1
|
Liu Y, Luo Z, Chen X, Yang X, Qi Q, Alifu M, Tao C, Cui W, Liu M, Wang W. Determinants of the interaction between the 5'-leader of HIV-1 genome and human lysyl-tRNA synthetase in reverse transcription primer release process. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 725:150252. [PMID: 38878758 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Reverse transcription of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) initiates from the 3' end of human tRNALys3. The primer tRNALys3 is selectively packaged into the virus in the form of a complex with human lysyl-tRNA synthetase (LysRS). To facilitate reverse transcription initiation, part of the 5' leader (5'L) of HIV-1 genomic RNA (gRNA) evolves a tRNA anticodon-like element (TLE), which binds LysRS and releases tRNALys3 for primer annealing and reverse transcription initiation. Although TLE has been identified as a key element in 5'L responsible for LysRS binding, how the conformations and various hairpin structures of 5'L regulate 5'L-LysRS interaction is not fully understood. Here, these factors have been individually investigated using direct and competitive fluorescence anisotropy binding experiments. Our data showed that the conformation of 5'L significantly influences its binding affinity with LysRS. The 5'L conformation favoring gRNA dimerization and packaging exhibits much weaker binding affinity with LysRS compared to the alternative 5'L conformation that is not selected for packaging. Additionally, dimerization of 5'L impairs LysRS-5'L interaction. Furthermore, among various regions of 5'L, both the primer binding site/TLE domain and the stem-loop 3 are important for LysRS interaction, whereas the dimerization initiation site and the splicing donor plays a minor role. In contrast, the presence of the transacting responsive and the polyadenylation signal hairpins slightly inhibit LysRS binding. These findings reveal that the conformation and various regions of the 5'L of HIV-1 genome regulate its interaction with human LysRS and the reverse transcription primer release process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mailikezhati Alifu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengcheng Tao
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Cui
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cai Z, Zhao H, Xue Y. Protocol for profiling virus-to-host RNA-RNA interactions in infected cells by RIC-seq. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:103149. [PMID: 38907997 PMCID: PMC11245969 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103149] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus-to-host RNA-RNA interactions directly regulate host mRNA stability and viral replication. However, globally profiling virus-to-host in situ RNA-RNA interactions remains challenging. Here, we present an RNA in situ conformation sequencing (RIC-seq)-based protocol for mapping high-confidence virus-to-host in situ RNA-RNA interactions in infected cells. We detail steps for formaldehyde crosslinking, pCp-biotin labeling, in situ proximity ligation, chimeric RNA enrichment, strand-specific library construction, and data analysis. This protocol allows unbiased identification of virus-to-host RNA-RNA interactions for various RNA viruses and is potentially applicable to DNA virus-derived transcripts. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhao et al.1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaokui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Hailian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanchao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Epigenetic Regulation and Intervention, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Heng X, Herrera AP, Song Z, Boris-Lawrie K. Retroviral PBS-segment sequence and structure: Orchestrating early and late replication events. Retrovirology 2024; 21:12. [PMID: 38886829 PMCID: PMC11181671 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-024-00646-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
An essential regulatory hub for retroviral replication events, the 5' untranslated region (UTR) encodes an ensemble of cis-acting replication elements that overlap in a logical manner to carry out divergent RNA activities in cells and in virions. The primer binding site (PBS) and primer activation sequence initiate the reverse transcription process in virions, yet overlap with structural elements that regulate expression of the complex viral proteome. PBS-segment also encompasses the attachment site for Integrase to cut and paste the 3' long terminal repeat into the host chromosome to form the provirus and purine residues necessary to execute the precise stoichiometry of genome-length transcripts and spliced viral RNAs. Recent genetic mapping, cofactor affinity experiments, NMR and SAXS have elucidated that the HIV-1 PBS-segment folds into a three-way junction structure. The three-way junction structure is recognized by the host's nuclear RNA helicase A/DHX9 (RHA). RHA tethers host trimethyl guanosine synthase 1 to the Rev/Rev responsive element (RRE)-containing RNAs for m7-guanosine Cap hyper methylation that bolsters virion infectivity significantly. The HIV-1 trimethylated (TMG) Cap licenses specialized translation of virion proteins under conditions that repress translation of the regulatory proteins. Clearly host-adaption and RNA shapeshifting comprise the fundamental basis for PBS-segment orchestrating both reverse transcription of virion RNA and the nuclear modification of m7G-Cap for biphasic translation of the complex viral proteome. These recent observations, which have exposed even greater complexity of retroviral RNA biology than previously established, are the impetus for this article. Basic research to fully comprehend the marriage of PBS-segment structures and host RNA binding proteins that carry out retroviral early and late replication events is likely to expose an immutable virus-specific therapeutic target to attenuate retrovirus proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Heng
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - Amanda Paz Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Zhenwei Song
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Kathleen Boris-Lawrie
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hanson HM, Willkomm NA, Yang H, Mansky LM. Human Retrovirus Genomic RNA Packaging. Viruses 2022; 14:1094. [PMID: 35632835 PMCID: PMC9142903 DOI: 10.3390/v14051094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Two non-covalently linked copies of the retrovirus genome are specifically recruited to the site of virus particle assembly and packaged into released particles. Retroviral RNA packaging requires RNA export of the unspliced genomic RNA from the nucleus, translocation of the genome to virus assembly sites, and specific interaction with Gag, the main viral structural protein. While some aspects of the RNA packaging process are understood, many others remain poorly understood. In this review, we provide an update on recent advancements in understanding the mechanism of RNA packaging for retroviruses that cause disease in humans, i.e., HIV-1, HIV-2, and HTLV-1, as well as advances in the understanding of the details of genomic RNA nuclear export, genome translocation to virus assembly sites, and genomic RNA dimerization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Hanson
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.A.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Nora A. Willkomm
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.A.W.); (H.Y.)
- DDS-PhD Dual Degree Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Huixin Yang
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.A.W.); (H.Y.)
- Comparative Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN 55455, USA
| | - Louis M. Mansky
- Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics Graduate Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (N.A.W.); (H.Y.)
- DDS-PhD Dual Degree Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Comparative Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Division of Basic Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota—Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ye L, Gribling-Burrer AS, Bohn P, Kibe A, Börtlein C, Ambi UB, Ahmad S, Olguin-Nava M, Smith M, Caliskan N, von Kleist M, Smyth RP. Short- and long-range interactions in the HIV-1 5' UTR regulate genome dimerization and packaging. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2022; 29:306-319. [PMID: 35347312 PMCID: PMC9010304 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00746-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
RNA dimerization is the noncovalent association of two human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) genomes. It is a conserved step in the HIV-1 life cycle and assumed to be a prerequisite for binding to the viral structural protein Pr55Gag during genome packaging. Here, we developed functional analysis of RNA structure-sequencing (FARS-seq) to comprehensively identify sequences and structures within the HIV-1 5' untranslated region (UTR) that regulate this critical step. Using FARS-seq, we found nucleotides important for dimerization throughout the HIV-1 5' UTR and identified distinct structural conformations in monomeric and dimeric RNA. In the dimeric RNA, key functional domains, such as stem-loop 1 (SL1), polyadenylation signal (polyA) and primer binding site (PBS), folded into independent structural motifs. In the monomeric RNA, SL1 was reconfigured into long- and short-range base pairings with polyA and PBS, respectively. We show that these interactions disrupt genome packaging, and additionally show that the PBS-SL1 interaction unexpectedly couples the PBS with dimerization and Pr55Gag binding. Altogether, our data provide insights into late stages of HIV-1 life cycle and a mechanistic explanation for the link between RNA dimerization and packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Ye
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Gribling-Burrer
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Bohn
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anuja Kibe
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Charlene Börtlein
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Uddhav B. Ambi
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Shazeb Ahmad
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Olguin-Nava
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maureen Smith
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744P5 Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Neva Caliskan
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Max von Kleist
- grid.13652.330000 0001 0940 3744P5 Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Redmond P. Smyth
- grid.498164.6Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Faculty of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Selective packaging of HIV-1 RNA genome is guided by the stability of 5' untranslated region polyA stem. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2114494118. [PMID: 34873042 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114494118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To generate infectious virus, HIV-1 must package two copies of its full-length RNA into particles. HIV-1 transcription initiates from multiple, neighboring sites, generating RNA species that only differ by a few nucleotides at the 5' end, including those with one (1G) or three (3G) 5' guanosines. Strikingly, 1G RNA is preferentially packaged into virions over 3G RNA. We investigated how HIV-1 distinguishes between these nearly identical RNAs using in-gel chemical probing combined with recently developed computational tools for determining RNA conformational ensembles, as well as cell-based assays to quantify the efficiency of RNA packaging into viral particles. We found that 1G and 3G RNAs fold into distinct structural ensembles. The 1G RNA, but not the 3G RNA, primarily adopts conformations with an intact polyA stem, exposed dimerization initiation site, and multiple, unpaired guanosines known to mediate Gag binding. Furthermore, we identified mutants that exhibited altered genome selectivity and packaged 3G RNA efficiently. In these mutants, both 1G and 3G RNAs fold into similar conformational ensembles, such that they can no longer be distinguished. Our findings demonstrate that polyA stem stability guides RNA-packaging selectivity. These studies also uncover the mechanism by which HIV-1 selects its genome for packaging: 1G RNA is preferentially packaged because it exposes structural elements that promote RNA dimerization and Gag binding.
Collapse
|
7
|
Blakemore RJ, Burnett C, Swanson C, Kharytonchyk S, Telesnitsky A, Munro JB. Stability and conformation of the dimeric HIV-1 genomic RNA 5'UTR. Biophys J 2021; 120:4874-4890. [PMID: 34529947 PMCID: PMC8595565 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
During HIV-1 assembly, the viral Gag polyprotein specifically selects the dimeric RNA genome for packaging into new virions. The 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the dimeric genome may adopt a conformation that is optimal for recognition by Gag. Further conformational rearrangement of the 5′UTR, promoted by the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag, is predicted during virus maturation. Two 5′UTR dimer conformations, the kissing dimer (KD) and the extended dimer (ED), have been identified in vitro, which differ in the extent of intermolecular basepairing. Whether 5′UTRs from different HIV-1 strains with distinct sequences have access to the same dimer conformations has not been determined. Here, we applied fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer imaging to demonstrate that 5′UTRs from two different HIV-1 subtypes form (KDs) with divergent stabilities. We further show that both 5′UTRs convert to a stable dimer in the presence of the viral NC protein, adopting a conformation consistent with extensive intermolecular contacts. These results support a unified model in which the genomes of diverse HIV-1 strains adopt an ED conformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Blakemore
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine and School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts; Graduate Program in Molecular Microbiology, Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Cleo Burnett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Canessa Swanson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore Country, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Siarhei Kharytonchyk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Alice Telesnitsky
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - James B Munro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Tufts University School of Medicine and School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
RNA Structures and Their Role in Selective Genome Packaging. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091788. [PMID: 34578369 PMCID: PMC8472981 DOI: 10.3390/v13091788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To generate infectious viral particles, viruses must specifically select their genomic RNA from milieu that contains a complex mixture of cellular or non-genomic viral RNAs. In this review, we focus on the role of viral encoded RNA structures in genome packaging. We first discuss how packaging signals are constructed from local and long-range base pairings within viral genomes, as well as inter-molecular interactions between viral and host RNAs. Then, how genome packaging is regulated by the biophysical properties of RNA. Finally, we examine the impact of RNA packaging signals on viral evolution.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chameettachal A, Vivet-Boudou V, Pitchai F, Pillai V, Ali L, Krishnan A, Bernacchi S, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi T. A purine loop and the primer binding site are critical for the selective encapsidation of mouse mammary tumor virus genomic RNA by Pr77Gag. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4668-4688. [PMID: 33836091 PMCID: PMC8096270 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral RNA genome (gRNA) harbors cis-acting sequences that facilitate its specific packaging from a pool of other viral and cellular RNAs by binding with high-affinity to the viral Gag protein during virus assembly. However, the molecular intricacies involved during selective gRNA packaging are poorly understood. Binding and footprinting assays on mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) gRNA with purified Pr77Gag along with in cell gRNA packaging study identified two Pr77Gag binding sites constituting critical, non-redundant packaging signals. These included: a purine loop in a bifurcated stem-loop containing the gRNA dimerization initiation site, and the primer binding site (PBS). Despite these sites being present on both unspliced and spliced RNAs, Pr77Gag specifically bound to unspliced RNA, since only that could adopt the native bifurcated stem-loop structure containing looped purines. These results map minimum structural elements required to initiate MMTV gRNA packaging, distinguishing features that are conserved amongst divergent retroviruses from those perhaps unique to MMTV. Unlike purine-rich motifs frequently associated with packaging signals, direct involvement of PBS in gRNA packaging has not been documented in retroviruses. These results enhance our understanding of retroviral gRNA packaging/assembly, making it not only a target for novel therapeutic interventions, but also development of safer gene therapy vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fathima Nuzra Nagoor Pitchai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lizna Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjana Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Serena Bernacchi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Structural Insights into RNA Dimerization: Motifs, Interfaces and Functions. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25122881. [PMID: 32585844 PMCID: PMC7357161 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25122881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In comparison with the pervasive use of protein dimers and multimers in all domains of life, functional RNA oligomers have so far rarely been observed in nature. Their diminished occurrence contrasts starkly with the robust intrinsic potential of RNA to multimerize through long-range base-pairing ("kissing") interactions, self-annealing of palindromic or complementary sequences, and stable tertiary contact motifs, such as the GNRA tetraloop-receptors. To explore the general mechanics of RNA dimerization, we performed a meta-analysis of a collection of exemplary RNA homodimer structures consisting of viral genomic elements, ribozymes, riboswitches, etc., encompassing both functional and fortuitous dimers. Globally, we found that domain-swapped dimers and antiparallel, head-to-tail arrangements are predominant architectural themes. Locally, we observed that the same structural motifs, interfaces and forces that enable tertiary RNA folding also drive their higher-order assemblies. These feature prominently long-range kissing loops, pseudoknots, reciprocal base intercalations and A-minor interactions. We postulate that the scarcity of functional RNA multimers and limited diversity in multimerization motifs may reflect evolutionary constraints imposed by host antiviral immune surveillance and stress sensing. A deepening mechanistic understanding of RNA multimerization is expected to facilitate investigations into RNA and RNP assemblies, condensates, and granules and enable their potential therapeutical targeting.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
Here we have directly visualized conformational changes in the 5′UTR of the HIV-1 genome using single-molecule fluorescence techniques. We find that the monomeric 5′UTR can spontaneously transition between two conformations, which have distinct intramolecular base pairing. One of the observed conformations is competent for dimerization with a second 5′UTR molecule. Our results are consistent with a model in which dimerization initiates by way of localized intermolecular kissing-loop base pairing, which is promoted by tRNA primer annealing. The intermolecular interface then extends, giving rise to the putative extended dimer, which is stabilized by HIV-1 NC. Thus, the 5′UTR is intrinsically dynamic, and both viral and host factors play a role in modulating the RNA conformation and dynamics. The highly conserved 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR) of the HIV-1 RNA genome is central to the regulation of virus replication. NMR and biochemical experiments support a model in which the 5′UTR can transition between at least two conformational states. In one state the genome remains a monomer, as the palindromic dimerization initiation site (DIS) is sequestered via base pairing to upstream sequences. In the second state, the DIS is exposed, and the genome is competent for kissing loop dimerization and packaging into assembling virions where an extended dimer is formed. According to this model the conformation of the 5′UTR determines the fate of the genome. In this work, the dynamics of this proposed conformational switch and the factors that regulate it were probed using multiple single-molecule and in-gel ensemble FRET assays. Our results show that the HIV-1 5′UTR intrinsically samples conformations that are stabilized by both viral and host factor binding. Annealing of tRNALys3, the primer for initiation of reverse transcription, can promote the kissing dimer but not the extended dimer. In contrast, HIV-1 nucleocapsid (NC) promotes formation of the extended dimer in both the absence and presence of tRNALys3. Our data are consistent with an ordered series of events that involves primer annealing, genome dimerization, and virion assembly.
Collapse
|
12
|
Olson ED, Musier-Forsyth K. Retroviral Gag protein-RNA interactions: Implications for specific genomic RNA packaging and virion assembly. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 86:129-139. [PMID: 29580971 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Retroviral Gag proteins are responsible for coordinating many aspects of virion assembly. Gag possesses two distinct nucleic acid binding domains, matrix (MA) and nucleocapsid (NC). One of the critical functions of Gag is to specifically recognize, bind, and package the retroviral genomic RNA (gRNA) into assembling virions. Gag interactions with cellular RNAs have also been shown to regulate aspects of assembly. Recent results have shed light on the role of MA and NC domain interactions with nucleic acids, and how they jointly function to ensure packaging of the retroviral gRNA. Here, we will review the literature regarding RNA interactions with NC, MA, as well as overall mechanisms employed by Gag to interact with RNA. The discussion focuses on human immunodeficiency virus type-1, but other retroviruses will also be discussed. A model is presented combining all of the available data summarizing the various factors and layers of selection Gag employs to ensure specific gRNA packaging and correct virion assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
NMR detection of intermolecular interaction sites in the dimeric 5'-leader of the HIV-1 genome. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:13033-13038. [PMID: 27791166 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1614785113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV type-1 (HIV-1) contains a pseudodiploid RNA genome that is selected for packaging and maintained in virions as a noncovalently linked dimer. Genome dimerization is mediated by conserved elements within the 5'-leader of the RNA, including a palindromic dimer initiation signal (DIS) that has been proposed to form kissing hairpin and/or extended duplex intermolecular contacts. Here, we have applied a 2H-edited NMR approach to directly probe for intermolecular interactions in the full-length, dimeric HIV-1 5'-leader (688 nucleotides; 230 kDa). The interface is extensive and includes DIS:DIS base pairing in an extended duplex state as well as intermolecular pairing between elements of the upstream Unique-5' (U5) sequence and those near the gag start site (AUG). Other pseudopalindromic regions of the leader, including the transcription activation (TAR), polyadenylation (PolyA), and primer binding (PBS) elements, do not participate in intermolecular base pairing. Using a 2H-edited one-dimensional NMR approach, we also show that the extended interface structure forms on a time scale similar to that of overall RNA dimerization. Our studies indicate that a kissing dimer-mediated structure, if formed, exists only transiently and readily converts to the extended interface structure, even in the absence of the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein or other RNA chaperones.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hellmund C, Lever AML. Coordination of Genomic RNA Packaging with Viral Assembly in HIV-1. Viruses 2016; 8:E192. [PMID: 27428992 PMCID: PMC4974527 DOI: 10.3390/v8070192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tremendous progress made in unraveling the complexities of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication has resulted in a library of drugs to target key aspects of the replication cycle of the virus. Yet, despite this accumulated wealth of knowledge, we still have much to learn about certain viral processes. One of these is virus assembly, where the viral genome and proteins come together to form infectious progeny. Here we review this topic from the perspective of how the route to production of an infectious virion is orchestrated by the viral genome, and we compare and contrast aspects of the assembly mechanisms employed by HIV-1 with those of other RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chris Hellmund
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
| | - Andrew M L Lever
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Exploiting tRNAs to Boost Virulence. Life (Basel) 2016; 6:life6010004. [PMID: 26797637 PMCID: PMC4810235 DOI: 10.3390/life6010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are powerful small RNA entities that are used to translate nucleotide language of genes into the amino acid language of proteins. Their near-uniform length and tertiary structure as well as their high nucleotide similarity and post-transcriptional modifications have made it difficult to characterize individual species quantitatively. However, due to the central role of the tRNA pool in protein biosynthesis as well as newly emerging roles played by tRNAs, their quantitative assessment yields important information, particularly relevant for virus research. Viruses which depend on the host protein expression machinery have evolved various strategies to optimize tRNA usage—either by adapting to the host codon usage or encoding their own tRNAs. Additionally, several viruses bear tRNA-like elements (TLE) in the 5′- and 3′-UTR of their mRNAs. There are different hypotheses concerning the manner in which such structures boost viral protein expression. Furthermore, retroviruses use special tRNAs for packaging and initiating reverse transcription of their genetic material. Since there is a strong specificity of different viruses towards certain tRNAs, different strategies for recruitment are employed. Interestingly, modifications on tRNAs strongly impact their functionality in viruses. Here, we review those intersection points between virus and tRNA research and describe methods for assessing the tRNA pool in terms of concentration, aminoacylation and modification.
Collapse
|
16
|
Olson ED, Cantara WA, Musier-Forsyth K. New Structure Sheds Light on Selective HIV-1 Genomic RNA Packaging. Viruses 2015; 7:4826-35. [PMID: 26305251 PMCID: PMC4576207 DOI: 10.3390/v7082846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two copies of unspliced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 genomic RNA (gRNA) are preferentially selected for packaging by the group-specific antigen (Gag) polyprotein into progeny virions as a dimer during the late stages of the viral lifecycle. Elucidating the RNA features responsible for selective recognition of the full-length gRNA in the presence of an abundance of other cellular RNAs and spliced viral RNAs remains an area of intense research. The recent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) structure by Keane et al. [1] expands upon previous efforts to determine the conformation of the HIV-1 RNA packaging signal. The data support a secondary structure wherein sequences that constitute the major splice donor site are sequestered through base pairing, and a tertiary structure that adopts a tandem 3-way junction motif that exposes the dimerization initiation site and unpaired guanosines for specific recognition by Gag. While it remains to be established whether this structure is conserved in the context of larger RNA constructs or in the dimer, this study serves as the basis for characterizing large RNA structures using novel NMR techniques, and as a major advance toward understanding how the HIV-1 gRNA is selectively packaged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - William A Cantara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Seif E, Niu M, Kleiman L. In virio SHAPE analysis of tRNA(Lys3) annealing to HIV-1 genomic RNA in wild type and protease-deficient virus. Retrovirology 2015; 12:40. [PMID: 25981241 PMCID: PMC4445796 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-015-0171-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background tRNALys3 annealing to the viral RNA of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) is an essential step in the virus life cycle, because this tRNA serves as the primer for initiating reverse transcription. tRNALys3 annealing to viral RNA occurs in two steps. First, Gag promotes annealing of tRNALys3 to the viral RNA during cytoplasmic HIV-1 assembly. Second, mature nucleocapsid (NCp7), produced from the processing of Gag by viral protease during viral budding from the cell, remodels the annealed complex to form a more stable interaction between the viral RNA and tRNALys3, resulting in a more tightly bound and efficient primer for reverse transcription. Results In this report, we have used in virio SHAPE analysis of both the 5´-untranslated region in HIV-1 RNA and the annealed tRNALys3 to determine structural differences of the annealed complex that occur between protease-negative (Pr-) and wild type viruses. Our results indicate that the weaker binding of tRNALys3 annealed by Gag in Pr- virions reflects both missing interactions of tRNALys3 with viral RNA regions in the upper PBS stem, and a weaker interaction with the internal stem-loop found within the unannealed primer binding site in viral RNA. Conclusions We propose secondary structure models for the tRNALys3/viral RNA annealed complexes in PR- and wild type viruses that support the two-step annealing model by showing that Gag promotes a partial annealing of tRNALys3 to HIV-1 viral RNA, followed by a more complete annealing by NCp7. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-015-0171-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elias Seif
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
| | - Meijuan Niu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.
| | - Lawrence Kleiman
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Choi J, Kim HM, Yoon JK, Cho Y, Lee HJ, Kim KC, Kim CK, Kim GW, Kim YB. Identification of Porcine Endogenous Retrovirus (PERV) packaging sequence and development of PERV packaging viral vector system. J Microbiol 2015; 53:348-53. [PMID: 25935307 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-015-5134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Studies of the retroviruses have focused on the specific interaction of the nucleocapsid protein with a packaging signal in the viral RNA as important for this selectivity, but the packaging signal in porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) has not been defined. Herein, we identified and analyzed this packaging signal in PERV and found hairpin structures with conserved tetranucleotides in their loops and nucleocapsid recognition sequences; both of which are key elements in the viral packaging signal of MLV. We evaluated packaging efficiency of sequence variants isolated from viral and proviral integrated genomes. All viral packaging sequences (Ψ) were identical, while five distinct packaging sequences were identified from proviral sources. One proviral sequence (Ψ1) was identical to that of the viral Ψ and had the highest packaging efficiency. Three variants (Ψ2, Ψ3, Ψ4) maintained key elements of the viral packaging signal, but had nucleotide replacements and consequently demonstrated reduced packaging efficiency. Despite of the same overall hairpin structure, the proviral variant (Ψ5) had only one GACG sequence in the hairpin loop and showed the lowest packaging efficiency other than ∆Ψ, in which the essential packaging sequence was removed. This result, thus, defined the packaging sequences in PERV and emphasized the importance of nucleotide sequence and RNA structure in the determination of packaging efficiency. In addition, we demonstrate efficient infection and gene expression from the PERV based viral vector, which may serve as a novel alternative to current retroviral expression systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Choi
- Department of Bioindustrial Technologies, Konkuk University, Seoul, 143-701, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Cantara WA, Olson ED, Musier-Forsyth K. Progress and outlook in structural biology of large viral RNAs. Virus Res 2014; 193:24-38. [PMID: 24956407 PMCID: PMC4252365 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The field of viral molecular biology has reached a precipice for which pioneering studies on the structure of viral RNAs are beginning to bridge the gap. It has become clear that viral genomic RNAs are not simply carriers of hereditary information, but rather are active players in many critical stages during replication. Indeed, functions such as cap-independent translation initiation mechanisms are, in some cases, primarily driven by RNA structural determinants. Other stages including reverse transcription initiation in retroviruses, nuclear export and viral packaging are specifically dependent on the proper 3-dimensional folding of multiple RNA domains to recruit necessary viral and host factors required for activity. Furthermore, a large-scale conformational change within the 5'-untranslated region of HIV-1 has been proposed to regulate the temporal switch between viral protein synthesis and packaging. These RNA-dependent functions are necessary for replication of many human disease-causing viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-associated coronavirus, West Nile virus, and HIV-1. The potential for antiviral development is currently hindered by a poor understanding of RNA-driven molecular mechanisms, resulting from a lack of structural information on large RNAs and ribonucleoprotein complexes. Herein, we describe the recent progress that has been made on characterizing these large RNAs and provide brief descriptions of the techniques that will be at the forefront of future advances. Ongoing and future work will contribute to a more complete understanding of the lifecycles of retroviruses and RNA viruses and potentially lead to novel antiviral strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Xing L, Zhao X, Guo F, Kleiman L. The role of A-kinase anchoring protein 95-like protein in annealing of tRNALys3 to HIV-1 RNA. Retrovirology 2014; 11:58. [PMID: 25034436 PMCID: PMC4223510 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-11-58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background RNA helicase A (RHA), a DExH box protein, promotes annealing of tRNALys3, a primer for reverse transcription, to HIV-1 RNA and assembles into virus particles. A-kinase anchoring protein 95-like protein (HAP95) is a binding partner of RHA. The role of HAP95 in the annealing of tRNALys3 was examined in this study. Results HAP95 associates with the reverse transcriptase region of Pol protein of HIV-1. Decreasing endogenous HAP95 in HIV-1-producing 293T cells by siRNA reduces the amount of tRNALys3 annealed on viral RNA. This defect was further deteriorated by knockdown of RHA in the same cells, suggesting a cooperative effect between these two proteins. Biochemical assay in vitro using purified GST-tagged HAP95 shows that HAP95 may inhibit the activity of RHA. Conclusion The results support a hypothesis that HAP95 may transiently block RHA’s activity to protect the annealed tRNALys3 on viral RNA in the cells from removing by RHA during the packaging of RHA into virus particles, thus facilitating the annealing of tRNALys3 to HIV-1 RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Xing
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jones CP, Cantara WA, Olson ED, Musier-Forsyth K. Small-angle X-ray scattering-derived structure of the HIV-1 5' UTR reveals 3D tRNA mimicry. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:3395-400. [PMID: 24550473 PMCID: PMC3948283 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1319658111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The most conserved region of the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) genome, the ∼335-nt 5' UTR, is characterized by functional stem loop domains responsible for regulating the viral life cycle. Despite the indispensable nature of this region of the genome in HIV-1 replication, 3D structures of multihairpin domains of the 5' UTR remain unknown. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and molecular dynamics simulations, we generated structural models of the transactivation (TAR)/polyadenylation (polyA), primer-binding site (PBS), and Psi-packaging domains. TAR and polyA form extended, coaxially stacked hairpins, consistent with their high stability and contribution to the pausing of reverse transcription. The Psi domain is extended, with each stem loop exposed for interactions with binding partners. The PBS domain adopts a bent conformation resembling the shape of a tRNA in apo and primer-annealed states. These results provide a structural basis for understanding several key molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1 replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Erik D. Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kolomiets IN, Zarudnaya MI, Potyahaylo AL, Hovorun DM. Structural insight into HIV-1 reverse transcription initiation in MAL-like templates (CRF01_AE, subtype G and CRF02_AG). J Biomol Struct Dyn 2014; 33:418-33. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2014.884938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|