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Zhao H, Qin L, Deng X, Wang Z, Jiang R, Reitz SR, Wu S, He Z. Nucleotide and dinucleotide preference of segmented viruses are shaped more by segment: In case study of tomato spotted wilt virus. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 122:105608. [PMID: 38796047 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Several studies have showed that the nucleotide and dinucleotide composition of viruses possibly follows their host species or protein coding region. Nevertheless, the influence of viral segment on viral nucleotide and dinucleotide composition is still unknown. Here, we explored through tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), a segmented virus that seriously threatens the production of tomatoes all over the world. Through nucleotide composition analysis, we found the same over-representation of A across all viral segments at the first and second codon position, but it exhibited distinct in segments at the third codon position. Interestingly, the protein coding regions which encoded by the same or different segments exhibit obvious distinct nucleotide preference. Then, we found that the dinucleotides UpG and CpU were overrepresented and the dinucleotides UpA, CpG and GpU were underrepresented, not only in the complete genomic sequences, but also in different segments, protein coding regions and host species. Notably, 100% of the data investigated here were predicted to the correct viral segment and protein coding region, despite the fact that only 67% of the data analyzed here were predicted to the correct viral host species. In conclusion, in case study of TSWV, nucleotide composition and dinucleotide preference of segment viruses are more strongly dependent on segment and protein coding region than on host species. This research provides a novel perspective on the molecular evolutionary mechanisms of TSWV and provides reference for future research on genetic diversity of segmented viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiting Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Lang Qin
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaolong Deng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhilei Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Runzhou Jiang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Stuart R Reitz
- Malheur Experiment Station, Oregon State University, Ontario, OR, USA
| | - Shengyong Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhen He
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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Zhou Y, Routh AL. Bipartite viral RNA genome heterodimerization influences genome packaging and virion thermostability. J Virol 2024; 98:e0182023. [PMID: 38329331 PMCID: PMC10949487 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01820-23] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Multi-segmented viruses often multimerize their genomic segments to ensure efficient and stoichiometric packaging of the correct genetic cargo. In the bipartite Nodaviridae family, genome heterodimerization is also observed and conserved among different species. However, the nucleotide composition and biological function for this heterodimer remain unclear. Using Flock House virus as a model system, we developed a next-generation sequencing approach ("XL-ClickSeq") to probe heterodimer site sequences. We identified an intermolecular base-pairing site which contributed to heterodimerization in both wild-type and defective virus particles. Mutagenic disruption of this heterodimer site exhibited significant deficiencies in genome packaging and encapsidation specificity to viral genomic RNAs. Furthermore, the disruption of this intermolecular interaction directly impacts the thermostability of the mature virions. These results demonstrate that the intermolecular RNA-RNA interactions within the encapsidated genome of an RNA virus have an important role on virus particle integrity and thus may impact its transmission to a new host.IMPORTANCEFlock House virus is a member of Nodaviridae family of viruses, which provides a well-studied model virus for non-enveloped RNA virus assembly, cell entry, and replication. The Flock House virus genome consists of two separate RNA molecules, which can form a heterodimer upon heating of virus particles. Although similar RNA dimerization is utilized by other viruses (such as retroviruses) as a packaging mechanism and is conserved among Nodaviruses, the role of heterodimerization in the Nodavirus replication cycle is unclear. In this research, we identified the RNA sequences contributing to Flock House virus genome heterodimerization and discovered that such RNA-RNA interaction plays an essential role in virus packaging efficiency and particle integrity. This provides significant insight into how the interaction of packaged viral RNA may have a broader impact on the structural and functional properties of virus particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyang Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew L. Routh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sealy Center for Structural Biology and Molecular Biophysics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Scholthof HB, Scholthof KBG. Plant virology: an RNA treasure trove. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 28:1277-1289. [PMID: 37495453 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2023.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Key principles pertaining to RNA biology not infrequently have their origins in plant virology. Examples have arisen from studies on viral RNA-intrinsic properties and the infection process from gene expression, replication, movement, and defense evasion to biotechnological applications. Since RNA is at the core of the central dogma in molecular biology, how plant virology assisted in the reinforcement or adaptations of this concept, while at other instances shook up elements of the doctrine, is discussed. Moreover, despite the negative effects of viral diseases in agriculture worldwide, plant viruses can be considered a scientific treasure trove. Today they remain tools of discovery for biotechnology, studying evolution, cell biology, and host-microbe interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman B Scholthof
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843, USA.
| | - Karen-Beth G Scholthof
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843, USA
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Chkuaseli T, White K. Dimerization of an umbravirus RNA genome activates subgenomic mRNA transcription. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8787-8804. [PMID: 37395397 PMCID: PMC10484742 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad550] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many eukaryotic RNA viruses transcribe subgenomic (sg) mRNAs during infections to control expression of a subset of viral genes. Such transcriptional events are commonly regulated by local or long-range intragenomic interactions that form higher-order RNA structures within these viral genomes. In contrast, here we report that an umbravirus activates sg mRNA transcription via base pair-mediated dimerization of its plus-strand RNA genome. Compelling in vivo and in vitro evidence demonstrate that this viral genome dimerizes via a kissing-loop interaction involving an RNA stem-loop structure located just upstream from its transcriptional initiation site. Both specific and non-specific features of the palindromic kissing-loop complex were found to contribute to transcriptional activation. Structural and mechanistic aspects of the process in umbraviruses are discussed and compared with genome dimerization events in other RNA viruses. Notably, probable dimer-promoting RNA stem-loop structures were also identified in a diverse group of umbra-like viruses, suggesting broader utilization of this unconventional transcriptional strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamari Chkuaseli
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - K Andrew White
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada
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5
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Park H, Denha S, Higgs PG. Evolution of Bipartite and Segmented Viruses from Monopartite Viruses. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051135. [PMID: 37243221 DOI: 10.3390/v15051135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses may be monopartite (all genes on one strand), multipartite (two or more strands packaged separately) or segmented (two or more strands packaged together). In this article, we consider competition between a complete monopartite virus, A, and two defective viruses, D and E, that have complementary genes. We use stochastic models that follow gene translation, RNA replication, virus assembly, and transmission between cells. D and E multiply faster than A when stored in the same host as A or when together in the same host, but they cannot multiply alone. D and E strands are packaged as separate particles unless a mechanism evolves that allows assembly of D + E segmented particles. We show that if defective viruses assemble rapidly into separate particles, the formation of segmented particles is selected against. In this case, D and E spread as parasites of A, and the bipartite D + E combination eliminates A if the transmissibility is high. Alternatively, if defective strands do not assemble rapidly into separate particles, then a mechanism for assembly of segmented particles is selected for. In this case, the segmented virus can eliminate A if transmissibility is high. Conditions of excess protein resources favor bipartite viruses, while conditions of excess RNA resources favor segmented viruses. We study the error threshold behavior that arises when deleterious mutations are introduced. Relative to bipartite and segmented viruses, deleterious mutations favor monopartite viruses. A monopartite virus can give rise to either a bipartite or a segmented virus, but it is unlikely that both will originate from the same virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjin Park
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8M 4S1, Canada
| | - Saven Denha
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8M 4S1, Canada
| | - Paul G Higgs
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8M 4S1, Canada
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Šimičić P, Židovec-Lepej S. A Glimpse on the Evolution of RNA Viruses: Implications and Lessons from SARS-CoV-2. Viruses 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 36680042 PMCID: PMC9866536 DOI: 10.3390/v15010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses are characterised by extremely high genetic variability due to fast replication, large population size, low fidelity, and (usually) a lack of proofreading mechanisms of RNA polymerases leading to high mutation rates. Furthermore, viral recombination and reassortment may act as a significant evolutionary force among viruses contributing to greater genetic diversity than obtainable by mutation alone. The above-mentioned properties allow for the rapid evolution of RNA viruses, which may result in difficulties in viral eradication, changes in virulence and pathogenicity, and lead to events such as cross-species transmissions, which are matters of great interest in the light of current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemics. In this review, we aim to explore the molecular mechanisms of the variability of viral RNA genomes, emphasising the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Furthermore, the causes and consequences of coronavirus variation are explored, along with theories on the origin of human coronaviruses and features of emergent RNA viruses in general. Finally, we summarise the current knowledge on the circulating variants of concern and highlight the many unknowns regarding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Snježana Židovec-Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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7
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Im JSH, Newburn LR, Kent G, White KA. Trans-Activator Binding Site Context in RCNMV Modulates Subgenomic mRNA Transcription. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112252. [PMID: 34835058 PMCID: PMC8622197 DOI: 10.3390/v13112252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Many positive-sense RNA viruses transcribe subgenomic (sg) mRNAs during infections that template the translation of a subset of viral proteins. Red clover necrotic mosaic virus (RCNMV) expresses its capsid protein through the transcription of a sg mRNA from RNA1 genome segment. This transcription event is activated by an RNA structure formed by base pairing between a trans-activator (TA) in RNA2 and a trans-activator binding site (TABS) in RNA1. In this study, the impact of the structural context of the TABS in RNA1 on the TA–TABS interaction and sg mRNA transcription was investigated using in vitro and in vivo approaches. The results (i) generated RNA secondary structure models for the TA and TABS, (ii) revealed that the TABS is partially base paired with proximal upstream sequences, which limits TA access, (iii) demonstrated that the aforementioned intra-RNA1 base pairing involving the TABS modulates the TA–TABS interaction in vitro and sg mRNA levels during infections, and (iv) revealed that the TABS in RNA1 can be modified to mediate sg mRNA transcription in a TA-independent manner. These findings advance our understanding of transcriptional regulation in RCNMV and provide novel insights into the origin of the TA–TABS interaction.
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Bravo JPK, Bartnik K, Venditti L, Acker J, Gail EH, Colyer A, Davidovich C, Lamb DC, Tuma R, Calabrese AN, Borodavka A. Structural basis of rotavirus RNA chaperone displacement and RNA annealing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2100198118. [PMID: 34615715 PMCID: PMC8521686 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100198118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Rotavirus genomes are distributed between 11 distinct RNA molecules, all of which must be selectively copackaged during virus assembly. This likely occurs through sequence-specific RNA interactions facilitated by the RNA chaperone NSP2. Here, we report that NSP2 autoregulates its chaperone activity through its C-terminal region (CTR) that promotes RNA-RNA interactions by limiting its helix-unwinding activity. Unexpectedly, structural proteomics data revealed that the CTR does not directly interact with RNA, while accelerating RNA release from NSP2. Cryo-electron microscopy reconstructions of an NSP2-RNA complex reveal a highly conserved acidic patch on the CTR, which is poised toward the bound RNA. Virus replication was abrogated by charge-disrupting mutations within the acidic patch but completely restored by charge-preserving mutations. Mechanistic similarities between NSP2 and the unrelated bacterial RNA chaperone Hfq suggest that accelerating RNA dissociation while promoting intermolecular RNA interactions may be a widespread strategy of RNA chaperone recycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack P K Bravo
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Kira Bartnik
- Department of Chemistry, Center for NanoScience, Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Centre for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Venditti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Acker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom
| | - Emma H Gail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Australia, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Alice Colyer
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Chen Davidovich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Australia, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Don C Lamb
- Department of Chemistry, Center for NanoScience, Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Centre for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Tuma
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Antonio N Calabrese
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Borodavka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, United Kingdom;
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT Leeds, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Center for NanoScience, Nanosystems Initiative Munich, Centre for Integrated Protein Science Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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9
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RNA Origami: Packaging a Segmented Genome in Orbivirus Assembly and Replication. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091841. [PMID: 34578422 PMCID: PMC8473007 DOI: 10.3390/v13091841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding how viruses with multi-segmented genomes incorporate one copy of each segment into their capsids remains an intriguing question. Here, we review our recent progress and describe the advancements made in understanding the genome packaging mechanism of a model nonenveloped virus, Bluetongue virus (BTV), with a 10-segment (S1–S10) double-strand RNA (dsRNA) genome. BTV (multiple serotypes), a member of the Orbivirus genus in the Reoviridae family, is a notable pathogen for livestock and is responsible for significant economic losses worldwide. This has enabled the creation of an extensive set of reagents and assays, including reverse genetics, cell-free RNA packaging, and bespoke bioinformatics approaches, which can be directed to address the packaging question. Our studies have shown that (i) UTRs enable the conformation of each segment necessary for the next level of RNA–RNA interaction; (ii) a specific order of intersegment interactions leads to a complex RNA network containing all the active components in sorting and packaging; (iii) networked segments are recruited into nascent assembling capsids; and (iv) select capsid proteins might be involved in the packaging process. The key features of genome packaging mechanisms for BTV and related dsRNA viruses are novel and open up new avenues of potential intervention.
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10
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RNA Structures and Their Role in Selective Genome Packaging. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091788. [PMID: 34578369 PMCID: PMC8472981 DOI: 10.3390/v13091788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To generate infectious viral particles, viruses must specifically select their genomic RNA from milieu that contains a complex mixture of cellular or non-genomic viral RNAs. In this review, we focus on the role of viral encoded RNA structures in genome packaging. We first discuss how packaging signals are constructed from local and long-range base pairings within viral genomes, as well as inter-molecular interactions between viral and host RNAs. Then, how genome packaging is regulated by the biophysical properties of RNA. Finally, we examine the impact of RNA packaging signals on viral evolution.
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11
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Schmidt N, Seibt KM, Weber B, Schwarzacher T, Schmidt T, Heitkam T. Broken, silent, and in hiding: tamed endogenous pararetroviruses escape elimination from the genome of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). ANNALS OF BOTANY 2021; 128:281-299. [PMID: 33729490 PMCID: PMC8389469 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Endogenous pararetroviruses (EPRVs) are widespread components of plant genomes that originated from episomal DNA viruses of the Caulimoviridae family. Due to fragmentation and rearrangements, most EPRVs have lost their ability to replicate through reverse transcription and to initiate viral infection. Similar to the closely related retrotransposons, extant EPRVs were retained and often amplified in plant genomes for several million years. Here, we characterize the complete genomic EPRV fraction of the crop sugar beet (Beta vulgaris, Amaranthaceae) to understand how they shaped the beet genome and to suggest explanations for their absent virulence. METHODS Using next- and third-generation sequencing data and genome assembly, we reconstructed full-length in silico representatives for the three host-specific EPRVs (beetEPRVs) in the B. vulgaris genome. Focusing on the endogenous caulimovirid beetEPRV3, we investigated its chromosomal localization, abundance and distribution by fluorescent in situ and Southern hybridization. KEY RESULTS Full-length beetEPRVs range between 7.5 and 10.7 kb in size, are heterogeneous in structure and sequence, and occupy about 0.3 % of the beet genome. Although all three beetEPRVs were assigned to the florendoviruses, they showed variably arranged protein-coding domains, different fragmentation, and preferences for diverse sequence contexts. We observed small RNAs that specifically target the individual beetEPRVs, indicating stringent epigenetic suppression. BeetEPRV3 sequences occur along all sugar beet chromosomes, preferentially in the vicinity of each other and are associated with heterochromatic, centromeric and intercalary satellite DNAs. BeetEPRV3 members also exist in genomes of related wild species, indicating an initial beetEPRV3 integration 13.4-7.2 million years ago. CONCLUSIONS Our study in beet illustrates the variability of EPRV structure and sequence in a single host genome. Evidence of sequence fragmentation and epigenetic silencing implies possible plant strategies to cope with long-term persistence of EPRVs, including amplification, fixation in the heterochromatin, and containment of EPRV virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Schmidt
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kathrin M Seibt
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Beatrice Weber
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Trude Schwarzacher
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Key Laboratory of Plant Resources Conservation and Sustainable Utilization/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Botany, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xingke Road 723, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Tony Heitkam
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Abstract
Multipartite virus genomes are composed of several segments, each packaged in a distinct viral particle. Although this puzzling genome architecture is found in ∼17% of known viral species, its distribution among hosts or among distinct types of genome-composing nucleic acid remains poorly understood. No convincing advantage of multipartitism has been identified, yet the maintenance of genomic integrity appears problematic. Here we review recent studies shedding light on these issues. Multipartite viruses rapidly modify the copy number of each segment/gene from one host species to another, a putative benefit if host switches are common. One multipartite virus functions in a multicellular way: The segments do not all need to be present in the same cell and can functionally complement across cells, maintaining genome integrity within hosts. The genomic integrity maintenance during host-to-host transmission needs further elucidation. These features challenge several virology foundations and could apply to other multicomponent viral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Michalakis
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Université Montpellier, 34394 Montpellier, France;
| | - Stéphane Blanc
- Unité Mixte de Recherche-Biologie et Génétique des Interactions Plante-Parasite (UMR BGPI), Institut National de Recherche en Agriculture, Alimentation et Environnement (INRAE), Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier SupAgro, Université Montpellier, 34398 Montpellier, France;
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13
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Abstract
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is produced both by virus and host. Its recognition by the melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) initiates type I interferon responses. How can a host distinguish self-transcripts from nonself to ensure that responses are targeted correctly? Here, I discuss a role for MDA5 helicase in inducing Z-RNA formation by Alu inverted repeat (AIR) elements. These retroelements have highly conserved sequences that favor Z-formation, creating a site for the dsRNA-specific deaminase enzyme ADAR1 to dock. The subsequent editing destabilizes the dsRNA, ending further interaction with MDA5 and terminating innate immune responses directed against self. By enabling self-recognition, Alu retrotransposons, once invaders, now are genetic elements that keep immune responses in check. I also discuss the possible but less characterized roles of the other helicases in modulating innate immune responses, focusing on DExH-box helicase 9 (DHX9) and Mov10 RISC complex RNA helicase (MOV10). DHX9 and MOV10 function differently from MDA5, but still use nucleic acid structure, rather than nucleotide sequence, to define self. Those genetic elements encoding the alternative conformations involved, referred to as flipons, enable helicases to dynamically shape a cell's repertoire of responses. In the case of MDA5, Alu flipons switch off the dsRNA-dependent responses against self. I suggest a number of genetic systems in which to study interactions between flipons and helicases further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Herbert
- Discovery, InsideOutBio, Charlestown, Massachusetts, United States of America
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