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A synthetic resveratrol analog termed Q205 reactivates latent HIV-1 through activation of P-TEFb. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 197:114901. [PMID: 34971588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The persistence of HIV-1 latent reservoir creates the major obstacle toward an HIV-1 cure. The "shock and kill" strategy aims to reverse HIV-1 proviral latency using latency-reversing agents (LRAs), thus boosting immune recognition and clearance to residual infected cells. Unfortunately, to date, none of these tested LRA candidates has been demonstrated effectiveness and/or safety in reactivation HIV-1 latency. The discovery and development of effective, safe and affordable LRA candidates are urgently needed for creating an HIV-1 functional cure. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of small-molecule phenoxyacetic acid derivatives based on the resveratrol scaffold and found one of them, named 5, 7-dimethoxy-2-(5-(methoxymethyl) furan-2-yl) quinazolin-4(3H)-one (Q205), effectively reactivated latent HIV-1 in latent HIV-1-infected cells without a corresponding increase in induction of potentially damaging cytokines. The molecular mechanism of Q205 is shown to increase the phosphorylation of the CDK9 T-loop at position Thr186, dissociate positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) from BRD4, and promote the Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) C-terminal domain (CTD) on Ser (CTD-Ser2P) to bind to the HIV promoter. This study provides a unique insight into resveratrol modified derivatives as promising leads for preclinical LRAs, which in turn may help toward inhibitor design and chemical optimization for improving HIV-1 shock-and kill-based efforts.
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Li M, Xu X, Su Y, Shao X, Zhou Y, Yan J. A comprehensive overview of PPM1A: From structure to disease. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 247:453-461. [PMID: 34861123 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211061883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PPM1A (magnesium-dependent phosphatase 1 A, also known as PP2Cα) is a member of the Ser/Thr protein phosphatase family. Protein phosphatases catalyze the removal of phosphate groups from proteins via hydrolysis, thus opposing the role of protein kinases. The PP2C family is generally considered a negative regulator in the eukaryotic stress response pathway. PPM1A can bind and dephosphorylate various proteins and is therefore involved in the regulation of a wide range of physiological processes. It plays a crucial role in transcriptional regulation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis and has been suggested to be closely related to the occurrence and development of cancers of the lung, bladder, and breast, amongst others. Moreover, it is closely related to certain autoimmune diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we provide an insight into currently available knowledge of PPM1A, including its structure, biological function, involvement in signaling pathways, and association with diseases. Lastly, we discuss whether PPM1A could be targeted for therapy of certain human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Li
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xingfeng Xu
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yan Su
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Xiaoyun Shao
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
| | - Jianguo Yan
- Department of Physiology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Neuroscience, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541004, China
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3
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Metal-dependent Ser/Thr protein phosphatase PPM family: Evolution, structures, diseases and inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 215:107622. [PMID: 32650009 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein phosphatases and kinases control multiple cellular events including proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses through regulating reversible protein phosphorylation, the most important post-translational modification. Members of metal-dependent protein phosphatase (PPM) family, also known as PP2C phosphatases, are Ser/Thr phosphatases that bind manganese/magnesium ions (Mn2+/Mg2+) in their active center and function as single subunit enzymes. In mammals, there are 20 isoforms of PPM phosphatases: PPM1A, PPM1B, PPM1D, PPM1E, PPM1F, PPM1G, PPM1H, PPM1J, PPM1K, PPM1L, PPM1M, PPM1N, ILKAP, PDP1, PDP2, PHLPP1, PHLPP2, PP2D1, PPTC7, and TAB1, whereas there are only 8 in yeast. Phylogenetic analysis of the DNA sequences of vertebrate PPM isoforms revealed that they can be divided into 12 different classes: PPM1A/PPM1B/PPM1N, PPM1D, PPM1E/PPM1F, PPM1G, PPM1H/PPM1J/PPM1M, PPM1K, PPM1L, ILKAP, PDP1/PDP2, PP2D1/PHLPP1/PHLPP2, TAB1, and PPTC7. PPM-family members have a conserved catalytic core region, which contains the metal-chelating residues. The different isoforms also have isoform specific regions within their catalytic core domain and terminal domains, and these regions may be involved in substrate recognition and/or functional regulation of the phosphatases. The twenty mammalian PPM phosphatases are involved in regulating diverse cellular functions, such as cell cycle control, cell differentiation, immune responses, and cell metabolism. Mutation, overexpression, or deletion of the PPM phosphatase gene results in abnormal cellular responses, which lead to various human diseases. This review focuses on the structures and biological functions of the PPM-phosphatase family and their associated diseases. The development of specific inhibitors against the PPM phosphatase family as a therapeutic strategy will also be discussed.
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P-TEFb as A Promising Therapeutic Target. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25040838. [PMID: 32075058 PMCID: PMC7070488 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25040838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) was first identified as a general factor that stimulates transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII), but soon afterwards it turned out to be an essential cellular co-factor of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transcription mediated by viral Tat proteins. Studies on the mechanisms of Tat-dependent HIV transcription have led to radical advances in our knowledge regarding the mechanism of eukaryotic transcription, including the discoveries that P-TEFb-mediated elongation control of cellular transcription is a main regulatory step of gene expression in eukaryotes, and deregulation of P-TEFb activity plays critical roles in many human diseases and conditions in addition to HIV/AIDS. P-TEFb is now recognized as an attractive and promising therapeutic target for inflammation/autoimmune diseases, cardiac hypertrophy, cancer, infectious diseases, etc. In this review article, I will summarize our knowledge about basic P-TEFb functions, the regulatory mechanism of P-TEFb-dependent transcription, P-TEFb’s involvement in biological processes and diseases, and current approaches to manipulating P-TEFb functions for the treatment of these diseases.
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Wang Z, Ji N, Chen Z, Sun Z, Wu C, Yu W, Hu F, Huang M, Zhang M. MiR-1165-3p Suppresses Th2 Differentiation via Targeting IL-13 and PPM1A in a Mouse Model of Allergic Airway Inflammation. ALLERGY, ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH 2020; 12:859-876. [PMID: 32638565 PMCID: PMC7346992 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2020.12.5.859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE CD4⁺T cells are essential in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. We have previously demonstrated that microRNA-1165-3p (miR-1165-3p) was significantly reduced in T-helper type (Th) 2 cells and that miR-1165-3p was a surrogate marker for atopic asthma. Little is known about the mechanisms of miR-1165-3p in the regulation of Th2-dominated allergic inflammation. We aimed to investigate the associations between Th2 differentiation and miR-1165b-3p in asthma as well as the possible mechanisms. METHODS CD4⁺ naïve T cells were differentiated into Th1 or Th2 cells in vitro. MiR-1165-3p was up-regulated or down-regulated using lentiviral systems during Th1/Th2 differentiation. In vivo, the lentiviral particles with the miR-1165-3p enhancer were administered by tail vein injection on the first day of a house dust mite -induced allergic airway inflammation model. Allergic inflammation and Th1/Th2 differentiation were routinely monitored. To investigate the potential targets of miR-1165-3p, biotin-microRNA pull-down products were sequenced, and the candidates were further verified with a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The roles of a target protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1A (PPM1A), in Th2 cell differentiation and allergic asthma were further explored. Plasma PPM1A was determined by ELISA in 18 subjects with asthma and 20 controls. RESULTS The lentivirus encoding miR-1165-3p suppressed Th2-cell differentiation in vitro. In contrast, miR-1165-3p silencing promoted Th2-cell development. In the HDM-induced model of allergic airway inflammation, miR-1165-3p up-regulation was accompanied by reduced airway hyper-responsiveness, serum immunoglobulin E, airway inflammation and Th2-cell polarization. IL-13 and PPM1A were the direct targets of miR-1165-3p. The expression of IL-13 or PPM1A was inversely correlated with that of miR-1165-3p. PPM1A regulated the signal transducer and activator of transcription and AKT signaling pathways during Th2 differentiation. Moreover, plasma PPM1A was significantly increased in asthmatic patients. CONCLUSIONS MiR-1165-3p negatively may regulate Th2-cell differentiation by targeting IL-13 and PPM1A in allergic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxia Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ningfei Ji
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhongqi Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhixiao Sun
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaojie Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenqing Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, China
| | - Fan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mao Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Mingshun Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Immunology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Olson A, Basukala B, Wong WW, Henderson AJ. Targeting HIV-1 proviral transcription. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 38:89-96. [PMID: 31473372 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the success of antiretroviral therapies, there is no cure for HIV-1 infection due to the establishment of a long-lived latent reservoir that fuels viral rebound upon treatment interruption. 'Shock-and-kill' strategies to diminish the latent reservoir have had modest impact on the reservoir leading to considerations of alternative approaches to target HIV-1 proviruses. This review explores approaches to target HIV-1 transcription as a way to block the provirus expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Olson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Binita Basukala
- Cell & Molecular Biology, Biology, Boston University, United States
| | - Wilson W Wong
- Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, United States
| | - Andrew J Henderson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, United States.
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Cat and Mouse: HIV Transcription in Latency, Immune Evasion and Cure/Remission Strategies. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030269. [PMID: 30889861 PMCID: PMC6466452 DOI: 10.3390/v11030269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is broad scientific and societal consensus that finding a cure for HIV infection must be pursued. The major barrier to achieving a cure for HIV/AIDS is the capacity of the HIV virus to avoid both immune surveillance and current antiretroviral therapy (ART) by rapidly establishing latently infected cell populations, termed latent reservoirs. Here, we provide an overview of the rapidly evolving field of HIV cure/remission research, highlighting recent progress and ongoing challenges in the understanding of HIV reservoirs, the role of HIV transcription in latency and immune evasion. We review the major approaches towards a cure that are currently being explored and further argue that small molecules that inhibit HIV transcription, and therefore uncouple HIV gene expression from signals sent by the host immune response, might be a particularly promising approach to attain a cure or remission. We emphasize that a better understanding of the game of "cat and mouse" between the host immune system and the HIV virus is a crucial knowledge gap to be filled in both cure and vaccine research.
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8
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Couturier J, Orozco AF, Liu H, Budhiraja S, Siwak EB, Nehete PN, Sastry KJ, Rice AP, Lewis DE. Regulation of cyclin T1 during HIV replication and latency establishment in human memory CD4 T cells. Virol J 2019; 16:22. [PMID: 30786885 PMCID: PMC6381639 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The regulatory cyclin, Cyclin T1 (CycT1), is a host factor essential for HIV-1 replication in CD4 T cells and macrophages. The importance of CycT1 and the Positive Transcription Elongation Factor b (P-TEFb) complex for HIV replication is well-established, but regulation of CycT1 expression and protein levels during HIV replication and latency establishment in CD4 T cells is less characterized. Methods To better define the regulation of CycT1 levels during HIV replication in CD4 T cells, multiparameter flow cytometry was utilized to study the interaction between HIV replication (intracellular p24) and CycT1 of human peripheral blood memory CD4 T cells infected with HIV in vitro. CycT1 was further examined in CD4 T cells of human lymph nodes. Results In activated (CD3+CD28 costimulation) uninfected blood memory CD4 T cells, CycT1 was most significantly upregulated in maximally activated (CD69+CD25+ and HLA.DR+CD38+) cells. In memory CD4 T cells infected with HIV in vitro, two distinct infected populations of p24+CycT1+ and p24+CycT1- cells were observed during 7 days infection, suggestive of different phases of productive HIV replication and subsequent latency establishment. Intriguingly, p24+CycT1- cells were the predominant infected population in activated CD4 T cells, raising the possibility that productively infected cells may transition into latency subsequent to CycT1 downregulation. Additionally, when comparing infected p24+ cells to bystander uninfected p24- cells (after bulk HIV infections), HIV replication significantly increased T cell activation (CD69, CD25, HLA.DR, CD38, and Ki67) without concomitantly increasing CycT1 protein levels, possibly due to hijacking of P-TEFb by the viral Tat protein. Lastly, CycT1 was constitutively expressed at higher levels in lymph node CD4 T cells compared to blood T cells, potentially enhancing latency generation in lymphoid tissues. Conclusions CycT1 is most highly upregulated in maximally activated memory CD4 T cells as expected, but may become less associated with T cell activation during HIV replication. The progression into latency may further be predicated by substantial generation of p24+CycT1- cells during HIV replication. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-019-1128-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Couturier
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Aaron F Orozco
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sona Budhiraja
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Edward B Siwak
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pramod N Nehete
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX, USA
| | - K Jagannadha Sastry
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew P Rice
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dorothy E Lewis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Abstract
Studies of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) transcription of the HIV-1 genome are of clinical interest, as the insight gained may lead to strategies to selectively reactivate latent viruses in patients in whom viral replication is suppressed by antiviral drugs. Such a targeted reactivation may contribute to a functional cure of infection. This review discusses five Cyclin-dependent kinases - CDK7, CDK9, CDK11, CDK2, and CDK8 - involved in transcription and processing of HIV-1 RNA. CDK7 is required for Pol II promoter clearance of reactivated viruses; CDK7 also functions as an activating kinase for CDK9 when resting CD4+ T cells harboring latent HIV-1 are activated. CDK9 is targeted by the viral Tat protein and is essential for productive Pol II elongation of the HIV-1 genome. CDK11 is associated with the TREX/THOC complex and it functions in the 3' end processing and polyadenylation of HIV-1 transcripts. CDK2 phosphorylates Tat and CDK9 and this stimulates Tat activation of Pol II transcription. CDK8 may stimulate Pol II transcription of the HIV-1 genome through co-recruitment with NF-κB to the viral promoter. Some notable open questions are discussed concerning the roles of these CDKs in HIV-1 replication and viral latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Rice
- a Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX , USA
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10
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Rice AP. The HIV-1 Tat Protein: Mechanism of Action and Target for HIV-1 Cure Strategies. Curr Pharm Des 2018; 23:4098-4102. [PMID: 28677507 DOI: 10.2174/1381612823666170704130635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The general mechanism involved in Tat activation of RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II) elongation of the integrated HIV-1 was elucidated over 20 years ago. This mechanism involves Tat binding to the TAR RNA element that forms at the 5' end of viral transcripts and recruiting a general RNAP II elongation factor termed as PTEFb. This elongation factor consists of CDK9 and Cyclin T1, and when recruited by Tat to TAR RNA, CDK9 was proposed to phosphorylate the carboxyl terminal domain of RNAP II and thereby activate elongation. Research in the past two decades has shown that the mechanism of Tat action is considerably more complicated than this simple model. In metabolically active cells, CDK9 and Cyclin T1 are now known to be largely sequestered in a RNA-protein complex termed the 7SK RNP. CDK9 and Cyclin T1 are released from the 7SK RNP by mechanisms not yet fully elucidated and along with Tat, bind to TAR RNA and orchestrate the assembly of a Super Elongation Complex (SEC) containing several additional proteins. CDK9 in the SEC then phosphorylates multiple substrates in the RNAP II complex to activate elongation. Importantly for therapeutic strategies, CDK9 and Cyclin T1 functions are down-regulated in resting CD4+ T cells that harbor latent HIV-1, and their up-regulation is required for reactivation of latent virus. Current strategies for a functional cure of HIV-1 infection therefore are likely to require development of latency reversal agents that up-regulate CDK9 and Cyclin T1 function in resting CD4+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Rice
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030. United States
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11
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The viral transactivator Tat protein is a key modulator of HIV-1 replication, as it regulates transcriptional elongation from the integrated proviral genome. Tat recruits the human transcription elongation factor b, and other host proteins, such as the super elongation complex, to activate the cellular RNA polymerase II, normally stalled shortly after transcription initiation at the HIV promoter. By means of a complex set of interactions with host cellular factors, Tat determines the fate of viral activity within the infected cell. The virus will either actively replicate to promote dissemination in blood and tissues, or become dormant mostly in memory CD4+ T cells, as part of a small but long-living latent reservoir, the main obstacle for HIV eradication. OBJECTIVE In this review, we summarize recent advances in the understanding of the multi-step mechanism that regulates Tat-mediated HIV-1 transcription and RNA polymerase II release, to promote viral transcription elongation. Early events of the human transcription elongation factor b release from the inhibitory 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex and its recruitment to the HIV promoter will be discussed. Specific roles of the super elongation complex subunits during transcription elongation, and insight on recently identified cellular factors and mechanisms regulating HIV latency will be detailed. CONCLUSION Understanding the complexity of HIV transcriptional regulation by host factors may open the door for development of novel strategies to eradicate the resilient latent reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Mousseau
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
| | - Susana T Valente
- The Scripps Research Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, 130 Scripps Way, Jupiter, FL 33458. United States
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12
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Mbonye U, Wang B, Gokulrangan G, Shi W, Yang S, Karn J. Cyclin-dependent kinase 7 (CDK7)-mediated phosphorylation of the CDK9 activation loop promotes P-TEFb assembly with Tat and proviral HIV reactivation. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:10009-10025. [PMID: 29743242 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV trans-activator Tat recruits the host transcription elongation factor P-TEFb to stimulate proviral transcription. Phosphorylation of Thr-186 on the activation loop (T-loop) of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) is essential for its kinase activity and assembly of CDK9 and cyclin T1 (CycT1) to form functional P-TEFb. Phosphorylation of a second highly conserved T-loop site, Ser-175, alters the competitive binding of Tat and the host recruitment factor bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) to P-TEFb. Here, we investigated the intracellular mechanisms that regulate these key phosphorylation events required for HIV transcription. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the CDK9/CycT1 interface is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding of pThr-186 by an arginine triad and Glu-96 of CycT1. Arginine triad substitutions that disrupted CDK9/CycT1 assembly accumulated Thr-186-dephosphorylated CDK9 associated with the cytoplasmic Hsp90/Cdc37 chaperone. The Hsp90/Cdc37/CDK9 complex was also present in resting T cells, which lack CycT1. Hsp90 inhibition in primary T cells blocked P-TEFb assembly, disrupted Thr-186 phosphorylation, and suppressed proviral reactivation. The selective CDK7 inhibitor THZ1 blocked CDK9 phosphorylation at Ser-175, and in vitro kinase assays confirmed that CDK7 activity is principally responsible for Ser-175 phosphorylation. Mutation of Ser-175 to Lys had no effect on CDK9 kinase activity or P-TEFb assembly but strongly suppressed both HIV expression and BRD4 binding. We conclude that the transfer of CDK9 from the Hsp90/Cdc37 complex induced by Thr-186 phosphorylation is a key step in P-TEFb biogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CDK7-mediated Ser-175 phosphorylation is a downstream nuclear event essential for facilitating CDK9 T-loop interactions with Tat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Mbonye
- From the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and
| | - Benlian Wang
- the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics and Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Giridharan Gokulrangan
- the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics and Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Wuxian Shi
- the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics and Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Sichun Yang
- the Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics and Department of Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jonathan Karn
- From the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and
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13
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Sun J, Schaaf K, Duverger A, Wolschendorf F, Speer A, Wagner F, Niederweis M, Kutsch O. Protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1A controls the innate antiviral and antibacterial response of macrophages during HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Oncotarget 2017; 7:15394-409. [PMID: 27004401 PMCID: PMC4941249 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Co-infection with HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a major public health issue. While some research has described how each pathogen accelerates the course of infection of the other pathogen by compromising the immune system, very little is known about the molecular biology of HIV-1/Mtb co-infection at the host cell level. This is somewhat surprising, as both pathogens are known to replicate and persist in macrophages. We here identify Protein Phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1A (PPM1A) as a molecular link between Mtb infection and increased HIV-1 susceptibility of macrophages. We demonstrate that both Mtb and HIV-1 infection induce the expression of PPM1A in primary human monocyte/macrophages and THP-1 cells. Genetic manipulation studies revealed that increased PPMA1 expression rendered THP-1 cells highly susceptible to HIV-1 infection, while depletion of PPM1A rendered them relatively resistant to HIV-1 infection. At the same time, increased PPM1A expression abrogated the ability of THP-1 cells to respond to relevant bacterial stimuli with a proper cytokine/chemokine secretion response, blocked their chemotactic response and impaired their ability to phagocytose bacteria. These data suggest that PPM1A, which had previously been shown to play a role in the antiviral response to Herpes Simplex virus infection, also governs the antibacterial response of macrophages to bacteria, or at least to Mtb infection. PPM1A thus seems to play a central role in the innate immune response of macrophages, implying that host directed therapies targeting PPM1A could be highly beneficial, in particular for HIV/Mtb co-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jim Sun
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Schaaf
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Alexandra Duverger
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Frank Wolschendorf
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Alexander Speer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frederic Wagner
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Michael Niederweis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Olaf Kutsch
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Mbonye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
| | - Jonathan Karn
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106
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15
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION A number of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) mediate key steps in the HIV-1 replication cycle and therefore have potential to serve as therapeutic targets for HIV-1 infection, especially in HIV-1 cure strategies. Current HIV-1 cure strategies involve the development of small molecules that are able to activate HIV-1 from latent infection, thereby allowing the immune system to recognize and clear infected cells. Areas covered: The role of seven CDK family members in the HIV-1 replication cycle is reviewed, with a focus on CDK9, as the mechanism whereby the viral Tat protein utilizes CDK9 to enhance viral replication is known in considerable detail. Expert opinion: Given the essential roles of CDKs in cellular proliferation and gene expression, small molecules that inhibit CDKs are unlikely to be feasible therapeutics for HIV-1 infection. However, small molecules that activate CDK9 and other select CDKs such as CDK11 have potential to reactivate latent HIV-1 and contribute to a functional cure of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Rice
- a Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology , Baylor College of Medicine , Houston , TX USA
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16
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Abstract
To establish a productive infection, HIV-1 must counteract cellular innate immune mechanisms and redirect cellular processes toward viral replication. Recent studies have discovered that HIV-1 and other primate immunodeficiency viruses subvert cell cycle regulatory mechanisms to achieve these ends. The viral Vpr and Vpx proteins target cell cycle controls to counter innate immunity. The cell-cycle-related protein Cyclin L2 is also utilized to counter innate immunity. The viral Tat protein utilizes Cyclin T1 to activate proviral transcription, and regulation of Cyclin T1 levels in CD4(+) T cells has important consequences for viral replication and latency. This review will summarize this emerging evidence that primate immunodeficiency viruses subvert cell cycle regulatory mechanisms to enhance replication.
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Colquhoun DR, Lyashkov AE, Ubaida Mohien C, Aquino VN, Bullock BT, Dinglasan RR, Agnew BJ, Graham DRM. Bioorthogonal mimetics of palmitoyl-CoA and myristoyl-CoA and their subsequent isolation by click chemistry and characterization by mass spectrometry reveal novel acylated host-proteins modified by HIV-1 infection. Proteomics 2015; 15:2066-77. [PMID: 25914232 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Protein acylation plays a critical role in protein localization and function. Acylation is essential for human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) assembly and budding of HIV-1 from the plasma membrane in lipid raft microdomains and is mediated by myristoylation of the Gag polyprotein and the copackaging of the envelope protein is facilitated by colocalization mediated by palmitoylation. Since the viral accessory protein NEF has been shown to alter the substrate specificity of myristoyl transferases, and alter cargo trafficking lipid rafts, we hypothesized that HIV-1 infection may alter protein acylation globally. To test this hypothesis, we labeled HIV-1 infected cells with biomimetics of acyl azides, which are incorporated in a manner analogous to natural acyl-Co-A. A terminal azide group allowed us to use a copper catalyzed click chemistry to conjugate the incorporated modifications to a number of substrates to carry out SDS-PAGE, fluorescence microscopy, and enrichment for LC-MS/MS. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 103 and 174 proteins from the myristic and palmitic azide enrichments, with 27 and 45 proteins respectively that differentiated HIV-1 infected from uninfected cells. This approach has provided us with important insights into HIV-1 biology and is widely applicable to many virological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Colquhoun
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexey E Lyashkov
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ceereena Ubaida Mohien
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Veronica N Aquino
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brandon T Bullock
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rhoel R Dinglasan
- W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian J Agnew
- Biosciences Group, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Eugene, OR, USA
| | - David R M Graham
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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18
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Ramakrishnan R, Liu H, Rice AP. Short communication: SAHA (vorinostat) induces CDK9 Thr-186 (T-loop) phosphorylation in resting CD4+ T cells: implications for reactivation of latent HIV. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2015; 31:137-41. [PMID: 24528253 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2013.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) suberoylanilide hydroxyamic acid (SAHA), also known as vorinostat, has recently been reported to activate latent HIV-1 in patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. It is possible that SAHA reactivation of latent viruses may involve effects on cellular transcription factors such as positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), a protein kinase whose core is composed of CDK9 and Cyclin T1. P-TEFb is recruited by the HIV-1 Tat protein to activate productive RNA polymerase II elongation of the integrated provirus. We found that SAHA treatment of isolated resting CD4(+) T cells induced CDK9 Thr-186 (T-loop) phosphorylation in six of eight healthy donors and increased Cyclin T1 expression in one donor; Thr-186 phosphorylation is required for P-TEFb function. Disulfiram, another small molecule currently under evaluation in clinical trials for reactivation of latent HIV-1, was also found capable of inducing CDK9 Thr-186 phosphorylation and Cyclin T1 levels in resting CD4(+) T cells from healthy donors. In a Jurkat CD4(+) T cells HIV-1 latency system, disulfiram reactivated the latent provirus and induced CDK9 Thr-186 phosphorylation. Our findings suggest that small molecules capable of reactivating latent HIV-1 in resting CD4(+) T cells may function in part by increasing CDK9 Thr-186 phosphorylation and perhaps Cyclin T1 expression, thereby up-regulating P-TEFb function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Ramakrishnan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew P. Rice
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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19
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Mbonye U, Karn J. Transcriptional control of HIV latency: cellular signaling pathways, epigenetics, happenstance and the hope for a cure. Virology 2014; 454-455:328-39. [PMID: 24565118 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Replication-competent latent HIV-1 proviruses that persist in the genomes of a very small subset of resting memory T cells in infected individuals under life-long antiretroviral therapy present a major barrier towards viral eradication. Multiple molecular mechanisms are required to repress the viral trans-activating factor Tat and disrupt the regulatory Tat feedback circuit leading to the establishment of the latent viral reservoir. In particular, latency is due to a combination of transcriptional silencing of proviruses via host epigenetic mechanisms and restrictions on the expression of P-TEFb, an essential co-factor for Tat. Induction of latent proviruses in the presence of antiretroviral therapy is expected to enable clearance of latently infected cells by viral cytopathic effects and host antiviral immune responses. An in-depth comprehensive understanding of the molecular control of HIV-1 transcription should inform the development of optimal combinatorial reactivation strategies that are intended to purge the latent viral reservoir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uri Mbonye
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
| | - Jonathan Karn
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States.
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20
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Freeley M, Long A. The two hit hypothesis: An improved method for siRNA-mediated gene silencing in stimulated primary human T cells. J Immunol Methods 2013; 396:116-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2013.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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21
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Abstract
The HIV/AIDS field is gaining momentum in the goal of finding a functional cure for HIV infection by utilizing strategies that specifically reactivate the latent viral reservoir in combination with the HAART regimen to prevent further viral spread. Small-molecule inhibitors such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) and bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) inhibitors can successfully activate HIV transcription and reverse viral latency in clonal cell lines. However, in resting CD4+ T cells, thought to be the principal physiological reservoir of latent HIV, their effect in reactivating the viral reservoir is more variable. It is possible that the discrepant responsiveness of quiescent primary CD4+ T cells to HDAC and BET inhibitors could be attributed to the limiting levels of P-TEFb, a key viral transcription host cofactor, in these cells. In this review, we discuss the role of P-TEFb and the necessity for its mobilization in stimulating viral reactivation from latency upon treatment with HDAC and BET inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sona Budhiraja
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Virology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrew P Rice
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Virology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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22
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Lu H, Li Z, Xue Y, Zhou Q. Viral-host interactions that control HIV-1 transcriptional elongation. Chem Rev 2013; 113:8567-82. [PMID: 23795863 DOI: 10.1021/cr400120z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huasong Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University , Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
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23
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Taube R, Peterlin BM. Lost in transcription: molecular mechanisms that control HIV latency. Viruses 2013; 5:902-27. [PMID: 23518577 PMCID: PMC3705304 DOI: 10.3390/v5030902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has limited the replication and spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). However, despite treatment, HIV infection persists in latently infected reservoirs, and once therapy is interrupted, viral replication rebounds quickly. Extensive efforts are being directed at eliminating these cell reservoirs. This feat can be achieved by reactivating latent HIV while administering drugs that prevent new rounds of infection and allow the immune system to clear the virus. However, current approaches to HIV eradication have not been effective. Moreover, as HIV latency is multifactorial, the significance of each of its molecular mechanisms is still under debate. Among these, transcriptional repression as a result of reduced levels and activity of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb: CDK9/cyclin T) plays a significant role. Therefore, increasing levels of P-TEFb expression and activity is an excellent strategy to stimulate viral gene expression. This review summarizes the multiple steps that cause HIV to enter into latency. It positions the interplay between transcriptionally active and inactive host transcriptional activators and their viral partner Tat as valid targets for the development of new strategies to reactivate latent viral gene expression and eradicate HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Taube
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +972-8-6479858; Fax: +972-8-6479953
| | - Boris Matija Peterlin
- Department of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Russell Medical Research Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; E-Mail:
- Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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Cyclin T1 and CDK9 T-loop phosphorylation are downregulated during establishment of HIV-1 latency in primary resting memory CD4+ T cells. J Virol 2012; 87:1211-20. [PMID: 23152527 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02413-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
P-TEFb, a cellular kinase composed of Cyclin T1 and CDK9, is essential for processive HIV-1 transcription. P-TEFb activity is dependent on phosphorylation of Thr186 in the CDK9 T loop. In resting CD4(+) T cells which are nonpermissive for HIV-1 replication, the levels of Cyclin T1 and T-loop-phosphorylated CDK9 are very low but increase significantly upon cellular activation. Little is known about how P-TEFb activity and expression are regulated in resting central memory CD4(+) T cells, one of the main reservoirs of latent HIV-1. We used an in vitro primary cell model of HIV-1 latency to show that P-TEFb availability in resting memory CD4(+) T cells is governed by the differential expression and phosphorylation of its subunits. This is in contrast to previous observations in dividing cells, where P-TEFb can be regulated by its sequestration in the 7SK RNP complex. We find that resting CD4(+) T cells, whether naïve or memory and independent of their infection status, have low levels of Cyclin T1 and T-loop-phosphorylated CDK9, which increase upon activation. We also show that the decrease in Cyclin T1 protein upon the acquisition of a memory phenotype is in part due to proteasome-mediated proteolysis and likely also to posttranscriptional downregulation by miR-150. We also found that HEXIM1 levels are very low in ex vivo- and in vitro-generated resting memory CD4(+) T cells, thus limiting the sequestration of P-TEFb in the 7SK RNP complex, indicating that this mechanism is unlikely to be a driver of viral latency in this cell type.
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25
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Breuer D, Kotelkin A, Ammosova T, Kumari N, Ivanov A, Ilatovskiy AV, Beullens M, Roane PR, Bollen M, Petukhov MG, Kashanchi F, Nekhai S. CDK2 regulates HIV-1 transcription by phosphorylation of CDK9 on serine 90. Retrovirology 2012; 9:94. [PMID: 23140174 PMCID: PMC3515335 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 transcription is activated by the viral Tat protein that recruits host positive transcription elongation factor-b (P-TEFb) containing CDK9/cyclin T1 to the HIV-1 promoter. P-TEFb in the cells exists as a lower molecular weight CDK9/cyclin T1 dimer and a high molecular weight complex of 7SK RNA, CDK9/cyclin T1, HEXIM1 dimer and several additional proteins. Our previous studies implicated CDK2 in HIV-1 transcription regulation. We also found that inhibition of CDK2 by iron chelators leads to the inhibition of CDK9 activity, suggesting a functional link between CDK2 and CDK9. Here, we investigate whether CDK2 phosphorylates CDK9 and regulates its activity. RESULTS The siRNA-mediated knockdown of CDK2 inhibited CDK9 kinase activity and reduced CDK9 phosphorylation. Stable shRNA-mediated CDK2 knockdown inhibited HIV-1 transcription, but also increased the overall level of 7SK RNA. CDK9 contains a motif (90SPYNR94) that is consensus CDK2 phosphorylation site. CDK9 was phosphorylated on Ser90 by CDK2 in vitro. In cultured cells, CDK9 phosphorylation was reduced when Ser90 was mutated to an Ala. Phosphorylation of CDK9 on Ser90 was also detected with phospho-specific antibodies and it was reduced after the knockdown of CDK2. CDK9 expression decreased in the large complex for the CDK9-S90A mutant and was correlated with a reduced activity and an inhibition of HIV-1 transcription. In contrast, the CDK9-S90D mutant showed a slight decrease in CDK9 expression in both the large and small complexes but induced Tat-dependent HIV-1 transcription. Molecular modeling showed that Ser 90 of CDK9 is located on a flexible loop exposed to solvent, suggesting its availability for phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that CDK2 phosphorylates CDK9 on Ser 90 and thereby contributes to HIV-1 transcription. The phosphorylation of Ser90 by CDK2 represents a novel mechanism of HIV-1 regulated transcription and provides a new strategy for activation of latent HIV-1 provirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denitra Breuer
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Department of Medicine, Howard University, 1840 7th Street, N.W. HURB1, Suite 202, Washington, DC 20001, USA
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Ramakrishnan R, Liu H, Donahue H, Malovannaya A, Qin J, Rice AP. Identification of novel CDK9 and Cyclin T1-associated protein complexes (CCAPs) whose siRNA depletion enhances HIV-1 Tat function. Retrovirology 2012; 9:90. [PMID: 23110726 PMCID: PMC3494656 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-9-90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1 Tat activates RNA Polymerase II (RNAP II) elongation of the integrated provirus by recruiting a protein kinase known as P-TEFb to TAR RNA at the 5' end of nascent viral transcripts. The catalytic core of P-TEFb contains CDK9 and Cyclin T1 (CCNT1). A human endogenous complexome has recently been described - the set of multi-protein complexes in HeLa cell nuclei. We mined this complexome data set and identified 12 distinct multi-protein complexes that contain both CDK9 and CCNT1. We have termed these complexes CCAPs for CDK9/CCNT1-associated protein complexes. Nine CCAPs are novel, while three were previously identified as Core P-TEFb, the 7SK snRNP, and the Super-Elongation Complex. We have investigated the role of five newly identified CCAPs in Tat function and viral gene expression. RESULTS We examined five CCAPs that contain: 1) PPP1R10/TOX3/WDR82; 2) TTF2; 3) TPR; 4) WRNIP1; 5) FBXO11/CUL1/SKP1. SiRNA depletions of protein subunits of the five CCAPs enhanced Tat activation of an integrated HIV-1 LTR-Luciferase reporter in TZM-bl cells. Using plasmid transfection assays in HeLa cells, we also found that siRNA depletions of TTF2, FBXO11, PPP1R10, WDR82, and TOX3 enhanced Tat activation of an HIV-1 LTR-luciferase reporter, but the depletions did not enhance expression of an NF-κB reporter plasmid with the exception of PPP1R10. We found no evidence that depletion of CCAPs perturbed the level of CDK9/CCNT1 in the 7SK snRNP. We also found that the combination of siRNA depletions of both TTF2 and FBXO11 sensitized a latent provirus in Jurkat cells to reactivation by sub-optimal amounts of αCD3/CD28 antibodies. CONCLUSIONS Our results identified five novel CDK9/CCNT1 complexes that are capable of negative regulation of HIV-1 Tat function and viral gene expression. Because siRNA depletions of CCAPs enhance Tat function, it is possible that these complexes reduce the level of CDK9 and CCNT1 available for Tat, similar to the negative regulation of Tat by the 7SK snRNP. Our results highlight the complexity in the biological functions of CDK9 and CCNT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Ramakrishnan
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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