding chimeric viruses were replication-competent. nsP4 also had an evident role in determining the template RNA preference and the efficiency of RNA synthesis. The revealed broad picture of the compatibility of the replicase components of alphaviruses is important for understanding the formation and functioning of the alphavirus RNA replicase and highlights the possibilities for recombination between different alphavirus species.
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Teppor M, Žusinaite E, Karo-Astover L, Omler A, Rausalu K, Lulla V, Lulla A, Merits A. Semliki Forest Virus Chimeras with Functional Replicase Modules from Related Alphaviruses Survive by Adaptive Mutations in Functionally Important Hot Spots. J Virol 2021; 95:e0097321. [PMID: 34319778 PMCID: PMC8475518 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00973-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses (family Togaviridae) include both human pathogens such as chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Sindbis virus (SINV) and model viruses such as Semliki Forest virus (SFV). The alphavirus positive-strand RNA genome is translated into nonstructural (ns) polyprotein(s) that are precursors for four nonstructural proteins (nsPs). The three-dimensional structures of nsP2 and the N-terminal 2/3 of nsP3 reveal that these proteins consist of several domains. Cleavage of the ns-polyprotein is performed by the strictly regulated protease activity of the nsP2 region. Processing results in the formation of a replicase complex that can be considered a network of functional modules. These modules work cooperatively and should perform the same task for each alphavirus. To investigate functional interactions between replicase components, we generated chimeras using the SFV genome as a backbone. The functional modules corresponding to different parts of nsP2 and nsP3 were swapped with their counterparts from CHIKV and SINV. Although some chimeras were nonfunctional, viruses harboring the CHIKV N-terminal domain of nsP2 or any domain of nsP3 were viable. Viruses harboring the protease part of nsP2, the full-length nsP2 of CHIKV, or the nsP3 macrodomain of SINV required adaptive mutations for functionality. Seven mutations that considerably improved the infectivity of the corresponding chimeric genomes affected functionally important hot spots recurrently highlighted in previous alphavirus studies. These data indicate that alphaviruses utilize a rather limited set of strategies to survive and adapt. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that the disturbance of processing was the main defect resulting from chimeric alterations within the ns-polyprotein. IMPORTANCE Alphaviruses cause debilitating symptoms and have caused massive outbreaks. There are currently no approved antivirals or vaccines for treating these infections. Understanding the functions of alphavirus replicase proteins (nsPs) provides valuable information for both antiviral drug and vaccine development. The nsPs of all alphaviruses consist of similar functional modules; however, to what extent these are independent in functionality and thus interchangeable among homologous viruses is largely unknown. Homologous domain swapping was used to study the functioning of modules from nsP2 and nsP3 of other alphaviruses in the context of Semliki Forest virus. Most of the introduced substitutions resulted in defects in the processing of replicase precursors that were typically compensated by adaptive mutations that mapped to determinants of polyprotein processing. Understanding the principles of virus survival strategies and identifying hot spot mutations that permit virus adaptation highlight a route to the rapid development of attenuated viruses as potential live vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Teppor
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Eva Žusinaite
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Ailar Omler
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Valeria Lulla
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Aleksei Lulla
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Kang W, Wang Y, Yang W, Zhang J, Zheng H, Li D. Research Progress on the Structure and Function of G3BP. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718548. [PMID: 34526993 PMCID: PMC8435845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras-GTPase-activating protein (SH3 domain)-binding protein (G3BP) is an RNA binding protein. G3BP is a key component of stress granules (SGs) and can interact with many host proteins to regulate the expression of SGs. As an antiviral factor, G3BP can interact with viral proteins to regulate the assembly of SGs and thus exert antiviral effects. However, many viruses can also use G3BP as a proximal factor and recruit translation initiation factors to promote viral proliferation. G3BP regulates mRNA translation and attenuation to regulate gene expression; therefore, it is closely related to diseases, such as cancer, embryonic death, arteriosclerosis, and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review discusses the important discoveries and developments related G3BP in the biological field over the past 20 years, which includes the formation of SGs, interaction with viruses, stability of RNA, and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Haixue Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology and OIE/National Foot and Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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15
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Saito A, Shofa M, Ode H, Yumiya M, Hirano J, Okamoto T, Yoshimura SH. How Do Flaviviruses Hijack Host Cell Functions by Phase Separation? Viruses 2021; 13:v13081479. [PMID: 34452345 PMCID: PMC8402827 DOI: 10.3390/v13081479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral proteins interact with different sets of host cell components throughout the viral life cycle and are known to localize to the intracellular membraneless organelles (MLOs) of the host cell, where formation/dissolution is regulated by phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins and regions (IDPs/IDRs). Viral proteins are rich in IDRs, implying that viruses utilize IDRs to regulate phase separation of the host cell organelles and augment replication by commandeering the functions of the organelles and/or sneaking into the organelles to evade the host immune response. This review aims to integrate current knowledge of the structural properties and intracellular localizations of viral IDPs to understand viral strategies in the host cell. First, the properties of viral IDRs are reviewed and similarities and differences with those of eukaryotes are described. The higher IDR content in viruses with smaller genomes suggests that IDRs are essential characteristics of viral proteins. Then, the interactions of the IDRs of flaviviruses with the MLOs of the host cell are investigated with emphasis on the viral proteins localized in the nucleoli and stress granules. Finally, the possible roles of viral IDRs in regulation of the phase separation of organelles and future possibilities for antiviral drug development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akatsuki Saito
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan;
- Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (T.O.); (S.H.Y.)
| | - Maya Shofa
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan;
- Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ode
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization Nagoya Medical Center, Nagoya 460-0001, Japan;
| | - Maho Yumiya
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (M.Y.); (J.H.)
| | - Junki Hirano
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (M.Y.); (J.H.)
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; (M.Y.); (J.H.)
- Center for Infectious Diseases Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (T.O.); (S.H.Y.)
| | - Shige H. Yoshimura
- Laboratory of Plasma Membrane and Nuclear Signaling, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (T.O.); (S.H.Y.)
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16
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Kril V, Aïqui-Reboul-Paviet O, Briant L, Amara A. New Insights into Chikungunya Virus Infection and Pathogenesis. Annu Rev Virol 2021; 8:327-347. [PMID: 34255544 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-091919-102021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne alphavirus responsible for major outbreaks of disease since 2004 in the Indian Ocean islands, South east Asia, and the Americas. CHIKV causes debilitating musculoskeletal disorders in humans that are characterized by fever, rash, polyarthralgia, and myalgia. The disease is often self-limiting and nonlethal; however, some patients experience atypical or severe clinical manifestations, as well as a chronic rheumatic syndrome. Unfortunately, no efficient antivirals against CHIKV infection are available so far, highlighting the importance of deepening our knowledge of CHIKV host cell interactions and viral replication strategies. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the molecular mechanisms that regulate CHIKV infection and lay down the foundations to understand viral pathogenesis. We describe the role of the recently identified host factors co-opted by the virus for infection and pathogenesis, and emphasize the importance of CHIKV nonstructural proteins in both replication complex assembly and host immune response evasion. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Virology, Volume 8 is September 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliya Kril
- Biology of Emerging Virus Team, INSERM U944, CNRS UMR 7212, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France;
| | - Olivier Aïqui-Reboul-Paviet
- RNA Viruses and Metabolism Team, CNRS UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Laurence Briant
- RNA Viruses and Metabolism Team, CNRS UMR 9004, Institut de Recherche en Infectiologie de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, 34293 Montpellier, France;
| | - Ali Amara
- Biology of Emerging Virus Team, INSERM U944, CNRS UMR 7212, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Université de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 75010 Paris, France;
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17
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Abulfaraj AA, Hirt H, Rayapuram N. G3BPs in Plant Stress. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:680710. [PMID: 34177995 PMCID: PMC8222905 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.680710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The sessile nature of plants enforces highly adaptable strategies to adapt to different environmental stresses. Plants respond to these stresses by a massive reprogramming of mRNA metabolism. Balancing of mRNA fates, including translation, sequestration, and decay is essential for plants to not only coordinate growth and development but also to combat biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. RNA stress granules (SGs) and processing bodies (P bodies) synchronize mRNA metabolism for optimum functioning of an organism. SGs are evolutionarily conserved cytoplasmic localized RNA-protein storage sites that are formed in response to adverse conditions, harboring mostly but not always translationally inactive mRNAs. SGs disassemble and release mRNAs into a translationally active form upon stress relief. RasGAP SH3 domain binding proteins (G3BPs or Rasputins) are "scaffolds" for the assembly and stability of SGs, which coordinate receptor mediated signal transduction with RNA metabolism. The role of G3BPs in the formation of SGs is well established in mammals, but G3BPs in plants are poorly characterized. In this review, we discuss recent findings of the dynamics and functions of plant G3BPs in response to environmental stresses and speculate on possible mechanisms such as transcription and post-translational modifications that might regulate the function of this important family of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aala A. Abulfaraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Science and Arts College, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heribert Hirt
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Max Perutz Laboratories, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Naganand Rayapuram
- King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
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18
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Pasin F, Shan H, García B, Müller M, San León D, Ludman M, Fresno DH, Fátyol K, Munné-Bosch S, Rodrigo G, García JA. Abscisic Acid Connects Phytohormone Signaling with RNA Metabolic Pathways and Promotes an Antiviral Response that Is Evaded by a Self-Controlled RNA Virus. PLANT COMMUNICATIONS 2020; 1:100099. [PMID: 32984814 PMCID: PMC7518510 DOI: 10.1016/j.xplc.2020.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A complex network of cellular receptors, RNA targeting pathways, and small-molecule signaling provides robust plant immunity and tolerance to viruses. To maximize their fitness, viruses must evolve control mechanisms to balance host immune evasion and plant-damaging effects. The genus Potyvirus comprises plant viruses characterized by RNA genomes that encode large polyproteins led by the P1 protease. A P1 autoinhibitory domain controls polyprotein processing, the release of a downstream functional RNA-silencing suppressor, and viral replication. Here, we show that P1Pro, a plum pox virus clone that lacks the P1 autoinhibitory domain, triggers complex reprogramming of the host transcriptome and high levels of abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. A meta-analysis highlighted ABA connections with host pathways known to control RNA stability, turnover, maturation, and translation. Transcriptomic changes triggered by P1Pro infection or ABA showed similarities in host RNA abundance and diversity. Genetic and hormone treatment assays showed that ABA promotes plant resistance to potyviral infection. Finally, quantitative mathematical modeling of viral replication in the presence of defense pathways supported self-control of polyprotein processing kinetics as a viral mechanism that attenuates the magnitude of the host antiviral response. Overall, our findings indicate that ABA is an active player in plant antiviral immunity, which is nonetheless evaded by a self-controlled RNA virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Pasin
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, 11529 Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hongying Shan
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz García
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maren Müller
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David San León
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB-CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Márta Ludman
- Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - David H. Fresno
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Károly Fátyol
- Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre, 2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Sergi Munné-Bosch
- Departamento de Biología Evolutiva, Ecología y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Rodrigo
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), CSIC-University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
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Lello LS, Utt A, Bartholomeeusen K, Wang S, Rausalu K, Kendall C, Coppens S, Fragkoudis R, Tuplin A, Alphey L, Ariën KK, Merits A. Cross-utilisation of template RNAs by alphavirus replicases. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008825. [PMID: 32886709 PMCID: PMC7498090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most alphaviruses (family Togaviridae) including Sindbis virus (SINV) and other human pathogens, are transmitted by arthropods. The first open reading frame in their positive strand RNA genome encodes for the non-structural polyprotein, a precursor to four separate subunits of the replicase. The replicase interacts with cis-acting elements located near the intergenic region and at the ends of the viral RNA genome. A trans-replication assay was developed and used to analyse the template requirements for nine alphavirus replicases. Replicases of alphaviruses of the Semliki Forest virus complex were able to cross-utilize each other’s templates as well as those of outgroup alphaviruses. Templates of outgroup alphaviruses, including SINV and the mosquito-specific Eilat virus, were promiscuous; in contrast, their replicases displayed a limited capacity to use heterologous templates, especially in mosquito cells. The determinants important for efficient replication of template RNA were mapped to the 5' region of the genome. For SINV these include the extreme 5'- end of the genome and sequences corresponding to the first stem-loop structure in the 5' untranslated region. Mutations introduced in these elements drastically reduced infectivity of recombinant SINV genomes. The trans-replicase tools and approaches developed here can be instrumental in studying alphavirus recombination and evolution, but can also be applied to study other viruses such as picornaviruses, flaviviruses and coronaviruses. Alphaviruses are positive-strand RNA viruses, most of which use mosquitoes to spread between vertebrate hosts; many are human pathogens with potentially severe medical consequences. Some alphavirus species are believed to have resulted from the recombination between different members of the genus and there is evidence of movement of alphaviruses between continents. Here, a novel assay uncoupling viral replicase and template RNA production was developed and used to analyse cross-utilization of alphavirus template RNAs. We observed that replicases of closely related alphaviruses belonging to the Semliki Forest virus complex can generally use each other’s template RNAs as well as those of distantly related outgroup viruses. In contrast, replicases of outgroup viruses clearly preferred homologous template RNAs. These trends were observed in both mammalian and mosquito cells, with template preferences generally more pronounced in mosquito cells. Interestingly, the template RNA of the mosquito-specific Eilat virus was efficiently used by other alphavirus replicases while Eilat replicase could not use heterologous templates. Determinants for template selectivity were mapped to the beginning of the RNA genome and template recognition was more likely based on the recognition of RNA sequences than recognition of structural elements formed by the RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Age Utt
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Koen Bartholomeeusen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Sainan Wang
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Catherine Kendall
- Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Sandra Coppens
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Rennos Fragkoudis
- University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Tuplin
- Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Alphey
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin K. Ariën
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerpen, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Andres Merits
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
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Palmitoylated Cysteines in Chikungunya Virus nsP1 Are Critical for Targeting to Cholesterol-Rich Plasma Membrane Microdomains with Functional Consequences for Viral Genome Replication. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.02183-19. [PMID: 32132240 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02183-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, alphavirus replication complexes are anchored to the plasma membrane. This interaction with lipid bilayers is mediated through the viral methyl/guanylyltransferase nsP1 and reinforced by palmitoylation of cysteine residue(s) in the C-terminal region of this protein. Lipid content of membranes supporting nsP1 anchoring remains poorly studied. Here, we explore the membrane binding capacity of nsP1 with regard to cholesterol. Using the medically important chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a model, we report that nsP1 cosegregates with cholesterol-rich detergent-resistant membrane microdomains (DRMs), also called lipid rafts. In search for the critical factor for cholesterol partitioning, we identify nsP1 palmitoylated cysteines as major players in this process. In cells infected with CHIKV or transfected with CHIKV trans-replicase plasmids, nsP1, together with the other nonstructural proteins, are detected in DRMs. While the functional importance of CHIKV nsP1 preference for cholesterol-rich membrane domains remains to be determined, we observed that U18666A- and imipramine-induced sequestration of cholesterol in late endosomes redirected nsP1 to these compartments and simultaneously dramatically decreased CHIKV genome replication. A parallel study of Sindbis virus (SINV) revealed that nsP1 from this divergent alphavirus displays a low affinity for cholesterol and only moderately segregates with DRMs. Behaviors of CHIKV and SINV with regard to cholesterol, therefore, match with the previously reported differences in the requirement for nsP1 palmitoylation, which is dispensable for SINV but strictly required for CHIKV replication. Altogether, this study highlights the functional importance of nsP1 segregation with DRMs and provides new insight into the functional role of nsP1 palmitoylated cysteines during alphavirus replication.IMPORTANCE Functional alphavirus replication complexes are anchored to the host cell membranes through the interaction of nsP1 with the lipid bilayers. In this work, we investigate the importance of cholesterol for such an association. We show that nsP1 has affinity for cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains formed at the plasma membrane and identify conserved palmitoylated cysteine(s) in nsP1 as the key determinant for cholesterol affinity. We demonstrate that drug-induced cholesterol sequestration in late endosomes not only redirects nsP1 to this compartment but also dramatically decreases genome replication, suggesting the functional importance of nsP1 targeting to cholesterol-rich plasma membrane microdomains. Finally, we show evidence that nsP1 from chikungunya and Sindbis viruses displays different sensitivity to cholesterol sequestering agents that parallel with their difference in the requirement for nsP1 palmitoylation for replication. This research, therefore, gives new insight into the functional role of palmitoylated cysteines in nsP1 for the assembly of functional alphavirus replication complexes in their mammalian host.
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