Simian virus 40 large T antigen's association with the CUL7 SCF complex contributes to cellular transformation

The functional analysis of Cullin 7 E3 ubiquitin ligases in cancer

Cullin (CUL) proteins have critical roles in development and cancer, however few studies on CUL7 have been reported due to its characteristic molecular structure. CUL7 forms a complex with the ROC1 ring finger protein, and only two F-box proteins Fbxw8 and Fbxw11 have been shown to bind to CUL7. Interestingly, CUL7 can interact with its substrates by forming a novel complex that is independent of these two F-box proteins. The biological implications of CUL-ring ligase 7 (CRL7) suggest that the CRL7 may not only perform a proteolytic function but may also play a non-proteolytic role. Among the existing studied CRL7-based E3 ligases, CUL7 exerts both tumor promotion and suppression in a context-dependent manner. Currently, the mechanism of CUL7 in cancer remains unclear, and no studies have addressed potential therapies targeting CUL7. Consistent with the roles of the various CRL7 adaptors exhibit, targeting CRL7 might be an effective strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. We systematically describe the recent major advances in understanding the role of the CUL7 E3 ligase in cancer and further summarize its potential use in clinical therapy.

A Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of the JC Virus (JCV) Large and Small Tumor Antigen Interacting Proteins: Large T Primarily Targets the Host Protein Complexes with V-ATPase and Ubiquitin Ligase Activities While Small t Mostly Associates with Those Having Phosphatase and Chromatin-Remodeling Functions

The oncogenic potential of both the polyomavirus large (LT-Ag) and small (Sm t-Ag) tumor antigens has been previously demonstrated in both tissue culture and animal models. Even the contribution of the MCPyV tumor antigens to the development of an aggressive human skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, has been recently established. To date, the known primary targets of these tumor antigens include several tumor suppressors such as pRb, p53, and PP2A. However, a comprehensive list of the host proteins targeted by these proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report the first interactome of JCV LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag by employing two independent “affinity purification/mass spectroscopy” (AP/MS) assays. The proteomics data identified novel targets for both tumor antigens while confirming some of the previously reported interactions. LT-Ag was found to primarily target the protein complexes with ATPase (v-ATPase and Smc5/6 complex), phosphatase (PP4 and PP1), and ligase (E3-ubiquitin) activities. In contrast, the major targets of Sm t-Ag were identified as Smarca1/6, AIFM1, SdhA/B, PP2A, and p53. The interactions between “LT-Ag and SdhB”, “Sm t-Ag and Smarca5”, and “Sm t-Ag and SDH” were further validated by biochemical assays. Interestingly, perturbations in some of the LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag targets identified in this study were previously shown to be associated with oncogenesis, suggesting new roles for both tumor antigens in novel oncogenic pathways. This comprehensive data establishes new foundations to further unravel the new roles for JCV tumor antigens in oncogenesis and the viral life cycle.

Cullin-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligase 7 in Growth Control and Cancer

CRL7^Fbxw8 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, containing cullin7 (CUL7) as a scaffold, the F-box protein Fbxw8 as a substrate receptor, the Skp1 adaptor, and the ROC1/Rbx1 RING finger protein for working with E2 enzyme to facilitate ubiquitin transfer. This chapter provides an update on studies linking CRL7^Fbxw8 to hereditary human growth retardation disease, as at least 64 cul7 germ line mutations were found in patients with autosomal recessive 3-M syndrome. CRL7^Fbxw8 interacts with two additional 3-M associated proteins OBSL1 and CCDC8, leading to subcellular localization of the E3 complex to regions including plasma membrane, centrosome, and Golgi. At least ten mammalian cellular proteins were identified or implicated as CRL7^Fbxw8 substrates. Discussion focuses on the possible impact of CRL7^Fbxw8-mediated proteolytic or non-proteolytic pathways in growth control and cancer.

SV40 T-Antigen Amino Acid Changes that Disrupt Cul-7 or Bub-1 Binding Do Not Globally Distort the T-Common Region

BACKGROUND

Amino acids 1-107 of the SV40 T antigen constitute a functionally important and complex region. Cellular proteins, Hsc70, Bub-1, Cul-7, and Rb, each of which is involved in cell growth control or genomic stability, bind within this portion of the T antigen. Mutational analysis has mapped the J domain/Hsc70, Bub-1, and the Rb binding motifs. Two regions of the T antigen have been implicated in Cul-7 binding. Mutation of F98A diminished Cul-7 binding, and deletion of amino acids 68-83 abolished it. The authors suggest, based on T-antigen structure, that F98 is inaccessible and that the F98A change altered the configuration of the upstream region, preventing Cul-7 binding. Our objective was to determine, by using monoclonal T-antigen antibodies, whether F98 is accessible and whether F98A substitution globally distorted the T-common region.

METHODS

Cell-expressing T antigens, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblot were used to determine the accessibility of amino acids.

CONCLUSION

Full-length T-antigen and N-terminal fragments containing F98A were immunoprecipitated by monoclonal antibody PAb902, which recognizes a conformation-dependent epitope within the first 82 amino acids. Therefore, this alteration does not globally distort the entire T-common region. Additionally, PAb416, which displaces Cul-7 from the T antigen and immunoprecipitates bound pRb peptides, depends on F98 for binding, implying that amino acid 98 is part of the epitope and accessible in the native T antigen.

Thymic and Postthymic Regulation of Naïve CD4(+) T-Cell Lineage Fates in Humans and Mice Models

Our understanding of how thymocytes differentiate into many subtypes has been increased progressively in its complexity. At early life, the thymus provides a suitable microenvironment with specific combination of stromal cells, growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines to induce the bone marrow lymphoid progenitor T-cell precursors into single-positive CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T effectors and CD4⁺CD25⁺ T-regulatory cells (Tregs). At postthymic compartments, the CD4⁺ T-cells acquire distinct phenotypes which include the classical T-helper 1 (Th1), T-helper 2 (Th2), T-helper 9 (Th9), T-helper 17 (Th17), follicular helper T-cell (Tfh), and induced T-regulatory cells (iTregs), such as the regulatory type 1 cells (Tr1) and transforming growth factor-β- (TGF-β-) producing CD4⁺ T-cells (Th3). Tregs represent only a small fraction, 5–10% in mice and 1-2% in humans, of the overall CD4⁺ T-cells in lymphoid tissues but are essential for immunoregulatory circuits mediating the inhibition and expansion of all lineages of T-cells. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the major cell-intrinsic developmental programs that regulate T-cell lineage fates in thymus and periphery. Next, we introduce the SV40 immortomouse as a relevant mice model for implementation of new approaches to investigate thymus organogenesis, CD4 and CD8 development, and thymus cells tumorogenesis.

A critical role for alternative polyadenylation factor CPSF6 in targeting HIV-1 integration to transcriptionally active chromatin

Integration is vital to retroviral replication and influences the establishment of the latent HIV reservoir. HIV-1 integration favors active genes, which is in part determined by the interaction between integrase and lens epithelium-derived growth factor (LEDGF)/p75. Because gene targeting remains significantly enriched, relative to random in LEDGF/p75 deficient cells, other host factors likely contribute to gene-tropic integration. Nucleoporins 153 and 358, which bind HIV-1 capsid, play comparatively minor roles in integration targeting, but the influence of another capsid binding protein, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6 (CPSF6), has not been reported. In this study we knocked down or knocked out CPSF6 in parallel or in tandem with LEDGF/p75. CPSF6 knockout changed viral infectivity kinetics, decreased proviral formation, and preferentially decreased integration into transcriptionally active genes, spliced genes, and regions of chromatin enriched in genes and activating histone modifications. LEDGF/p75 depletion by contrast preferentially altered positional integration targeting within gene bodies. Dual factor knockout reduced integration into genes to below the levels observed with either single knockout and revealed that CPSF6 played a more dominant role than LEDGF/p75 in directing integration to euchromatin. CPSF6 complementation rescued HIV-1 integration site distribution in CPSF6 knockout cells, but complementation with a capsid binding mutant of CPSF6 did not. We conclude that integration targeting proceeds via two distinct mechanisms: capsid-CPSF6 binding directs HIV-1 to actively transcribed euchromatin, where the integrase-LEDGF/p75 interaction drives integration into gene bodies.

Cullin E3 ligases and their rewiring by viral factors

The ability of viruses to subvert host pathways is central in disease pathogenesis. Over the past decade, a critical role for the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) in counteracting host immune factors during viral infection has emerged. This counteraction is commonly achieved by the expression of viral proteins capable of sequestering host ubiquitin E3 ligases and their regulators. In particular, many viruses hijack members of the Cullin-RING E3 Ligase (CRL) family. Viruses interact in many ways with CRLs in order to impact their ligase activity; one key recurring interaction involves re-directing CRL complexes to degrade host targets that are otherwise not degraded within host cells. Removal of host immune factors by this mechanism creates a more amenable cellular environment for viral propagation. To date, a small number of target host factors have been identified, many of which are degraded via a CRL-proteasome pathway. Substantial effort within the field is ongoing to uncover the identities of further host proteins targeted in this fashion and the underlying mechanisms driving their turnover by the UPS. Elucidation of these targets and mechanisms will provide appealing anti-viral therapeutic opportunities. This review is focused on the many methods used by viruses to perturb host CRLs, focusing on substrate sequestration and viral regulation of E3 activity.

Inhibition of post-transcriptional RNA processing by CDK inhibitors and its implication in anti-viral therapy

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are key regulators of the cell cycle and RNA polymerase II mediated transcription. Several pharmacological CDK inhibitors are currently in clinical trials as potential cancer therapeutics and some of them also exhibit antiviral effects. Olomoucine II and roscovitine, purine-based inhibitors of CDKs, were described as effective antiviral agents that inhibit replication of a broad range of wild type human viruses. Olomoucine II and roscovitine show high selectivity for CDK7 and CDK9, with important functions in the regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription. RNA polymerase II is necessary for viral transcription and following replication in cells. We analyzed the effect of inhibition of CDKs by olomoucine II on gene expression from viral promoters and compared its effect to widely-used roscovitine. We found that both roscovitine and olomoucine II blocked the phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain. However the repression of genes regulated by viral promoters was strongly dependent on gene localization. Both roscovitine and olomoucine II inhibited expression only when the viral promoter was not integrated into chromosomal DNA. In contrast, treatment of cells with genome-integrated viral promoters increased their expression even though there was decreased phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II. To define the mechanism responsible for decreased gene expression after pharmacological CDK inhibitor treatment, the level of mRNA transcription from extrachromosomal DNA was determined. Interestingly, our results showed that inhibition of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain phosphorylation increased the number of transcribed mRNAs. However, some of these mRNAs were truncated and lacked polyadenylation, which resulted in decreased translation. These results suggest that phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain is critical for linking transcription and posttrancriptional processing of mRNA expressed from extrachromosomal DNA.

Inhibition of Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase 7 by simian virus 40 large T antigen

Simian virus 40 (SV40) large tumor antigen (LT) triggers oncogenic transformation by inhibition of key tumor suppressor proteins, including p53 and members of the retinoblastoma family. In addition, SV40 transformation requires binding of LT to Cullin 7 (CUL7), a core component of Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase 7 (CRL7). However, the pathomechanistic effects of LT-CUL7 interaction are mostly unknown. Here we report both in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence that SV40 LT suppresses the ubiquitin ligase function of CRL7. We show that SV40 LT, but not a CUL7 binding-deficient mutant (LT(Δ69-83)), impaired 26S proteasome-dependent proteolysis of the CRL7 target protein insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), a component of the insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling pathway. SV40 LT expression resulted in the accumulation and prolonged half-life of IRS1. In vitro, purified SV40 LT reduced CRL7-dependent IRS1 ubiquitination in a concentration-dependent manner. Expression of SV40 LT, or depletion of CUL7 by RNA interference, resulted in the enhanced activation of IRS1 downstream signaling pathways phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT and Erk mitogen-activated pathway kinase, as well as up-regulation of the downstream target gene c-fos. Finally, SV40 LT-positive carcinoma of carcinoembryonic antigen 424/SV40 LT transgenic mice displayed elevated IRS1 protein levels and activation of downstream signaling. Taken together, these data suggest that SV40 LT protects IRS1 from CRL7-mediated degradation, thereby sustaining high levels of promitogenic IRS1 downstream signaling pathways.

Two independent regions of simian virus 40 T antigen increase CBP/p300 levels, alter patterns of cellular histone acetylation, and immortalize primary cells

Simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (SVT) interferes with normal cell regulation and thus has been used to identify cellular components controlling proliferation and homeostasis. We have previously shown that SVT-mediated transformation requires interaction with the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) CBP/p300 and now report that the ectopic expression of SVT in several cell types in vivo and in vitro results in a significant increase in the steady-state levels of CBP/p300. Furthermore, SVT-expressing cells contain higher levels of acetylated CBP/p300, a modification that has been linked to increased HAT activity. Concomitantly, the acetylation levels of histone residues H3K56 and H4K12 are markedly increased in SVT-expressing cells. Other polyomavirus-encoded large T antigens also increase the levels of CBP/p300 and sustain a rise in the acetylation levels of H3K56 and H4K12. SVT does not affect the transcription of CBP/p300, but rather, alters their overall levels through increasing the loading of CBP/p300 mRNAs onto polysomes. Two distinct regions within SVT, one located in the amino terminus and one in the carboxy terminus, can independently alter both the levels of CBP/p300 and the loading of CBP/p300 transcripts onto polysomes. Within the amino-terminal fragment, a functional J domain is necessary for increasing CBP/p300 and specific histone acetylation levels, as well as for immortalizing primary cells. These studies uncover the action of polyomavirus T antigens on cellular CBP/p300 and suggest that additional mechanisms are used by T antigens to induce cell immortalization and transformation.

Large T antigens of polyomaviruses: amazing molecular machines

The large tumor antigen (T antigen) encoded by simian virus 40 is an amazing molecular machine because it orchestrates viral infection by modulating multiple fundamental viral and cellular processes. T antigen is required for viral DNA replication, transcription, and virion assembly. In addition, T antigen targets multiple cellular pathways, including those that regulate cell proliferation, cell death, and the inflammatory response. Ectopic T antigen expression results in the immortalization and transformation of many cell types in culture and T antigen induces neoplasia when expressed in rodents. The analysis of the mechanisms by which T antigen carries out its many functions has proved to be a powerful way of gaining insights into cell biology. The accelerating pace at which new polyomaviruses are being discovered provides a collection of novel T antigens that, like simian virus 40, can be used to discover and study key cellular regulatory systems.

Genome analysis of the new human polyomaviruses

Polyomaviridae is a growing family of naked, double-stranded DNA viruses that infect birds and mammals. The last few years, several new members infecting birds or primates have been discovered, including seven human polyomaviruses: KI, WU, Merkel cell polyomavirus, HPyV6, HPyV7, trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus, and HPyV9. In addition, DNA and antibodies against the monkey lymphotropic polyomavirus have been detected in humans, indicating that this virus can also infect man. However, little is known about the route of infection, transmission, cell tropism, and, with the exception of Merkel cell polyomavirus and trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus, the pathogenicity of these viruses. This review compares the genomes of these emerging human polyomaviruses with previously known polyomaviruses detected in man, reports mutations in different isolates, and predicts structural and functional properties of their viral proteins.

FBG1 is a promiscuous ubiquitin ligase that sequesters APC2 and causes S-phase arrest

During cell proliferation, protein degradation is strictly regulated by the cell cycle and involves two complementary ubiquitin ligase complexes, the SCF (Skp, Cullin, F-box) and APC/C (Anaphase Promoting Complex/Cyclosome) ubiquitin ligases. SCF ligases are constitutively active and generally target only proteins after they have been selected for degradation, usually by phosphorylation. In contrast, APC/C complexes are themselves activated by phosphorylation and their substrates contain a targeting signal known as degron, a consensus amino acid sequence such as a D-Box. SCF complexes degrade proteins during the G1 phase. However, as DNA synthesis begins, the SCF complexes are degraded and APC/C complexes are activated. APC-2, a protein crucial to cell division, initiates anaphase by triggering the degradation of multiple proteins. This study explores an unexpected interaction between APC-2 and SCFFBG1. We found that FBG1 is a promiscuous ubiquitin ligase with many partners. Immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that FBG1 and APC2 interact directly. Mutagenesis-based experiments show that this interaction requires a D-Box found within the FBG1 F-box domain. Unexpectedly, we demonstrate that co-expression with FBG1 increases total APC2 levels. However, free APC2 is decreased, inhibiting cell proliferation. Finally, FACS analysis of cell populations expressing different forms of FBG1 demonstrate that this ubiquitin ligase induces S-phase arrest, illustrating the functional consequences of the interaction described. In summary, we have discovered a novel APC2 inhibitory activity of FBG1 independent from its function as ubiquitin ligase, providing the basis for future studies of FBG1 in aging and cancer.

Interaction and co-localization of JC virus large T antigen and the F-box protein β-transducin-repeat containing protein

Lytic infection and transformation of cultured cells by JC virus (JCV) require five tumor proteins, which interact with factors regulating critical cellular processes. We demonstrate that JCV large T antigen (TAg) binds the F-box proteins β-transducin-repeat containing protein-1 and 2 (βTrCP1/2). These interactions involve a phosphodegron (DpSGX(2-4)pS) found in βTrCP substrates. TAg stability is unaltered, suggesting TAg is a pseudo-substrate. βTrCP and TAg co-localize in the cytoplasm, and a functional SCF complex is required. We examined whether TAg influences the levels of β-catenin, a βTrCP substrate. We were unable to demonstrate that TAg elevates β-catenin as previously reported, and a mutant TAg unable to bind βTrCP also had no detectable effect on β-catenin stability. Results presented in this study link JCV TAg to the cellular degradation complex, SCF(βTrCP1/2). Proteasomal degradation is essential for proper regulation of cellular functions, and interference with proteasomal pathways highlights possible JCV pathogenic and oncogenic mechanisms.

Update on human polyomaviruses and cancer

Over 50 years of polyomavirus research has produced a wealth of insights into not only general biologic processes in mammalian cells, but also, how conditions can be altered and signaling systems tweaked to produce transformation phenotypes. In the past few years three new members (KIV, WUV, and MCV) have joined two previously known (JCV and BKV) human polyomaviruses. In this review, we present updated information on general virologic features of these polyomaviruses in their natural host, concentrating on the association of MCV with human Merkel cell carcinoma. We further present a discussion on advances made in SV40 as the prototypic model, which has and will continue to inform our understanding about viruses and cancer.

Ubiquitin ligase cullin 7 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human choriocarcinoma cells

Germ line mutations of the ubiquitin ligase cullin 7 (CUL7) are linked to 3-M syndrome and Yakuts short stature syndrome, both of which are characterized by pre- and post-natal growth retardation. CUL7 knock-out mice show placental and embryonic defects similar to intrauterine growth retardation, suggesting a role of CUL7 in placentation. CUL7 was found in this study to be highly expressed in first trimester invasive human placental villi as well as in HTR8/SVneo and B6Tert cells, two cell lines derived from human first trimester trophoblast cells. However, CUL7 levels in term trophoblast cells or JEG-3 cells, which are derived from human choriocarcinoma but exhibit weak invasion capacity, were low or undetectable. Forced expression of CUL7 in JEG-3 cells induced cell morphological changes characteristic of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which was accompanied by a complete loss of the epithelial markers E-cadherin and P-cadherin and a significant elevation of mesenchymal markers Vimentin and N-cadherin. JEG-3 cells expressing CUL7 exhibited enhanced cell migration and invasion. Conversely, CUL7-specific RNA interference in HTR8/SVneo cells resulted in increased E-cadherin expression and reduced cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, CUL7 expression down-regulated E-cadherin mRNA expression by up-regulating ZEB1 and Slug, two transcriptional repressors of E-cadherin. Finally, CUL7-induced loss of E-cadherin expression was partially reversed by treatment of CUL7-expressing cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132. These results suggest that the CUL7 E3 ligase is a key regulator in trophoblast cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition and placental development.

Cellular transformation by Simian Virus 40 and Murine Polyoma Virus T antigens

Simian Virus 40 (SV40) and Mouse Polyoma Virus (PY) are small DNA tumor viruses that have been used extensively to study cellular transformation. The SV40 early region encodes three tumor antigens, large T (LT), small T (ST) and 17KT that contribute to cellular transformation. While PY also encodes LT and ST, the unique middle T (MT) generates most of the transforming activity. SV40 LT mediated transformation requires binding to the tumor suppressor proteins Rb and p53 in the nucleus and ST binding to the protein phosphatase PP2A in the cytoplasm. SV40 LT also binds to several additional cellular proteins including p300, CBP, Cul7, IRS1, Bub1, Nbs1 and Fbxw7 that contribute to viral transformation. PY MT transformation is dependent on binding to PP2A and the Src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) and assembly of a signaling complex on cell membranes that leads to transformation in a manner similar to Her2/neu. Phosphorylation of MT tyrosine residues activates key signaling molecules including Shc/Grb2, PI3K and PLCgamma1. The unique contributions of SV40 LT and ST and PY MT to cellular transformation have provided significant insights into our understanding of tumor suppressors, oncogenes and the process of oncogenesis.

A structure-guided mutational analysis of simian virus 40 large T antigen: identification of surface residues required for viral replication and transformation

Simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) transforms cells in culture and induces tumors in rodents. Genetic studies suggest that TAg interaction with the chaperone hsp70 and tumor suppressors pRb and p53 may not be sufficient to elicit complete transformation of cells. In order to identify additional cellular factors important for transformation, we designed mutations on the solvent-exposed surface of TAg. We hypothesized that surface residues would interact directly with cellular targets and that the mutation of these residues might disrupt this interaction without perturbing TAg's global structure. Using structural data, we identified 61 amino acids on the surface of TAg. Each surface amino acid was changed to an alanine. Furthermore, five patches containing clusters of charged amino acids on the surface of TAg were identified. Within these patches, we selectively mutated three to four charged amino acids and thus generated five mutants (patch mutants 1 to 5). We observed that while patch mutants 3 and 4 induced foci in REF52 cells, patch mutants 1 and 2 were deficient in focus formation. We determined that the patch 1 mutant is defective in p53 binding, thus explaining its defect in transformation. The patch 2 mutant can interact with the Rb family members and p53 like wild-type TAg but is unable to transform cells, suggesting that it is defective for action on an unknown cellular target essential for transformation. Our results suggest that the histone acetyltransferase CBP/p300 is one of the potential targets affected by the mutations in patch 2.

DNA damage-dependent cyclin D1 proteolysis: GSK3beta holds the smoking gun

Ubiquitin mediated degradation of cyclin D1 following the G(1)/S transition counters its mitogen-dependent accumulation during G(1) phase of the cell cycle. Although the cellular machinery responsible for this process has been identified, how this regulatory pathway interfaces with cellular stress responses, often referred to as checkpoints, remains to be established. One intensely investigated checkpoint is the cellular response to DNA damage. When DNA damage is sensed, the corresponding DNA damage checkpoint triggers the inhibition of CDK-dependent cell cycle progression, with arrest coordinated by induction of CDK inhibitors and rapid degradation of specific cyclins, such as cyclin D1. In recent work, we identified a phosphorylation- and Fbx4-dependent cyclin D1 degradation mechanism in response to genotoxic stress.(18) This work revealed that loss of cyclin D1 regulation compromises the intra-S-phase response to DNA damage, promoting genomic instability and sensitization of cells to S-phase chemotherapy, highlighting a potential therapeutic strategy for cancers exhibiting cyclin D1 accumulation.

Restriction of human polyomavirus BK virus DNA replication in murine cells and extracts

BK virus (BKV) causes persistent and asymptomatic infections in most humans and is the etiologic agent of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) and other pathologies. Unfortunately, there are no animal models with which to study activation of BKV replication in the human kidney and the accompanying PVAN. Here we report studies of the restriction of BKV replication in murine cells and extracts and the cause(s) of this restriction. Upon infection of murine cells, BKV expressed large T antigen (TAg), but viral DNA replication and progeny were not detected. Transfection of murine cells with BKV TAg expression vectors also caused TAg expression without accompanying DNA replication. Analysis of the replication of DNAs containing chimeric BKV and murine polyomavirus origins revealed the importance of BKV core origin sequences and TAg for DNA replication. A sensitive assay was developed with purified BKV TAg that supported TAg-dependent BKV DNA replication with human but not with murine cell extracts. Addition of human replication proteins, DNA polymerase alpha-primase, replication protein A, or topoisomerase I to the murine extracts with BKV TAg did not rescue viral DNA replication. Notably, addition of murine extracts to human extracts inhibited BKV TAg-dependent DNA replication at a step prior to or during unwinding of the viral origin. These findings and differences in replication specificity between BKV TAg and the TAgs of simian virus 40 (SV40) and JC virus (JCV) and their respective origins implicate features of the BKV TAg and origin distinct from SV40 and JCV in restriction of BKV replication in murine cells.

SV40: Cell transformation and tumorigenesis

The story of SV40-induced tumorigenesis and cellular transformation is intimately entwined with the development of modern molecular biology. Because SV40 and other viruses have small genomes and are relatively easy to manipulate in the laboratory, they offered tractable systems for molecular analysis. Thus, many of the early efforts to understand how eukaryotes replicate their DNA, regulate expression of their genes, and translate mRNA were focused on viral systems. The discovery that SV40 induces tumors in certain laboratory animals and transforms many types of cultured cells offered the first opportunity to explore the molecular basis for cancer. The goal of this article is to highlight some of the experiments that have led to our current view of SV40-induced transformation and to provide some context as to how they contributed to basic research in molecular biology and to our understanding of cancer.

Genotoxic stress-induced cyclin D1 phosphorylation and proteolysis are required for genomic stability

While mitogenic induction of cyclin D1 contributes to cell cycle progression, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis buffers this accumulation and prevents aberrant proliferation. Because the failure to degrade cyclin D1 during S-phase triggers DNA rereplication, we have investigated cellular regulation of cyclin D1 following genotoxic stress. These data reveal that expression of cyclin D1 alleles refractory to phosphorylation- and ubiquitin-mediated degradation increase the frequency of chromatid breaks following DNA damage. Double-strand break-dependent cyclin D1 degradation requires ATM and GSK3beta, which in turn mediate cyclin D1 phosphorylation. Phosphorylated cyclin D1 is targeted for proteasomal degradation after ubiquitylation by SCF(Fbx4-alphaBcrystallin). Loss of Fbx4-dependent degradation triggers radio-resistant DNA synthesis, thereby sensitizing cells to S-phase-specific chemotherapeutic intervention. These data suggest that failure to degrade cyclin D1 compromises the intra-S-phase checkpoint and suggest that cyclin D1 degradation is a vital cellular response necessary to prevent genomic instability following genotoxic insult.

Manipulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway by small DNA tumor viruses

Viruses have evolved to use cellular pathways to their advantage, including the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway of protein degradation. In several cases, viruses produce proteins that highjack cellular E3 ligases to modify their substrate specificity in order to eliminate unwanted cellular proteins, in particular inhibitors of the cell cycle. They can also inhibit E3 ligase to prevent specific protein degradation or even use the system to control the level of expression of their own proteins. In this review we explore the specific ways that small DNA tumor viruses exploit the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway for their own benefit.

A large-scale mutation search reveals genetic heterogeneity in 3M syndrome

The 3M syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder recently ascribed to mutations in the CUL7 gene and characterized by severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation. Studying a series of 33 novel cases of 3M syndrome, we have identified deleterious CUL7 mutations in 23/33 patients, including 19 novel mutations and one paternal isodisomy of chromosome 6 encompassing a CUL7 mutation. Lack of mutations in 10/33 cases and exclusion of the CUL7 locus on chromosome 6p21.1 in six consanguineous families strongly support the genetic heterogeneity of the 3M syndrome.

The cullin7 E3 ubiquitin ligase: a novel player in growth control

Cullin7 (CUL7) is a molecular scaffold that organizes an E3 ubiquitin ligase containing the F-box protein Fbw8, Skp1 and the ROC1 RING finger protein. Dysregulation of the CUL7 E3 Ligase has been directly linked to hereditary human diseases as cul7 germline mutations were found in patients with autosomal-recessive 3-M and Yakuts short stature syndromes, which are characterized by profound pre- and postnatal growth retardation. In addition, genetic ablation of CUL7 in mice resulted in intrauterine growth retardation and perinatal lethality, underscoring its importance for growth regulation. The recent identification of insulin receptor substrate 1, a critical mediator of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling, as the proteolytic target of the CUL7 E3 ligase, provided a molecular link between CUL7 and a well-established growth regulatory pathway. This result, coupled with other studies demonstrating interactions between CUL7 and the p53 tumor suppressor protein, as well as the simian virus 40 large T antigen oncoprotein, further implicated CUL7 as a novel player in growth control and suggested pathomechanistic insights into CUL7-linked growth retardation syndromes.

The CUL7 E3 ubiquitin ligase targets insulin receptor substrate 1 for ubiquitin-dependent degradation

Recent genetic studies have documented a pivotal growth-regulatory role played by the Cullin 7 (CUL7) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex containing the Fbw8-substrate-targeting subunit, Skp1, and the ROC1 RING finger protein. In this report, we identified insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), a critical mediator of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling, as a proteolytic target of the CUL7 E3 ligase in a manner that depends on mammalian target of rapamycin and the p70 S6 kinase activities. Interestingly, while embryonic fibroblasts of Cul7-/- mice were found to accumulate IRS-1 and exhibit increased activation of IRS-1's downstream Akt and MEK/ERK pathways, these null cells grew poorly and displayed phenotypes reminiscent of those associated with oncogene-induced senescence. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a key role for the CUL7 E3 in targeting IRS-1 for degradation, a process that may contribute to the regulation of cellular senescence.

Ataxia telangiectasia-mutated damage-signaling kinase- and proteasome-dependent destruction of Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 subunits in Simian virus 40-infected primate cells

Although the mechanism of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication has been extensively investigated with cell extracts, viral DNA replication in productively infected cells utilizes additional viral and host functions whose interplay remains poorly understood. We show here that in SV40-infected primate cells, the activated ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM) damage-signaling kinase, gamma-H2AX, and Mre11-Rad50-Nbs1 (MRN) assemble with T antigen and other viral DNA replication proteins in large nuclear foci. During infection, steady-state levels of MRN subunits decline, although the corresponding mRNA levels remain unchanged. A proteasome inhibitor stabilizes the MRN complex, suggesting that MRN may undergo proteasome-dependent degradation. Analysis of mutant T antigens with disrupted binding to the ubiquitin ligase CUL7 revealed that MRN subunits are stable in cells infected with mutant virus or transfected with mutant viral DNA, implicating CUL7 association with T antigen in MRN proteolysis. The mutant genomes produce fewer virus progeny than the wild type, suggesting that T antigen-CUL7-directed proteolysis facilitates virus propagation. Use of a specific ATM kinase inhibitor showed that ATM kinase signaling is a prerequisite for proteasome-dependent degradation of MRN subunits as well as for the localization of T antigen and damage-signaling proteins to viral replication foci and optimal viral DNA replication. Taken together, the results indicate that SV40 infection manipulates host DNA damage-signaling to reprogram the cell for viral replication, perhaps through mechanisms related to host recovery from DNA damage.

Disruption of the Fbxw8 gene results in pre- and postnatal growth retardation in mice

CUL7 binds to SKP1, RBX1, and FBXW8 to form a cullin-RING ligase, or an SKP1-cullin-F box protein complex. The targeted disruption of the Cul7 gene in mice results in significant reduction in embryo size and neonatal lethality. In humans, CUL7 was found to be mutated in the 3-M dwarfism syndrome characterized by severe pre- and postnatal growth retardation, indicating that CUL7 is closely associated with human and mouse growth. We generated mice lacking Fbxw8 by gene trapping. Similar to Cul7(-/-) animals, Fbxw8(-/-) embryos and placentas were smaller than wild-type and heterozygous littermates and placentas. Approximately 30% of the expected number of Fbxw8(-/-) mice survived birth, but these mice remained smaller than their wild-type and heterozygous littermates throughout postnatal development. FBXW8 expression was detected in most organs of wild-type mice examined, and the organs in Fbxw8(-/-) mice were smaller than those in wild-type mice. Fbxw8 expression levels were highest in skeletal muscle, cartilage, and lung tissue. Expression profiling revealed elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) transcripts in Fbxw8(-/-) embryos. Furthermore, we observed increased levels of IGFBP2 in Cul7(-/-) as well as Fbxw8(-/-) fibroblasts. These results demonstrate that the FBXW8-CUL7 complex plays a significant role in growth control.

Human papillomavirus type 16 E7 oncoprotein associates with the cullin 2 ubiquitin ligase complex, which contributes to degradation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor

Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) and other high-risk HPVs are etiologically linked to the development of cervical carcinomas and contribute to a number of other tumors of the anogenital tract, as well as oral cancers. The high-risk HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins are consistently expressed in cervical cancer cells and are necessary for the induction and maintenance of the transformed phenotype. An important aspect of HPV16 E7's oncogenic activities is destabilization of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (pRB) through a ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent mechanism, although the exact molecular mechanism is unknown. Here, we report that HPV16 E7 is associated with an enzymatically active cullin 2 ubiquitin ligase complex and that the HPV16 E7/pRB complex contains cullin 2. Depletion of cullin 2 by RNA interference causes increased steady-state levels and stability of pRB in HPV16 E7-expressing cells, and ectopic expression of HPV16 E7 and the cullin 2 complex leads to pRB ubiquitination in vivo. Hence, we propose that the HPV16 E7-associated cullin 2 ubiquitin ligase complex contributes to aberrant degradation of the pRB tumor suppressor in HPV16 E7-expressing cells.

Induction of cullin 7 by DNA damage attenuates p53 function

The p53 tumor suppressor gene encodes a transcription factor, which is translationally and posttranslationally activated after DNA damage. In a proteomic screen for p53 interactors, we found that the cullin protein Cul7 efficiently associates with p53. After DNA damage, the level of Cul7 protein increased in a caffeine-sensitive, but p53-independent, manner. Down-regulation of Cul7 by conditional microRNA expression augmented p53-mediated inhibition of cell cycle progression. Ectopic expression of Cul7 inhibited activation of p53 by DNA damaging agents and sensitized cells to adriamycin. Although Cul7 recruited the F-box protein FBX29 to p53, the combined expression of Cul7/FBX29 did not promote ubiquitination and degradation of p53 in vivo. Therefore, the inhibition of p53 activity by Cul7 is presumably mediated by alternative mechanisms. The interplay between p53 and Cul7 resembles the negative feedback loop described for p53 and Mdm2. Pharmacological modulation of Cul7 function may allow the sensitization of cancer cells expressing wild-type p53 to genotoxic agents used in cancer therapy.

Organotypic co-cultures allow for immortalized human gingival keratinocytes to reconstitute a gingival epithelial phenotype in vitro

We report here that the organotypic co-culture (OCC) system allows for significant preservation of the tissue-specific phenotype of human gingival keratinocytes (IHGK) immortalized with the E6/E7 gene of the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16). The approach adopted is based on the OCC system facilitating spatially separated cell growth and cell-to-cell interactions via diffusible growth factors. Generally, IHGK reveal transcription of the HPV16 E6/E7 gene at rising passages. Fluorescence in situ hybridization performed for chromosomes 1, 8, 10, and 18 demonstrates that disomic fractions differ between the tested chromosomes but otherwise remain fairly constant. Monosomies of chromosome 18 are more prominent in late passages 81 and 83, while polysomies of chromosome 10 and 18 are detected in early passages 25 and 27. In comparison with corresponding monolayer cultures (MCs), IHGK in OCCs form stratified epithelia, proliferate, and express gingival-specific gene products in vitro. Moreover, mRNA gene transcription for growth factors interleukin 1beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, fibroblast growth factor 7, and EGF in OCCs is different from that in MCs. When grafted onto nude mice, IHGK develop hyperplastic, differentiated surface epithelia devoid of malignant growth. We are not aware of any other OCC system comprising of IHGK, which allows for site-specific expression of gingival epithelial markers. This substantiates reconstitution of a gingival epithelial phenotype in vitro.

Knockdown of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein suppresses ovarian tumor cell growth and invasiveness in vitro

Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB) is an RNA-binding protein with multiple functions in the regulation of RNA processing and IRES-mediated translation. We report here overexpression of PTB in a majority of epithelial ovarian tumors revealed by immunoblotting and tissue microarray (TMA) staining. By western blotting, we found that PTB was overexpressed in 17 out of 19 ovarian tumor specimens compared to their matched-normal tissues. By TMA staining, we found PTB expression in 38 out of 44 ovarian cancer cases but only in two out of nine normal adjacent tissues. PTB is also overexpressed in SV40 large T-antigen immortalized ovarian epithelial cells compared to normal human ovarian epithelial cells. Using doxycycline-inducible small interfering RNA technology, we found that knockdown of PTB expression in the ovarian tumor cell line A2780 substantially impaired tumor cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth and in vitro invasiveness. These results suggest that overexpression of PTB is an important component of the multistep process of tumorigenesis, and might be required for the development and maintenance of epithelial ovarian tumors. Moreover, because of its novel role in tumor cell growth and invasiveness, shown here for the first time, PTB may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

The Hsp40 molecular chaperone Ydj1p, along with the protein kinase C pathway, affects cell-wall integrity in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Molecular chaperones, such as Hsp40, regulate cellular processes by aiding in the folding, localization, and activation of multi-protein machines. To identify new targets of chaperone action, we performed a multi-copy suppressor screen for genes that improved the slow-growth defect of yeast lacking the YDJ1 chromosomal locus and expressing a defective Hsp40 chimera. Among the genes identified were MID2, which regulates cell-wall integrity, and PKC1, which encodes protein kinase C and is linked to cell-wall biogenesis. We found that ydj1delta yeast exhibit phenotypes consistent with cell-wall defects and that these phenotypes were improved by Mid2p or Pkc1p overexpression or by overexpression of activated downstream components in the PKC pathway. Yeast containing a thermosensitive allele in the gene encoding Hsp90 also exhibited cell-wall defects, and Mid2p or Pkc1p overexpression improved the growth of these cells at elevated temperatures. To determine the physiological basis for suppression of the ydj1delta growth defect, wild-type and ydj1delta yeast were examined by electron microscopy and we found that Mid2p overexpression thickened the mutant's cell wall. Together, these data provide the first direct link between cytoplasmic chaperone function and cell-wall integrity and suggest that chaperones orchestrate the complex biogenesis of this structure.

JC virus T'135, T'136 and T'165 proteins interact with cellular p107 and p130 in vivo and influence viral transformation potential

The JC virus (JCV) regulatory proteins, large T antigen, small t antigen, T'135, T'136, and T'165, are encoded by five transcripts alternatively spliced from the viral early precursor mRNA. T antigen and the T' proteins share N-terminal amino acid sequences that include the L x CxE and J domains, motifs in SV40 T antigen known to mediate binding to the retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins and Hsc70, respectively. In this study, G418-resistant cell lines were created that express wild-type or mutant JCV T antigen and T' proteins individually or in combination. These cell lines were used to evaluate the ability of each viral protein to bind p107 and p130 in vivo, and to influence cellular growth characteristics. Differences were observed in the abilities of individual T' proteins to bind p107 and p130 and to alter their phosphorylation status. The T' proteins were also found to localize to the cell's nucleus and to be phosphorylated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. JCV T antigen and T' proteins expressed from a cytomegalovirus promoter failed to induce dense focus formation in Rat2 cells, but they did cooperate with a mutant Ras protein to overcome cellular senescence and immortalize rat embryo fibroblasts. These data indicate that, despite their sequence similarities, JCV early proteins exhibit unique activities that, in combination, effect the inactivation of cell cycle regulators, a requirement for polyomavirus-induced transformation.

The role of SV40 in malignant mesothelioma and other human malignancies

SV40 is a DNA tumor virus thrust upon human populations primarily as a contaminant in various vaccine preparations. Some estimates suggest that millions of people are currently infected with the virus. The virus causes primary brain tumors, bone tumors, lymphomas, and mesotheliomas when injected into some rodent models. It has also been detected in a similar spectrum of human tumors. However, epidemiological studies have failed to conclusively demonstrate a higher incidence of disease in affected populations. To date, over 60 reports from 49 different laboratories have shown SV40 sequences in tissues from human cancer patients. Six studies, however, have failed to detect evidence of virus in similar tissues. Some have suggested that SV40 may act as a cocarcinogen with asbestos to cause mesothelioma formation, or that it may be responsible for the 10-20% of mesotheliomas with no reported history of asbestos exposure. This report briefly covers the historical evidence for SV40 carcinogenesis and then covers experiments now underway to better understand the role of SV40 in human mesotheliomas.

A novel p53-binding domain in CUL7

CUL7 is a member of the cullin RING ligase family and forms an SCF-like complex with SKP1 and FBXW8. CUL7 is required for normal mouse embryonic development and cellular proliferation, and is highly homologous to PARC, a p53-associated, parkin-like cytoplasmic protein. We determined that CUL7, in a manner similar to PARC, can bind directly to p53 but does not affect p53 expression. We identified a discrete, co-linear domain in CUL7 that is conserved in PARC and HERC2, and is necessary and sufficient for p53-binding. The presence of p53 stabilized expression of this domain and we demonstrate that this p53-binding domain of CUL7 contributes to the cytoplasmic localization of CUL7. The results support the model that p53 plays a role in regulation of CUL7 activity.

Targeting of p300/CREB binding protein coactivators by simian virus 40 is mediated through p53

The primary transforming functions of simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40 LT) are conferred primarily through the binding and inactivation of p53 and the retinoblastoma family members. Normal p53 function requires an association with the CREB binding protein (CBP)/p300 coactivators, and a ternary complex containing SV40 LT, p53, and CBP/p300 has been identified previously. In this report, we have evaluated a secondary function of p53 bound to the SV40 LT complex in mediating the binding of human CBP/p300. We demonstrate that p53 associated with SV40 LT was posttranslationally modified in a manner consistent with the binding of CBP/p300. Furthermore, expression of SV40 LT induced the proportion of p53 phosphorylated on S15. An essential function for p53 in bridging the interaction between SV40 LT and CBP/p300 was identified through the reconstitution of the SV40 LT-CBP/p300 complex upon p53 reexpression in p53-null cells. In addition, the SV40 LT-CBP/p300 complex was disrupted through RNA interference-mediated depletion of endogenous p53. We also demonstrate that SV40 LT was acetylated in a p300- and p53-dependent manner, at least in part through the CH3 domain of p300. Therefore, the binding of p53 serves to modify SV40 LT by targeting CBP and p300 binding to direct the acetylation of SV40 LT.