Distinct domains of adenovirus E1A interact with specific cellular factors to differentially modulate human immunodeficiency virus transcription

Effect of adenovirus E1A on ICAM-1 promoter activity in human alveolar and bronchial epithelial cells

In previous studies we demonstrated that the E1A DNA and proteins of group C adenovirus are present in excess in the lungs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Because adenovirus EIA gene products are known to regulate the expression of many genes by interacting with cellular transcription factors, we postulated that E1A enhances the production of inflammatory mediators and exacerbates the inflammatory process in smokers' lungs. We reported that LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression in A549 cells is upregulated by E1A. In the current study we investigated whether this regulation is mediated through the ICAM-1 promoter. A549 cells and primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells were transiently cotransfected with a plasmid containing the ICAM-1 enhancer-promoter linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene (pBS-CAT-P) and either a plasmid carrying the adenovirus 5 E1A gene (pE1Aneo) or a control plasmid (pneo). To compare the effect of transient versus stable E1A expression on the activity of this promoter, we also transiently transfected stable E1A-expressing A549 cells with pBS-CAT-P. Transient cotransfection of pE1Aneo and pBS-CAT-P had no effect on basal ICAM-1 promoter activity in A549 or HBE cells. After stimulation of A549 cells with TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, or LPS, promoter activity was increased by two- to threefold in the presence of adenovirus EIA. In HBE cells, on the other hand, E1A repressed the ICAM-1 promoter after stimulation with IFN-gamma and LPS with little change after TNF-alpha stimulation. In stable E1A transfectants, ICAM-1 promoter activity was 2 to 2.5 times higher than in control transfectants with or without stimulation with TNF-alpha or LPS. These findings suggest that EIA can modulate the activity of the ICAM-1 promoter in lung epithelial cells and this modulation is different in cells of alveolar origin compared to bronchial epithelial cells.

Haemorrhagic enteritis of turkeys - current knowledge

Haemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV), an adenovirus associated with acute haemorrhagic gastro-intestinal disease of 6-11-week old turkeys predominantly hampers both humoral and cellular immunity. Affected birds are more prone to secondary complications (e.g. colibacillosis and clostridiosis) and failure to mount an effective vaccine-induced immune response. HEV belongs to the new genus Siadenovirus. Feco-oral transmission is the main route of entry of the virus and it mainly colonizes bursa, intestine and spleen. Both naturally occurring virulent and avirulent strains of HEVs are serologically indistinguishable. Recent findings revealed that ORF1, E3 and fib genes are the key factors affecting virulence. The adoption of suitable diagnostic tools, proper vaccination and biosecurity measures have restrained the occurrence of disease epidemics. For diagnostic purposes, the best source of HEV is either intestinal contents or samples from spleen. For rapid detection highly sensitive and specific tests such as quantitative real-time PCR based on Taq man probe has been designed. Avirulent strains of HEV or MSDV can be effectively used as live vaccines. Novel vaccines include recombinant hexon protein-based subunit vaccines or recombinant virus-vectored vaccines using fowl poxvirus (FPV) expressing the native hexon of HEV. Notably, subunit vaccines and recombinant virus vectored vaccines altogether offer high protection against challenge or field viruses. Herein, we converse a comprehensive analysis of the HEV genetics, disease pathobiology, advancements in diagnosis and vaccination along with appropriate prevention and control strategies.

Tumor targeting using canine parvovirus nanoparticles

Advances in genetics, proteomics and cellular and molecular biology are being integrated and translated to develop effective methods for the prevention and control of cancer. One such combined effort is to create multifunctional nanodevices that will specifically recognize tumors and thus enable early diagnosis and provide targeted treatment of this disease. Viral particles are being considered for this purpose since they are inherently nanostructures with well-defined geometry and uniformity, ideal for displaying molecules in a precise spatial distribution at the nanoscale level and subject to greater structural control. Viruses are presumably the most efficient nanocontainer for cellular delivery as they have naturally evolved mechanisms for binding to and entering cells. Virus-based systems typically require genetic or chemical modification of their surfaces to achieve tumor-specific interactions. Interestingly, canine parvovirus (CPV) has a natural affinity for transferrin receptors (TfRs) (both of canine and human origin) and this property could be harnessed as TfRs are overexpressed by a variety of human tumor cells. Since TfR recognition relies on the CPV capsid protein, we envisioned the use of virus or its shells as tumor targeting agents. We observed that derivatization of CPV virus-like particles (VLPs) with dye molecules did not impair particle binding to TfRs or internalization into human tumor cells. Thus CPV-based VLPs with a natural tropism for TfRs hold great promise in the development of novel nanomaterial for delivery of a therapeutic and/or genetic cargo.

Adenovirus E1A regulates lung epithelial ICAM-1 expression by interacting with transcriptional regulators at its promoter

We focused on the regulation of inflammatory mediator expression by adenovirus E1A in lung epithelial cells and the role of this viral protein in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We previously reported that E1A, a well-known regulator of host genes, increased ICAM-1 expression in human bronchial epithelial (HBE) and A549 cells in response to LPS stimulation. In this report, we clarified the mechanism of this regulation. We found NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus after LPS stimulation in both E1A-positive and -negative HBE cells. ICAM-1 promoter reporter constructs revealed that a mutation in the proximal NF-kappaB binding site completely inhibited increased transcription, whereas the mutation in a distal site did not. We analyzed the participation of E1A in transcriptional complex formation at this promoter using chromatin immunoprecipitation. In E1A-positive HBE and A549 cells, LPS stimulation increased ICAM-1 promoter immunoprecipitation by NF-kappaB p65 and p300 but not activator protein-1 antibodies with a concomitant increase by the E1A antibody. No increase was found in E1A-negative cells except in HBE cells with p65 antibody. The association of E1A with the increased promoter immunoprecipitation with p300 was also observed after TNF-alpha stimulation of A549 cells. These results suggest that adenovirus E1A regulates the ICAM-1 promoter through its proximal NF-kappaB binding site, most likely by interacting with the transcriptional complex that forms at this site. E1A regulation of the LPS response may play a role in acute exacerbations as a consequence of bacterial infections in COPD.

The transcription-repression domain of the adenovirus E1A oncoprotein targets p300 at the promoter

Extensive mutational/functional analysis of the transcription-repression domain encoded in the N-terminal 80 amino acids of the adenovirus E1A 243R oncoprotein suggests a model for the molecular mechanism of E1A repression: E1A accesses transcriptional co-activators such as p300 on specific promoters and then interacts with TBP to disrupt the TBP-TATA complex. In support of this model, as reported here, a basal core promoter activated by tethering p300 is repressible by E1A at the promoter level as shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis. Sequestration of p300 by E1A does not play a significant role, as indicated by dose-response measurements. Furthermore, when the core promoter is transcriptionally activated by tethering activation domains of several transcription factors that can recruit p300 (p65, MyoD, cMyb and TFE3), transcription is repressible by E1A. However, when the core promoter is activated by factors not known to recruit p300 (USF1 and USF2), transcription is resistant to E1A repression. Finally, tethering p300 to the non-repressible adenovirus major late promoter (MLP) renders it repressible by E1A. ChIP analysis shows that E1A occupies the repressed MLP. These findings provide support for the hypothesis that p300 can serve as a scaffold for the E1A repression domain to access specific cellular gene promoters involved in growth regulation.

E1A- and E1B-Double mutant replicating adenovirus elicits enhanced oncolytic and antitumor effects

Gene-modified replication-competent adenoviruses (Ads) are emerging as a promising new modality for the treatment of cancer. We have previously shown that E1B 19kDa and E1B 55kDa gene-deleted Ad (Ad-DeltaE1B19/55) exhibits improved tumor-specific replication and cell lysis, leading to an enhanced antitumor effect. In an effort to increase cancer cell selectivity of a replicating adenovirus, we first generated 11 E1A mutant Ads (Ad-E1mt1 to Ad-E1mt11) with deletion or substitution in retinoblastoma (pRb)-binding sites of E1A. Of these, Ad-E1mt7 demonstrated significant improvement in cytopathic effect (CPE) and viral replication in a cancer cell-specific manner. To further enhance the cancer cell specificity of Ad-E1mt7, Ad-DeltaE1Bmt7 was generated, in which both the E1B 19kDa and E1B 55kDa genes were deleted. As assessed in CPE assay and immunoblot analysis for Ad fiber expression, Ad-DeltaE1Bmt7 exerted marked enhancement in cancer cell-specific killing as well as viral replication in comparison with its comparative controls (Ad-E1mt7, Ad-DeltaE1B55). Furthermore, the growth of established human cervical carcinoma in nude mice was significantly suppressed by intratumoral injection of Ad-DeltaE1Bmt7. In summary, we have developed an oncolytic adenovirus with a significantly improved therapeutic profile for cancer treatment.

Allele-specific chromatin remodeling of the tumor necrosis factor-α promoter

The -863 C/A polymorphism in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) promoter has been suggested to influence TNF-alpha expression. Here we elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying the allele-specific regulation of TNF-alpha gene expression under basal and LPS-stimulated conditions in THP-1 cells and in human primary macrophages. We show that the binding of two NF-kappaB complexes, the p50/p50 homodimer and the p50/p65 heterodimer, was upregulated upon LPS stimulation. Both complexes bound to the C-allele whereas the A-allele only bound the p50/p65 complex. Two DNase I hypersensitive sites appeared in the TNF-alpha promoter after LPS stimulation of THP-1 cells. DNase I hypersensitivity of the TNF-alpha promoter was also analyzed in human monocytes prepared from individuals of different -863C/A genotype. Hypersensitivity was increased in the promoter harboring the mutant A-allele, particularly after LPS stimulation. In summary, binding of transcription factor NF-kappaB to the TNF-alpha promoter is associated with allele-specific remodeling of chromatin structure.

Mechanism of action of a distal NF-kappaB-dependent enhancer

The monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 gene (MCP-1) is regulated by TNF through an NF-kappaB-dependent distal enhancer and an Sp1-dependent promoter-proximal regulatory region. In the silent state, only the distal regulatory region is accessible to transcription factors. Upon activation by tumor necrosis factor, NF-kappaB binds to the distal regulatory region and recruits CBP and p300. CBP and p300 recruitment led to specific histone modifications that ultimately enabled the binding of Sp1 to the proximal regulatory region. During this process, a direct interaction between the distal and proximal regulatory regions occurred. Sp1, NF-kappaB, CBP, and p300 were required for this interaction. CBP/p300-mediated histone modifications enhanced the binding of the coactivator CARM1 to the distal regulatory region. CARM1, which is necessary for MCP-1 expression, was not required for distal-proximal region interactions, suggesting that it plays a later downstream activation event. The results describe a model in which the separation of the distal enhancer from the promoter-proximal region allows for two independent chromatin states to exist, preventing inappropriate gene activation at the promoter while at the same time allowing rapid induction through the distal regulatory region.

Reciprocal transactivation between HIV-1 and other human viruses

A variety of rare clinical syndromes are seen with strikingly increased prevalence in HIV-1-infected individuals, many with underlying viral etiologies. The emergence of these diseases in AIDS reflects a reduction in the ability of the immune system to mount an adequate defense against viruses in general due to the damage inflicted to the immune system by HIV-1 infection. However, in many cases, it has been found that HIV-1 can enhance the level of expression and hence the life cycle of other viruses independently of immunosuppression through specific interactions with the viruses. This can occur either directly by HIV-1 proteins such as Tat enhancing the activity of heterologous viral promoters, and/or indirectly by HIV-1 inducing the expression of cytokines and activation of their downstream signaling that eventually promotes the multiplication of the other virus. In a reciprocal manner, the effects of other viruses can enhance the pathogenicity of HIV-1 infection in individuals with AIDS through stimulation of the HIV-1 promoter activity and genome expression. The purpose of this review is to examine the cross-interactions between these viruses and HIV-1.

The adenovirus e3 promoter is sensitive to activation signals in human T cells

The group C adenoviruses typically cause acute respiratory disease in young children. In addition, a persistent phase of infection has been observed in which virus may be shed for years without producing overt pathology. Our laboratory recently reported that group C adenovirus DNA can be found in tonsil and adenoid T lymphocytes from the majority of pediatric donors (C. T. Garnett, D. Erdman, W. Xu, and L. R. Gooding, J. Virol. 76:10608-10616, 2002). This finding suggests that immune evasion strategies of human adenoviruses may be directed, in part, toward protection of persistently or latently infected T lymphocytes. Many of the adenoviral gene products implicated in prevention of immune destruction of virus-infected cells are encoded within the E3 transcription unit. In this study, the E3 promoter was evaluated for sensitivity to T-cell activation signals by using a promoter reporter plasmid. Indeed, this promoter is extremely sensitive to T-cell activation, with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin increasing E3-directed transcription 100-fold. By comparison, in the same cells E1A expression leads to a 5.5-fold increase in transcription from the E3 promoter. In contrast to induction by E1A, activation by PMA plus ionomycin requires the two E3 NF-kappaB binding sites. Interestingly, expression of E1A inhibits induction of the E3 promoter in response to T-cell activation while increasing E3 promoter activity in unactivated cells. Collectively, these data suggest that the E3 promoter may have evolved the capacity to respond to T-cell activation in the absence of E1A expression and may act to upregulate antiapoptotic gene expression in order to promote survival of persistently infected T lymphocytes.

Role of the E1A Rb-binding domain in repression of the NF-kappa B-dependent defense against tumor necrosis factor-alpha

The adenoviral E1A oncogene sensitizes mammalian cells to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), in part by repressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B)-dependent defense against this cytokine. Other E1A activities involve binding to either p300/cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) or retinoblastoma (Rb)-family proteins, but the roles of E1A interactions with these transcriptional regulators in sensitizing cells to TNF-alpha are unclear. E1A expression did not block upstream events in TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappa B in NIH 3T3 cells, including degradation of I kappa B-alpha, nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B subunits, and their dimeric binding to kappa B sequences in the nucleus. However, E1A markedly repressed NF-kappa B-dependent transcription and sensitized cells to TNF-alpha induced apoptosis. These E1A effects were selective for kappa B-dependent transcription and for the function of the NF-kappa B p65/RelA subunit. A four amino acid E1A deletion that eliminates binding to Rb-family proteins blocked both repression of TNF-alpha-induced transcription and sensitization to apoptosis. In contrast, mutations that eliminate E1A binding to p300/CBP (coactivators of p65/RelA) did not affect either E1A activity. These data suggest that E1A-Rb-binding blocks the NF-kappa B-dependent activation response to TNF-alpha by altering the function of p65/RelA at a stage after formation of the transcription factor-enhancer complex. These observations also open questions about the general role of Rb-family proteins in modulation of NF-kappa B-dependent transcription.

Latent adenovirus infection in COPD

We have concentrated on the adenovirus as the source of the heightened inflammatory response of the lungs of patients with COPD. We have concentrated in particular on the responses to agents such as lipopolysaccharides and environmental particulates that contaminate the air we breathe, and we have accumulated evidence that the E1A gene of this virus could be the key player in this process. As other intracellular pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of COPD, our studies on the adenovirus E1A could serve as the model for investigating the interaction between host and extrinsic factors in the chronic progression of this debilitating lung disease.

Endotoxin-specific NF-kappaB activation in pulmonary epithelial cells harboring adenovirus E1A

Adenovirus E1A DNA and proteins are detected in lung epithelial cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In investigating E1A regulation of inflammatory mediator expression in human lung epithelial cells, we found increased intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin-8 expression after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of A549 cells stably transfected with adenovirus 5 E1A. We now show that E1A-dependent induction of interleukin-8 expression is specific to LPS, superinduced by cycloheximide, and not observed after tumor necrosis factor or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate stimulation. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that tumor necrosis factor or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced nuclear factor-kappaB binding complexes of Rel A and p50 in E1A and control transfectants, whereas LPS was effective only in E1A transfectants. Similarly, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB was observed only in E1A transfectants. CCAAT-enhancer binding protein binding was undetected and activator protein-1 binding was unaffected by LPS in either cell type, whereas basal mRNA levels of c-jun were unchanged by E1A. We conclude that E1A enhances the expression of these inflammatory mediator genes by modulating events specific to LPS-triggered nuclear factor-kappaB induction in these cells.

Specificity of cyclin E-Cdk2, TFIIB, and E1A interactions with a common domain of the p300 coactivator

The p300 and CREB binding protein (CBP) transcriptional coactivators interact with a variety of transcription factors and regulate their activity. Among the interactions that have been described, the COOH-terminal region of p300 binds to cyclin E-cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (cyclin E-Cdk2) and TFIIB, as well as to the E1A gene products of adenovirus. Inhibition of Cdk activity by Cdk inhibitors, such as p21 or p27, potentiates NF-kappaB activity and provides a mechanism to coordinate cell cycle progression with the transcription of genes expressed during growth arrest. In this report, we analyze the specific domains of p300 required for the binding of p300 to cyclin E-Cdk2, TFIIB, and E1A and the ability of these proteins to interact with p300, alone or in combination. 12S E1A, an inhibitor of p300-dependent transcription, reduces the binding of TFIIB, but not that of cyclin E-Cdk2, to p300. In contrast, 13S E1A, a pleiotropic transcriptional activator, does not inhibit TFIIB binding to p300, although it enhances the interaction of cyclin E-Cdk2 with p300. Modification of cyclin E-Cdk2 is most likely required for association with p300 since the interaction is observed only with cyclin E-Cdk2 purified from mammalian cells. Domain swap studies show that the cyclin homology domain of TFIIB is involved in interactions with p300, although the homologous region from cyclin E does not mediate this interaction. These findings suggest that p300 or CBP function is regulated by interactions of various proteins with a common coactivator domain.

Two domains within the adenovirus type 12 E1A unique spacer have disparate effects on the interaction of E1A with P105-Rb and the transformation of primary mouse cells

Transformation of primary rodent cells by functions of the adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) early region 1 (E1) is reduced severalfold compared with transformation by E1 of Ad2. We analyzed whether the unique spacer region of Ad12 E1A that borders the conserved region (CR) 2 and represents an oncogenic determinant of Ad12 E1A is involved in this impaired transformation property, putatively by modulating transformation-relevant biological E1A functions. We show that a mutant (E1ASpm1) that lacks 12 amino-terminal residues of the spacer binds p105-Rb and p130 as Ad12 E1A wild type (E1Awt), whereas a second spacer mutant (E1ASpm2) that lacks an adjacent stretch of six alanines exhibits highly reduced binding to p105-Rb. The binding of this mutant to the p130 pocket protein is, however, little impaired. E1ASpm1 diminishes the formation of the p105-Rb-E2F complex more efficiently than E1Awt or, least efficient, E1ASpm2. These properties of the spacer mutants to target and to disintegrate the p105-Rb-E2F complex correspond with their ability to transform primary mouse cells in combination with E1B: E1ASpm1 (plus Ad12 E1B)-transfected cells could be easily established as cell lines, comparable to Ad12 E1Awt- or Ad2 E1Awt-transfected cells. In contrast, cells transfected with E1ASpm2 or Ad12 E1AdelCR2 (lacking the entire CR2) died within 6-10 weeks after replating, although foci were formed in all cases. Of note, the E1ASpm1-transformed cells grow as fast as the Ad2 E1Awt-transformed cells, with a doubling rate of 15 h, whereas the doubling of the Ad12 E1Awt-transformed cells takes approximately 120 h. Moreover, in the established cell lines, the affinity of E1ASpm1 to p105-Rb was higher than with that of E1Awt. Our data suggest the presence of a transformation-suppressing domain within the carboxyl-terminal 12 residues of the Ad12 E1A-unique spacer, whereas the hydrophobic stretch of six alanines in the spacer is required for stable transformation.

Characterization of the interferon regulatory factor-7 and its potential role in the transcription activation of interferon A genes

The family of interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) plays an important role in modulating cellular responses to viral infection and cytokines, including IFNs. The transcription factors that are involved in the transcriptional activation of the IFNB gene have been extensively studied. However, the molecular mechanism by which virus activates the expression of the IFNA gene remains to be defined. Recently, we have identified a new IRF-7 isoform, denoted as IRF-7H, which encodes a protein of 514 amino acids and is most closely related to the IRF-3. The expression of IRF-7 is restricted to the lymphoid cell types and is inducible by virus, lipopolysaccharide, and IFNA. The functional characterization of IRF-7H reveals a presence of transactivation domain located carboxyl-terminal to its DNA binding domain. Overexpression of IRF-7H results in an activation of IFNA promoter in transient transfection assay and a strong enhancement of virus-mediated activation of this promoter. Whereas in uninfected cells, overexpressed IRF-7H is present mainly in the cytoplasm, viral infection facilitates the transfer of IRF-7H to the nucleus; overexpression of IRF-3 interferes with the virus-induced translocation of IRF-7H. Thus, IRF-7 exhibits functional similarity to IRF-3; however, the preferential expression of IRF-7 in lymphoid cells (the cell type that expresses IFNA) suggests that IRF-7 may play a critical role in regulating the IFNA gene expression.

Activation of the human immunodeficiency virus long terminal repeat by varicella-zoster virus IE4 protein requires nuclear factor-kappaB and involves both the amino-terminal and the carboxyl-terminal cysteine-rich region

Varicella-zoster virus open reading frame 4-encoded protein (IE4) possesses transactivating properties for varicella-zoster virus genes as well as for those of heterologous viruses such as the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Mechanisms of HIV-1 LTR (long terminal repeat) transactivation were investigated in HeLa cells transiently transfected with an IE4 expression plasmid and a CAT reporter gene under the control of the HIV-1 LTR. These results demonstrated that IE4-mediated transactivation of the HIV-1 LTR in HeLa cells required transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Using the gel retardation assay, it was shown that transfection of the IE4 expression vector in HeLa cells was not associated with induction of NF-kappaB under the p50.p65 heterodimeric form and that no direct binding of IE4 to the kappaB sites could be detected. Both Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses suggested that the ability of IE4 to activate transcription through kappaB motives was not connected with its capacity to override the inhibitory activities of IkappaB-alpha or p105. Finally, in vitro protein-protein interactions involving IE4 and basal transcription factors such as TATA-binding protein and transcription factor IIB were carried out. A direct interaction between IE4 and TATA-binding protein or transcription factor IIB components of the basal complex of transcription was evidenced, as well as binding to the p50 and p65 NF-kappaB subunits. Mutagenesis analysis of IE4 indicated that the COOH-terminal cysteine-rich and arginine-rich regions (residues 82-182) were critical for transactivation, whereas the first 81 amino acids appeared dispensable. Moreover, the arginine-rich region is required for the in vitro binding activity, whereas the COOH-terminal end did not appear essential.

HIV transcriptional activation by the accessory protein, VPR, is mediated by the p300 co-activator

The accessory protein, Vpr, is a virion-associated protein that is required for HIV-1 replication in macrophages and regulates viral gene expression in T cells. Vpr causes arrest of cell cycle progression at G2/M, presumably through its effect on cyclin B1.Cdc2 activity. Here, we show that the ability of Vpr to activate HIV transcription correlates with its ability to induce G2/M growth arrest, and this effect is mediated by the p300 transcriptional co-activator, which promotes cooperative interactions between the Rel A subunit of NF-kappaB and cyclin B1.Cdc2. Vpr cooperates with p300, which regulates NF-kappaB and the basal transcriptional machinery, to increase HIV gene expression. Similar effects are seen in the absence of Vpr with a kinase-deficient Cdc2, and overexpression of p300 increases levels of HIV Vpr+ replication. Taken together, these data suggest that p300, through its interactions with NF-kappaB, basal transcriptional components, and Cdks, is modulated by Vpr and regulates HIV replication. The regulation of p300 by Vpr provides a mechanism to enhance viral replication in proliferating cells after growth arrest by increasing viral transcription.

Phosphorylation of NF-kappa B p65 by PKA stimulates transcriptional activity by promoting a novel bivalent interaction with the coactivator CBP/p300

The transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B is stimulated upon phosphorylation of its p65 subunit on serine 276 by protein kinase A (PKA). The transcriptional coactivator CPB/p300 associates with NF-kappa B p65 through two sites, an N-terminal domain that interacts with the C-terminal region of unphosphorylated p65, and a second domain that only interacts with p65 phosphorylated on serine 276. Accessibility to both sites is blocked in unphosphorylated p65 through an intramolecular masking of the N terminus by the C-terminal region of p65. Phosphorylation by PKA both weakens the interaction between the N- and C-terminal regions of p65 and creates an additional site for interaction with CBP/p300. Therefore, PKA regulates the transcriptional activity of NF-kappa B by modulating its interaction with CBP/p300.

Histone acetyltransferases regulate HIV-1 enhancer activity in vitro

Specific inhibitors of histone deacetylase, such as trichostatin A (TSA) and trapoxin (TPX), are potent inducers of HIV-1 transcription in latently infected T-cell lines. Activation of the integrated HIV-1 promoter is accompanied by the loss or rearrangement of a positioned nucleosome (nuc-1) near the viral RNA start site. Here we show that TSA strongly induces HIV-1 transcription on chromatin in vitro, concomitant with an enhancer factor-assisted increase in the level of acetylated histone H4. TSA treatment, however, did not detectably alter enhancer factor binding or the positioning of nuc-1 on the majority of the chromatin templates indicating that protein acetylation and chromatin remodeling may be limiting steps that occur only on transcriptionally competent templates, or that remodeling of nuc-1 requires additional factors. To assess the number of active chromatin templates in vitro, transcription was limited to a single round with low levels of the detergent Sarkosyl. Remarkably, HIV-1 transcription on chromatin was found to arise from a small number of active templates that can each support nearly 100 rounds of transcription, and TSA increased the number of active templates in each round. In contrast, transcription on naked DNA was limited to only a few rounds and was not responsive to TSA. We conclude that HIV-1 enhancer complexes greatly facilitate transcription reinitiation on chromatin in vitro, and act at a limiting step to promote the acetylation of histones or other transcription factors required for HIV-1 enhancer activity.

Achieving transcriptional specificity with NF-kappa B

Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kappa B) was first identified by Sen and Baltimore (1986, Cell 46, 705-716) as a constitutively active transcription factor binding the kappa light chain immunoglobulin enhancer in B cells. Shortly afterwards, the same researchers found NF-kappa B to be present in other cell types in an inactive cytoplasmic form which upon cellular stimulation could be induced to translocate to the nucleus and bind DNA. Subsequently, it has been demonstrated that NF-kappa B performs a critical role as a regulator of the immune system, the response to stress, apoptosis, viral replication and is involved in many diseases, leading to it becoming one of the most intensively studied transcription factors of the last decade. The pivotal role played by NF-kappa B is illustrated not only by the great diversity of genes that it regulates, but also by the large variety of stimuli leading to its activation. This article will address how NF-kappa B, a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor composed of dimers formed from five subunits, differentially regulates the expression of such a diverse array of genes with different functions, in different cell types and at different times. Recent research indicates that this behavioral diversity arises from a delicately balanced network of protein: protein interactions: NF-kappa B activity is determined not only through its regulated nuclear localization but is also dependent on the cellular context in which it is found.