Mutation of a consensus purine nucleotide binding site in the adeno-associated virus rep gene generates a dominant negative phenotype for DNA replication

Mechanistic modeling explains the production dynamics of recombinant adeno-associated virus with the baculovirus expression vector system

Current manufacturing processes for recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have less-than-desired yields and produce significant amounts of empty capsids. The increasing demand and the high cost of goods for rAAV-based gene therapies motivate development of more efficient manufacturing processes. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first rAAV-based gene therapy product manufactured in the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS), a technology that demonstrated production of high titers of full capsids. This work presents a first mechanistic model describing the key extracellular and intracellular phenomena occurring during baculovirus infection and rAAV maturation in the BEVS. The model predictions are successfully validated for in-house and literature experimental measurements of the vector genome and of structural and non-structural proteins collected during rAAV manufacturing in the BEVS with the TwoBac and ThreeBac constructs. A model-based analysis of the process is carried out to identify the bottlenecks that limit full capsid formation. Vector genome amplification is found to be the limiting step for rAAV production in Sf9 cells using either the TwoBac or ThreeBac system. In turn, vector genome amplification is hindered by limiting Rep78 levels. Transgene and non-essential baculovirus protein expression in the insect cell during rAAV manufacturing also negatively influences the rAAV production yields.

The Carter Lab at NIH: A Model of Inclusive Excellence in Biomedical Research

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Dr. Barrie Carter served as the chief of the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health. During that time, his group performed seminal work in adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 2 (AAV2) biology, including creating one of the first infectious clones of AAV2 and some of the first packaged AAV2 vectors. This work contributed substantially to the development of AAVs as gene therapy vectors. Part of the success of the group was due to Dr. Carter's ability to attract and manage a diverse team of talented individuals who synergized into a collaborative group that was more than the sum of its parts. This review describes some of the promising practices employed by the Carter group, which allowed such a diverse group to function so well. These practices included promoting a culture of co-mentoring, open communication, and respectful questioning.

Adeno-associated virus Rep proteins antagonize phosphatase PP1 to counteract KAP1 repression of the latent viral genome

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a small human Dependovirus whose low immunogenicity and capacity for long-term persistence have led to its widespread use as vector for gene therapy. Despite great recent successes in AAV-based gene therapy, further improvements in vector technology may be hindered by an inadequate understanding of various aspects of basic AAV biology. AAV is unique in that its replication is largely dependent on a helper virus and cellular factors. In the absence of helper virus coinfection, wild-type AAV establishes latency through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Challenging the currently held model for AAV latency, we show here that the corepressor Krüppel-associated box domain-associated protein 1 (KAP1) binds the latent AAV2 genome at the rep ORF, leading to trimethylation of AAV2-associated histone 3 lysine 9 and that the inactivation of KAP1 repression is necessary for AAV2 reactivation and replication. We identify a viral mechanism for the counteraction of KAP1 in which interference with the KAP1 phosphatase protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) by the AAV2 Rep proteins mediates enhanced phosphorylation of KAP1-S824 and thus relief from KAP1 repression. Furthermore, we show that this phenomenon involves recruitment of the NIPP1 (nuclear inhibitor of PP1)-PP1α holoenzyme to KAP1 in a manner dependent upon the NIPP1 FHA domain, identifying NIPP1 as an interaction partner for KAP1 and shedding light on the mechanism through which PP1 regulates cellular KAP1 activity.

Novel Mutant AAV2 Rep Proteins Support AAV2 Replication without Blocking HSV-1 Helpervirus Replication

As their names imply, parvoviruses of the genus Dependovirus rely for their efficient replication on the concurrent presence of a helpervirus, such as herpesvirus, adenovirus, or papilloma virus. Adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2) is such an example, which in turn can efficiently inhibit the replication of each helpervirus by distinct mechanisms. In a previous study we have shown that expression of the AAV2 rep gene is not compatible with efficient replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). In particular, the combined DNA-binding and ATPase/helicase activities of the Rep68/78 proteins have been shown to exert opposite effects on the replication of AAV2 and HSV-1. While essential for AAV2 DNA replication these protein activities account for the Rep-mediated inhibition of HSV-1 replication. Here, we describe a novel Rep mutant (Rep-D371Y), which displayed an unexpected phenotype. Rep-D371Y did not block HSV-1 replication, but still supported efficient AAV2 replication, at least when a double-stranded AAV2 genome template was used. We also found that the capacity of Rep-D371Y to induce apoptosis and a Rep-specific DNA damage response was significantly reduced compared to wild-type Rep. These findings suggest that AAV2 Rep-helicase subdomains exert diverging activities, which contribute to distinct steps of the AAV2 life cycle. More important, the novel AAV2 mutant Rep-D371Y may allow deciphering yet unsolved activities of the AAV2 Rep proteins such as DNA second-strand synthesis, genomic integration or packaging, which all involve the Rep-helicase activity.

Identification of a Functionally Relevant Adeno-Associated Virus Rep68 Oligomeric Interface

The life cycle of the human parvovirus adeno-associated virus (AAV) is orchestrated by four Rep proteins. The large Rep proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, are remarkably multifunctional and display a range of biochemical activities, including DNA binding, nicking, and unwinding. Functionally, Rep78 and Rep68 are involved in transcriptional regulation, DNA replication, and genomic integration. Structurally, the Rep proteins share an AAA⁺ domain characteristic of superfamily 3 helicases, with the large Rep proteins additionally containing an N-terminal origin-binding domain (OBD) that specifically binds and nicks DNA. The combination of these domains, coupled with dynamic oligomerization properties, is the basis for the remarkable multifunctionality displayed by Rep68 and Rep78 during the AAV life cycle. In this report, we describe an oligomeric interface formed by Rep68 and demonstrate how disruption of this interface has drastic effects on both the oligomerization and functionality of the Rep proteins. Our results support a role for the four-helix bundle in the helicase domain of Rep68 as a bona fide oligomerization domain (OD). We have identified key residues in the OD that are critical for the stabilization of the Rep68-Rep68 interface; mutation of these key residues disrupts the enzymatic activities of Rep68, including DNA binding and nicking, and compromises viral DNA replication and transcriptional regulation of the viral promoters. Taken together, our data contribute to our understanding of the dynamic and substrate-responsive Rep78/68 oligomerization that is instrumental in the regulation of the DNA transitions that take place during the AAV life cycle.

IMPORTANCE The limited genome size of small viruses has driven the evolution of highly multifunctional proteins that integrate different domains and enzymatic activities within a single polypeptide. The Rep68 protein from adeno-associated virus (AAV) combines a DNA binding and endonuclease domain with a helicase-ATPase domain, which together support DNA replication, transcriptional regulation, and site-specific integration. The coordination of the enzymatic activities of Rep68 remains poorly understood; however, Rep68 oligomerization and Rep68-DNA interactions have been suggested to play a crucial role. We investigated the determinants of Rep68 oligomerization and identified a hydrophobic interface necessary for Rep68 activity during the AAV life cycle. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of the versatile Rep proteins. Efficient production of AAV-based gene therapy vectors requires optimal Rep expression levels, and studies such as the one presented here could contribute to further optimization of AAV production schemes.

Germline viral "fossils" guide in silico reconstruction of a mid-Cenozoic era marsupial adeno-associated virus

Germline endogenous viral elements (EVEs) genetically preserve viral nucleotide sequences useful to the study of viral evolution, gene mutation, and the phylogenetic relationships among host organisms. Here, we describe a lineage-specific, adeno-associated virus (AAV)-derived endogenous viral element (mAAV-EVE1) found within the germline of numerous closely related marsupial species. Molecular screening of a marsupial DNA panel indicated that mAAV-EVE1 occurs specifically within the marsupial suborder Macropodiformes (present-day kangaroos, wallabies, and related macropodoids), to the exclusion of other Diprotodontian lineages. Orthologous mAAV-EVE1 locus sequences from sixteen macropodoid species, representing a speciation history spanning an estimated 30 million years, facilitated compilation of an inferred ancestral sequence that recapitulates the genome of an ancient marsupial AAV that circulated among Australian metatherian fauna sometime during the late Eocene to early Oligocene. In silico gene reconstruction and molecular modelling indicate remarkable conservation of viral structure over a geologic timescale. Characterisation of AAV-EVE loci among disparate species affords insight into AAV evolution and, in the case of macropodoid species, may offer an additional genetic basis for assignment of phylogenetic relationships among the Macropodoidea. From an applied perspective, the identified AAV “fossils” provide novel capsid sequences for use in translational research and clinical applications.

Adeno-Associated Virus Type 2 Rep68 Can Bind to Consensus Rep-Binding Sites on the Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Genome

Adeno-associated virus type 2 is known to inhibit replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). This activity has been linked to the helicase- and DNA-binding domains of the Rep68/Rep78 proteins. Here, we show that Rep68 can bind to consensus Rep-binding sites on the HSV-1 genome and that the Rep helicase activity can inhibit replication of any DNA if binding is facilitated. Therefore, we hypothesize that inhibition of HSV-1 replication involves direct binding of Rep68/Rep78 to the HSV-1 genome.

Adeno-associated virus Rep represses the human integration site promoter by two pathways that are similar to those required for the regulation of the viral p5 promoter

Adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) can efficiently replicate in cells that have been infected with helper viruses, such as adenovirus or herpesvirus. However, in the absence of helper virus infection, AAV2 establishes latency by integrating its genome site specifically into PPP1R12C, a gene located on chromosome 19. This integration target site falls into one of the most gene-dense regions of the human genome, thus inviting the question as to whether the virus has evolved mechanisms to control this complex transcriptional environment in order to facilitate integration, maintain an apparently innocuous latency, and/or establish conditions that are conducive to the rescue of the integrated viral genome. The viral replication (Rep) proteins control and direct every known aspect of the viral life cycle and have been shown to tightly control all AAV2 promoters. In addition, a number of heterologous promoters are repressed by the AAV2 Rep proteins. Here, we demonstrate that Rep proteins efficiently repress expression from the target site PPP1R12C promoter. We find evidence that this repression employs mechanisms similar to those described for Rep-mediated AAV2 p5 promoter regulation. Furthermore, we show that the repression of the cellular target site promoter is based on two distinct mechanisms, one relying on the presence of a functional Rep binding motif within the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of PPP1R12C, whereas the second pathway requires only an intact nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) binding site within the Rep proteins, indicating the possible reliance of this pathway on interactions of the Rep proteins with cellular proteins that mediate or regulate cellular transcription.

IMPORTANCE The observation that repression of transcription from the adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) p5 and integration target site promoters is mediated by shared mechanisms highlights the possible coevolution of virus and host and could lead to the identification of host factors that the virus exploits to navigate its life cycle.

Parvoviruses: structure and infection

Parvoviruses package a ssDNA genome. Both nonpathogenic and pathogenic members exist, including those that cause fetal infections, encompassing the entire spectrum of virus phenotypes. Their small genomes and simple coding strategy has enabled functional annotation of many steps in the infectious life cycle. They assemble a multifunctional capsid responsible for cell recognition and the transport of the packaged genome to the nucleus for replication and progeny virus production. It is also the target of the host immune response. Understanding how the capsid structure relates to the function of parvoviruses provides a platform for recombinant engineering of viral gene delivery vectors for the treatment of clinical diseases, and is fundamental for dissecting the viral determinants of pathogenicity. This review focuses on our current understanding of parvovirus capsid structure and function with respect to the infectious life cycle.

DNA-binding activity of adeno-associated virus Rep is required for inverted terminal repeat-dependent complex formation with herpes simplex virus ICP8

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) helper functions for (AAV) replication comprise HSV ICP8 and helicase-primase UL5/UL52/UL8. Here we show that N-terminal amino acids of AAV Rep78 that contact the Rep-binding site within the AAV inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are required for ternary-complex formation with infected-cell protein 8 (ICP8) on AAV single-strand DNA (ssDNA) in vitro and for colocalization in nuclear replication domains in vivo. Our data suggest that HSV-dependent AAV replication is initiated by Rep contacting the AAV ITR and by cooperative binding of ICP8 on AAV ssDNA.

The amino acid linker between the endonuclease and helicase domains of adeno-associated virus type 5 Rep plays a critical role in DNA-dependent oligomerization

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome encodes four Rep proteins, all of which contain an SF3 helicase domain. The larger Rep proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, are required for viral replication, whereas Rep40 and Rep52 are needed to package AAV genomes into preformed capsids; these smaller proteins are missing the site-specific DNA-binding and endonuclease domain found in Rep68/78. Other viral SF3 helicases, such as the simian virus 40 large T antigen and the papillomavirus E1 protein, are active as hexameric assemblies. However, Rep40 and Rep52 have not been observed to form stable oligomers on their own or with DNA, suggesting that important determinants of helicase multimerization lie outside the helicase domain. Here, we report that when the 23-residue linker that connects the endonuclease and helicase domains is appended to the adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5) helicase domain, the resulting protein forms discrete complexes on DNA consistent with single or double hexamers. The formation of these complexes does not require the Rep binding site sequence, nor is it nucleotide dependent. These complexes have stimulated ATPase and helicase activities relative to the helicase domain alone, indicating that they are catalytically relevant, a result supported by negative-stain electron microscopy images of hexameric rings. Similarly, the addition of the linker region to the AAV5 Rep endonuclease domain also confers on it the ability to bind and multimerize on nonspecific double-stranded DNA. We conclude that the linker is likely a key contributor to Rep68/78 DNA-dependent oligomerization and may play an important role in mediating Rep68/78's conversion from site-specific DNA binding to nonspecific DNA unwinding.

Inhibition of herpes simplex virus type 1 replication by adeno-associated virus rep proteins depends on their combined DNA-binding and ATPase/helicase activities

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has previously been shown to inhibit the replication of its helper virus herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and the inhibitory activity has been attributed to the expression of the AAV Rep proteins. In the present study, we assessed the Rep activities required for inhibition of HSV-1 replication using a panel of wild-type and mutant Rep proteins lacking defined domains and activities. We found that the inhibition of HSV-1 replication required Rep DNA-binding and ATPase/helicase activities but not endonuclease activity. The Rep activities required for inhibition of HSV-1 replication precisely coincided with the activities that were responsible for induction of cellular DNA damage and apoptosis, suggesting that these three processes are closely linked. Notably, the presence of Rep induced the hyperphosphorylation of a DNA damage marker, replication protein A (RPA), which has been reported not to be normally hyperphosphorylated during HSV-1 infection and to be sequestered away from HSV-1 replication compartments during infection. Finally, we demonstrate that the execution of apoptosis is not required for inhibition of HSV-1 replication and that the hyperphosphorylation of RPA per se is not inhibitory for HSV-1 replication, suggesting that these two processes are not directly responsible for the inhibition of HSV-1 replication by Rep.

An efficient rHSV-based complementation system for the production of multiple rAAV vector serotypes

Recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 (rHSV)-assisted recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector production provides a highly efficient and scalable method for manufacture of clinical grade rAAV vectors. Here, we present an rHSV co-infection system for rAAV production, which uses two ICP27-deficient rHSV constructs, one bearing the rep2 and cap (1, 2 or 9) genes of rAAV, and the second bearing an AAV2 ITR-gene of interest (GOI) cassette. The optimum rAAV production parameters were defined by producing rAAV2/GFP in HEK293 cells, yielding greater than 9000 infectious particles per cell with a 14:1 DNase resistance particle to infectious particle (DRP/ip) ratio. The optimized co-infection parameters were then used to generate large-scale stocks of rAAV1/AAT, which encode the human alpha-1-antitrypsin (hAAT) protein, and purified by column chromatography. The purified vector was extensively characterized by rAAV- and rHSV-specific assays and compared to transfection-made vector for in vivo efficacy in mice through intramuscular injection. The co-infection method was also used to produce rAAV9/AAT for comparison to rAAV1/AAT in vivo. Intramuscular administration of 1 x 10(11) DRP per animal of rHSV-produced rAAV1/AAT and rAAV9/AAT resulted in hAAT protein expression of 5.4 x 10(4) and 9.4 x 10(5) ng ml(-1) serum respectively, the latter being clinically relevant.

Identification of an adeno-associated virus Rep protein binding site in the adenovirus E2a promoter

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and other parvoviruses inhibit proliferation of nonpermissive cells. The mechanism of this inhibition is not thoroughly understood. To learn how AAV interacts with host cells, we investigated AAV's interaction with adenovirus (Ad), AAV's most efficient helper virus. Coinfection with Ad and AAV results in an AAV-mediated inhibition of Ad5 gene expression and replication. The AAV replication proteins (Rep) activate and repress gene expression from AAV and heterologous transcription promoters. To investigate the role of Rep proteins in the suppression of Ad propagation, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses that demonstrated in vivo AAV Rep protein interaction with the Ad E2a gene promoter. In vitro binding of purified AAV Rep68 protein to the Ad E2a promoter was characterized by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (Kd= 200 +/- 25 nM). A 38 bp, Rep68-protected region (5'-TAAGAGTCAGCGCGCAGTATTTACTGAAGAGAGCCT-3') was identified by DNase I footprint analysis. The 38-bp protected region contains the weak E2a TATA box, sequence elements that resemble the Rep binding sites identified by random sequence oligonucleotide selection, and the transcription start site. These results suggest that Rep binding to the E2a promoter contributes to the inhibition of E2a gene expression from the Ad E2a promoter and may affect Ad replication.

The Rep protein of adeno-associated virus type 2 interacts with single-stranded DNA-binding proteins that enhance viral replication

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) type 2 is a human parvovirus whose replication is dependent upon cellular proteins as well as functions supplied by helper viruses. The minimal herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) proteins that support AAV replication in cell culture are the helicase-primase complex of UL5, UL8, and UL52, together with the UL29 gene product ICP8. We show that AAV and HSV-1 replication proteins colocalize at discrete intranuclear sites. Transfections with mutant genes demonstrate that enzymatic functions of the helicase-primase are not essential. The ICP8 protein alone enhances AAV replication in an in vitro assay. We also show localization of the cellular replication protein A (RPA) at AAV centers under a variety of conditions that support replication. In vitro assays demonstrate that the AAV Rep68 and Rep78 proteins interact with the single-stranded DNA-binding proteins (ssDBPs) of Ad (Ad-DBP), HSV-1 (ICP8), and the cell (RPA) and that these proteins enhance binding and nicking of Rep proteins at the origin. These results highlight the importance of intranuclear localization and suggest that Rep interaction with multiple ssDBPs allows AAV to replicate under a diverse set of conditions.

A biochemical characterization of the adeno-associated virus Rep40 helicase

The human adeno-associated virus (AAV) has generated much enthusiasm as a transfer vector for human gene therapy. Although clinical gene therapy trials have been initiated using AAV vectors, much remains to be learned regarding the basic mechanisms of virus replication, gene expression, and virion assembly. AAV encodes four nonstructural, or replication (Rep), proteins. The Rep78 and Rep68 proteins regulate viral DNA replication, chromosomal integration, and gene expression. The Rep52 and Rep40 proteins mediate virus assembly. To better understand Rep protein function, we have expressed the Rep40 protein in Escherichia coli and purified it to near homogeneity. Like the other Rep proteins, Rep40 possesses helicase and ATPase activity. ATP is the best substrate, and Mg2+ is the most efficient divalent metal ion for helicase activity. A Lys to His mutation in the purine nucleotide-binding site results in a protein that inhibits helicase activity in a dominant negative manner. Rep40 unwinds double-stranded DNA containing a 3' single-stranded end, or blunt end, unlike the Rep68 and Rep52 enzymes, which have a strict requirement for DNA duplexes containing a 3' single-stranded end. Values for KATP in the ATPase assay are 1.1 +/- 0.2 mM and 1.2 +/- 0.2 mM in the absence and presence, respectively, of single-stranded DNA. Values for Vmax are 220 +/- 10 and 1,500 +/- 90 nmol/min/mg in the absence and presence, respectively, of single-stranded DNA. These studies provide the first enzymatic characterization of the AAV Rep40 protein and elucidate important functional differences between the AAV helicases.

Structural unity among viral origin binding proteins: crystal structure of the nuclease domain of adeno-associated virus Rep

Adeno-associated virus (AAV), unique among animal viruses in its ability to integrate into a specific chromosomal location, is a promising vector for human gene therapy. AAV Replication (Rep) protein is essential for viral replication and integration, and its amino terminal domain possesses site-specific DNA binding and endonuclease activities required for replication initiation and integration. This domain displays a novel endonuclease fold and demonstrates an unexpected structural relationship to other viral origin binding proteins such as the papillomavirus E1 protein and the SV40 T antigen. The active site, located at the bottom of a positively charged cleft, is formed by the spatial convergence of a divalent metal ion and two conserved sequence motifs that define the rolling circle replication superfamily.

Characterization of adeno-associated virus rep protein inhibition of adenovirus E2a gene expression

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) replication (Rep) proteins are pleiotropic effectors of viral DNA replication, RNA transcription, and site-specific integration into chromosome 19. In addition to regulating AAV gene expression, the Rep proteins modulate expression of a variety of cellular and viral genes. In this report we investigate Rep-mediated effects on expression of the adenovirus (Ad) E2a gene and the Ad major late promoter. We have found that all four Rep proteins repress E2a expression at the protein level, with Rep40 showing the weakest repression. Mutations in the purine nucleotide binding (PNB) site weakened each of the protein's abilities to repress expression. Analysis of steady-state E2a mRNA showed that Rep proteins decreased mRNA levels, but to a lesser extent than E2a protein levels. Analysis of mRNA stability demonstrated that neither Rep78 nor Rep52 affected E2a mRNA stability, suggesting that the decrease in mRNA is due to Rep-mediated inhibition of Ad E2a transcription. To determine if Rep68 proteins could directly inhibit RNA transcription, we performed in vitro transcription assays using HeLa nuclear extracts supplemented with Rep68 and Rep68PNB. We demonstrate that Rep68, but not mutant Rep68PNB, blocked in vitro transcription of a template containing the Ad major late promoter. These results provide insight into how AAV and its encoded Rep proteins interact with Ad and provide a model system for the study of AAV and host-cell interactions.

A genetic screen identifies a cellular regulator of adeno-associated virus

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) is a human parvovirus that has attracted attention as a vector for gene transfer. Replication and site-specific integration of the wild-type virus requires binding of the AAV2 Rep proteins to a cis-regulatory element named the Rep recognition sequence (RRS). RRS motifs are found within the cellular AAVS1 integration locus, the viral p5 promoter, and the inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). Here we report the design of a genetic screen based on the yeast one-hybrid assay to identify cellular RRS-binding proteins. We show that the human zinc finger 5 protein (ZF5) binds specifically to RRS motifs in vitro and in vivo. ZF5 is a highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that contains five C-terminal zinc fingers and an N-terminal POZ domain. Ectopic expression of ZF5 leads to an ITR-dependent repression of the autologous p5 promoter and reduces both AAV2 replication and the production of recombinant AAV2. By using deletion and substitution mutants we show that two different domains of ZF5 contribute to AAV2 repression. Negative regulation of the p5 promoter requires the POZ domain, whereas viral replication is inhibited by the zinc finger domain, likely by competing with Rep for binding to the ITR. Identification and characterization of proteins that bind the ITR, the only viral genetic element retained in AAV2 vectors, will lead to new insights into the unique life cycle of AAV2 and will suggest improvements important for its application as a gene therapy vector.

DNA helicase-mediated packaging of adeno-associated virus type 2 genomes into preformed capsids

Helicases not only catalyse the disruption of hydrogen bonding between complementary regions of nucleic acids, but also move along nucleic acid strands in a polar fashion. Here we show that the Rep52 and Rep40 proteins of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) are required to translocate capsid-associated, single-stranded DNA genomes into preformed empty AAV-2 capsids, and that the DNA helicase function of Rep52/40 is essential for this process. Furthermore, DNase protection experiments suggest that insertion of AAV-2 genomes proceeds from the 3' end, which correlates with the 3'-->5' processivity demonstrated for the Rep52/40 helicase. A model is proposed in which capsid-immobilized helicase complexes act as molecular motors to 'pump' single-stranded DNA across the capsid boundary.

A single rep protein initiates replication of multiple genome components of faba bean necrotic yellows virus, a single-stranded DNA virus of plants

Faba bean necrotic yellows virus (FBNYV) belongs to the nanoviruses, plant viruses whose genome consists of multiple circular single-stranded DNA components. Eleven distinct DNAs, 5 of which encode different replication initiator (Rep) proteins, have been identified in two FBNYV isolates. Origin-specific DNA cleavage and nucleotidyl transfer activities were shown for Rep1 and Rep2 proteins in vitro, and their essential tyrosine residues that catalyze these reactions were identified by site-directed mutagenesis. In addition, we showed that Rep1 and Rep2 proteins hydrolyze ATP, and by changing the key lysine residue in the proteins' nucleoside triphosphate binding sites, demonstrated that this ATPase activity is essential for multiplication of virus DNA in vivo. Each of the five FBNYV Rep proteins initiated replication of the DNA molecule by which it was encoded, but only Rep2 was able to initiate replication of all the six other genome components. Furthermore, of the five rep components, only the Rep2-encoding DNA was always detected in 55 FBNYV samples from eight countries. These data provide experimental evidence for a master replication protein encoded by a multicomponent single-stranded DNA virus.

Charge-to-alanine mutagenesis of the adeno-associated virus type 2 Rep78/68 proteins yields temperature-sensitive and magnesium-dependent variants

The adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) replication (Rep) proteins Rep78 and 68 (Rep78/68) exhibit a number of biochemical activities required for AAV replication, including specific binding to a 22-bp region of the terminal repeat, site-specific endonuclease activity, and helicase activity. Individual and clusters of charged amino acids were converted to alanines in an effort to generate a collection of conditionally defective Rep78/68 proteins. Rep78 variants were expressed in human 293 cells and analyzed for their ability to mediate replication of recombinant AAV vectors at various temperatures. The biochemical activities of Rep variants were further characterized in vitro by using Rep68 His-tagged proteins purified from bacteria. The results of these analyses identified a temperature-sensitive (ts) Rep protein (D40,42,44A-78) that exhibited a delayed replication phenotype at 32 degrees C, which exceeded wild-type activity by 48 h. Replication activity was reduced by more than threefold at 37 degrees C and was undetectable at 39 degrees C. Stability of the Rep78 protein paralleled replication levels at each temperature, further supporting a ts phenotype. Replication differences resulted in a 3-log-unit difference in virus yields between the permissive and nonpermissive temperatures (2.2 x 10(6) and 3 x 10(3), respectively), demonstrating that this is a relatively tight mutant. In addition to the ts Rep mutant, we identified a nonconditional mutant with a reduced ability to support viral replication in vivo. Additional characterization of this mutant demonstrated an Mg(2+)-dependent phenotype that was specific to Rep endonuclease activity and did not affect helicase activity. The two mutants described here are unique, in that Rep ts mutants have not previously been described and the D412A Rep mutant represents the first mutant in which the helicase and endonuclease functions can be distinguished biochemically. Further understanding of these mutants should facilitate our understanding of AAV replication and integration, as well as provide novel strategies for production of viral vectors.

Comparative characterization of rep proteins from the helper-dependent adeno-associated virus type 2 and the autonomous goose parvovirus

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are nonautonomous human parvoviruses in that they are dependent on helper functions supplied by other viruses or on genotoxic stimuli for conditions permissive for replication. In the absence of helper, AAV type 2 enters latency by integration into a specific site on human chromosome 19. This feature of AAV, in combination with a lack of pathogenicity, makes AAV an attractive candidate vector for human gene therapy. Goose parvovirus (GPV) is both autonomous and pathogenic yet is highly homologous to AAV. To address the molecular bases for the different viral lifestyles, we compare the AAV and GPV nonstructural proteins, Rep78 and Rep1, respectively. We find that Rep78 and Rep1 possess several biochemical activities in common, including (i) high-affinity DNA binding for sequences that constitute the minimal DNA replication origin; (ii) nucleoside triphosphate-dependent DNA helicase activity; and (iii) origin-specific replication of double-stranded linear DNA. These experiments also establish a specific 38-bp DNA sequence as the minimal GPV DNA replication origin. It is noteworthy that although the proposed Rep binding sites of GPV and AAV are highly similar, Rep1 and Rep78 show a high degree of specificity for their respective origins, in both binding and replication assays. One significant difference was observed; with the minimal replication origin in adenovirus-uninfected extracts, Rep78-mediated replication exhibited low processivity, as previously reported. In contrast, Rep1 efficiently replicated full-length template. Overall, our studies indicate that GPV Rep1 and AAV Rep78 support a comparable mode of replication. Thus, a comparison of the two proteins provides a model system with which to determine the contribution of Rep in the regulation of dependence and autonomy at the level of DNA replication.

Charged-to-alanine scanning mutagenesis of the N-terminal half of adeno-associated virus type 2 Rep78 protein

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep78 and Rep68 proteins are required for site-specific integration of the AAV genome into the AAVS1 locus (19q13.3-qter) as well as for viral DNA replication. Rep78 and Rep68 bind to the GAGC motif on the inverted terminal repeat (ITR) and cut at the trs (terminal resolution site). A similar reaction is believed to occur in AAVS1 harboring an analogous GAGC motif and a trs homolog, followed by integration of the AAV genome. To elucidate the functional domains of Rep proteins at the amino acid level, we performed charged-to-alanine scanning mutagenesis of the N terminus (residues 1 to 240) of Rep78, where DNA binding and nicking domains are thought to exist. Mutants were analyzed for their abilities to bind the GAGC motif, nick at the trs homolog, and integrate an ITR-containing plasmid into AAVS1 by electrophoretic mobility shift assay, trs endonuclease assay, and PCR-based integration assay. We identified the residues responsible for DNA binding: R107A, K136A, and R138A mutations completely abolished the binding activity. The H90A or H92A mutant, carrying a mutation in a putative metal binding site, lost nicking activity while retaining binding activity. Mutations affecting DNA binding or trs nicking also impaired the site-specific integration, except for E66A and E239A. These results provide important information on the structure-function relationship of Rep proteins. We also describe an aberrant nicking of Rep78. We found that Rep78 cuts predominantly at the trs homolog not only between the T residues (GGT/TGG), but also between the G and T residues (GG/TTGG), which may be influenced by the sequence surrounding the GAGC motif.

Human adeno-associated virus type 5 is only distantly related to other known primate helper-dependent parvoviruses

We have characterized 95% (4,404 nucleotides) of the genome of adeno-associated virus type 5 (AAV5), including part of the terminal repeats and the terminal resolution site. Our results show that AAV5 is different from all other described AAV serotypes at the nucleotide level and at the amino acid level. The sequence homology to AAV2, AAV3B, AAV4, and AAV6 at the nucleotide level is only between 54 and 56%. The positive strand contains two large open reading frames (ORFs). The left ORF encodes the nonstructural (Rep) proteins, and the right ORF encodes the structural (Cap) proteins. At the amino acid level the identities with the capsid proteins of other AAVs range between 51 and 59%, with a high degree of heterogeneity in regions which are considered to be on the exterior surface of the viral capsid. The overall identity for the nonstructural Rep proteins at the amino acid level is 54.4%. It is lowest at the C-terminal 128 amino acids (10%). There are only two instead of the common three putative Zn fingers in the Rep proteins. The Cap protein data suggest differences in capsid surfaces and raise the possibility of a host range distinct from those of other parvoviruses. This may have important implications for AAV vectors used in gene therapy.

The Rep52 gene product of adeno-associated virus is a DNA helicase with 3'-to-5' polarity

The rep gene of adeno-associated virus type 2 encodes four overlapping proteins from two separate promoters, termed P5 and P19. The P5-promoted Rep proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, are essential for viral DNA replication, and a wealth of data concerning the biochemical activities of these proteins has been reported. In contrast, data concerning the biochemical functions of the P19-promoted Rep proteins, Rep52 and Rep40, are lacking. Here, we describe enzymatic activities associated with a bacterially expressed maltose-binding protein (MBP)-Rep52 fusion protein. Purified MBP-Rep52 possesses 3'-to-5' DNA helicase activity that is strictly dependent upon the presence of nucleoside triphosphate and divalent cation cofactors. In addition, MBP-Rep52 demonstrates a constitutive ATPase activity that is active in the absence of DNA effector molecules. An MBP-Rep52 chimera bearing a lysine-to-histidine substitution at position 116 (K116H) within a consensus helicase- and ATPase-associated motif (motif I or Walker A site) was deficient for both DNA helicase and ATPase activities. In contrast to a Rep78 A-site mutant protein bearing a corresponding amino acid substitution at position 340 (K340H), the MBP-Rep52 A-site mutant protein failed to exhibit a trans-dominant negative effect when it was mixed with wild-type MBP-Rep52 or MBP-Rep78 in vitro. This lack of trans dominance, coupled with the results of coimmunoprecipitation and gel filtration chromatography experiments reported here, suggests that the ability of Rep52 to engage in multimeric interactions may differ from that of Rep78 or -68.

The Rep78 gene product of adeno-associated virus (AAV) self-associates to form a hexameric complex in the presence of AAV ori sequences

The Rep78 and Rep68 proteins of adeno-associated virus (AAV) are replication initiator proteins that bind the viral replicative-form origin of replication, nick the origin in a site- and strand-specific fashion, and mediate vectorial unwinding of the DNA duplex via an ATP-dependent helicase activity, thus initiating a strand displacement mechanism of viral DNA replication. Genetic and biochemical studies have identified Rep mutants that demonstrate a trans-dominant negative phenotype in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the possibility that multimerization of Rep is essential for certain replicative functions. In this study, we have investigated the ability of the largest of the Rep proteins, Rep78, to self-associate in vitro and in vivo. Self-association of Rep78 in vivo was demonstrated through the use of a mammalian two-hybrid system. Rep-Rep protein interaction was confirmed in vitro through coimmunoprecipitation experiments with a bacterially expressed maltose-binding protein-Rep78 fusion protein in combination with [35S]methionine-labeled Rep78 synthesized in a coupled in vitro transcription-translation system. Mapping studies with N- and C-terminal truncation mutant forms of Rep indicate that amino acid sequences required for maximal self-association occur between residues 164 and 484. Site-directed mutagenesis identified two essential motifs within this 321-amino-acid region: (i) a putative alpha-helix bearing a 3,4-hydrophobic heptad repeat reminiscent of those found in coiled-coil domains and (ii) a previously recognized nucleoside triphosphate-binding motif. Deletion of either of these regions from the full-length polypeptide resulted in severe impairment of Rep-Rep interaction. In addition, gel filtration chromatography and protein cross-linking experiments indicated that Rep78 forms a hexameric complex in the presence of AAV ori sequences.

Interaction of wild-type and mutant adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep proteins on AAV hairpin DNA

Both the Rep68 and Rep78 proteins of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) bind to AAV terminal repeat hairpin DNA and can mediate site-specific nicking in vitro at the terminal resolution site (trs) within the terminal repeats. To define the regions of the Rep proteins required for these functions, a series of truncated Rep78 derivatives was created. Wild-type and mutant proteins were synthesized by in vitro translation and analyzed for AAV hairpin DNA binding, trs endonuclease activity, and interaction on hairpin DNA. Amino-terminal deletion mutants which lacked the first 29 or 79 amino acid residues of Rep78 did not bind hairpin DNA, which is consistent with our previous identification of a DNA-binding domain in this region. Progressive truncation of the carboxyl-terminal region of Rep78 did not eliminate hairpin DNA binding until the deletion reached amino acid 443. The electrophoretic mobility of the Rep-specific protein-DNA complexes was inversely related to the molecular weight of the Rep derivative. Analysis of the C-terminal deletion mutants by the trs endonuclease assay identified a region (amino acids 467 to 476) that is essential for nicking but is not necessary for DNA binding. When endonuclease-positive, truncated Rep proteins that bound hairpin DNA were mixed with full-length Rep78 or Rep68 protein in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, a smear of protein-DNA complexes was observed. This smear migrated at an intermediate position with respect to the bands generated by the proteins individually. An antibody recognizing only the full-length protein produced a novel supershift band when included in a mixed binding assay containing Rep68 and a truncated Rep mutant. These experiments suggest that the Rep proteins can form hetero-oligomers on the AAV hairpin DNA.

Negative regulation of the adeno-associated virus (AAV) P5 promoter involves both the P5 rep binding site and the consensus ATP-binding motif of the AAV Rep68 protein

Transcript levels from the P5 promoter of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) are negatively regulated by the AAV Rep78 and Rep68 proteins in the absence of helper virus. We have identified a Rep-responsive negative cis element of the P5 promoter between the P5 TATA box and transcription start site by using 5' and 3' deletions of the P5 promoter fused to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene. This element contains four imperfect GAGC repeats similar to the Rep recognition sequences (RRSs) in the AAV inverted terminal repeats and in the AAV preferred integration locus in chromosome 19. Band shift analyses showed that human 293 cell nuclear extracts containing Rep68 or Rep68/K340H, a putative nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-binding-site mutant of Rep68, formed Rep-specific complexes with this P5 RRS DNA. Within the P5 RRS, mutation of a cytosine at position 273 in the AAV sequence to guanine abolished Rep68 binding to the DNA. A mutation in the P5 RRS within a full-length AAV genome, which abolished Rep binding, resulted in a 40 to 50% reduction in the ability of wild-type Rep68 to inhibit the accumulation of P5 transcripts in vivo. In contrast, the Rep68/K340H mutant was unable to down-regulate this mutated promoter. These results indicate that there are at least two mechanisms involved in the negative regulation of P5 transcript levels by Rep68; one involves Rep68 binding to the P5 RRS, and another requires the region of Rep68 containing the consensus NTP-binding motif. Furthermore, our studies of AAV genomes containing mutated RRS- and/or YY1-binding elements suggest that transcription factor YY1 binding to the transcription start site of P5 interferes with Rep68 repression of the P5 promoter.

Rep protein of tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus has an ATPase activity required for viral DNA replication

The Rep protein of geminiviruses is the sole viral protein required for their DNA replication. The amino acid sequence of Rep protein contains an NTP binding consensus motif (P-loop). Here we show that purified Rep protein of tomato yellow leaf curl virus expressed in Escherichia coli exhibits an ATPase activity in vitro. Amino acid exchanges in the P-loop sequence of Rep causes a substantial decrease or loss of the ATPase activity. In vivo, mutant viruses carrying these Rep mutations do not replicate in plant cells. These results show that ATP binding by the Rep protein of geminiviruses is required for its function in viral DNA replication.

A maltose-binding protein/adeno-associated virus Rep68 fusion protein has DNA-RNA helicase and ATPase activities

The adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) Rep68 protein produced in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with maltose-binding protein (MBP-Rep68 delta) has previously been shown to possess DNA-DNA helicase activity, as does the purified wild-type Rep68. In the present study, we demonstrate that MBP-Rep68 delta also catalyzes the unwinding of a DNA-RNA hybrid. MBP-Rep68 delta-mediated DNA-RNA helicase activity required ATP hydrolysis and the presence of Mg2+ ions and was inhibited by high ionic strength. The efficiency of the DNA-RNA helicase activity of MBP-Rep68 delta was comparable to its DNA-DNA helicase activity. However, MBP-Rep68 delta lacked the ability to unwind a blunt-ended DNA-RNA substrate and RNA-RNA duplexes. We have also demonstrated that MBP-Rep68 delta has ATPase activity which is enhanced by the presence of single-stranded DNA but not by RNA. The MBP-Rep68 delta NTP mutant protein, which has a lysine-to-histidine substitution at amino acid 340 in the putative nucleoside triphosphate-binding site of Rep68, not only lacks DNA-RNA helicase and ATPase activities but also inhibits the helicase activity of MBP-Rep68 delta. DNA-RNA helicase activity of Rep proteins might play a pivotal role in the regulation of AAV gene expression by AAV Rep proteins.

Sequence elements of the adeno-associated virus rep gene required for suppression of herpes-simplex-virus-induced DNA amplification

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been shown to induce DNA amplification in the host cell genome, which can be suppressed by the adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) rep gene (Heilbronn et al., 1990, J. Virol. 64, 3012-3018). In an attempt to define domains of Rep which are required for this effect a set of expression constructs was generated for Rep mutants with either N-terminal and/or C-terminal truncations, with small internal deletions, or with point mutations. In transient cotransfection assays these mutants were tested for the inhibition of HSV-induced DNA amplification and in parallel for DNA replication of a rep-defective AAV genome. Our data show that the C-terminal region of Rep where spliced and unspliced proteins differ is dispensable for both AAV DNA replication and inhibition of HSV-induced DNA amplification. The N-terminus of Rep is required for AAV DNA replication, whereas the first 174 amino acids can be deleted without loss of function for the inhibition of DNA amplification. Rep52 which starts at methionine 225 is neither sufficient, nor required for this effect. We further analyzed the region between amino acids 174 and 225: A stretch of 16 highly hydrophilic amino acids is dispensable for the inhibition of DNA amplification, but it is required for AAV DNA replication. Deletion of two short motifs spanning putative protein kinase C phosphorylation sites each strongly reduce both AAV DNA replication and inhibition of DNA amplification, whereas a single amino acid substitution of one of these sites abolished AAV DNA replication with no effect on the inhibition of DNA amplification. Our data show that most, but not all, of the sequence elements within the N-terminus of Rep78 required for AAV DNA replication coincide with those required for the inhibition of HSV-induced DNA amplification. A replication-negative version of Rep78 comprising the internal 60% of the protein still carry the entire inhibitory function for HSV-induced DNA amplification.

A putative nucleoside triphosphate-binding domain in the nonstructural protein of B19 parvovirus is required for cytotoxicity

Cytotoxicity secondary to B19 parvovirus infection is due to expression of the viral nonstructural protein. Nonstructural proteins of many parvoviruses contain a well-conserved nucleoside triphosphate (NTP)-binding motif, which has been shown to be essential for a variety of protein functions. We show here that cytotoxicity of the B19 parvovirus nonstructural protein was abolished by single mutations of amino acids within the NTP-binding domain, especially within the A motif, implicating NTP-binding in virus-induced cell death.

Adeno-associated virus DNA replication in vitro: activation by a maltose binding protein/Rep 68 fusion protein

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) nonstructural protein Rep 68 is required for viral DNA replication. An in vitro assay has been developed in which addition of Rep 68 to an extract from uninfected HeLa cells supports AAV DNA replication. In this paper, we report characterization of the replication process when a fusion of the maltose binding protein and Rep 68, expressed in Escherichia coli, was used in the assay. Replication was observed when the template was either linear double-stranded AAV DNA or a plasmid construct containing intact AAV DNA. When the recombinant plasmid construct was used as the template, there was replication of pBR322 DNA as well as the AAV DNA; however, linear pBR322 DNA was not replicated. When the plasmid construct was the template, replication appeared to initiate on the intact plasmid and led to separation of the AAV sequences from those of the vector, a process which has been termed rescue. There was no evidence that replication could initiate on the products of rescue. Rep 68 can make a site-specific nick 124 nucleotides from the 3' end of AAV DNA; the site of the nick has been called the terminal resolution site. Our data are most consistent with initiation occurring at the terminal resolution site and proceeding toward the 3' terminus. When the template was the plasmid construct, either elongation continued past the junction into pBR322 sequences or the newly synthesized sequence hairpinned, switched template strands, and replicated the AAV DNA. Replication was linear for 4 h, during which time 70% of the maximal synthesis took place. An additional finding was that the Rep fusion could resolve AAV dimer length duplex intermediates into monomer duplexes without DNA synthesis.

Analysis of adeno-associated virus (AAV) wild-type and mutant Rep proteins for their abilities to negatively regulate AAV p5 and p19 mRNA levels

The rep gene of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) encodes four overlapping Rep proteins that are involved in gene regulation and replication of the virus. We studied here the regulation of mRNA transcribed from the AAV p5 and p19 promoters, using transient expression in human 293 cells followed by Northern (RNA) blot analysis of the mRNA. The p5 transcript encodes the larger Rep proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, while the p19 transcript encodes the smaller proteins, Rep52 and Rep40. A plasmid (pNTC3) containing the entire AAV genome with an amber mutation in the rep gene accumulated higher levels of p5 and p19 mRNA than a plasmid containing the wild-type AAV genome. Addition of increasing amounts of the wild-type rep gene in trans from a heterologous promoter inhibited p5 and p19 mRNA accumulation from pNTC3, indicating that the levels of both transcripts were decreased by the Rep proteins. Cotransfections with plasmids producing individual wild-type Rep proteins in trans showed that p5 and p19 mRNA accumulation was inhibited 5- to 10-fold by Rep78 and Rep68 and 2- to 3-fold by Rep52 and Rep40. Analysis of carboxyl-terminal truncation mutants of Rep78 showed that the ability of Rep78 to decrease p5 and p19 mRNA levels was lost when 159 or more amino acids were deleted. Rep78 and Rep68 mutants deleted for the methionine at residue 225 showed decreased abilities to down-regulate both p5 and p19 transcript levels, while mutants containing a substitution of glycine for the methionine resembled the wild-type Rep78. A Rep78 protein with a mutation in the putative nucleoside triphosphate binding site inhibited expression from p5 but not from p19, suggesting that the regulation of p5 transcript levels by Rep78 and Rep68 differs from that of p19. A deletion analysis of AAV cis sequences revealed that an intact terminal repeat was not required for negative regulation of p5 and p19 transcript levels and that the regulation of p19 mRNA levels by Rep78 did not require the presence of the p5 promoter.

Construction of an infectious DNA clone of the Y1 strain of canine parvovirus and characterization of the virus derived from the clone

We have cloned genome fragments of canine parvovirus strain Y1 from replicative-form DNA and double-stranded DNA synthesized from virion DNA in vitro, and constructed a recombinant plasmid containing a full-length Y1 genome (pCPVY 1). When this recombinant plasmid was transfected into cell cultures, an infectious virus could be recovered. To characterize this pCPVY 1-derived virus, its biological properties were compared with those of the parental strain. No difference was observed between them in antigen expression, viral DNA replication, hemagglutination ability, and virus multiplication, indicating that the virus derived from the infectious plasmid inherited the biological properties of the authentic Y1 strain. Therefore, this recombinant plasmid appears to be useful for reverse genetics of canine parvovirus.

Identification of a DNA-binding domain in the amino terminus of adeno-associated virus Rep proteins

The Rep78 and Rep68 proteins of adeno-associated virus (AAV) bind to the AAV terminal repeat hairpin DNA and are required for viral replication. We have expressed a series of mutant rep genes from the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat promoter in human 293 cells and in an in vitro transcription-translation system. Mutant proteins were analyzed for AAV hairpin DNA binding and AAV terminal resolution functions. Deletion of amino acid residues 523 through 621 of Rep 78 had no effect on these functions. Amber mutant Rep proteins truncated at either amino acid 237 or amino acid 243 showed no detectable hairpin DNA binding or terminal resolution activity. A frameshift mutant Rep protein which contained Rep78 amino acids 1 through 241 lacked terminal resolution functions but bound specifically to the AAV hairpin DNA. The carboxyl-terminal missense sequence in this mutant appeared to have complemented an AAV-specific DNA-binding domain within the amino terminus of the Rep protein. mutant Rep protein in which methionine 225 of Rep78 was deleted (M225dl) was reduced threefold in AAV hairpin binding and had no terminal resolution functions. A mutant Rep protein in which a glycine was substituted at position 225 (M225G) was fully functional in these assays. When M225dl extract was mixed with wild-type Rep78 extract, AAV terminal resolution by Rep78 was inhibited. These results suggest that the amino-terminal portion of Rep78 and Rep68 contains a domain which can direct binding to AAV terminal hairpin DNA and that elements within the central region of the protein stabilize binding.

Expression of functional parvoviral NS1 from recombinant vaccinia virus: effects of mutations in the nucleotide-binding motif

The gene encoding the major replicative protein, NS1, of minute virus of mice (MVM) was transferred into a recombinant vaccinia virus vector in place of the vaccinia thymidine kinase gene. The NS1 gene was placed under control of a bacteriophage T7 promoter and expressed in cells coinfected with another recombinant vaccinia virus, vTF7-3, which encodes the T7 RNA polymerase. Expression of NS1 was further enhanced by the presence of a 5' untranslated region, derived from encephalomyocarditis virus, which allows efficient cap-independent translation. This system was used to produce and analyze wild-type NS1 and two mutant forms of the protein, NS1K405R and NS1K405M, in which the highly conserved lysine codon located in the putative purine triphosphate binding site of NS1 was changed to arginine and methionine, respectively. Full-length NS1 was expressed efficiently in both human and mouse cells infected with each of the three recombinant viruses, and in each case the NS1 was rapidly and efficiently translocated into the nucleus. Wild-type NS1 expressed in this way was biologically active. It was able to trans-activate an MVM P38 promoter located in a host chromosomal site, whereas the two mutant forms of NS1 showed no significant activity in this assay, and it was capable of resolving palindromic junction fragments cloned from multimeric MVM replicative form DNA molecules. These substrates, representing MVM genomic left-end:left-end and right-end:right-end fusions, were resolved in a DNA synthesis-dependent in vitro reaction supplemented with nuclear extracts containing recombinant wild-type NS1. Neither of the two mutant forms of the polypeptide had any detectable activity in this assay.

Terminal regions of the NS-1 protein of the parvovirus minute virus of mice are involved in cytotoxicity and promoter trans inhibition

The nonstructural (NS) transcription unit of minute virus of mice (MVMp) encodes proteins that are involved in viral DNA replication and in the regulation of homologous and heterologous promoters. Moreover, it has been shown that NS-protein accumulation is toxic for transformed cells. With the aim of identifying the NS-protein function(s) responsible for cytotoxicity, point mutations and deletions were introduced in the NS-protein-coding sequence of MVMp. This strategy indicated that in transformed human NBE cells, the NS-1 protein is indispensable for MVMp DNA replication, trans activation of the late parvoviral promoter P38, trans inhibition of the long terminal repeat promoter of the Rous sarcoma virus, and cytotoxicity. Moreover, some mutations led to the dissociation of the replicative and regulatory functions of the NS-1 protein and showed that cytotoxicity correlated with the latter, more particularly with the capacity to trans inhibit the heterologous promoter. The NS-1 sequences required for cytotoxicity were found to be restricted to the amino- and carboxy-terminal portions of the protein. Although the cytotoxicities of NS-1 extremities were weak when the extremities were tested separately, the cytotoxicities were comparable to that of the full protein when the extremities were fused. Interestingly, an overall negative charge can be predicted from the NS-1 sequence over about 100 amino acids at both ends. The conservation of this charge distribution among the NS proteins of different parvoviruses suggests that NS-1 may bear some similarities to acidic transcriptional activators.

Adeno-associated virus vectors

Adeno-associated virus is a human parvovirus that integrates its DNA genome into host cell chromosomes with very high efficiency. This suggests that adeno-associated virus may be a useful vector for human gene therapy. Interest in adeno-associated virus vectors increased greatly in the last year following reports that adeno-associated virus genome integration may be site specific and occur at preferred sites in the human genome. Several genes relevant to the treatment of genetic or infectious diseases have been expressed in adeno-associated virus vectors in vitro.

Mutational analysis of the adeno-associated virus rep gene

The replication (rep) gene of the human parvovirus adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a pleiotropic effector of numerous viral functions and experts profound effects on cellular transformation. Of the four Rep proteins, the primarily nuclear Rep78 and Rep68 direct AAV DNA replication, trans activation of the capsid (cap) gene promoter, and inhibition of cellular proliferation mediated by various oncogenes. In an initial attempt to define functional domains in Rep78, we have constructed a comprehensive set of XhoI linker insertion and deletion mutations in the rep gene. Each of the mutant genes has been expressed in cell culture and assayed for the following functions: (i) nuclear localization, (ii) AAV DNA replication, (iii) trans activation of the AAV capsid gene transcription promoter, and (iv) suppression of cellular transformation mediated by the adenovirus E1a and an activated ras oncogene pair. Modest disruptions in the normal conformation of Rep78 inactivated its AAV DNA replication function and trans activation of the cap gene promoter. Linker insertion mutations in the amino-terminal one-third of the protein inactivated Rep78's ability to suppress oncogene-mediated cellular transformation. The transformation suppression domains are not limited to the amino-terminal regions, however, since deletions throughout the protein altered its suppression capabilities. A putative nuclear localization signal that is essential for each of the above functions was found in the Rep proteins. These results provide a preliminary screening of the functional domains in the AAV Rep proteins and pave the way for more subtle mutational analysis.

Analysis of mutations in adeno-associated virus Rep protein in vivo and in vitro

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) Rep protein is required for both viral DNA replication and transactivation of the AAV promoters. Here we report the effects of mutations in the rep gene on transcription and replication in vivo and terminal repeat binding and terminal resolution site (trs) endonuclease activities in vitro. In all, we examined 10 in-frame deletions and 14 amino acid substitution mutations at eight positions. The point mutations were targeted to regions that are highly conserved among the parvovirus nonstructural proteins and include the extended ATPase domain of the AAV Rep protein. The mutations identify at least two noncontiguous regions of Rep which are essential for terminal repeat binding (amino acids 134 to 242 and amino acids 415 to 490). Mutations in either region render the protein inactive for both DNA replication and transactivation. In addition, mutations within a putative ATPase region also cause defects in replication and transactivation in vivo as well as in the ATP-dependent trs endonuclease activity in vitro. These results suggest that Rep transactivates via a novel mechanism which may require both DNA binding and an enzymatic activity, namely, ATPase or DNA helicase activity.

Mechanisms of interference with simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication by trans-dominant mutants of SV40 large T antigen

Mutations at multiple sites within the simian virus 40 (SV40) early region yield large T antigens which interfere trans dominantly with the replicative activities of wild-type T antigen. A series of experiments were conducted to study possible mechanisms of interference with SV40 DNA replication caused by these mutant T antigens. First, the levels of wild-type T antigen expression in cells cotransfected with wild-type and mutant SV40 DNAs were examined; approximately equal levels of wild-type T antigen were seen, regardless of whether the cotransfected mutant was trans dominant or not. Second, double mutants that contained the mutation of inA2827, a strong trans-dominant mutation with a 12-bp linker inserted at the position encoding amino acid 520, and various mutations in other parts of the large-T-antigen coding region were constructed. The trans-dominant interference of inA2827 was not affected by second mutations within the p105Rb binding site or the amino or carboxy terminus of large T antigen. Mutation of the nuclear localization signal partially reduced the trans dominance of inA2827. The large T antigen of mutant inA2815 contains an insertion of 4 amino acids at position 168 of large T; this T antigen fails to bind SV40 DNA but is not trans dominant for DNA replication. The double mutant containing the mutations of both inA2815 and in A2827 was not trans dominant. The large T antigen of dlA2433 lacks amino acids 587 to 589, was unstable, and failed to bind p53. Combining the dlA2433 mutation with the inA2827 mutation also reversed the trans dominance completely, but the effect of the dlA2433 mutation on trans dominance can be explained by the instability of this double mutant protein. In addition, we examined several mutants with conservative point mutations in the DNA binding domain and found that most of them were not trans dominant. The implications of the results of these experiments on possible mechanisms of trans dominance are discussed.

Characterization of linker insertion and point mutations in the NS-1 gene of minute virus of mice: effects on DNA replication and transcriptional activation functions of NS-1

The NS-1 gene of minute virus of mice encodes a multifunctional protein required for replication of the viral genome and for transcriptional regulation of the two MVM promoters. To study the localization of activities required for DNA replication and transactivation of the capsid gene promoter, insertion and point mutations were introduced into the NS-1 gene. The mutant NS-1 genes were expressed in COS-7 cells by using an SV 40 promoter driven NS-1 expression vector. The ability of the mutant proteins to complement a replication defective NS-1 mutant of the infectious MVM plasmid pMM984 and to activate transcription from the capsid gene promoter in chloramphenicol acetyl transferase expression assays was determined. Two point mutations Ser-249 to Ala and Lys-250 to Gln and a one amino acid insertion between Asp-606 and Leu-607 had no effect on viral DNA replication and transactivation activities. Six independent insertions of between 2 and 12 amino acids inhibited the DNA replication activity of NS-1 between 20- and at least 100-fold. There was no apparent correlation between the extent of inhibition of parvoviral DNA replication and the location of the mutations. The transcriptional activation function of NS-1 was inhibited between 1.5- and at least 20-fold and was therefore overall relatively less sensitive to mutagenesis than was its DNA replication function. An exception to this was a 5 amino acid insertion between Tyr-543 and Gln-544 that abolished transactivation as well as the ability of NS-1 to complement viral DNA replication.

In vitro resolution of adeno-associated virus DNA hairpin termini by wild-type Rep protein is inhibited by a dominant-negative mutant of rep

An adeno-associated virus (AAV) genome with a Lys-to-His (K340H) mutation in the consensus nucleotide triphosphate binding site of the rep gene has a dominant-negative DNA replication phenotype in vivo. We expressed both wild-type (Rep78) and mutant (Rep78NTP) proteins in two helper-free expression systems consisting of either recombinant baculoviruses in insect cells or the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat promoter in human 293 cell transient transfections. We analyzed nuclear extracts from both expression systems for the ability to complement uninfected HeLa cell cytoplasmic extracts in an in vitro terminal resolution assay in which a covalently closed AAV terminal hairpin structure is converted to an extended linear duplex. Although both Rep78 and Rep78NTP bound to AAV terminal hairpin DNA in vitro, Rep78 but not Rep78NTP complemented the terminal resolution assay. Furthermore, Rep78NTP was trans dominant for AAV terminal resolution in vitro. We propose that the dominant-negative replication phenotype of AAV genomes carrying the K340H mutation is mediated by mutant Rep proteins binding to the terminal repeat hairpin.

Adeno-associated virus rep proteins produced in insect and mammalian expression systems: wild-type and dominant-negative mutant proteins bind to the viral replication origin

The adeno-associated virus (AAV) rep gene proteins, Rep78 and Rep68, are required for replication of AAV DNA and bind to the AAV replication origin. An AAV genome having a Lys340 to His (K340H) mutation in the consensus purine nucleotide binding site of the rep gene protein exhibited a dominant-negative phenotype for DNA replication. We synthesized both wild-type and the K340H mutant Rep78 protein in a baculovirus expression system. Nuclear extracts of Sf9 cells containing these proteins were examined in gel mobility-shift assays with radiolabeled AAV terminal repeat DNA. Each protein bound specifically to the hairpin configuration of the AAV terminal repeat DNA to yield three shifted components. However the mobility of these components observed with the mutant Rep protein was slightly decreased compared to that with the wild-type Rep78. The addition of an antibody made against an oligopeptide from the carboxyl terminal region of the Rep78 protein generated novel shifted bands in the presence of either extract. Similar results were observed when the wild-type and mutant Rep proteins were expressed from an inducible expression system employing the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription promoter in human 293 cells. These results suggest that the dominant-negative phenotype of the K340H mutation may be mediated by binding of the mutant protein to the AAV replication origin.

Sequences required for coordinate induction of adeno-associated virus p19 and p40 promoters by Rep protein

A series of contiguous 30-bp deletions were introduced into the regions upstream of the p19 and p40 promoters of adeno-associated virus (AAV), and the effects of these deletions on induction of AAV transcription by the rep gene products was evaluated. A novel complementation system was devised for supplying wild-type Rep protein when mutations disrupted the trans activation activity of the Rep protein. Transcription from the p40 promoter was eliminated upon deletion of the TATA sequence located between -4 and -33 from the cap site. Deletions which removed sequences from -34 to -123 bp from the p40 mRNA start site substantially reduced Rep induction of p40 transcription. p19 transcription was also undetectable when the p19 TATA sequence between -4 and -33 was deleted. In contrast to the p40 region, two types of cis-active sequences were found associated with the p19 promoter. Sequences between -4 and -63 bp relative to the p19 cap site were essential for Rep induction only from the p19 promoter. Deletions between -94 and -153 bp relative to the p19 cap site reduced Rep induction of both the p19 and p40 promoters coordinately. These two noncontiguous regions were separated by a 30-bp sequence that was not essential for transcription control. Further deletion analysis delineated a second cis-active element, associated with the p5 promoter (AAV nucleotides 191 to 320), which was also necessary for coordinate Rep activation of both the p19 and p40 promoters. Finally, the dependence of p40 transcription on the Rep-responsive elements within the p5 and p19 regions could be overcome by the presence of the AAV terminal repeats, suggesting that the terminal repeats contained redundant Rep-responsive elements. These results implied an interdependence in cis between the three AAV promoters and suggested a novel mechanism for coordinate regulation of gene expression in response to the trans-activating Rep protein. Coordinate induction appeared to be the result of a simultaneous interaction between the Rep protein and sequence elements associated with two or all three of the AAV promoters.

Inhibition of cellular transformation by the adeno-associated virus rep gene

The replication, or rep, gene of the human parvovirus, adeno-associated virus (AAV), is a pleiotropic effector of numerous viral functions. The rep gene trans-regulates viral DNA replication, mRNA transcription, and assembly of the infectious virion. In addition to its roles in the virus life cycle the rep gene also represses gene expression from viral or cellular transcription promoters in both transient and long-term assays. In this report we have investigated the ability of the rep gene to inhibit cellular transformation mediated by SV40 DNA or the adenovirus E1a and human ras oncogene pair. In DNA transfection assays, the complete AAV rep gene inhibited SV40 DNA and E1a/ras gene-mediated transformation of mouse fibroblasts. AAV DNA plasmids that expressed the Rep68/40 or Rep52/40 proteins alone did not suppress transformation. AAV DNA replication was not required for suppression. Due to the antiproliferative effect of the AAV rep gene, we propose that it acts a viral analogue of cellular anti-oncogenes and is a useful model system for studying the regulation of cellular proliferation.

Two spatially distinct genetic elements constitute a bipartite DNA replication origin in the minute virus of mice genome

Mutations were introduced into plasmid pMM984, a full-length infectious clone of the fibrotropic strain of minute virus of mice, to identify cis-acting genetic elements required for the excision and replication of the viral genome. The replicative capacity of these mutants was measured directly, using an in vivo transient DNA replication assay following transfection of plasmids into murine A9 cells and primate COS-7 cells. Experiments with subgenomic constructs indicated that both viral termini must be present on the same DNA molecule for replication to occur and that the viral nonstructural protein NS-1 must be provided in trans. The necessary sequences were located within 1,084 and 807 nucleotides of the 3' and 5' ends of the minute virus of mice genome, respectively. The inhibitory effect of deletions within the 206-bp 5'-terminal palindrome demonstrated that these sequences comprise a cis-acting genetic element that is absolutely essential for the excision and replication of viral DNA. The results further indicated a requirement for a stem-plus-arms T structure as well as for the formation of a simple hairpin. In addition, the removal of one copy of a tandemly arranged 65-bp repeat found 94 nucleotides inboard of the 5'-terminal palindrome inhibited viral DNA replication in cis by 10- and just greater than 100-fold in A9 and COS-7 cells, respectively. The latter results define a novel genetic element within the 65-bp repeated sequence, distinct from the terminal palindrome, that is capable of regulating minute virus of mice DNA replication in a species-specific manner.