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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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Gu S, Huang Q, Sun C, Wen C, Yang N. Transcriptomic and epigenomic insights into pectoral muscle fiber formation at the late embryonic development in pure chicken lines. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103882. [PMID: 38833745 PMCID: PMC11190745 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103882] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term intensive genetic selection has led to significant differences between broiler and layer chickens, which are evident during the embryonic period. Despite this, there is a paucity of research on the genetic regulation of the initial formation of muscle fiber morphology in chick embryos. Embryonic d 17 (E17) is the key time point for myoblast fusion completion and muscle fiber morphology formation in chickens. This study aimed to explore the genetic regulatory mechanisms underlying the early muscle fiber morphology establishment in broiler chickens of Cornish (CC) and White Plymouth Rock (RR) and layer chickens of White Leghorn (WW) at E17 using the transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility sequencing of pectoral major muscles. The results showed that broiler chickens exhibited significant higher embryo weight and pectoral major muscle weight at E17 compared to layer chickens (P = 0.000). A total of 1,278, 1,248, and 892 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of RNA-seq data were identified between CC vs. WW, RR vs. WW, and CC vs. RR, separately. All DEGs were combined for cluster analysis and they were divided into 6 clusters, including cluster 1 with higher expression in broilers and cluster 6 with higher expression in layers. DEGs in cluster 1 were enriched in terms related to macrophage activation (P = 0.002) and defense response to bacteria (P = 0.002), while DEGs in cluster 6 showed enrichment in protein-DNA complex (P = 0.003) and monooxygenase activity (P = 0.000). ATAC-seq data analysis identified a total of 38,603 peaks, with 13,051 peaks for CC, 18,780 peaks for RR, and 6,772 peaks for WW. Integrative analysis of transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility data revealed GOLM1, ISLR2, and TOPAZ1 were commonly upregulated genes in CC and RR. Furthermore, screening of all upregulated DEGs in cluster 1 from CC and RR identified GOLM1, ISLR2, and HNMT genes associated with neuroimmune functions and MYOM3 linked to muscle morphology development, showing significantly elevated expression in broiler chickens compared to layer chickens. These findings suggest active neural system connectivity during the initial formation of muscle fiber morphology in embryonic period, highlighting the early interaction between muscle fiber formation morphology and the nervous system. This study provides novel insights into late chick embryo development and lays a deeper foundation for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Congjiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Chaoliang Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding and Frontier Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China; National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding and Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; Sanya Institute of China Agricultural University, Hainan 572025, China.
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Morais LV, dos Santos SN, Gomes TH, Malta Romano C, Colombo-Souza P, Amaral JB, Shio MT, Neves LM, Bachi ALL, França CN, Nali LHDS. Acute strength exercise training impacts differently the HERV-W expression and inflammatory biomarkers in resistance exercise training individuals. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303798. [PMID: 38753716 PMCID: PMC11098355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303798] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are fossil viruses that composes 8% of the human genome and plays several important roles in human physiology, including muscle repair/myogenesis. It is believed that inflammation may also regulate HERV expression, and therefore may contribute in the muscle repair, especially after training exercise. Hence, this study aimed to assess the level of HERVs expression and inflammation profile in practitioners' resistance exercises after an acute strength training session. METHODS Healthy volunteers were separated in regular practitioners of resistance exercise training group (REG, n = 27) and non-trained individuals (Control Group, n = 20). All individuals performed a strength exercise section. Blood samples were collected before the exercise (T0) and 45 minutes after the training session (T1). HERV-K (HML1-10) and W were relatively quantified, cytokine concentration and circulating microparticles were assessed. RESULTS REG presented higher level of HERV-W expression (~2.5 fold change) than CG at T1 (p<0.01). No difference was observed in the levels of HERV-K expression between the groups as well as the time points. Higher serum TNF-α and IL-10 levels were verified post-training session in REG and CG (p<0.01), and in REG was found a positive correlation between the levels of TNF-α at T1 and IL-10 at T0 (p = 0.01). Finally, a lower endothelial microparticle percentage was observed in REG at T1 than in T0 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION REG individuals exhibited a significant upregulation of HERV-W and modulation of inflammatory markers when compared to CG. This combined effect could potentially support the process of skeletal muscle repair in the exercised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Vinicius Morais
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tabatah Hellen Gomes
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP) LIM-52, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jonatas Bussador Amaral
- ENT Research Lab, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Tiemi Shio
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Melo Neves
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
- Bipolar Disorder Program (PROMAN), Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina Nunes França
- Post-Graduation Program in Health Sciences, Santo Amaro University, São Paulo, Brazil
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Toudic C, Maurer M, St-Pierre G, Xiao Y, Bannert N, Lafond J, Rassart É, Sato S, Barbeau B. Galectin-1 Modulates the Fusogenic Activity of Placental Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes. Viruses 2023; 15:2441. [PMID: 38140682 PMCID: PMC10747188 DOI: 10.3390/v15122441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-1 and -2 are glycoproteins encoded by human endogenous retrovirus (hERV) that, through their fusogenic properties, are needed for the formation of the placental syncytiotrophoblast. Previous studies suggested that these proteins, in addition to the EnvP(b) envelope protein, are also involved in other cell fusion events. Since galectin-1 is a β-galactoside-binding protein associated with cytotrophoblast fusion during placental development, we previously tested its effect on Syncytin-mediated cell fusion and showed that this protein differently modulates the fusogenic potential of Syncytin-1 and -2. Herein, we were interested in comparing the impact of galectin-1 on hERV envelope proteins in different cellular contexts. Using a syncytium assay, we first demonstrated that galectin-1 increased the fusion of Syncytin-2- and EnvP(b)-expressing cells. We then tested the infectivity of Syncytin-1 and -2 vs. VSV-G-pseudotyped viruses toward Cos-7 and various human cell lines. In the presence of galectin-1, infection of Syncytin-2-pseudotyped viruses augmented for all cell lines. In contrast, the impact of galectin-1 on the infectivity of Syncytin-1-pseudotyped viruses varied, being cell- and dose-dependent. In this study, we report the functional associations between three hERV envelope proteins and galectin-1, which should provide information on the fusogenic activity of these proteins in the placenta and other biological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Toudic
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Maike Maurer
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Guillaume St-Pierre
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Yong Xiao
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Norbert Bannert
- Robert-Koch Institute, 13353 Berlin, Germany; (M.M.); (N.B.)
| | - Julie Lafond
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Éric Rassart
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
| | - Sachiko Sato
- Glycobiology and Bioimaging Laboratory, Research Centre for Infectious Diseases and Axe Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (G.S.-P.); (S.S.)
| | - Benoit Barbeau
- Département des Sciences Biologiques and Centre d’excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines-Fondation Courtois, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada; (C.T.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (É.R.)
- Regroupement Intersectoriel de Recherche en Santé de l’Université du Québec, Montréal, QC H2X 1E3, Canada
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Sibarov DA, Tsytsarev V, Volnova A, Vaganova AN, Alves J, Rojas L, Sanabria P, Ignashchenkova A, Savage ED, Inyushin M. Arc protein, a remnant of ancient retrovirus, forms virus-like particles, which are abundantly generated by neurons during epileptic seizures, and affects epileptic susceptibility in rodent models. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1201104. [PMID: 37483450 PMCID: PMC10361770 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1201104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A product of the immediate early gene Arc (Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein or Arc protein) of retroviral ancestry resides in the genome of all tetrapods for millions of years and is expressed endogenously in neurons. It is a well-known protein, very important for synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. Activity-dependent Arc expression concentrated in glutamatergic synapses affects the long-time synaptic strength of those excitatory synapses. Because it modulates excitatory-inhibitory balance in a neuronal network, the Arc gene itself was found to be related to the pathogenesis of epilepsy. General Arc knockout rodent models develop a susceptibility to epileptic seizures. Because of activity dependence, synaptic Arc protein synthesis also is affected by seizures. Interestingly, it was found that Arc protein in synapses of active neurons self-assemble in capsids of retrovirus-like particles, which can transfer genetic information between neurons, at least across neuronal synaptic boutons. Released Arc particles can be accumulated in astrocytes after seizures. It is still not known how capsid assembling and transmission timescale is affected by seizures. This scientific field is relatively novel and is experiencing swift transformation as it grapples with difficult concepts in light of evolving experimental findings. We summarize the emergent literature on the subject and also discuss the specific rodent models for studying Arc effects in epilepsy. We summarized both to clarify the possible role of Arc-related pseudo-viral particles in epileptic disorders, which may be helpful to researchers interested in this growing area of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry A. Sibarov
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vassiliy Tsytsarev
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anna Volnova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia N. Vaganova
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Janaina Alves
- School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR, United States
| | - Legier Rojas
- School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR, United States
| | - Priscila Sanabria
- School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR, United States
| | | | | | - Mikhail Inyushin
- School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR, United States
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Rangel SC, da Silva MD, da Silva AL, dos Santos JDMB, Neves LM, Pedrosa A, Rodrigues FM, Trettel CDS, Furtado GE, de Barros MP, Bachi ALL, Romano CM, Nali LHDS. Human endogenous retroviruses and the inflammatory response: A vicious circle associated with health and illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1057791. [PMID: 36518758 PMCID: PMC9744114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1057791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from ancient exogenous retroviral infections that have infected our ancestors' germline cells, underwent endogenization process, and were passed throughout the generations by retrotransposition and hereditary transmission. HERVs comprise 8% of the human genome and are critical for several physiological activities. Yet, HERVs reactivation is involved in pathological process as cancer and autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize the multiple aspects of HERVs' role within the human genome, as well as virological and molecular aspects, and their fusogenic property. We also discuss possibilities of how the HERVs are possibly transactivated and participate in modulating the inflammatory response in health conditions. An update on their role in several autoimmune, inflammatory, and aging-related diseases is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Coelho Rangel
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Lopes da Silva
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Melo Neves
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Pedrosa
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, (3004-504), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Caio dos Santos Trettel
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Applied Research Institute, Rua da Misericórdia, Lagar dos Cortiços – S. Martinho do Bispo, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcelo Paes de Barros
- Interdisciplinary Program in Health Sciences, Institute of Physical Activity Sciences and Sports (ICAFE), Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Luis Lacerda Bachi
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Camila Malta Romano
- Laboratório de Virologia, Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP (LIM52), Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali
- UNISA Research Center, Universidade Santo Amaro, Post-Graduation in Health Sciences, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luiz Henrique Da Silva Nali, ;
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Wang Y, Lu J, Liu Y. Skeletal Muscle Regeneration in Cardiotoxin-Induced Muscle Injury Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113380. [PMID: 36362166 PMCID: PMC9657523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle injuries occur frequently in daily life and exercise. Understanding the mechanisms of regeneration is critical for accelerating the repair and regeneration of muscle. Therefore, this article reviews knowledge on the mechanisms of skeletal muscle regeneration after cardiotoxin-induced injury. The process of regeneration is similar in different mouse strains and is inhibited by aging, obesity, and diabetes. Exercise, microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation, and mechanical loading improve regeneration. The mechanisms of regeneration are complex and strain-dependent, and changes in functional proteins involved in the processes of necrotic fiber debris clearance, M1 to M2 macrophage conversion, SC activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation and fusion, and fibrosis and calcification influence the final outcome of the regenerative activity.
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8
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Convergent evolution of antiviral machinery derived from endogenous retrovirus truncated envelope genes in multiple species. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2114441119. [PMID: 35749360 PMCID: PMC9245640 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2114441119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Host genetic resistance to viral infection controls the pathogenicity and epidemic dynamics of infectious diseases. Refrex-1 is a restriction factor against feline leukemia virus subgroup D (FeLV-D) and an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) in domestic cats (ERV-DC). Refrex-1 is encoded by a subset of ERV-DC loci with truncated envelope genes and secreted from cells as a soluble protein. Here, we identified the copper transporter CTR1 as the entry receptor for FeLV-D and genotype I ERV-DCs. We also identified CTR1 as a receptor for primate ERVs from crab-eating macaques and rhesus macaques, which were found in a search of intact envelope genes capable of forming infectious viruses. Refrex-1 counteracted infection by FeLV-D and ERV-DCs via competition for the entry receptor CTR1; the antiviral effects extended to primate ERVs with CTR1-dependent entry. Furthermore, truncated ERV envelope genes found in chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, crab-eating macaque, and rhesus macaque genomes could also block infection by feline and primate retroviruses. Genetic analyses showed that these ERV envelope genes were acquired in a species- or genus-specific manner during host evolution. These results indicated that soluble envelope proteins could suppress retroviral infection across species boundaries, suggesting that they function to control retroviral spread. Our findings revealed that several mammalian species acquired antiviral machinery from various ancient retroviruses, leading to convergent evolution for host defense.
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Regulation of the myoblast fusion reaction for muscle development, regeneration, and adaptations. Exp Cell Res 2022; 415:113134. [PMID: 35367215 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fusion of plasma membranes is essential for skeletal muscle development, regeneration, exercise-induced adaptations, and results in a cell that contains hundreds to thousands of nuclei within a shared cytoplasm. The differentiation process in myocytes culminates in their fusion to form a new myofiber or fusion to an existing myofiber thereby contributing more synthetic material to the syncytium. The choice for two cells to fuse and become one could be a dangerous event if the two cells are not committed to an allied function. Thus, fusion events are highly regulated with positive and negative factors to fine-tune the process, and requires muscle-specific fusogens (Myomaker and Myomerger) as well as general cellular machinery to achieve the union of membranes. While a unified vertebrate myoblast fusion pathway is not yet established, recent discoveries should make this pursuit attainable. Not only does myocyte fusion impact the normal biology of skeletal muscle, but new evidence indicates dysregulation of the process impacts pathologies of skeletal muscle. Here, I will highlight the molecular players and biochemical mechanisms that drive fusion events in muscle, and discuss how this key myogenic process impacts skeletal muscle diseases.
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10
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Zheng J, Wei Y, Han GZ. The diversity and evolution of retroviruses: perspectives from viral “fossils”. Virol Sin 2022; 37:11-18. [PMID: 35234634 PMCID: PMC8922424 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses exclusively infect vertebrates, causing a variety of diseases. The replication of retroviruses requires reverse transcription and integration into host genomes. When infecting germline cells, retroviruses become inherited vertically, forming endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). ERVs document past viral infections, providing molecular fossils for studying the evolutionary history of retroviruses. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in understanding the diversity and evolution of retroviruses from the perspectives of viral fossils, and discuss the effects of ERVs on the evolution of host biology. Recent advances in understanding the diversity and evolution of retroviruses. Methods to analyze ERVs. The effects of ERVs on the evolution of host biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yutong Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guan-Zhu Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Microbes and Functional Genomics, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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11
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Dufrançais O, Mascarau R, Poincloux R, Maridonneau-Parini I, Raynaud-Messina B, Vérollet C. Cellular and molecular actors of myeloid cell fusion: podosomes and tunneling nanotubes call the tune. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6087-6104. [PMID: 34296319 PMCID: PMC8429379 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Different types of multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) of myeloid origin have been described; osteoclasts are the most extensively studied because of their importance in bone homeostasis. MGCs are formed by cell-to-cell fusion, and most types have been observed in pathological conditions, especially in infectious and non-infectious chronic inflammatory contexts. The precise role of the different MGCs and the mechanisms that govern their formation remain poorly understood, likely due to their heterogeneity. First, we will introduce the main populations of MGCs derived from the monocyte/macrophage lineage. We will then discuss the known molecular actors mediating the early stages of fusion, focusing on cell-surface receptors involved in the cell-to-cell adhesion steps that ultimately lead to multinucleation. Given that cell-to-cell fusion is a complex and well-coordinated process, we will also describe what is currently known about the evolution of F-actin-based structures involved in macrophage fusion, i.e., podosomes, zipper-like structures, and tunneling nanotubes (TNT). Finally, the localization and potential role of the key fusion mediators related to the formation of these F-actin structures will be discussed. This review intends to present the current status of knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms supporting multinucleation of myeloid cells, highlighting the gaps still existing, and contributing to the proposition of potential disease-specific MGC markers and/or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélie Dufrançais
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Rémi Mascarau
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Toulouse, France
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Renaud Poincloux
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Isabelle Maridonneau-Parini
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Toulouse, France
| | - Brigitte Raynaud-Messina
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Toulouse, France.
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Christel Vérollet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et Biologie Structurale, IPBS, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, Toulouse, France.
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Toulouse, France.
- International Associated Laboratory (LIA) CNRS "IM-TB/HIV" (1167), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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12
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Tang Y, Woodward BO, Pastor L, George AM, Petrechko O, Nouvet FJ, Haas DW, Jiang G, Hildreth JEK. Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Syncytin Induces HIV-1 Spreading and Establishes HIV Reservoirs in Placenta. Cell Rep 2021; 30:4528-4539.e4. [PMID: 32234485 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Radical cure of HIV-1 (HIV) is hampered by the establishment of HIV reservoirs and persistent infection in deep tissues despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we show that among HIV-positive women receiving suppressive ART, cells from placental tissues including trophoblasts contain HIV RNA and DNA. These viruses can be reactivated by latency reversal agents. We find that syncytin, the envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retrovirus family W1 expressed on placental trophoblasts, triggers cell fusion with HIV-infected T cells. This results in cell-to-cell spread of HIV to placental trophoblasts. Such cell-to-cell spread of HIV is less sensitive to ART than free virus. Replication in syncytin-expressing cells can also produce syncytin-pseudotyped HIV, further expanding its ability to infect non-CD4 cells. These previously unrecognized mechanisms of HIV entry enable the virus to bypass receptor restriction to infect host barrier cells, thereby facilitating viral transmission and persistent infection in deep tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Tang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, HIV Cure Center and Institute of Global Health & Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Beverly O Woodward
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Lorena Pastor
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alvin M George
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Oksana Petrechko
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Franklin J Nouvet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - David W Haas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Guochun Jiang
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, HIV Cure Center and Institute of Global Health & Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - James E K Hildreth
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
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13
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O'Carroll IP, Fan L, Kroupa T, McShane EK, Theodore C, Yates EA, Kondrup B, Ding J, Martin TS, Rein A, Wang YX. Structural Mimicry Drives HIV-1 Rev-Mediated HERV-K Expression. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:166711. [PMID: 33197463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the Human Endogenous Retrovirus Type K (HERV-K), the youngest and most active HERV, has been associated with various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. As in all retroviruses, a fraction of HERV-K transcripts is exported from the nucleus in unspliced or incompletely spliced forms to serve as templates for translation of viral proteins. In a fraction of HERV-K loci (Type 2 proviruses), nuclear export of the unspliced HERV-K mRNA appears to be mediated by a cis-acting signal on the mRNA, the RcRE, and the protein Rec-these are analogous to the RRE-Rev system in HIV-1. Interestingly, the HIV-1 Rev protein is able to mediate the nuclear export of the HERV-K RcRE, contributing to elevated HERV-K expression in HIV-infected patients. We aimed to understand the structural basis for HIV Rev-HERV-K RcRE recognition. We examined the conformation of the RcRE RNA in solution using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We found that the 433-nt long RcRE can assume folded or extended conformations as observed by AFM. SAXS analysis of a truncated RcRE variant revealed an "A"-shaped topological structure similar to the one previously reported for the HIV-1 RRE. The effect of the overall topology was examined using several deletion variants. SAXS and biochemical analyses demonstrated that the "A" shape is necessary for efficient Rev-RcRE complex formation in vitro and nuclear export activity in cell culture. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of HERV-K expression and a structural explanation for HIV-1 Rev-mediated expression of HERV-K in HIV-infected patients. IMPORTANCE: Expression of the human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K) has been associated with various cancers and autoimmune diseases. Nuclear export of both HIV-1 and HERV-K mRNAs is dependent on the interaction between a small viral protein (Rev in HIV-1 and Rec in HERV-K) and a region on the mRNA (RRE in HIV-1 and RcRE in HERV-K). HIV-1 Rev is able to mediate the nuclear export of RcRE-containing HERV-K mRNAs, which contributes to elevated production of HERV-K proteins in HIV-infected patients. We report the solution conformation of the RcRE RNA-the first three-dimensional topological structure for a HERV molecule-and find that the RcRE resembles the HIV-1 nuclear export signal, RRE. The finding reveals the structural basis for the increased HERV-K expression observed in HIV-infected patients. Elevated HERV expression, mediated by HIV infection or other stressors, can have various HERV-related biological consequences. The findings provide structural insight for regulation of HERV-K expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina P O'Carroll
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA.
| | - Lixin Fan
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAXS Core Facility of the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tomáš Kroupa
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Erin K McShane
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
| | - Christophe Theodore
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Yates
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
| | - Benjamin Kondrup
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
| | - Jienyu Ding
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section, Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Tyler S Martin
- Department of Chemistry, United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD 21402, USA
| | - Alan Rein
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yun-Xing Wang
- Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction Section, Structural Biophysics Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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14
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Søe K. Osteoclast Fusion: Physiological Regulation of Multinucleation through Heterogeneity-Potential Implications for Drug Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7717. [PMID: 33086479 PMCID: PMC7589811 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically, osteoclast fusion consists of four basic steps: (1) attraction/migration, (2) recognition, (3) cell-cell adhesion, and (4) membrane fusion. In theory, this sounds like a straightforward simple linear process. However, it is not. Osteoclast fusion has to take place in a well-coordinated manner-something that is not simple. In vivo, the complex regulation of osteoclast formation takes place within the bone marrow-in time and space. The present review will focus on considering osteoclast fusion in the context of physiology and pathology. Special attention is given to: (1) regulation of osteoclast fusion in vivo, (2) heterogeneity of osteoclast fusion partners, (3) regulation of multi-nucleation, (4) implications for physiology and pathology, and (5) implications for drug sensitivity and side effects. The review will emphasize that more attention should be given to the human in vivo reality when interpreting the impact of in vitro and animal studies. This should be done in order to improve our understanding of human physiology and pathology, as well as to improve anti-resorptive treatment and reduce side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Søe
- Clinical Cell Biology, Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense C, Denmark; ; Tel.: +45-65-41-31-90
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense M, Denmark
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15
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Ueda MT, Kryukov K, Mitsuhashi S, Mitsuhashi H, Imanishi T, Nakagawa S. Comprehensive genomic analysis reveals dynamic evolution of endogenous retroviruses that code for retroviral-like protein domains. Mob DNA 2020; 11:29. [PMID: 32963593 PMCID: PMC7499964 DOI: 10.1186/s13100-020-00224-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are remnants of ancient retroviral infections of mammalian germline cells. A large proportion of ERVs lose their open reading frames (ORFs), while others retain them and become exapted by the host species. However, it remains unclear what proportion of ERVs possess ORFs (ERV-ORFs), become transcribed, and serve as candidates for co-opted genes. Results We investigated characteristics of 176,401 ERV-ORFs containing retroviral-like protein domains (gag, pro, pol, and env) in 19 mammalian genomes. The fractions of ERVs possessing ORFs were overall small (~ 0.15%) although they varied depending on domain types as well as species. The observed divergence of ERV-ORF from their consensus sequences showed bimodal distributions, suggesting that a large proportion of ERV-ORFs either recently, or anciently, inserted themselves into mammalian genomes. Alternatively, very few ERVs lacking ORFs were found to exhibit similar divergence patterns. To identify candidates for ERV-derived genes, we estimated the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates (dN/dS) for ERV-ORFs in human and non-human mammalian pairs, and found that approximately 42% of the ERV-ORFs showed dN/dS < 1. Further, using functional genomics data including transcriptome sequencing, we determined that approximately 9.7% of these selected ERV-ORFs exhibited transcriptional potential. Conclusions These results suggest that purifying selection operates on a certain portion of ERV-ORFs, some of which may correspond to uncharacterized functional genes hidden within mammalian genomes. Together, our analyses suggest that more ERV-ORFs may be co-opted in a host-species specific manner than we currently know, which are likely to have contributed to mammalian evolution and diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahoko Takahashi Ueda
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan.,Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan.,Present address: Department of Genomic Function and Diversity, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510 Japan
| | - Kirill Kryukov
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan.,Present address: Department of Genomics and Evolutionary Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540 Japan
| | - Satomi Mitsuhashi
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0004 Japan.,Department of Genomic Function and Diversity, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510 Japan
| | - Hiroaki Mitsuhashi
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan.,Department of Applied Biochemistry, School of Engineering, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan
| | - Tadashi Imanishi
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan.,Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan.,Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292 Japan.,Institute of Medical Sciences, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193 Japan
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16
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Luganini A, Gribaudo G. Retroviruses of the Human Virobiota: The Recycling of Viral Genes and the Resulting Advantages for Human Hosts During Evolution. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1140. [PMID: 32547531 PMCID: PMC7270195 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
All humans are colonized by a vast diversity of microbes (bacteria, archaea, protozoa, yeast, and fungi; collectively referred to as the microbiota) and viruses (the virobiota). This latter group includes viruses infecting prokaryotic cells (bacteriophages), viruses infecting eukaryotic-host cells, and virus-derived genetic elements present in host chromosomes. Although these eukaryotic viruses are mostly known to be pathogens, they are also able to establish mutualistic relationships with humans. Little is known about the mutualistic aspects of viral infection. Nevertheless, it is clear that evolution of some animal virus-host interactions has led to benefits in the health of the hosts, as is the case with symbiogenesis and endogenization of retroviruses that has exerted a neuroprotective effect on the human brain, and an important role in the fetal development, thus on the evolution of host species. In this review, we summarize how retroviruses provide amazing examples of cooperative-evolution, i.e., successful exchange between viruses and host, and how, in some cases, the benefits have become essential for the hosts’ survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Luganini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gribaudo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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17
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Le Tortorec A, Matusali G, Mahé D, Aubry F, Mazaud-Guittot S, Houzet L, Dejucq-Rainsford N. From Ancient to Emerging Infections: The Odyssey of Viruses in the Male Genital Tract. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1349-1414. [PMID: 32031468 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The male genital tract (MGT) is the target of a number of viral infections that can have deleterious consequences at the individual, offspring, and population levels. These consequences include infertility, cancers of male organs, transmission to the embryo/fetal development abnormalities, and sexual dissemination of major viral pathogens such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus. Lately, two emerging viruses, Zika and Ebola, have additionally revealed that the human MGT can constitute a reservoir for viruses cleared from peripheral circulation by the immune system, leading to their sexual transmission by cured men. This represents a concern for future epidemics and further underlines the need for a better understanding of the interplay between viruses and the MGT. We review here how viruses, from ancient viruses that integrated the germline during evolution through old viruses (e.g., papillomaviruses originating from Neanderthals) and more modern sexually transmitted infections (e.g., simian zoonotic HIV) to emerging viruses (e.g., Ebola and Zika) take advantage of genital tract colonization for horizontal dissemination, viral persistence, vertical transmission, and endogenization. The MGT immune responses to viruses and the impact of these infections are discussed. We summarize the latest data regarding the sources of viruses in semen and the complex role of this body fluid in sexual transmission. Finally, we introduce key animal findings that are relevant for our understanding of viral infection and persistence in the human MGT and suggest future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Le Tortorec
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Giulia Matusali
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Dominique Mahé
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Florence Aubry
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Laurent Houzet
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Dejucq-Rainsford
- University of Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S1085, Rennes, France
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18
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Endogenous Retroviruses Activity as a Molecular Signature of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20236050. [PMID: 31801288 PMCID: PMC6928979 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20236050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are genetic elements resulting from relics of ancestral infection of germline cells, now recognized as cofactors in the etiology of several complex diseases. Here we present a review of findings supporting the role of the abnormal HERVs activity in neurodevelopmental disorders. The derailment of brain development underlies numerous neuropsychiatric conditions, likely starting during prenatal life and carrying on during subsequent maturation of the brain. Autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, and schizophrenia are neurodevelopmental disorders that arise clinically during early childhood or adolescence, currently attributed to the interplay among genetic vulnerability, environmental risk factors, and maternal immune activation. The role of HERVs in human embryogenesis, their intrinsic responsiveness to external stimuli, and the interaction with the immune system support the involvement of HERVs in the derailed neurodevelopmental process. Although definitive proofs that HERVs are involved in neurobehavioral alterations are still lacking, both preclinical models and human studies indicate that the abnormal expression of ERVs could represent a neurodevelopmental disorders-associated biological trait in affected individuals and their parents.
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19
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Coudert AE, Redelsperger F, Chabbi-Achengli Y, Vernochet C, Marty C, Decrouy X, Heidmann T, de Vernejoul MC, Dupressoir A. Role of the captured retroviral envelope syncytin-B gene in the fusion of osteoclast and giant cell precursors and in bone resorption, analyzed ex vivo and in vivo in syncytin-B knockout mice. Bone Rep 2019; 11:100214. [PMID: 31360740 PMCID: PMC6637224 DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2019.100214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncytin-A and -B are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been captured in evolution for a role in placentation. They trigger cell-cell fusion and were shown to be essential for the formation of the syncytiotrophoblast layer during mouse placenta formation. Syncytin-A and -B expression has been described in other tissues and their highly fusogenic properties suggested that they might be involved in the fusion of other cell types. Here, taking advantage of mice knocked out for syncytin-B, SynB-/- mice, we investigated the potential role of syncytin-B in the fusion of cells from the monocyte/macrophage lineage into multinucleated osteoclasts (OCs) -in bone- or multinucleated giant cells -in soft tissues. In ex vivo experiments, a significant reduction in fusion index and in the number of multinucleated OCs and giant cells was observed as soon as Day3 in SynB-/- as compared to wild-type cell cultures. Interestingly, the number of nuclei per multinucleated OC or giant cell remained unchanged. These results, together with the demonstration that syncytin-B expression is maximal in the first 2 days of OC differentiation, argue for syncytin-B playing a role in the fusion of OC and giant cell mononucleated precursors, at initial stages. Finally, ex vivo, the observed reduction in multinucleated OC number had no impact on the expression of OC differentiation markers, and a dentin resorption assay did not evidence any difference in the osteoclastic resorption activity, suggesting that syncytin-B is not required for OC activity. In vivo, syncytin-B was found to be expressed in the periosteum of embryos at embryonic day 16.5, where TRAP-positive cells were observed. Yet, in adults, no significant reduction in OC number or alteration in bone phenotype was observed in SynB-/- mice. In addition, SynB-/- mice did not show any change in the number of foreign body giant cells (FBGCs) that formed in response to implantation of foreign material, as compared to wild-type mice. Altogether the results suggest that in addition to its essential role in placenta formation, syncytin-B plays a role in OCs and macrophage fusion; yet it is not essential in vivo for OC and FBGC formation, or maintenance of bone homeostasis, at least under the conditions tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie E Coudert
- BIOSCAR, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1132, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris 75010, France.,Laboratoire de Physiopathologie Orale Moléculaire, INSERM U1138, Centre de recherche des Cordeliers, UFR d'Odontologie Garancire, Université Paris Diderot, Paris 75006, France
| | - François Redelsperger
- Unité Physiologie et Pathologie Moléculaires des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Infectieux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 9196, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, 94805, and Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Yasmine Chabbi-Achengli
- BIOSCAR, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1132, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris 75010, France
| | - Cécile Vernochet
- Unité Physiologie et Pathologie Moléculaires des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Infectieux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 9196, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, 94805, and Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Caroline Marty
- BIOSCAR, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1132, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris 75010, France
| | - Xavier Decrouy
- Inserm, U955, Plateforme d'imagerie, Créteil, 9400, France and Université Paris Est, Faculté de médecine, Créteil, 94000, France
| | - Thierry Heidmann
- Unité Physiologie et Pathologie Moléculaires des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Infectieux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 9196, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, 94805, and Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Marie-Christine de Vernejoul
- BIOSCAR, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1132, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris 75010, France
| | - Anne Dupressoir
- Unité Physiologie et Pathologie Moléculaires des Rétrovirus Endogènes et Infectieux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 9196, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, 94805, and Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, 91405, France
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20
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Effects of Bisphenol A on endogenous retroviral envelopes expression and trophoblast fusion in BeWo cells. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 89:35-44. [PMID: 31278978 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Placenta is a target organ of Bisphenol A (BPA). To investigate possible effects on syncytiotrophoblast, the exchanging surface between mother and fetus, we exposed a trophoblast model (BeWo) to BPA concentrations occurring in humans (1 and 50 nM). We assessed the gene and protein expression of three human endogenous retroviral envelopes, specifically expressed in placenta (ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1 and ERV3-1), the secretion of β-hCG, the extent of trophoblast fusion and the activity of apoptosis markers (caspases 8, 3, 9 and PARP); additionally, the gene expression of transcription factors regulating HERV expression (i.e. GCM1, PPARγ, ERα and ERβ) was evaluated. At 50 nM, BPA induced ERVW-1, ERVFRD-1 and the corresponding syncytin proteins, ERV3-1, PPARγ, ERα and ERβ expression, increased β-hCG secretion and BeWo cells fusion, thus promoting the syncytiotrophoblast phenotype. The results support placenta as a target organ of BPA. Possible implications on fetal and pregnancy health should be carefully considered.
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21
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Skirmuntt EC, Katzourakis A. The evolution of endogenous retroviral envelope genes in bats and their potential contribution to host biology. Virus Res 2019; 270:197645. [PMID: 31271763 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Bats are the primary reservoirs and carriers of a wide range of viruses of unknown infectivity and pathogenic potential. Some of those if transmitted to other species can cause enormous economic losses in agriculture, and mortality in humans. Bats can be persistently infected with viruses while not showing any symptoms of disease, despite having high virus titre levels in their tissues and shedding virions for months or years after primary infection. It has been suggested that the lack of symptoms of viral infections and low mortality rate in bats might be due to immune adaptations that result from their long-term co-evolution with viruses. In this study, we screened all publicly available bat genomes from six bat families within which we have identified several envelope sequences of retroviral origin (gammaretroviruses). We analysed the identified sequences with Bayesian methods and maximum-likelihood inference to generate a phylogenetic tree with additional reference sequences of known endogenous and exogenous viral envelope genes. We also identified groups of orthologous viral envelopes and analysed them to determine if any of them might be an EVE (endogenous virus element) with an EDI (EVE- derived immunity) function or a candidate for a bat syncytin gene, which is an endogenized viral envelope, mostly known from its function in placentation in animals. Our study shows that bat genomes contain a substantial number of large, intact envelopes with open reading frames, which were found clustering closely on a phylogenetic tree reconstruction with syncytin sequences of other species. That might indicate that such sequences are good candidates for further bat-syncytin/EDI search.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Cecylia Skirmuntt
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK
| | - Aris Katzourakis
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK.
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Zhu H, Gifford RJ, Murcia PR. Distribution, Diversity, and Evolution of Endogenous Retroviruses in Perissodactyl Genomes. J Virol 2018; 92:e00927-18. [PMID: 30209175 PMCID: PMC6232481 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00927-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of mammalian genomes has been shaped by interactions with endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). In this study, we investigated the distribution and diversity of ERVs in the mammalian order Perissodactyla, with a view to understanding their impact on the evolution of modern equids (family Equidae). We characterize the major ERV lineages in the horse genome in terms of their genomic distribution, ancestral genome organization, and time of activity. Our results show that subsequent to their ancestral divergence from rhinoceroses and tapirs, equids acquired four novel ERV lineages. We show that two of these ERV lineages proliferated extensively in the lineage leading to modern horses, and one contains loci that are actively transcribed in specific tissues. In addition, we show that the white rhinoceros has resisted germ line colonization by retroviruses for more than 54 million years-longer than any other extant mammalian species. The map of equine ERVs that we provide here will be of great utility to future studies aiming to investigate the potential functional roles of equine ERVs and their impact on equine evolution.IMPORTANCE ERVs in the host genome are highly informative about the long-term interactions of retroviruses and hosts. They are also interesting because they have influenced the evolution of mammalian genomes in various ways. In this study, we derive a calibrated timeline describing the process through which ERV diversity has been generated in the equine germ line. We determined the distribution and diversity of perissodactyl ERV lineages and inferred their retrotranspositional activity during evolution, thereby gaining insight into the long-term coevolutionary history of retroviruses and mammals. Our study provides a platform for future investigations to identify equine ERV loci involved in physiological processes and/or pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henan Zhu
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pablo Ramiro Murcia
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Kincaid-Smith J, Picard MAL, Cosseau C, Boissier J, Severac D, Grunau C, Toulza E. Parent-of-Origin-Dependent Gene Expression in Male and Female Schistosome Parasites. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:840-856. [PMID: 29447366 PMCID: PMC5861417 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomes are the causative agents of schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting over 230 million people worldwide. Additionally to their major impact on human health, they are also models of choice in evolutionary biology. These parasitic flatworms are unique among the common hermaphroditic trematodes as they have separate sexes. This so-called “evolutionary scandal” displays a female heterogametic genetic sex-determination system (ZZ males and ZW females), as well as a pronounced adult sexual dimorphism. These phenotypic differences are determined by a shared set of genes in both sexes, potentially leading to intralocus sexual conflicts. To resolve these conflicts in sexually selected traits, molecular mechanisms such as sex-biased gene expression could occur, but parent-of-origin gene expression also provides an alternative. In this work we investigated the latter mechanism, that is, genes expressed preferentially from either the maternal or the paternal allele, in Schistosoma mansoni species. To this end, transcriptomes from male and female hybrid adults obtained by strain crosses were sequenced. Strain-specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers allowed us to discriminate the parental origin, while reciprocal crosses helped to differentiate parental expression from strain-specific expression. We identified genes containing SNPs expressed in a parent-of-origin manner consistent with paternal and maternal imprints. Although the majority of the SNPs was identified in mitochondrial and Z-specific loci, the remaining SNPs found in male and female transcriptomes were situated in genes that have the potential to explain sexual differences in schistosome parasites. Furthermore, we identified and validated four new Z-specific scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Kincaid-Smith
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Marion A L Picard
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Céline Cosseau
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Jérôme Boissier
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Dany Severac
- MGX, BioCampus Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Montpellier, France
| | - Christoph Grunau
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
| | - Eve Toulza
- IHPE, University of Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, University of Perpignan Via Domitia, Perpignan, France
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25
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Feliciano D, Nixon-Abell J, Lippincott-Schwartz J. Triggered Cell-Cell Fusion Assay for Cytoplasmic and Organelle Intermixing Studies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 81:e61. [PMID: 30102462 DOI: 10.1002/cpcb.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Different multicellular organisms undergo cell-cell fusion to form functional syncytia that support specialized functions necessary for proper development and survival. For years, monitoring the structural consequences of this process using live-cell imaging has been challenging due to the unpredictable timing of cell fusion events in tissue systems. Here we present a triggered vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein (VSV-G)-mediated cell-cell fusion assay that can be used to synchronize fusion between cells. This allows the study of cellular changes that occur during cell fusion. The process is induced using a fast wash of low pH isotonic buffer, promoting the fusion of plasma membranes of two or more adjacent cells within seconds. This approach is suitable for studying mixing of small cytoplasmic molecules between fusing cells as well as changes in organelle distribution and dynamics. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Feliciano
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia
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Kawasaki J, Nishigaki K. Tracking the Continuous Evolutionary Processes of an Endogenous Retrovirus of the Domestic Cat: ERV-DC. Viruses 2018; 10:v10040179. [PMID: 29642384 PMCID: PMC5923473 DOI: 10.3390/v10040179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
An endogenous retrovirus (ERV) is a remnant of an ancient retroviral infection in the host genome. Although most ERVs have lost their viral productivity, a few ERVs retain their replication capacity. In addition, partially inactivated ERVs can present a potential risk to the host via their encoded virulence factors or the generation of novel viruses by viral recombination. ERVs can also eventually acquire a biological function, and this ability has been a driving force of host evolution. Therefore, the presence of an ERV can be harmful or beneficial to the host. Various reports about paleovirology have revealed each event in ERV evolution, but the continuous processes of ERV evolution over millions of years are mainly unknown. A unique ERV family, ERV-DC, is present in the domestic cat (Felis silvestriscatus) genome. ERV-DC proviruses are phylogenetically classified into three genotypes, and the specific characteristics of each genotype have been clarified: their capacity to produce infectious viruses; their recombination with other retroviruses, such as feline leukemia virus or RD-114; and their biological functions as host antiviral factors. In this review, we describe ERV-DC-related phenomena and discuss the continuous changes in the evolution of this ERV in the domestic cat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junna Kawasaki
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Nishigaki
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
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Greenwood AD, Ishida Y, O'Brien SP, Roca AL, Eiden MV. Transmission, Evolution, and Endogenization: Lessons Learned from Recent Retroviral Invasions. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2018; 82:e00044-17. [PMID: 29237726 PMCID: PMC5813887 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00044-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses of the subfamily Orthoretrovirinae are defined by the ability to reverse transcribe an RNA genome into DNA that integrates into the host cell genome during the intracellular virus life cycle. Exogenous retroviruses (XRVs) are horizontally transmitted between host individuals, with disease outcome depending on interactions between the retrovirus and the host organism. When retroviruses infect germ line cells of the host, they may become endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), which are permanent elements in the host germ line that are subject to vertical transmission. These ERVs sometimes remain infectious and can themselves give rise to XRVs. This review integrates recent developments in the phylogenetic classification of retroviruses and the identification of retroviral receptors to elucidate the origins and evolution of XRVs and ERVs. We consider whether ERVs may recurrently pressure XRVs to shift receptor usage to sidestep ERV interference. We discuss how related retroviruses undergo alternative fates in different host lineages after endogenization, with koala retrovirus (KoRV) receiving notable interest as a recent invader of its host germ line. KoRV is heritable but also infectious, which provides insights into the early stages of germ line invasions as well as XRV generation from ERVs. The relationship of KoRV to primate and other retroviruses is placed in the context of host biogeography and the potential role of bats and rodents as vectors for interspecies viral transmission. Combining studies of extant XRVs and "fossil" endogenous retroviruses in koalas and other Australasian species has broadened our understanding of the evolution of retroviruses and host-retrovirus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex D Greenwood
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., Berlin, Germany
| | - Yasuko Ishida
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Sean P O'Brien
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Alfred L Roca
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Maribeth V Eiden
- Department of Wildlife Diseases, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW) in the Forschungsverbund Berlin e.V., Berlin, Germany
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Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is essential for fertilization and organ development. Dedicated proteins known as fusogens are responsible for mediating membrane fusion. However, until recently, these proteins either remained unidentified or were poorly understood at the mechanistic level. Here, we review how fusogens surmount multiple energy barriers to mediate cell-cell fusion. We describe how early preparatory steps bring membranes to a distance of ∼10 nm, while fusogens act in the final approach between membranes. The mechanical force exerted by cell fusogens and the accompanying lipidic rearrangements constitute the hallmarks of cell-cell fusion. Finally, we discuss the relationship between viral and eukaryotic fusogens, highlight a classification scheme regrouping a superfamily of fusogens called Fusexins, and propose new questions and avenues of enquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier M Hernández
- Department of Structural Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Benjamin Podbilewicz
- Department of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
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Hirst CE, Major AT, Ayers KL, Brown RJ, Mariette M, Sackton TB, Smith CA. Sex Reversal and Comparative Data Undermine the W Chromosome and Support Z-linked DMRT1 as the Regulator of Gonadal Sex Differentiation in Birds. Endocrinology 2017; 158:2970-2987. [PMID: 28911174 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The exact genetic mechanism regulating avian gonadal sex differentiation has not been completely resolved. The most likely scenario involves a dosage mechanism, whereby the Z-linked DMRT1 gene triggers testis development. However, the possibility still exists that the female-specific W chromosome may harbor an ovarian determining factor. In this study, we provide evidence that the universal gene regulating gonadal sex differentiation in birds is Z-linked DMRT1 and not a W-linked (ovarian) factor. Three candidate W-linked ovarian determinants are HINTW, female-expressed transcript 1 (FET1), and female-associated factor (FAF). To test the association of these genes with ovarian differentiation in the chicken, we examined their expression following experimentally induced female-to-male sex reversal using the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole (FAD). Administration of FAD on day 3 of embryogenesis induced a significant loss of aromatase enzyme activity in female gonads and masculinization. However, expression levels of HINTW, FAF, and FET1 were unaltered after experimental masculinization. Furthermore, comparative analysis showed that FAF and FET1 expression could not be detected in zebra finch gonads. Additionally, an antibody raised against the predicted HINTW protein failed to detect it endogenously. These data do not support a universal role for these genes or for the W sex chromosome in ovarian development in birds. We found that DMRT1 (but not the recently identified Z-linked HEMGN gene) is male upregulated in embryonic zebra finch and emu gonads, as in the chicken. As chicken, zebra finch, and emu exemplify the major evolutionary clades of birds, we propose that Z-linked DMRT1, and not the W sex chromosome, regulates gonadal sex differentiation in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Andrew T Major
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rosie J Brown
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Mylene Mariette
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Timothy B Sackton
- Informatics Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138
| | - Craig A Smith
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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A Cell Fusion-Based Screening Method Identifies Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Protein Ly6e as the Receptor for Mouse Endogenous Retroviral Envelope Syncytin-A. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.00832-17. [PMID: 28679758 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00832-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Syncytin genes are envelope genes of retroviral origin that have been exapted for a role in placentation. They are involved in the formation of a syncytial structure (the syncytiotrophoblast) at the fetomaternal interface via their fusogenic activity. The mouse placenta is unique among placental mammals since the fetomaternal interface comprises two syncytiotrophoblast layers (ST-I and ST-II) instead of one, as observed in humans and all other hemochorial placentae. Each layer specifically expresses a distinct mouse syncytin, namely, syncytin-A (SynA) for ST-I and syncytin-B (SynB) for ST-II, which have been shown to be essential to placentogenesis and embryo survival. Their cognate cellular receptors, which are necessary to mediate cell-cell fusion and syncytiotrophoblast formation, are still unknown. By devising a sensitive method that combines a cell-cell fusion assay with the screening of a mouse cDNA library, we succeeded in identifying the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored membrane protein lymphocyte antigen 6E (Ly6e) as a candidate receptor for SynA. Transfection of cells with the cloned receptor led to their fusion to cells expressing SynA, with no cross-reactive fusion activity with SynB. Knocking down Ly6e greatly reduced SynA-induced cell fusion, thus suggesting that Ly6e is the sole receptor for SynA in vivo Interaction of SynA with Ly6e was further demonstrated by a competition assay using the soluble ectodomain of Ly6e. Finally, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of Ly6e expression on a representative panel of mouse tissues shows that it is significantly expressed in the mouse placenta together with SynA.IMPORTANCE Syncytin genes are envelope genes of endogenous retroviruses, co-opted for a physiological function in placentation. Syncytins are fusogenic proteins that mediate cell-cell fusion by interacting with receptors present on the partner cells. Here, by devising a sensitive in vitro fusion assay that enables the high-throughput screening of normalized cDNA libraries, we identified the long-sought receptor for syncytin-A (SynA), a mouse syncytin responsible for syncytiotrophoblast formation at the maternofetal interface of the mouse placenta. This protein, Ly6e (lymphocyte antigen 6E), is a GPI-anchored membrane protein, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments targeting its deletion as well as a decoy assay using a recombinant soluble receptor show that Ly6e is the necessary and sufficient partner of SynA. Its profile of expression is consistent with a role in both ancestral endogenization of a SynA founder retrovirus and present-day placenta formation. This study provides a powerful general method to identify genes involved in cell-cell fusion processes.
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Frank JA, Feschotte C. Co-option of endogenous viral sequences for host cell function. Curr Opin Virol 2017; 25:81-89. [PMID: 28818736 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic genomes are littered with sequences of diverse viral origins, termed endogenous viral elements (EVEs). Here we used examples primarily drawn from mammalian endogenous retroviruses to document how the influx of EVEs has provided a source of prefabricated coding and regulatory sequences that were formerly utilized for viral infection and replication, but have been occasionally repurposed for cellular function. While EVE co-option has benefited a variety of host biological functions, there appears to be a disproportionate contribution to immunity and antiviral defense. The mammalian embryo and placenta offer opportunistic routes of viral transmission to the next host generation and as such they represent hotbeds for EVE cooption. Based on these observations, we propose that EVE cooption is initially driven as a mean to mitigate conflicts between host and viruses, which in turn acts as a stepping-stone toward the evolution of cellular innovations serving host physiology and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Frank
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Cédric Feschotte
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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Quinn ME, Goh Q, Kurosaka M, Gamage DG, Petrany MJ, Prasad V, Millay DP. Myomerger induces fusion of non-fusogenic cells and is required for skeletal muscle development. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15665. [PMID: 28569755 PMCID: PMC5461499 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of cell fusion for mammalian development and physiology, the factors critical for this process remain to be fully defined, which has severely limited our ability to reconstitute cell fusion. Myomaker (Tmem8c) is a muscle-specific protein required for myoblast fusion. Expression of myomaker in fibroblasts drives their fusion with myoblasts, but not with other myomaker-expressing fibroblasts, highlighting the requirement of additional myoblast-derived factors for fusion. Here we show that Gm7325, which we name myomerger, induces the fusion of myomaker-expressing fibroblasts. Thus, myomaker and myomerger together confer fusogenic activity to otherwise non-fusogenic cells. Myomerger is skeletal muscle-specific and genetic deletion in mice results in a paucity of muscle fibres demonstrating its requirement for normal muscle formation. Myomerger deficient myocytes differentiate and harbour organized sarcomeres but are fusion-incompetent. Our findings identify myomerger as a fundamental myoblast fusion protein and establish a system that begins to reconstitute mammalian cell fusion. Cellular fusion is fundamental for skeletal muscle development. Here the authors show that myomerger is expressed in myoblasts, is essential for myoblast fusion in mice, and in co-operation with myomaker confers fusogenic ability to non-fusogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata E Quinn
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Qingnian Goh
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Mitsutoshi Kurosaka
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Dilani G Gamage
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Michael J Petrany
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Vikram Prasad
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Douglas P Millay
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 240 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Uleri E, Piu C, Caocci M, Ibba G, Serra C, Dolei A. The EGF epidermal growth factor counteracts Tat modulation of human endogenous retroviruses of the W family in astrocytes. J Neurovirol 2017; 23:587-592. [DOI: 10.1007/s13365-017-0531-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Henzy JE, Gifford RJ, Kenaley CP, Johnson WE. An Intact Retroviral Gene Conserved in Spiny-Rayed Fishes for over 100 My. Mol Biol Evol 2017; 34:634-639. [PMID: 28039384 PMCID: PMC5939848 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We have identified a retroviral envelope gene with a complete, intact open reading frame (ORF) in 20 species of spiny-rayed fishes (Acanthomorpha). The taxonomic distribution of the gene, "percomORF", indicates insertion into the ancestral lineage >110 Ma, making it the oldest known conserved gene of viral origin in a vertebrate genome. Underscoring its ancient provenence, percomORF exists as an isolated ORF within the intron of a widely conserved host gene, with no discernible proviral sequence nearby. Despite its remarkable age, percomORF retains canonical features of a retroviral glycoprotein, and tests for selection strongly suggest cooption for a host function. Retroviral envelope genes have been coopted for a role in placentogenesis by numerous lineages of mammals, including eutherians and marsupials, representing a variety of placental structures. Therefore percomORF's presence within the group Percomorpha-unique among spiny-finned fishes in having evolved placentation and live birth-is especially intriguing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert J. Gifford
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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Contribution of Syncytins and Other Endogenous Retroviral Envelopes to Human Placenta Pathologies. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 145:111-162. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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36
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Virus pumps up male muscles — in mice. Nature 2016. [DOI: 10.1038/nature.2016.20574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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