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Harshithkumar R, Shah P, Jadaun P, Mukherjee A. ROS Chronicles in HIV Infection: Genesis of Oxidative Stress, Associated Pathologies, and Therapeutic Strategies. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:8852-8873. [PMID: 39194740 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46080523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are widely regarded as signaling molecules and play essential roles in various cellular processes, but when present in excess, they can lead to oxidative stress (OS). Growing evidence suggests that the OS plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection and is associated with several comorbidities in HIV-infected individuals. ROS, generated both naturally during mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and as a response to various cellular processes, can trigger host antiviral responses but can also promote viral replication. While the multifaceted roles of ROS in HIV pathophysiology clearly need more investigation, this review paper unravels the mechanisms of OS generation in the context of HIV infections, offering insights into HIV viral protein-mediated and antiretroviral therapy-generated OS. Though the viral protein Tat is significantly attributed to the endogenous cellular increase in ROS post HIV infection, this paper sums up the contribution of other viral proteins in HIV-mediated elicitation of ROS. Given the investigations recognizing the significant role of ROS in the onset and progression of diverse pathologies, the paper also explores the critical function of ROS in the mediation of an of array of pathologies associated with HIV infection and retroviral therapy. HIV patients are observed with disruption to the antioxidant defense system, the antioxidant therapy is gaining focus as a potential therapeutic intervention and is well discussed. While ROS play a significant role in the HIV scenario, further exploratory studies are imperative to identifying alternative therapeutic strategies that could mitigate the toxicities and pathologies associated with ART-induced OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Harshithkumar
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, Pune 411026, India
| | - Prachibahen Shah
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, Pune 411026, India
| | - Pratiksha Jadaun
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, Pune 411026, India
| | - Anupam Mukherjee
- Division of Virology, ICMR-National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, Pune 411026, India
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2
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Ruhanya V, Jacobs GB, Paul RH, Joska JA, Seedat S, Nyandoro G, Glashoff RH, Engelbrecht S. HIV-1 Subtype C Vpr Amino Acid Residue 45Y and Specific Conserved Fragments Are Associated with Neurocognitive Impairment and Markers of Viral Load. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2023; 39:166-175. [PMID: 36401355 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2022.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. We investigated the relationship between HIV-1 subtype C Vpr sequence variation and HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment as measured by global deficit score (GDS) in treatment-naive individuals. We used different bioinformatic tools and statistical models to correlate vpr variation and cognitive function. We identified a tyrosine at position 45 (45Y) as a signature for neurocognitive impairment and histidine (45H) as a signature in the non-impaired individuals. The presence of signature 45Y was associated by 3.66 times higher GDS, 525 times higher plasma viral load, 15.84 times higher proviral load, and 60% lower absolute CD4-T cell count compared with those without the signature. Additionally, we identified four conserved Vpr fragment sequences, PEDQGPQREPYNEWTLE (5-21), LGQYIY (42-47), TYGDTW (49-54), and PEDQGPQREPYNEW (5-18), that were associated with higher plasma viral load and proviral load. The implication of these findings is that variation of Vpr leads to neurocognitive impairment in HIV infection and worsens the progression of disease in general by promoting the production of provirus, promoting HIV replication and depletion of CD4+ T cells in the periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vurayai Ruhanya
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Graeme Brendon Jacobs
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert H Paul
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Missouri-St Louis, University Boulevard, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John A Joska
- MRC Unit of Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- MRC Unit of Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - George Nyandoro
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Richard Helmuth Glashoff
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Business Unity, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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3
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Scanlan A, Zhang Z, Koneru R, Reece M, Gavegnano C, Anderson AM, Tyor W. A Rationale and Approach to the Development of Specific Treatments for HIV Associated Neurocognitive Impairment. Microorganisms 2022; 10:2244. [PMID: 36422314 PMCID: PMC9699382 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) associated with HIV infection of the brain impacts a large proportion of people with HIV (PWH) regardless of antiretroviral therapy (ART). While the number of PWH and severe NCI has dropped considerably with the introduction of ART, the sole use of ART is not sufficient to prevent or arrest NCI in many PWH. As the HIV field continues to investigate cure strategies, adjunctive therapies are greatly needed. HIV imaging, cerebrospinal fluid, and pathological studies point to the presence of continual inflammation, and the presence of HIV RNA, DNA, and proteins in the brain despite ART. Clinical trials exploring potential adjunctive therapeutics for the treatment of HIV NCI over the last few decades have had limited success. Ideally, future research and development of novel compounds need to address both the HIV replication and neuroinflammation associated with HIV infection in the brain. Brain mononuclear phagocytes (MPs) are the primary instigators of inflammation and HIV protein expression; therefore, adjunctive treatments that act on MPs, such as immunomodulating agents, look promising. In this review, we will highlight recent developments of innovative therapies and discuss future approaches for HIV NCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Scanlan
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Zhan Zhang
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Rajeth Koneru
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
| | - Monica Reece
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Department of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Albert M. Anderson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - William Tyor
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30033, USA
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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4
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Yarandi SS, Duggan MR, Sariyer IK. Emerging Role of Nef in the Development of HIV Associated Neurological Disorders. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2021; 16:238-250. [PMID: 33123948 PMCID: PMC8081738 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09964-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite adherence to treatment, individuals living with HIV have an increased risk for developing cognitive impairments, referred to as HIV-associated neurological disorders (HAND). Due to continued growth in the HIV population, particularly amongst the aging cohort, the neurobiological mechanisms of HAND are increasingly relevant. Similar to other viral proteins (e.g. Tat, Gp120, Vpr), the Negative Factor (Nef) is associated with numerous adverse effects in the CNS as well as cognitive impairments. In particular, emerging data indicate the consequences of Nef may be facilitated by the modulation of cellular autophagy as well as its inclusion into extracellular vesicles (EVs). The present review examines evidence for the molecular mechanisms by which Nef might contribute to neuronal dysfunction underlying HAND, with a specific focus on autophagy and EVs. Based on the these data, we propose an integrated model by which Nef may contribute to underlying neuronal dysfunction in HAND and highlight potentially novel therapeutic targets for HAND. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadan S Yarandi
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Medical Education and Research Building Room 753, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Michael R Duggan
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Medical Education and Research Building Room 753, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Ilker K Sariyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Medical Education and Research Building Room 753, 7th Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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5
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Duong A, Evstratova A, Sivitilli A, Hernandez JJ, Gosio J, Wahedi A, Sondheimer N, Wrana JL, Beaulieu JM, Attisano L, Andreazza AC. Characterization of mitochondrial health from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells to cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4523. [PMID: 33633238 PMCID: PMC7907388 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial health plays a crucial role in human brain development and diseases. However, the evaluation of mitochondrial health in the brain is not incorporated into clinical practice due to ethical and logistical concerns. As a result, the development of targeted mitochondrial therapeutics remains a significant challenge due to the lack of appropriate patient-derived brain tissues. To address these unmet needs, we developed cerebral organoids (COs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monitored mitochondrial health from the primary, reprogrammed and differentiated stages. Our results show preserved mitochondrial genetics, function and treatment responses across PBMCs to iPSCs to COs, and measurable neuronal activity in the COs. We expect our approach will serve as a model for more widespread evaluation of mitochondrial health relevant to a wide range of human diseases using readily accessible patient peripheral (PBMCs) and stem-cell derived brain tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Duong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Alesya Evstratova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Adam Sivitilli
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - J Javier Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jessica Gosio
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Azizia Wahedi
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Neal Sondheimer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jeff L Wrana
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jean-Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Liliana Attisano
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Ana C Andreazza
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
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6
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Ueno M, Matsunaga A, Teratake Y, Ishizaka Y. Retrotransposition and senescence in mouse heart tissue by viral protein R of human immunodeficiency virus-1. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 114:104433. [PMID: 32243892 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has greatly improved the prognosis of patients with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. However, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a serious issue even in the post-cART era. Viral protein R (Vpr), an accessory gene product of HIV-1, exerts pleiotropic activities such as the induction of DNA damage signals, apoptosis by mitochondrial membrane depolarization, G2/M-phase cell cycle abnormalities, and retrotransposition. Importantly, some of these cellular responses are induced by the trans-acting activity of Vpr. Recently, we established an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect Vpr and reported that about 22% of blood samples from 100 HIV-1-positive patients were positive for Vpr. Here, we investigated the biological effects of recombinant Vpr (rVpr) in vivo. We observed that repeated injections of rVpr increased the copy number of long interspersed element-1 (L1) in the heart genome in mice. rVpr also increased the number of cells positive for senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) and fibrosis in the heart. Notably, co-administration of a reverse transcriptase inhibitor reduced the number of rVpr-induced SA-β-gal-positive cells and fibrosis concomitantly with the attenuation of L1 retrotransposition. Interestingly, a Vpr mutant defective for mitochondrial dysfunction also induced heart senescence and increased L1 copy number. Together with a recent report that L1 retrotransposition functions as a molecular basis of senescence, our current data suggest that rVpr-induced L1 retrotransposition is linked with senescence in heart tissue. We would propose that Vpr in the bloodstream may be one of risk factors for CVD, and that its monitoring will lead to well understanding of the heterogeneity and multifactorial mechanisms of CVD in HIV-1 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Ueno
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Akihiro Matsunaga
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Yoichi Teratake
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
| | - Yukihito Ishizaka
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan.
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7
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Lee SI, Hoeijmakers JGJ, Faber CG, Merkies ISJ, Lauria G, Waxman SG. The small fiber neuropathy NaV1.7 I228M mutation: impaired neurite integrity via bioenergetic and mitotoxic mechanisms, and protection by dexpramipexole. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:645-657. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.00360.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gain-of-function variants in voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.7 that increase firing frequency and spontaneous firing of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons have recently been identified in 5–10% of patients with idiopathic small fiber neuropathy (I-SFN). Our previous in vitro observations suggest that enhanced sodium channel activity can contribute to a decrease in length of peripheral sensory axons. We have hypothesized that sustained sodium influx due to the expression of SFN-associated sodium channel variants may trigger an energetic deficit in neurons that contributes to degeneration and loss of nerve fibers in SFN. Using an ATP FRET biosensor, we now demonstrate reduced steady-state levels of ATP and markedly faster ATP decay in response to membrane depolarization in cultured DRG neurons expressing an SFN-associated variant NaV1.7, I228M, compared with wild-type neurons. We also observed that I228M neurons show a significant reduction in mitochondrial density and size, indicating dysfunctional mitochondria and a reduced bioenergetic capacity. Finally, we report that exposure to dexpramipexole, a drug that improves mitochondrial energy metabolism, increases the neurite length of I228M-expressing neurons. Our data suggest that expression of gain-of-function variants of NaV1.7 can damage mitochondria and compromise cellular capacity for ATP production. The resulting bioenergetic crisis can consequently contribute to loss of axons in SFN. We suggest that, in addition to interventions that reduce ionic disturbance caused by mutant NaV1.7 channels, an alternative therapeutic strategy might target the bioenergetic burden and mitochondrial damage that occur in SFN associated with NaV1.7 gain-of-function mutations. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Sodium channel NaV1.7 mutations that increase dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron excitability have been identified in small fiber neuropathy (SFN). We demonstrate reduced steady-state ATP levels, faster depolarization-evoked ATP decay, and reduced mitochondrial density and size in cultured DRG neurons expressing SFN-associated variant NaV1.7 I228M. Dexpramipexole, which improves mitochondrial energy metabolism, has a protective effect. Because gain-of-function NaV1.7 variants can compromise bioenergetics, therapeutic strategies that target bioenergetic burden and mitochondrial damage merit study in SFN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-il Lee
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Janneke G. J. Hoeijmakers
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina G. Faber
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingemar S. J. Merkies
- Department of Neurology, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Curaçao Medical Center, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuroalgology Unit, Foundazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico “Carlo Besta,” Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco,” University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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8
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Gojanovich GS, Shikuma CM, Milne C, Libutti DE, Chow DC, Gerschenson M. Subcutaneous Adipocyte Adenosine Triphosphate Levels in HIV Infected Patients. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:75-82. [PMID: 31407586 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoatrophy, or fat wasting, remains a syndrome plaguing HIV+ patients receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. Both HIV infection per se and certain ARV are associated with lowered adipose tissue mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA) and mitochondrial ribonucleic acid (mtRNA) levels, but effects on adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production are unclear. We hypothesized that such alterations would accompany lowering of ATP levels in fat of HIV+ patients and would be worse in those displaying lipoatrophy. Gluteal-fold, subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from HIV seronegative control patients, from HIV+ ARV-naive patients, and those on ARV with or without lipoatrophy. Cellular ATP was measured in isolated adipocytes and preadipocyte fraction cells by bioluminescence. mtDNA copies/cell and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) mtRNA transcripts were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reactions. ATP levels were consistently higher in preadipocyte fraction cells than adipocytes, but values strongly correlated with each other (r = 0.66, p < .001). ATP levels in adipocytes were higher in both ARV-naive and nonlipoatrophic HIV+ patients compared to seronegative controls, but significantly lower in adipocytes and preadipocytes of lipoatrophic versus other HIV+ patients. Fat mtDNA copies/cell and OXPHOS mtRNA transcripts were lower in lipoatrophic patient samples compared to HIV seronegative. The ratio of specific OXPHOS transcripts to each other was significantly higher in nonlipoatrophic patients versus all groups, and this ratio correlated significantly with ATP levels in adipocytes. Thus, HIV infection is associated with an increase in adipose tissue ATP stores. Decreases in adipose mtDNA and OXPHOS mtRNA are found in those with HIV on ARV; however, ATP level is effected only in patients displaying lipoatrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg S. Gojanovich
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Cecilia M. Shikuma
- Department of Medicine, Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Cris Milne
- Department of Medicine, Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Daniel E. Libutti
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Dominic C. Chow
- Department of Medicine, Hawaii Center for AIDS, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Department of Pediatrics, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Mariana Gerschenson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
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9
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Cotto B, Natarajanseenivasan K, Langford D. HIV-1 infection alters energy metabolism in the brain: Contributions to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 181:101616. [PMID: 31108127 PMCID: PMC6742565 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.101616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The brain is particularly sensitive to changes in energy supply. Defects in glucose utilization and mitochondrial dysfunction are hallmarks of nearly all neurodegenerative diseases and are also associated with the cognitive decline that occurs as the brain ages. Chronic neuroinflammation driven by glial activation is commonly implicated as a contributing factor to neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) disrupts normal brain homeostasis and leads to a spectrum of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). HIV-1 activates stress responses in the brain and triggers a state of chronic neuroinflammation. Growing evidence suggests that inflammatory processes and bioenergetics are interconnected in the propagation of neuronal dysfunction. Clinical studies of people living with HIV and basic research support the notion that HIV-1 creates an environment in the CNS that interrupts normal metabolic processes at the cellular level to collectively alter whole brain metabolism. In this review, we highlight reports of abnormal brain metabolism from clinical studies and animal models of HIV-1. We also describe diverse CNS cell-specific changes in bioenergetics associated with HIV-1. Moreover, we propose that attention should be given to adjunctive therapies that combat sources of metabolic dysfunction as a mean to improve and/or prevent neurocognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Cotto
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Kalimuthusamy Natarajanseenivasan
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Dianne Langford
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Department of Neuroscience and Center for Neurovirology, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
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10
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The effect of coenzyme Q10 in comparison with placebo on CD4 in HIV-infected patients. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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11
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Swinton MK, Carson A, Telese F, Sanchez AB, Soontornniyomkij B, Rad L, Batki I, Quintanilla B, Pérez-Santiago J, Achim CL, Letendre S, Ellis RJ, Grant I, Murphy AN, Fields JA. Mitochondrial biogenesis is altered in HIV+ brains exposed to ART: Implications for therapeutic targeting of astroglia. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 130:104502. [PMID: 31238091 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropathogenesis of HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) involves disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis and increased neuroinflammation. However, it is unknown if alterations in mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain underlie the neuropathogenesis of HAND. In this study, neuropathological and molecular analyses of mitochondrial biogenesis and inflammatory pathways were performed in brain specimens from a well-characterized cohort of HIV+ cases that were on antiretroviral regimens. In vitro investigations using primary human astroglia and neurons were used to probe the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial alterations. In frontal cortices from HAND brains compared to cognitive normal brains, total levels of transcription factors that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α) and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM) were decreased. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that TFAM was decreased in neurons and increased in astroglia. These changes were accompanied by decreased total mitochondrial DNA per cell and increased levels of messenger RNA for the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-1β. To determine how IL-1β affects astroglial bioenergetic processes and mitochondrial activity, human astroglial cultures were exposed to recombinant IL-1β. IL-1β induced mitochondrial activity within 30 min of treatment, altered mitochondrial related gene expression, altered mitochondrial morphology, enhanced adenoside triphosphate (ATP) utilization and increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines. WIN55,212-2 (WIN), an aminoalkylindole derivative and cannabinoid receptor agonist, blocked IL-1β-induced bioenergetic fluctuations and inflammatory gene expression in astroglia independent of cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ. A PPARα antagonist reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of WIN in human astroglia. These results show that mitochondrial biogenesis is differentially regulated in neurons and astroglia in HAND brains and that targeting astroglial bioenergetic processes may be a strategy to modulate neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Swinton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Aliyah Carson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Telese
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ana B Sanchez
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Leila Rad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Isabella Batki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Brandi Quintanilla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Cristian L Achim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott Letendre
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Igor Grant
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anne N Murphy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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12
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Fields JA, Ellis RJ. HIV in the cART era and the mitochondrial: immune interface in the CNS. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 145:29-65. [PMID: 31208526 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) persist in the era of effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). A large body of literature suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is a prospective etiology of HAND in the cART era. While viral load is often suppressed and the immune system remains intact in HIV+ patients on cART, evidence suggests that the central nervous system (CNS) acts as a reservoir for virus and low-level expression of viral proteins, which interact with mitochondria. In particular, the HIV proteins glycoprotein 120, transactivator of transcription, viral protein R, and negative factor have each been linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain. Moreover, cART drugs have also been shown to have detrimental effects on mitochondrial function. Here, we review the evidence generated from human studies, animal models, and in vitro models that support a role for HIV proteins and/or cART drugs in altered production of adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial dynamics, mitophagy, calcium signaling and apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and immunometabolism in the CNS. When insightful, evidence of HIV or cART-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in the peripheral nervous system or other cell types is discussed. Lastly, therapeutic approaches to targeting mitochondrial dysfunction have been summarized with the aim of guiding new investigations and providing hope that mitochondrial-based drugs may provide relief for those suffering with HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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13
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Astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, age-related CNS diseases, and HAND. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:722-733. [PMID: 30671779 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-019-00721-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate local cerebral blood flow, maintain ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, provide metabolic support, regulate synaptic activity, and respond to brain injury, insults, and infection. Because of their abundance, extensive connectivity, and multiple roles in the brain, astrocytes are intimately involved in normal functioning of the CNS and their dysregulation can lead to neuronal dysfunction. In normal aging, decreased biological functioning and reduced cognitive abilities are commonly experienced in individuals free of overt neurological disease. Moreover, in several age-related CNS diseases, chronic inflammation and altered metabolism have been reported. Since people with HIV (PWH) are reported to experience rapid aging with chronic inflammation, altered brain metabolism is likely to be exacerbated. In fact, many studies report altered metabolism in astrocytes in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and HIV. This review will address the roles of astrocyte activation and altered metabolism in normal aging, in age-related CNS disease, and in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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14
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Fernandes N, Pulliam L. Inflammatory Mechanisms and Cascades Contributing to Neurocognitive Impairment in HIV/AIDS. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 50:77-103. [PMID: 31385260 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2019_100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurocognitive impairment caused by chronic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a growing concern. In this chapter we discuss the inflammatory mechanisms underlying the pathology of asymptomatic and mild neurocognitive impairment in the context of antiretroviral therapy. We discuss the role of HIV, viral proteins, and virally infected cells on the development of neuroinflammation and the effect of viral proteins on the cells of the central nervous system.We examine how these collective factors result in an inflammatory context that triggers the development of neurocognitive impairment in HIV. We assess the contribution of antiretrovirals and drugs of abuse, including methamphetamine, cannabis, and opioids, to the neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory milieu that leads to the development of neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected individuals. We also examined circulating biomarkers, NF-L, sCD163, and sCD14, pertinent to identifying changes in the CNS that could indicate real-time changes in patient physiology. Lastly, we discuss future studies, such as exosomes and the microbiome, which could play a role in the HIV-induced neuroinflammation that eventually manifests as cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Fernandes
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA.,University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lynn Pulliam
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA. .,University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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15
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Saribas AS, Coric P, Bouaziz S, Safak M. Expression of novel proteins by polyomaviruses and recent advances in the structural and functional features of agnoprotein of JC virus, BK virus, and simian virus 40. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:8295-8315. [PMID: 30390301 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Polyomavirus family consists of a highly diverse group of small DNA viruses. The founding family member (MPyV) was first discovered in the newborn mouse in the late 1950s, which induces solid tumors in a wide variety of tissue types that are the epithelial and mesenchymal origin. Later, other family members were also isolated from a number of mammalian, avian and fish species. Some of these viruses significantly contributed to our current understanding of the fundamentals of modern biology such as transcription, replication, splicing, RNA editing, and cell transformation. After the discovery of first two human polyomaviruses (JC virus [JCV] and BK virus [BKV]) in the early 1970s, there has been a rapid expansion in the number of human polyomaviruses in recent years due to the availability of the new technologies and brought the present number to 14. Some of the human polyomaviruses cause considerably serious human diseases, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, Merkel cell carcinoma, and trichodysplasia spinulosa. Emerging evidence suggests that the expression of the polyomavirus genome is more complex than previously thought. In addition to encoding universally expressed regulatory and structural proteins (LT-Ag, Sm t-Ag, VP1, VP2, and VP3), some polyomaviruses express additional virus-specific regulatory proteins and microRNAs. This review summarizes the recent advances in polyomavirus genome expression with respect to the new viral proteins and microRNAs other than the universally expressed ones. In addition, a special emphasis is devoted to the recent structural and functional discoveries in the field of polyomavirus agnoprotein which is expressed only by JCV, BKV, and simian virus 40 genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Sami Saribas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Pascale Coric
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 8015 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Serge Bouaziz
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 8015 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Mahmut Safak
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurovirology, Department of Neuroscience, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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16
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Ramaswamy P, Christopher R, Pal PK, Yadav R. MicroRNAs to differentiate Parkinsonian disorders: Advances in biomarkers and therapeutics. J Neurol Sci 2018; 394:26-37. [PMID: 30196132 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Parkinsonian disorders are a set of progressive neurodegenerative movement disorders characterized by rigidity, tremor, bradykinesia, postural instability and their distinction has significant implications in terms of management and prognosis. Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common among them. Its clinical diagnosis is challenging and, it can be misdiagnosed in the early stages. Multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy are the close mimickers in early stages, due to overlapping clinical features. MicroRNAs are a class of stable non-coding small RNA molecules implicated in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Current studies propose that miRNAs play an essential role in the pathobiology of multiple neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinsonism, and they seem to be one of the reasonably available methods to aid in the differential diagnosis between PD and related disorders. MicroRNA-based diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics are a powerful tool to understand and explore the function of the pathogenic gene/s, their mechanism in the disease pathobiology, and to validate drug targets. In this review, we emphasize on the recent developments in the usage of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers to identify PD and to differentiate it from atypical parkinsonian conditions, their role in disease pathogenesis, and their possible utility in the therapy of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palaniswamy Ramaswamy
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Rita Christopher
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Pal
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Ravi Yadav
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru 560029, India.
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17
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High content image analysis reveals function of miR-124 upstream of Vimentin in regulating motor neuron mitochondria. Sci Rep 2018; 8:59. [PMID: 29311649 PMCID: PMC5758812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17878-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical for neuronal function and their dysregulation is repeatedly observed in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we implemented high content image analysis for investigating the impact of several miRNAs in mouse primary motor neurons. This survey directed our attention to the neuron-specific miR-124, which controls axonal morphology. By performing next generation sequencing analysis and molecular studies, we characterized novel roles for miR-124 in control of mitochondria localization and function. We further demonstrated that the intermediate filament Vimentin is a key target of miR-124 in this system. Our data establishes a new pathway for control of mitochondria function in motor neurons, revealing the value of a neuron-specific miRNA gene as a mechanism for the re-shaping of otherwise ubiquitously-expressed intermediate filament network, upstream of mitochondria activity and cellular metabolism.
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18
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Insulin Treatment Prevents Neuroinflammation and Neuronal Injury with Restored Neurobehavioral Function in Models of HIV/AIDS Neurodegeneration. J Neurosci 2017; 36:10683-10695. [PMID: 27733618 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1287-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection of the brain causes the neurodegenerative syndrome HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), for which there is no specific treatment. Herein, we investigated the actions of insulin using ex vivo and in vivo models of HAND. Increased neuroinflammatory gene expression was observed in brains from patients with HIV/AIDS. The insulin receptor was detected on both neurons and glia, but its expression was unaffected by HIV-1 infection. Insulin treatment of HIV-infected primary human microglia suppressed supernatant HIV-1 p24 levels, reduced CXCL10 and IL-6 transcript levels, and induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression. Insulin treatment of primary human neurons prevented HIV-1 Vpr-mediated cell process retraction and death. In feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infected cats, daily intranasal insulin treatment (20.0 IU/200 μl for 6 weeks) reduced CXCL10, IL-6, and FIV RNA detection in brain, although PPAR-γ in glia was increased compared with PBS-treated FIV+ control animals. These molecular changes were accompanied by diminished glial activation in cerebral cortex and white matter of insulin-treated FIV+ animals, with associated preservation of cortical neurons. Neuronal counts in parietal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus were higher in the FIV+/insulin-treated group compared with the FIV+/PBS-treated group. Moreover, intranasal insulin treatment improved neurobehavioral performance, including both memory and motor functions, in FIV+ animals. Therefore, insulin exerted ex vivo and in vivo antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in models of HAND, representing a new therapeutic option for patients with inflammatory or infectious neurodegenerative disorders including HAND. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) represent a spectrum disorder of neurocognitive dysfunctions resulting from HIV-1 infection. Although the exact mechanisms causing HAND are unknown, productive HIV-1 infection in the brain with associated neuroinflammation is a potential pathogenic mechanism resulting in neuronal damage and death. We report that, in HIV-infected microglia cultures, insulin treatment led to reduced viral replication and inflammatory gene expression. In addition, intranasal insulin treatment of experimentally feline immunodeficiency virus-infected animals resulted in improved motor and memory performances. We show that insulin restored expression of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), which is suppressed by HIV-1 replication. Our findings indicate a unique function for insulin in improving neurological outcomes in lentiviral infections, implicating insulin as a therapeutic intervention for HAND.
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19
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Wang Y, Santerre M, Tempera I, Martin K, Mukerjee R, Sawaya BE. HIV-1 Vpr disrupts mitochondria axonal transport and accelerates neuronal aging. Neuropharmacology 2017; 117:364-375. [PMID: 28212984 PMCID: PMC5397298 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of mitochondria axonal transport, essential for the maintenance of synaptic and neuronal integrity and function, has been identified in neurodegenerative diseases. Whether HIV-1 viral proteins affect mitochondria axonal transport is unknown, albeit HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders occur in around half of the patients living with HIV. Therefore, we sought to examine the effect of HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) on mitochondria axonal transport. Using mice primary neuronal cultures, we demonstrated that 4-day Vpr treatment reduced the ratio of moving mitochondria associated with (i) less energy (ATP) supply, (ii) reduction in Miro-1 and (iii) increase of α-synuclein which led to loss of microtubule stability as demonstrated by inconsecutive distribution of acetylated α-tubulin along the axons. Interestingly, the effect of Vpr on mitochondria axonal transport was partially restored in the presence of bongkrekic acid, a compound that negatively affected the Vpr-adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) interaction and totally restored the ATP level in neurons. This indicated Vpr impaired mitochondria axonal transport partially related to its interaction with ANT. The above effect of Vpr was similar to the data obtained from hippocampal tissues isolated from 18-month-old aging mice compared to 5-month-old mice. In accord with previous clinical findings that HIV infection prematurely ages the brain and increases the susceptibility to HAND, we found that Vpr induced aging markers in neurons. Thus, we concluded that instead of causing cell death, low concentration of HIV-1 Vpr altered neuronal function related with inhibition of mitochondria axonal transport which might contribute to the accelerated neuronal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, United States; Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States.
| | - Maryline Santerre
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, United States; Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States
| | - Italo Tempera
- Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States
| | - Kayla Martin
- Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States
| | - Ruma Mukerjee
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, United States; Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States
| | - Bassel E Sawaya
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, United States; Department of Neurology, The Fels Institute for Cancer Research & Molecular Biology, United States; Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States.
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20
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González ME. The HIV-1 Vpr Protein: A Multifaceted Target for Therapeutic Intervention. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010126. [PMID: 28075409 PMCID: PMC5297760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Vpr protein is an attractive target for antiretroviral drug development. The conservation both of the structure along virus evolution and the amino acid sequence in viral isolates from patients underlines the importance of Vpr for the establishment and progression of HIV-1 disease. While its contribution to virus replication in dividing and non-dividing cells and to the pathogenesis of HIV-1 in many different cell types, both extracellular and intracellular forms, have been extensively studied, its precise mechanism of action nevertheless remains enigmatic. The present review discusses how the apparently multifaceted interplay between Vpr and host cells may be due to the impairment of basic metabolic pathways. Vpr protein modifies host cell energy metabolism, oxidative status, and proteasome function, all of which are likely conditioned by the concentration and multimerization of the protein. The characterization of Vpr domains along with new laboratory tools for the assessment of their function has become increasingly relevant in recent years. With these advances, it is conceivable that drug discovery efforts involving Vpr-targeted antiretrovirals will experience substantial growth in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia González
- Unidad de Expresión Viral, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Carretera de Majadahonda-Pozuelo Km 2, Majadahonda, 28220 Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Dampier W, Antell GC, Aiamkitsumrit B, Nonnemacher MR, Jacobson JM, Pirrone V, Zhong W, Kercher K, Passic S, Williams JW, James T, Devlin KN, Giovannetti T, Libon DJ, Szep Z, Ehrlich GD, Wigdahl B, Krebs FC. Specific amino acids in HIV-1 Vpr are significantly associated with differences in patient neurocognitive status. J Neurovirol 2016; 23:113-124. [PMID: 27400931 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-016-0462-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Even in the era of combination antiretroviral therapies used to combat human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, up to 50 % of well-suppressed HIV-1-infected patients are still diagnosed with mild neurological deficits referred to as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The multifactorial nature of HAND likely involves the HIV-1 accessory protein viral protein R (Vpr) as an agent of neuropathogenesis. To investigate the effect of naturally occurring variations in Vpr on HAND in well-suppressed HIV-1-infected patients, bioinformatic analyses were used to correlate peripheral blood-derived Vpr sequences with patient neurocognitive performance, as measured by comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and the resulting Global Deficit Score (GDS). Our studies revealed unique associations between GDS and the presence of specific amino acid changes in peripheral blood-derived Vpr sequences [neuropsychological impairment Vpr (niVpr) variants]. Amino acids N41 and A55 in the Vpr sequence were associated with more pronounced neurocognitive deficits (higher GDS). In contrast, amino acids I37 and S41 were connected to measurably lower GDS. All niVpr variants were also detected in DNA isolated from HIV-1-infected brain tissues. The implication of these results is that niVpr variants alter the genesis and/or progression of HAND through differences in Vpr-mediated effects in the peripheral blood and/or the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Dampier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gregory C Antell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael R Nonnemacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Jacobson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Disease, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa Pirrone
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wen Zhong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Katherine Kercher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shendra Passic
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean W Williams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tony James
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathryn N Devlin
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - David J Libon
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, USA
| | - Zsofia Szep
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Garth D Ehrlich
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Genomic Sciences, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Advanced Microbial Processing, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian Wigdahl
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Fred C Krebs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Center for Molecular Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine and Infectious Disease, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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22
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Soares R, Rocha G, Meliço-Silvestre A, Gonçalves T. HIV1-viral protein R (Vpr) mutations: associated phenotypes and relevance for clinical pathologies. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:314-29. [DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Soares
- FMUC-Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
- CNC-Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
- IPO-Instituto Português de Oncologia Francisco Gentil; Coimbra Portugal
| | - Graça Rocha
- FMUC-Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
- Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra; CHUC-Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - António Meliço-Silvestre
- FMUC-Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
- Departamento de Doenças Infeciosas; CHUC - Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- FMUC-Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
- CNC-Centro de Neurociências e Biologia Celular; Universidade de Coimbra; Coimbra Portugal
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23
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Sagar V, Atluri VSR, Pilakka-Kanthikeel S, Nair M. Magnetic nanotherapeutics for dysregulated synaptic plasticity during neuroAIDS and drug abuse. Mol Brain 2016; 9:57. [PMID: 27216740 PMCID: PMC4878083 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a neurotropic virus. It induces neurotoxicity and subsequent brain pathologies in different brain cells. Addiction to recreational drugs remarkably affects the initiation of HIV infections and expedites the progression of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated neuropathogenesis. Symptoms of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are noticed in many AIDS patients. At least 50 % of HIV diagnosed cases show one or other kind of neuropathological signs or symptoms during different stages of disease progression. In the same line, mild to severe neurological alterations are seen in at least 80 % autopsies of AIDS patients. Neurological illnesses weaken the connections between neurons causing significant altercations in synaptic plasticity. Synaptic plasticity alterations during HIV infection and recreational drug abuse are mediated by complex cellular phenomena involving changes in gene expression and subsequent loss of dendritic and spine morphology and physiology. New treatment strategies with ability to deliver drugs across blood-brain barrier (BBB) are being intensively investigated. In this context, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) based nanoformulations have shown significant potential for target specificity, drug delivery, drug release, and bioavailability of desired amount of drugs in non-invasive brain targeting. MNPs-based potential therapies to promote neuronal plasticity during HIV infection and recreational drug abuse are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya Sagar
- Department of Immunology, Center for Personalized Nanomedicine/Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Venkata Subba Rao Atluri
- Department of Immunology, Center for Personalized Nanomedicine/Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Sudheesh Pilakka-Kanthikeel
- Department of Immunology, Center for Personalized Nanomedicine/Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Madhavan Nair
- Department of Immunology, Center for Personalized Nanomedicine/Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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HIV-1 gp120-Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction and HIV-Associated Neurological Disorders. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:135-7. [PMID: 27072361 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9619-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of HIV infection presents a great challenge among the patients who develop various forms of cognitive impairments. Particularly, the neurotoxicity associated with HIV is attributed to different viral proteins present in HIV, and is a root cause for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). A common characteristic among several neurodegenerative disorders including HAND is mitochondrial dysfunction in various brain cells. However, there has been very little effort to explore the possibility of exploiting mitochondrial dynamics in HAND treatment. A recent study by Avdoshina and colleagues has reported the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-1 gp120-mediated neuronal dysfunction, which presents a novel mechanism for the development of adjunct therapy to treat HAND.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this work, we evaluated the association of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and methamphetamine (METH) use with mitochondrial injury in the brain and its implication on neurocognitive impairment. DESIGN Mitochondria carry their genome (mtDNA) and play a critical role in cellular processes in the central nervous system. METH is commonly used in HIV-infected populations. HIV infection and METH use can cause damage to mtDNA and lead to neurocognitive morbidity. We evaluated HIV infection and METH use with mitochondrial injury in the brain. METHODS We obtained white and gray matter from Brodmann areas 7, 8, 9, 46 of the following: HIV-infected individuals with history of past METH use (HIV+METH+, n = 16), HIV-infected individuals with no history of past METH use (HIV+METH-, n = 11), and HIV-negative controls (HIV-METH-, n = 30). We used the 'common deletion', a 4977 bp mutation, as a measurement of mitochondrial injury, and quantified levels of mtDNA and 'common deletion' by droplet digital PCR, and evaluated in relation to neurocognitive functioning [Global Deficit Score (GDS)]. RESULTS Levels of mtDNA and mitochondrial injury were highest in white matter of Brodmann area 46. A higher relative proportion of mtDNA carrying the 'common deletion' was associated with lower GDS (P < 0.01) in HIV+METH+ but higher GDS (P < 0.01) in HIV+METH-. CONCLUSIONS Increased mitochondrial injury was associated with worse neurocognitive function in HIV+METH- individuals. Among HIV+METH+ individuals, an opposite effect was seen.
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Doi A, Iijima K, Kano S, Ishizaka Y. Viral protein R of HIV type-1 induces retrotransposition and upregulates glutamate synthesis by the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 signaling pathway. Microbiol Immunol 2016; 59:398-409. [PMID: 25990091 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein R (Vpr) of HIV-1 plays an important role in viral replication in macrophages. Various lines of evidence suggest that expression of Vpr in macrophages causes immunopathogenesis; however, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. In this study, it was shown that recombinant Vpr (rVpr) induces retrotransposition of long interspersed element-1 in RAW264.7, a macrophage-like cell line, and activates reverse transcriptase-dependent immunotoxic cascades including production of IFN-β and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). Knockout experiments based on the CRISPR/Cas9 nickase system further demonstrated that cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) and stimulator of interferon gene (STING) are responsible for IFN-β production and STAT1 phosphorylation, respectively. Moreover, rVpr was found to increase production of glutaminase C, a regulator of glutamate synthesis, which is also dependent on the cGAS-STING pathway. Taken together with reports that glutaminase C is involved in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) and that Vpr is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1-positive patients, a possible role of Vpr-induced L1-RTP and immunotoxic cascades in the development of HAND is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Doi
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0052.,Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-nodai, Tsukuba, 305-0006.,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083
| | - Kenta Iijima
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0052
| | - Shigeyuki Kano
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-nodai, Tsukuba, 305-0006.,Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0052, Japan
| | - Yukihito Ishizaka
- Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0052
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Arenaccio C, Manfredi F, Anticoli S, Chiozzini C, Federico M. Uncovering the role of defective HIV-1 in spreading viral infection. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Defective HIV-1 genomes populate blood cells of HIV-1 infected patients, especially during HAART treatment. They can express viral proteins which, if released, may induce bystander effects favoring viral spread. Here, we review recent literature regarding the effects of extracellular HIV-1 proteins which can act as effectors of transcriptionally active, defective HIV-1, including Gag p17, Env gp120, Vpr, Tat and Nef. It has been very recently described that, different to the other HIV products, the bystander effects of Nef can be mediated by exosomes, that is, nanovesicles constitutively released by all cell types. Exosomes from Nef-expressing cells induce cell activation and HIV-1 susceptibility in resting CD4+ T lymphocytes in a TNF-α-dependent way. This mechanism likely contributes to virus persistence in HAART-treated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simona Anticoli
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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HIV-1 Vpr suppresses the cytomegalovirus promoter in a CRL4(DCAF1) E3 ligase independent manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 459:214-219. [PMID: 25704090 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although the Vpr protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) has been shown to act as a transcriptional activator of the HIV-1 LTR and certain host genes, the current study demonstrates that it can also function as a potent inhibitor of the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. Previous studies have shown that the cell cycle arrest and apoptotic functions of Vpr required recruitment of the CRL4(DCAF1) E3 ligase, but this complex is shown not to be required for inhibition of the CMV promoter. We identified conserved sites (A30/V31) from diverse Vpr from HIV/SIV that were critical for blocking the CMV promoter activity. Interestingly, the Vpr mutant A30S/V31S protein also impaired the ability of Vpr to down-regulate transcription of the host UNG2 gene. Our findings shed light on the dual functions of Vpr on the transcription of HIV-1, other viruses and host genes which may contribute to viral replication and disease progression in vivo.
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Defining differential genetic signatures in CXCR4- and the CCR5-utilizing HIV-1 co-linear sequences. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107389. [PMID: 25265194 PMCID: PMC4180074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptation of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) to an array of physiologic niches is advantaged by the plasticity of the viral genome, encoded proteins, and promoter. CXCR4-utilizing (X4) viruses preferentially, but not universally, infect CD4+ T cells, generating high levels of virus within activated HIV-1-infected T cells that can be detected in regional lymph nodes and peripheral blood. By comparison, the CCR5-utilizing (R5) viruses have a greater preference for cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage; however, while R5 viruses also display a propensity to enter and replicate in T cells, they infect a smaller percentage of CD4+ T cells in comparison to X4 viruses. Additionally, R5 viruses have been associated with viral transmission and CNS disease and are also more prevalent during HIV-1 disease. Specific adaptive changes associated with X4 and R5 viruses were identified in co-linear viral sequences beyond the Env-V3. The in silico position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) algorithm was used to define distinct groups of X4 and R5 sequences based solely on sequences in Env-V3. Bioinformatic tools were used to identify genetic signatures involving specific protein domains or long terminal repeat (LTR) transcription factor sites within co-linear viral protein R (Vpr), trans-activator of transcription (Tat), or LTR sequences that were preferentially associated with X4 or R5 Env-V3 sequences. A number of differential amino acid and nucleotide changes were identified across the co-linear Vpr, Tat, and LTR sequences, suggesting the presence of specific genetic signatures that preferentially associate with X4 or R5 viruses. Investigation of the genetic relatedness between X4 and R5 viruses utilizing phylogenetic analyses of complete sequences could not be used to definitively and uniquely identify groups of R5 or X4 sequences; in contrast, differences in the genetic diversities between X4 and R5 were readily identified within these co-linear sequences in HIV-1-infected patients.
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Hakata Y, Miyazawa M, Landau NR. Interactions with DCAF1 and DDB1 in the CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase are required for Vpr-mediated G2 arrest. Virol J 2014; 11:108. [PMID: 24912982 PMCID: PMC4058697 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background HIV-1 Vpr-mediated G2 cell cycle arrest is dependent on the interaction of Vpr with an E3 ubiquitin ligase that contains damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1), Cullin 4A (Cul4A), DDB1 and Cul4-associated factor 1 (DCAF1), and Rbx1. Vpr is thought to associate directly with DCAF1 in the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex although the exact interaction pattern of the proteins in the complex is not completely defined. The Vpr of SIVagm induces G2 arrest of cognate African Green Monkey (AGM) cells but not human cells. The molecular mechanism by which SIVagm Vpr exhibits its species-specific function remained unknown. Methods Physical interaction of proteins in the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation followed by western blotting. In addition, co-localization of the proteins in cells was investigated by confocal microscopy. The cell cycle was analyzed by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry. DNA damage response elicited by Vpr was evaluated by detecting phosphorylation of H2AX, a marker for DNA damage response. Results We show that RNAi knock-down of DCAF1 prevented the co-immunoprecipitation of DDB1 with HIV-1 Vpr while DDB1 knock-down did not influence the binding of Vpr to DCAF1. HIV-1 Vpr mutants with a L64P or a R90K mutation maintained the ability to associate with DCAF1 but did not appear to be in a complex with DDB1. SIVagm Vpr associated with AGM DCAF1 and DDB1 while, in human cells, it binds to human DCAF1 but hardly binds to human DDB1, resulting in the reduced activation of H2AX. Conclusions The identification of Vpr mutants which associate with DCAF1 but only poorly with DDB1 suggests that DCAF1 is necessary but the simple binding of Vpr to DCAF1 is not sufficient for the Vpr association with DDB1-containing E3 ligase complex. Vpr may interact both with DCAF1 and DDB1 in the E3 ligase complex. Alternatively, the interaction of Vpr and DCAF1 may induce a conformational change in DCAF1 or Vpr that promotes the interaction with DDB1. The ability of SIVagm Vpr to associate with DDB1, but not DCAF1, can explain the species-specificity of SIVagm Vpr-mediated G2 arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiyuki Hakata
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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Abstract
Chronic distal symmetrical sensory peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological complication of cancer chemotherapy, HIV treatment and diabetes. Although aetiology-specific differences in presentation are evident, the clinical signs and symptoms of these neuropathies are clearly similar. Data from animal models of neuropathic pain suggest that the similarities have a common cause: mitochondrial dysfunction in primary afferent sensory neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction is caused by mitotoxic effects of cancer chemotherapeutic drugs of several chemical classes, HIV-associated viral proteins, and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor treatment, as well as the (possibly both direct and indirect) effects of excess glucose. The mitochondrial injury results in a chronic neuronal energy deficit, which gives rise to spontaneous nerve impulses and a compartmental neuronal degeneration that is first apparent in the terminal receptor arbor--that is, intraepidermal nerve fibres--of cutaneous afferent neurons. Preliminary data suggest that drugs that prevent mitochondrial injury or improve mitochondrial function could be useful in the treatment of these conditions.
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Torres L, Noel RJ. Astrocytic expression of HIV-1 viral protein R in the hippocampus causes chromatolysis, synaptic loss and memory impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2014; 11:53. [PMID: 24655810 PMCID: PMC3994341 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-11-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-infected individuals are at an increased risk of developing neurological abnormalities. HIV induces neurotoxicity by host cellular factors and individual viral proteins. Some of these proteins including viral protein R (Vpr) promote immune activation and neuronal damage. Vpr is known to contribute to cell death of cultured rat hippocampal neurons and suppresses axonal growth. Behavioral studies are limited and suggest hyperactivity in the presence of Vpr. Thus Vpr may play a role in hippocampal loss of function. The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of HIV-1 Vpr production by astrocytes in the hippocampus to cause neurological deficits and memory impairments. METHODS We tested the performance of rats in novel object and novel location tasks after hippocampal infusion with astrocytes expressing HIV-1 Vpr. Synaptic injury and morphological changes were measured by synaptophysin immunoreactivity and Nissl staining. RESULTS Vpr-infused rats showed impaired novel location and novel object recognition compared with control rats expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). This impairment was correlated with a significant decrease in synaptophysin immunoreactivity in the hippocampal CA3 region, suggesting synaptic injury in HIV-1 Vpr-treated animals. In addition, Nissl staining showed morphological changes indicative of neuronal chromatolysis in the Vpr group. The Vpr-induced neuronal damage and synaptic loss suggest that neuronal dysfunction caused the spatial and recognition memory deficits found in the Vpr-infused animals. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we demonstrate that HIV-1 Vpr produced by astrocytes in the hippocampus impairs hippocampal-dependent learning. The data suggest Vpr is a neurotoxin with the potential to cause learning impairment in HIV-1 infected individuals even under conditions of limited viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard J Noel
- Department of Biochemistry, Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences, P,O Box 7004, 00731 Ponce, PR, USA.
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Gangwani MR, Noel RJ, Shah A, Rivera-Amill V, Kumar A. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral protein R (Vpr) induces CCL5 expression in astrocytes via PI3K and MAPK signaling pathways. J Neuroinflammation 2013; 10:136. [PMID: 24225433 PMCID: PMC3831867 DOI: 10.1186/1742-2094-10-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurocognitive impairments remain prevalent in HIV-1 infected individuals despite current antiretroviral therapies. It is increasingly becoming evident that astrocytes play a critical role in HIV-1 neuropathogenesis through the production of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. HIV-1 viral protein R (Vpr) plays an important role in neuronal dysfunction; however, its role in neuroinflammation is not well characterized. The major objective of this study was to determine the effect of Vpr in induction of proinflammatory chemokine CCL5 in astrocytes and to define the underlying mechanism(s). Methods SVGA astrocytes were either mock transfected or were transfected with a plasmid encoding HIV-1 Vpr, and the cells were harvested at different time intervals. The mRNA level of CCL5 expression was quantified using real-time RT-PCR, and cell culture supernatants were assayed for CCL5 protein concentration. Immunocytochemistry was performed on HIV-1 Vpr transfected astrocytes to check CCL5 expression. Various signaling mechanisms such as p38 MAPK, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and AP-1 were explored using specific chemical inhibitors and siRNAs. Results HIV-1 Vpr transfected astrocytes exhibited time-dependent induction of CCL5 as compared to mock-transfected astrocytes at both the mRNA and protein level. Immunostained images of astrocytes transfected with HIV-1 Vpr also showed much higher accumulation of CCL5 in comparison to untransfected and mock-transfected astrocytes. Pre-treatment with NF-κB (SC514) and PI3K/Akt (LY294002) inhibitor partially abrogated CCL5 mRNA and protein expression levels as opposed to untreated controls after HIV-1 Vpr transfection. Specific siRNAs against p50 and p65 subunits of NF-κB, p38δ MAPK, Akt-2 and Akt-3, and AP-1 transcription factor substantially inhibited the production of CCL5 in HIV-1 Vpr transfected astrocytes. Conclusion These results demonstrate the ability of HIV-1 Vpr to induce CCL5 in astrocytes in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, this effect was observed to be mediated by transcription factors NF-κB and AP-1 and involved the p38-MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anil Kumar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA.
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Ferrucci A, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Extracellular HIV-1 viral protein R affects astrocytic glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and neuronal survival. J Neurovirol 2013; 19:239-53. [PMID: 23728617 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-013-0170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral protein R (Vpr) is a pleiotropic protein accomplishing several functions within the viral life cycle. While Vpr has been described extensively as an intracellular protein, very little is known about its role as an extracellular protein. In fact, HIV-1 Vpr has been detected in the blood, serum, and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1-infected patients, with concentrations increasingly higher in late-stage disease. To determine the role exogenous Vpr plays in HIV-associated central nervous system dysfunction, primary human fetal astrocytes were exposed to recombinant Vpr and a time- and dose-dependent decrease was demonstrated in two fundamental intracellular metabolites (adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and glutathione (GSH)). Additionally, exposure to exogenous Vpr led to increased caspase activity and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-8 and chemoattractants, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and migration inhibition factor. Extracellular Vpr also dampened the glycolytic pathway through impairment of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, causing a decline in the levels of ATP. The reduction in intracellular ATP increased reactive oxygen species buildup, decreasing GSH concentrations, which affected several genes in the oxidative stress pathway. In addition, exposure of the SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell line to conditioned medium from exogenous Vpr-treated astrocytes decreased synthesis of GSH, leading to their apoptosis. These observations point to a role that Vpr plays in altering astrocytic metabolism and indirectly affecting neuronal survival. We propose a model that may explain some of the neurological damage and therefore neurocognitive impairment observed during the course of HIV-1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Ferrucci
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA
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Ferrucci A, Nonnemacher MR, Cohen EA, Wigdahl B. Extracellular human immunodeficiency virus type 1 viral protein R causes reductions in astrocytic ATP and glutathione levels compromising the antioxidant reservoir. Virus Res 2012; 167:358-69. [PMID: 22691542 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) often display neurological complications in late stage disease and increased viral loads directly correlated with higher concentrations of extracellular HIV-1 viral protein r (Vpr) in the blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Additionally, HIV-1-infected patients with a low CD4+ T-lymphocyte count displayed lower concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), the main intracellular antioxidant molecule, and lower level of survival. To establish a correlation between increased concentrations of extracellular Vpr and an oxidative stress-induced phenotype, the U-87 MG astroglioma cell line has been used to determine the downstream effects induced by Vpr. Conditioned media obtained from the human endothelial kidney (HEK) 293 T cell line transfected either in the absence or presence of HIV-1 Vpr contained free Vpr. Exposure of U-87 MG to this conditioned media decreased intracellular levels of both adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and GSH. These observations were recapitulated using purified recombinant HIV-1 Vpr both in U-87 MG and primary human fetal astrocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Vpr-induced oxidative stress could be partly restored by co-treatment with the antioxidant molecule N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). In addition, free Vpr augmented production of reactive oxygen species due to an increase in the level of oxidized glutathione (GSSG). This event was almost entirely suppressed by treatment with an anti-Vpr antibody or co-treatment with NAC. These studies confirm a role of extracellular Vpr in impairing astrocytic levels of intracellular ATP and GSH. Studies are underway to better understand the intricate correlation between reductions in ATP and GSH metabolites and how they affect neuronal survival in end-stage disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Ferrucci
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Busca A, Saxena M, Kumar A. Critical role for antiapoptotic Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 in human macrophage survival and cellular IAP1/2 (cIAP1/2) in resistance to HIV-Vpr-induced apoptosis. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:15118-33. [PMID: 22403404 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.312660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are resistant to HIV cytopathic effects, which contributes to viral persistence and reservoir formation. HIV viral protein R (Vpr) is a potent apoptosis-inducing agent for primary monocytes. Because the biologically active Vpr is found in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-infected patients, we investigated the apoptotic effect of Vpr on monocyte-derived macrophages and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-activated THP1 macrophages. Our results show that primary monocytes and THP1 cells develop resistance to Vpr-induced apoptosis following differentiation into macrophages. To determine the effect of Vpr on the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, we show that in contrast to the undifferentiated cells, Vpr did not down-regulate the expression of antiapoptotic inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) and Bcl2 family members in macrophages, suggesting their involvement in resistance to Vpr-induced apoptosis. However, knocking down Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 proteins induced spontaneous apoptosis with no impact on susceptibility to Vpr-induced apoptosis. In contrast, down-regulation of cellular IAP1 (cIAP1) and cIAP2 by using siRNAs and SMAC (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases) mimetic sensitized macrophages to Vpr-induced apoptosis. Overall, our results suggest that resistance to Vpr-induced apoptosis is specifically mediated by cIAP1/2 genes independent of Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, which play a key role in maintaining cell viability. Moreover, IAP modulation may be a potential strategy to eliminate HIV persistence in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Busca
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L1, Canada
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Ferrucci A, Nonnemacher MR, Wigdahl B. Human immunodeficiency virus viral protein R as an extracellular protein in neuropathogenesis. Adv Virus Res 2012; 81:165-99. [PMID: 22094081 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385885-6.00010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies published in the past two decades have identified the viral protein R (Vpr) as one of the most versatile proteins in the life cycle of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In this regard, more than a thousand Vpr molecules are present in extracellular viral particles. Subsequent to viral entry, Vpr participates in early replicative events by assisting in viral genome nuclear import and, during the viral life cycle, by shuttling between the nucleus and the cytoplasm to accomplish its functions within the context of other replicative functions. Additionally, several studies have implicated Vpr as a proapoptotic protein because it promotes formation of permeability transition pores in mitochondria, which in turn affects transmembrane potential and adenosine triphosphate synthesis. Recent studies have identified Vpr as a virion-free protein in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients infected with HIV-1 whose plasma viremia directly correlates with the extracellular concentration of Vpr. These observations pointed to a new role for Vpr as an additional weapon in the HIV-1 arsenal, involving the use of an extracellular protein to target and possibly inhibit HIV-1-uninfected bystander cells to enable them to escape immune surveillance. In addition, extracellular Vpr decreases adenosine triphosphate levels and affects the intracellular redox balance in neurons, ultimately causing their apoptosis. Herein, we review the role of Vpr as an extracellular protein and its downstream effects on cellular metabolism, functionality, and survival, with particular emphasis on how extracellular Vpr-induced oxidative stress might aggravate HIV-1-induced symptoms, thus affecting pathogenesis and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Ferrucci
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Williamson CD, DeBiasi RL, Colberg-Poley AM. Viral product trafficking to mitochondria, mechanisms and roles in pathogenesis. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2012; 12:18-37. [PMID: 22034933 PMCID: PMC4435936 DOI: 10.2174/187152612798994948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A wide variety of viruses cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans. However, targeted antiviral therapies have been developed for only a subset of these viruses, with the majority of currently licensed antiviral drugs targeting viral entry, replication or exit steps during the viral life cycle. Due to increasing emergence of antiviral drug resistant viruses, the isolation of multiple viral subtypes, and toxicities of existing therapies, there remains an urgent need for the timely development of novel antiviral agents, including those targeting host factors essential for viral replication. This review summarizes viral products that target mitochondria and their effects on common mitochondria regulated pathways. These viral products and the mitochondrial pathways affected by them provide potential novel targets for the rational design of antiviral drugs. Viral products alter oxidative balance, mitochondrial permeability transition pore, mitochondrial membrane potential, electron transport and energy production. Moreover, viruses may cause the Warburg Effect, in which metabolism is reprogrammed to aerobic glycolysis as the main source of energy. Finally, viral products affect proapoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling, as well as mitochondrial innate immune signaling. Because of their importance for the generation of metabolic intermediates and energy as well as cell survival, mitochondrial pathways are targeted by multiple independent viral products. Structural modifications of existing drugs targeted to mitochondrial pathways may lead to the development of novel antiviral drugs with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad D. Williamson
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
| | - Roberta L. DeBiasi
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC 20037 Tel. 202-476-3984 FAX 202-476-3929
| | - Anamaris M. Colberg-Poley
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Medical Center, 111 Michigan Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20010
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC 20037 Tel. 202-476-3984 FAX 202-476-3929
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC 20037 Tel. 202-476-3984 FAX 202-476-3929
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Takeda E, Murakami T, Matsuda G, Murakami H, Zako T, Maeda M, Aida Y. Nuclear exportin receptor CAS regulates the NPI-1-mediated nuclear import of HIV-1 Vpr. PLoS One 2011; 6:e27815. [PMID: 22110766 PMCID: PMC3218035 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/26/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vpr, an accessory protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in viral replication. We have previously shown that the region between residues 17 and 74 of Vpr (VprN17C74) contained a bona fide nuclear localization signal and it is targeted VprN17C74 to the nuclear envelope and then imported into the nucleus by importin α (Impα) alone. The interaction between Impα and Vpr is important not only for the nuclear import of Vpr but also for HIV-1 replication in macrophages; however, it was unclear whether full-length Vpr enters the nucleus in a manner similar to VprN17C74. This study investigated the nuclear import of full-length Vpr using the three typical Impα isoforms, Rch1, Qip1 and NPI-1, and revealed that full-length Vpr is selectively imported by NPI-1, but not Rch1 and Qip1, after it makes contact with the perinuclear region in digitonin-permeabilized cells. A binding assay using the three Impα isoforms showed that Vpr bound preferentially to the ninth armadillo repeat (ARM) region (which is also essential for the binding of CAS, the export receptor for Impα) in all three isoforms. Comparison of biochemical binding affinities between Vpr and the Impα isoforms using surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated almost identical values for the binding of Vpr to the full-length isoforms and to their C-terminal domains. By contrast, the data showed that, in the presence of CAS, Vpr was released from the Vpr/NPI-1 complex but was not released from Rch1 or Qip1. Finally, the NPI-1–mediated nuclear import of Vpr was greatly reduced in semi-intact CAS knocked-down cells and was recovered by the addition of exogenous CAS. This report is the first to show the requirement for and the regulation of CAS in the functioning of the Vpr-Impα complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Takeda
- Viral Infectious Diseases Unit, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Murakami
- Viral Infectious Diseases Unit, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory of Viral Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Go Matsuda
- Viral Infectious Diseases Unit, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hironobu Murakami
- Viral Infectious Diseases Unit, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Japan Foundation for AIDS Prevention, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Zako
- Bioengineering Laboratory, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Mizuo Maeda
- Bioengineering Laboratory, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yoko Aida
- Viral Infectious Diseases Unit, RIKEN, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory of Viral Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Genome Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Science, The University of Tokyo, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Chang JR, Ghafouri M, Mukerjee R, Bagashev A, Chabrashvili T, Sawaya BE. Role of p53 in neurodegenerative diseases. NEURODEGENER DIS 2011; 9:68-80. [PMID: 22042001 DOI: 10.1159/000329999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND p53 plays an important role in many areas of cellular physiology and biology, ranging from cellular development and differentiation to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Many of its functions are attributed to its role in assuring proper cellular division. However, since the establishment of its role in cell cycle arrest, damage repair, and apoptosis (thus also establishing its importance in cancer development), numerous reports have demonstrated additional functions of p53 in various cells. In particular, p53 appears to have important functions as it relates to neurodegeneration and synaptic plasticity. OBJECTIVE In this review, we will address p53 functions as it relates to various neurodegenerative diseases, mainly its implications in the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. CONCLUSION p53 plays a pivotal role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases through its interaction with cellular factors, viral factors, and/or small RNAs that have the ability to promote the development of these diseases. Hence, inhibition of p53 may present an ideal target to restore neuronal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Robert Chang
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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41
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Deshmane SL, Amini S, Sen S, Khalili K, Sawaya BE. Regulation of the HIV-1 promoter by HIF-1α and Vpr proteins. Virol J 2011; 8:477. [PMID: 22023789 PMCID: PMC3210103 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-8-477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated the ability of HIV-1 Vpr protein to activate the oxidative stress pathway, thus leading to the induction of the hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). Therefore, we sought to examine the interplay between the two proteins and the impact of HIF-1α activation on HIV-1 transcription. Using transient transfection assays, we identified the optimal concentration of HIF-1α necessary for the activation of the HIV-1 promoter as well as the domain within HIF-1α responsible for this activation. Our findings indicated that activation of the HIV-1 LTR by Vpr is HIF-1α dependent. Furthermore, we showed that both Vpr and HIF-1α activate the HIV-1 promoter through the GC-rich binding domain within the LTR. Taken together, these data shed more light on the mechanisms used by Vpr to activate the HIV-1 promoter and placed HIF-1α as a major participant in this activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish L Deshmane
- Center for Neurovirology, Department of Neuroscience, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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42
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Mukerjee R, Chang JR, Del Valle L, Bagashev A, Gayed MM, Lyde RB, Hawkins BJ, Brailoiu E, Cohen E, Power C, Azizi SA, Gelman BB, Sawaya BE. Deregulation of microRNAs by HIV-1 Vpr protein leads to the development of neurocognitive disorders. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:34976-85. [PMID: 21816823 PMCID: PMC3186354 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.241547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies have shown that HIV-infected patients develop neurocognitive disorders characterized by neuronal dysfunction. The lack of productive infection of neurons by HIV suggests that viral and cellular proteins, with neurotoxic activities, released from HIV-1-infected target cells can cause this neuronal deregulation. The viral protein R (Vpr), a protein encoded by HIV-1, has been shown to alter the expression of various important cytokines and inflammatory proteins in infected and uninfected cells; however the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Using a human neuronal cell line, we found that Vpr can be taken up by neurons causing: (i) deregulation of calcium homeostasis, (ii) endoplasmic reticulum-calcium release, (iii) activation of the oxidative stress pathway, (iv) mitochondrial dysfunction and v- synaptic retraction. In search for the cellular factors involved, we performed microRNAs and gene array assays using human neurons (primary cultures or cell line, SH-SY5Y) that we treated with recombinant Vpr proteins. Interestingly, Vpr deregulates the levels of several microRNAs (e.g. miR-34a) and their target genes (e.g. CREB), which could lead to neuronal dysfunctions. Therefore, we conclude that Vpr plays a major role in neuronal dysfunction through deregulating microRNAs and their target genes, a phenomenon that could lead to the development of neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luis Del Valle
- the Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, and Department of Pathology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
| | | | | | | | - Brian J. Hawkins
- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Mitochondria and Metabolism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109
| | - Eugen Brailoiu
- Pharmacology, Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
| | - Eric Cohen
- the Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM) and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Chris Power
- the Departments of Medicine (Neurology), Medical Microbiology & Immunology, and Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2S2, Canada, and
| | | | - Benjamin B. Gelman
- the Departments of Pathology and Neuroscience & Cell Biology, Texas NeuroAIDS Research Center, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-0609
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Power C, Hui E, Vivithanaporn P, Acharjee S, Polyak M. Delineating HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders using transgenic models: the neuropathogenic actions of Vpr. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2011; 7:319-31. [PMID: 21918813 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-011-9310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) represent a constellation of neurological disabilities defined by neuropsychological impairments, neurobehavioral abnormalities and motor deficits. To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of these disabilities, several transgenic models have been developed over the past two decades, which have provided important information regarding the cellular and molecular factors contributing to the neuropathogenesis of HAND. Herein, we concentrate on the neuropathogenic effects of HIV-1 Vpr expressed under the control of c-fms, resulting transgene expression in myeloid cells in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Vpr's actions, possibly through its impact on cell cycle machinery, in brain culminate in neuronal and astrocyte injury and death through apoptosis involving activation of caspases-3, -6 and -9 depending on the individual target cell type. Indeed, these outcomes are also induced by soluble Vpr implying Vpr's effects stem from direct interaction with target cells. Remarkably, in vivo transgenic Vpr expression induces a neurodegenerative phenotype defined by neurobehavioral deficits and neuronal loss in the absence of frank inflammation. Implantation of another viral protein, hepatitis C virus (HCV) core, into Vpr transgenic animals' brains stimulated neuroinflammation and amplified the neurodegenerative disease phenotype, thereby recapitulating HCV's putative neuropathogenic actions. The availability of different transgenic models to study HIV neuropathogenesis represents exciting and innovative approaches to understanding disease mechanisms and perhaps developing new therapeutic strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Power
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Heritage Medical Research Center, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Na H, Acharjee S, Jones G, Vivithanaporn P, Noorbakhsh F, McFarlane N, Maingat F, Ballanyi K, Pardo CA, Cohen EA, Power C. Interactions between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 Vpr expression and innate immunity influence neurovirulence. Retrovirology 2011; 8:44. [PMID: 21645334 PMCID: PMC3123635 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-8-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral diversity and abundance are defining properties of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1's biology and pathogenicity. Despite the increasing availability of antiretroviral therapy, HIV-associated dementia (HAD) continues to be a devastating consequence of HIV-1 infection of the brain although the underlying disease mechanisms remain uncertain. Herein, molecular diversity within the HIV-1 non-structural gene, Vpr, was examined in RNA sequences derived from brain and blood of HIV/AIDS patients with or without HIV-associated dementia (HAD) together with the ensuing pathobiological effects. RESULTS Cloned brain- and blood-derived full length vpr alleles revealed that amino acid residue 77 within the brain-derived alleles distinguished HAD (77Q) from non-demented (ND) HIV/AIDS patients (77R) (p < 0.05) although vpr transcripts were more frequently detected in HAD brains (p < 0.05). Full length HIV-1 clones encoding the 77R-ND residue induced higher IFN-α, MX1 and BST-2 transcript levels in human glia relative to the 77Q-HAD encoding virus (p < 0.05) but both viruses exhibited similar levels of gene expression and replication. Myeloid cells transfected with 77Q-(pVpr77Q-HAD), 77R (pVpr77R-ND) or Vpr null (pVpr(-))-containing vectors showed that the pVpr77R-ND vector induced higher levels of immune gene expression (p < 0.05) and increased neurotoxicity (p < 0.05). Vpr peptides (amino acids 70-96) containing the 77Q-HAD or 77R-ND motifs induced similar levels of cytosolic calcium activation when exposed to human neurons. Human glia exposed to the 77R-ND peptide activated higher transcript levels of IFN-α, MX1, PRKRA and BST-2 relative to 77Q-HAD peptide (p < 0.05). The Vpr 77R-ND peptide was also more neurotoxic in a concentration-dependent manner when exposed to human neurons (p < 0.05). Stereotaxic implantation of full length Vpr, 77Q-HAD or 77R-ND peptides into the basal ganglia of mice revealed that full length Vpr and the 77R-ND peptide caused greater neurobehavioral deficits and neuronal injury compared with 77Q-HAD peptide-implanted animals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These observations underscored the potent neuropathogenic properties of Vpr but also indicated viral diversity modulates innate neuroimmunity and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Na
- Department of Medicine University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada.
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Kogan M, Rappaport J. HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr: relevance in the pathogenesis of HIV and potential for therapeutic intervention. Retrovirology 2011; 8:25. [PMID: 21489275 PMCID: PMC3090340 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-8-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The HIV protein, Vpr, is a multifunctional accessory protein critical for efficient viral infection of target CD4+ T cells and macrophages. Vpr is incorporated into virions and functions to transport the preintegration complex into the nucleus where the process of viral integration into the host genome is completed. This action is particularly important in macrophages, which as a result of their terminal differentiation and non-proliferative status, would be otherwise more refractory to HIV infection. Vpr has several other critical functions including activation of HIV-1 LTR transcription, cell-cycle arrest due to DCAF-1 binding, and both direct and indirect contributions to T-cell dysfunction. The interactions of Vpr with molecular pathways in the context of macrophages, on the other hand, support accumulation of a persistent reservoir of HIV infection in cells of the myeloid lineage. The role of Vpr in the virus life cycle, as well as its effects on immune cells, appears to play an important role in the immune pathogenesis of AIDS and the development of HIV induced end-organ disease. In view of the pivotal functions of Vpr in virus infection, replication, and persistence of infection, this protein represents an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kogan
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Temple University School of Medicine, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
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Bergonzini V, Calistri A, Salata C, Del Vecchio C, Sartori E, Parolin C, Palù G. Nef and cell signaling transduction: a possible involvement in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus-associated dementia. J Neurovirol 2010; 15:238-48. [PMID: 19455469 DOI: 10.1080/13550280902939748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Although the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in a significant decrease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) morbidity and mortality, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia (HAD) has actually risen, due to the increasing life expectancy of the infected subjects. To date, several aspects of the HAD pathogenesis remain to be dissected. In particular, the viral-cellular protein interplay is still under investigation. Given their specific features, two viral proteins, Tat and Nef, have been mainly hypothesized to play a role in HIV neuropathology. Here we show that HIV-1 Nef has an effect on the transcriptional levels of a cellular protein, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), that is preferentially expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system at late embryonic stages. By its overexpression along with Nef, the authors demonstrate ALK ability to influence, at least in the U87MG astrocytic glioma cells, the mytogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-K)-dependent pathway. Moreover, although in the absence of a physical direct interaction, Nef and ALK activate matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are likely to contribute to blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage in HAD. Finally, in the in vitro model of glioblastoma cells adopted, Nef and ALK show similar effects by increasing different cytochines/chemokines that may be relevant for HAD pathogenesis. If confirmed in vivo, these data may indicate that, thanks to its ability to interfere with specific cellular pathways involved in BBB damage and in central nervous system (CNS) integrity, Nef, along with specific cellular counterparts, could be one of the viral players implicated in HAD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Bergonzini
- Department of Histology, Microbiology, and Medical Biotechnologies, Division of Microbiology and Virology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Hoshino S, Konishi M, Mori M, Shimura M, Nishitani C, Kuroki Y, Koyanagi Y, Kano S, Itabe H, Ishizaka Y. HIV-1 Vpr induces TLR4/MyD88-mediated IL-6 production and reactivates viral production from latency. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 87:1133-43. [PMID: 20145198 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0809547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vpr, a HIV-1 accessory protein, was believed to be present in the plasma of HIV-1-positive patients, and our previous work demonstrated the presence of plasma Vpr in 20 out of 52 patients. Interestingly, our data revealed that patients' viral titer was correlated with the level of Vpr detected in their plasma. Here, we first show that rVpr, when incubated with human monocytes or MDMs, caused viral production from latently infected cells, and IL-6 was identified as a responsible factor. The induction of IL-6 by rVpr was dependent on signaling through TLR4 and its adaptor molecule, MyD88. We next provide evidence that rVpr induced the formation of OxPC and that a mAb against OxPC blocked rVpr-induced IL-6 production with the concomitant attenuation of MAPK activation. Moreover, the addition of NAC, a scavenger of ROS, abrogated the rVpr-induced formation of OxPC, the phosphorylation of C/EBP-beta, a substrate of MAPK, and IL-6 production. As rIL-6 reactivated viral replication in latently infected cells, our data indicate that rVpr-induced oxidative stress triggers cell-based innate immune responses and reactivates viral production in latently infected cells via IL-6 production. Our results suggest that Vpr should be monitored based on the viral titer, and they provide the rationale for the development of novel, anti-AIDS therapeutics targeting Vpr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Hoshino
- Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan
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Noorbakhsh F, Ramachandran R, Barsby N, Ellestad KK, LeBlanc A, Dickie P, Baker G, Hollenberg MD, Cohen EA, Power C. MicroRNA profiling reveals new aspects of HIV neurodegeneration: caspase-6 regulates astrocyte survival. FASEB J 2010; 24:1799-812. [PMID: 20097875 DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-147819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which are known to regulate gene expression in physiological and pathological conditions. miRNA profiling was performed using brain tissue from patients with HIV encephalitis (HIVE), a neuroinflammatory/degenerative disorder caused by HIV infection of the brain. Microarray analysis showed differential expression of multiple miRNAs in HIVE compared to control brains. Target prediction and gene ontology enrichment analysis disclosed targeting of several gene families/biological processes by differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), with cell death-related genes, including caspase-6, showing a bias toward down-regulated DEMs. Consistent with the miRNA data, HIVE brains exhibited higher levels of caspase-6 transcripts compared with control patients. Immunohistochemical analysis showed localization of the cleaved form of caspase-6 in astrocytes in HIVE brain sections. Exposure of cultured human primary astrocytes to HIV viral protein R (Vpr) induced p53 up-regulation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-6 activation followed by cell injury. Transgenic mice, expressing Vpr in microglial cells, demonstrated astrocyte apoptosis in brain, which was associated with caspase-6 activation and neurobehavioral abnormalities. Overall, these data point to previously unrecognized alterations in miRNA profile in the brain during HIV infection, which contribute to cell death through dysregulation of cell death machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Valcour V, Yeh TM, Bartt R, Clifford D, Gerschenson M, Evans SR, Cohen BA, Ebenezer GJ, Hauer P, Millar L, Gould M, Tran P, Shikuma C, Souza S, McArthur JC. Acetyl-l-carnitine and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated neuropathy in HIV infection. HIV Med 2009; 10:103-10. [PMID: 19200173 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2008.00658.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antiretroviral toxic neuropathy (ATN) is associated with dideoxynucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor use in patients infected with HIV, possibly as a result of mitochondrial toxicity. Acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) has been linked to symptomatic improvement in ATN. We present an open-label single-arm pilot study to evaluate changes in intra-epidermal nerve fibre (IENF) density and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copies/cell among subjects treated with 3000 mg ALC daily. METHODS Punch skin biopsies were examined at baseline and after 24 weeks of therapy. Participants reported neuropathic symptoms using the Gracely Pain Intensity Score. Neurological examinations were completed. RESULTS Twenty-one subjects completed the study. ALC was generally well tolerated. The IENF density did not change in cases completing 24 weeks of ALC therapy, with median (90% confidence interval) IENF changes of -1.70 (-3.50, infinity) (P=0.98) and 2.15 (-0.10, infinity) (P=0.11) for the distal leg and proximal thigh, respectively. Fat mtDNA copies/cell did not change with therapy. Improvements in neuropathic pain (P<0.01), paresthesias (P=0.01), and symptoms of numbness (P<0.01) were noted. Similarly, improvement was noted on the Gracely Pain Intensity Score. CONCLUSIONS ALC therapy coincided with improvements in subjective measures of pain in this open-label single-arm study. However, changes were not observed in objective measures of IENF density or mtDNA levels, providing little objective support for use of ALC in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Valcour
- Hawaii AIDS Clinical Research Program, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.
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Romani B, Engelbrecht S. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpr: functions and molecular interactions. J Gen Virol 2009; 90:1795-1805. [PMID: 19458171 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.011726-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) viral protein R (Vpr) is an accessory protein that interacts with a number of cellular and viral proteins. The functions of many of these interactions in the pathogenesis of HIV-1 have been identified. Deletion of the vpr gene reduces the virulence of HIV-1 dramatically, indicating the importance of this protein for the virus. This review describes the current findings on several established functions of HIV-1 Vpr and some possible roles proposed for this protein. Because Vpr exploits cellular proteins and pathways to influence the biology of HIV-1, understanding the functions of Vpr usually involves the study of cellular pathways. Several functions of Vpr are attributed to the virion-incorporated protein, but some of them are attributed to the expression of Vpr in HIV-1-infected cells. The structure of Vpr may be key to understanding the variety of its interactions. Due to the critical role of Vpr in HIV-1 pathogenicity, study of the interactions between Vpr and cellular proteins may help us to understand the mechanism(s) of HIV-1 pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bizhan Romani
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- National Health Laboratory Services, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa.,Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
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