1
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Wu MJ, Kondo H, Kammula AV, Shi L, Xiao Y, Dhiab S, Xu Q, Slater CJ, Avila OI, Merritt J, Kato H, Kattel P, Sussman J, Gritti I, Eccleston J, Sun Y, Cho HM, Olander K, Katsuda T, Shi DD, Savani MR, Smith BC, Cleary JM, Mostoslavsky R, Vijay V, Kitagawa Y, Wakimoto H, Jenkins RW, Yates KB, Paik J, Tassinari A, Saatcioglu DH, Tron AE, Haas W, Cahill D, McBrayer SK, Manguso RT, Bardeesy N. Mutant IDH1 inhibition induces dsDNA sensing to activate tumor immunity. Science 2024; 385:eadl6173. [PMID: 38991060 DOI: 10.1126/science.adl6173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) is the most commonly mutated metabolic gene across human cancers. Mutant IDH1 (mIDH1) generates the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, disrupting enzymes involved in epigenetics and other processes. A hallmark of IDH1-mutant solid tumors is T cell exclusion, whereas mIDH1 inhibition in preclinical models restores antitumor immunity. Here, we define a cell-autonomous mechanism of mIDH1-driven immune evasion. IDH1-mutant solid tumors show selective hypermethylation and silencing of the cytoplasmic double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) sensor CGAS, compromising innate immune signaling. mIDH1 inhibition restores DNA demethylation, derepressing CGAS and transposable element (TE) subclasses. dsDNA produced by TE-reverse transcriptase (TE-RT) activates cGAS, triggering viral mimicry and stimulating antitumor immunity. In summary, we demonstrate that mIDH1 epigenetically suppresses innate immunity and link endogenous RT activity to the mechanism of action of a US Food and Drug Administration-approved oncology drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ju Wu
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hiroshi Kondo
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ashwin V Kammula
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lei Shi
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yi Xiao
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sofiene Dhiab
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qin Xu
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chloe J Slater
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Universite Paris-Saclay, Institut Gustave Roussy, INSERM U1015, Villejuif, France
- Servier Pharmaceuticals LLC, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Omar I Avila
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Merritt
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Kato
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Prabhat Kattel
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Sussman
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Graduate Group in Genomics and Computational Biology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ilaria Gritti
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jason Eccleston
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
| | - Hyo Min Cho
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kira Olander
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Takeshi Katsuda
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Diana D Shi
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Milan R Savani
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bailey C Smith
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | - Raul Mostoslavsky
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vindhya Vijay
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yosuke Kitagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Russell W Jenkins
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology, Harvard Program in Therapeutic Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen B Yates
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jihye Paik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wilhelm Haas
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Cahill
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samuel K McBrayer
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert T Manguso
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nabeel Bardeesy
- Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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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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Dubowsky M, Theunissen F, Carr JM, Rogers ML. The Molecular Link Between TDP-43, Endogenous Retroviruses and Inflammatory Neurodegeneration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: a Potential Target for Triumeq, an Antiretroviral Therapy. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6330-6345. [PMID: 37450244 PMCID: PMC10533598 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03472-y] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease (MND), is a progressive neurological disorder, characterised by the death of upper and lower motor neurons. The aetiology of ALS remains unknown, and treatment options are limited. Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), specifically human endogenous retrovirus type K (HERV-K), have been proposed to be involved in the propagation of neurodegeneration in ALS. ERVs are genomic remnants of ancient viral infection events, with most being inactive and not retaining the capacity to encode a fully infectious virus. However, some ERVs retain the ability to be activated and transcribed, and ERV transcripts have been found to be elevated within the brain tissue of MND patients. A hallmark of ALS pathology is altered localisation of the transactive response (TAR) DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43), which is normally found within the nucleus of neuronal and glial cells and is involved in RNA regulation. In ALS, TDP-43 aggregates within the cytoplasm and facilitates neurodegeneration. The involvement of ERVs in ALS pathology is thought to occur through TDP-43 and neuroinflammatory mediators. In this review, the proposed involvement of TDP-43, HERV-K and immune regulators on the onset and progression of ALS will be discussed. Furthermore, the evidence supporting a therapy based on targeting ERVs in ALS will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Dubowsky
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.
| | - Frances Theunissen
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Jillian M Carr
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Mary-Louise Rogers
- College of Medicine and Public Health and Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
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4
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Hosseiniporgham S, Sechi LA. Anti-HERV-K Drugs and Vaccines, Possible Therapies against Tumors. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040751. [PMID: 37112663 PMCID: PMC10144246 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The footprint of human endogenous retroviruses (HERV), specifically HERV-K, has been found in malignancies, such as melanoma, teratocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, breast cancer, lymphoma, and ovary and prostate cancers. HERV-K is characterized as the most biologically active HERV due to possession of open reading frames (ORF) for all Gag, Pol, and Env genes, which enables it to be more infective and obstructive towards specific cell lines and other exogenous viruses, respectively. Some factors might contribute to carcinogenicity and at least one of them has been recognized in various tumors, including overexpression/methylation of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE-1), HERV-K Gag, and Env genes themselves plus their transcripts and protein products, and HERV-K reverse transcriptase (RT). Therapies effective for HERV-K-associated tumors mostly target invasive autoimmune responses or growth of tumors through suppression of HERV-K Gag or Env protein and RT. To design new therapeutic options, more studies are needed to better understand whether HERV-K and its products (Gag/Env transcripts and HERV-K proteins/RT) are the initiators of tumor formation or just the disorder’s developers. Accordingly, this review aims to present evidence that highlights the association between HERV-K and tumorigenicity and introduces some of the available or potential therapies against HERV-K-induced tumors.
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5
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Herrero F, Mueller FS, Gruchot J, Küry P, Weber-Stadlbauer U, Meyer U. Susceptibility and resilience to maternal immune activation are associated with differential expression of endogenous retroviral elements. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:201-214. [PMID: 36243285 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into the mammalian genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. While increased ERV expression has been repeatedly implicated in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, recent evidence suggests that aberrant endogenous retroviral activity may contribute to biologically defined subgroups of psychotic disorders with persisting immunological dysfunctions. Here, we explored whether ERV expression is altered in a mouse model of maternal immune activation (MIA), a transdiagnostic environmental risk factor of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. MIA was induced by maternal administration of poly(I:C) on gestation day 12 in C57BL/6N mice. Murine ERV transcripts were quantified in the placentae and fetal brains shortly after poly(I:C)-induced MIA, as well as in adult offspring that were stratified according to their behavioral profiles. We found that MIA increased and reduced levels of class II ERVs and syncytins, respectively, in placentae and fetal brain tissue. We also revealed abnormal ERV expression in MIA-exposed offspring depending on whether they displayed overt behavioral anomalies or not. Taken together, our findings provide a proof of concept that an inflammatory stimulus, even when initiated in prenatal life, has the potential of altering ERV expression across fetal to adult stages of development. Moreover, our data highlight that susceptibility and resilience to MIA are associated with differential ERV expression, suggesting that early-life exposure to inflammatory factors may play a role in determining disease susceptibility by inducing persistent alterations in the expression of endogenous retroviral elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felisa Herrero
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flavia S Mueller
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulrike Weber-Stadlbauer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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6
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Interplay between activation of endogenous retroviruses and inflammation as common pathogenic mechanism in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:242-252. [PMID: 36270439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are ancestorial retroviral elements that were integrated into our genome through germline infections and insertions during evolution. They have repeatedly been implicated in the aetiology and pathophysiology of numerous human disorders, particularly in those that affect the central nervous system. In addition to the known association of ERVs with multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a growing number of studies links the induction and expression of these retroviral elements with the onset and severity of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Although these disorders differ in terms of overall disease pathology and causalities, a certain degree of (subclinical) chronic inflammation can be identified in all of them. Based on these commonalities, we discuss the bidirectional relationship between ERV expression and inflammation and highlight that numerous entry points to this reciprocal sequence of events exist, including initial infections with ERV-activating pathogens, exposure to non-infectious inflammatory stimuli, and conditions in which epigenetic silencing of ERV elements is disrupted.
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7
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Fan TJ, Cui J. Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Diseases. Subcell Biochem 2023; 106:403-439. [PMID: 38159236 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-40086-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which are conserved sequences of ancient retroviruses, are widely distributed in the human genome. Although most HERVs have been rendered inactive by evolution, some have continued to exhibit important cytological functions. HERVs in the human genome perform dual functions: on the one hand, they are involved in important physiological processes such as placental development and immune regulation; on the other hand, their aberrant expression is closely associated with the pathological processes of several diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections. HERVs can also regulate a variety of host cellular functions, including the expression of protein-coding genes and regulatory elements that have evolved from HERVs. Here, we present recent research on the roles of HERVs in viral infections and cancers, including the dysregulation of HERVs in various viral infections, HERV-induced epigenetic modifications of histones (such as methylation and acetylation), and the potential mechanisms of HERV-mediated antiviral immunity. We also describe therapies to improve the efficacy of vaccines and medications either by directly or indirectly targeting HERVs, depending on the HERV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Jiao Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Cui
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Peze-Heidsieck E, Bonnifet T, Znaidi R, Ravel-Godreuil C, Massiani-Beaudoin O, Joshi RL, Fuchs J. Retrotransposons as a Source of DNA Damage in Neurodegeneration. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 13:786897. [PMID: 35058771 PMCID: PMC8764243 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.786897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), still remains elusive and no curative treatment is available. Age is the major risk factor for PD and AD, but the molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration is not fully understood. Aging is defined by several hallmarks, some of which partially overlap with pathways implicated in NDs. Recent evidence suggests that aging-associated epigenetic alterations can lead to the derepression of the LINE-1 (Long Interspersed Element-1) family of transposable elements (TEs) and that this derepression might have important implications in the pathogenesis of NDs. Almost half of the human DNA is composed of repetitive sequences derived from TEs and TE mobility participated in shaping the mammalian genomes during evolution. Although most TEs are mutated and no longer mobile, more than 100 LINE-1 elements have retained their full coding potential in humans and are thus retrotransposition competent. Uncontrolled activation of TEs has now been reported in various models of neurodegeneration and in diseased human brain tissues. We will discuss in this review the potential contribution of LINE-1 elements in inducing DNA damage and genomic instability, which are emerging pathological features in NDs. TEs might represent an important molecular link between aging and neurodegeneration, and a potential target for urgently needed novel therapeutic disease-modifying interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenie Peze-Heidsieck
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Tom Bonnifet
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Rania Znaidi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Camille Ravel-Godreuil
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Olivia Massiani-Beaudoin
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Rajiv L Joshi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
| | - Julia Fuchs
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), CNRS, INSERM, Collège de France, Université PSL, Paris, France
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9
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Latifi T, Zebardast A, Marashi SM. The role of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in Multiple Sclerosis and the plausible interplay between HERVs, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and vitamin D. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 57:103318. [PMID: 35158423 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2021.103318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases with neurological disability in the central nervous system (CNS). Although the exact cause of MS is still largely unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in disease risk. Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are endogenous viral elements of the human genome whose expression is associated with MS. HERVs are normally silenced or expressed at low levels, although their expression is higher in MS than in the healthy population. Several studies highlighted the plausible interaction between HERVs and other MS risk factors, including viral infection like Epstein-Barr viruses and vitamin D deficiency which may lead to high expression of HERVs in these patients. Understanding how HERVs act in this scenario can improve our understanding towards MS etiology and may lead to the development of antiretroviral therapies in these patients. Here in this review, we try to examine the different HERVs expression implicated in MS and their association with EBV infection and vitamin D status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Latifi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arghavan Zebardast
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Römer C. Viruses and Endogenous Retroviruses as Roots for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:648629. [PMID: 33776642 PMCID: PMC7994506 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.648629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodegenerative diseases are associated with chronic inflammation in the brain and periphery giving rise to a continuous imbalance of immune processes. Next to inflammation markers, activation of transposable elements, including long intrespersed nuclear elements (LINE) elements and endogenous retroviruses (ERVs), has been identified during neurodegenerative disease progression and even correlated with the clinical severity of the disease. ERVs are remnants of viral infections in the human genome acquired during evolution. Upon activation, they produce transcripts and the phylogenetically youngest ones are still able to produce viral-like particles. In addition, ERVs can bind transcription factors and modulate immune response. Being between own and foreign, ERVs are reviewed in the context of viral infections of the central nervous system, in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, this review tests the hypothesis that viral infection may be a trigger at the onset of neuroinflammation and that ERVs sustain the inflammatory imbalance by summarizing existing data of neurodegenerative diseases associated with viruses and/or ERVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Römer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, The Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Berlin, Germany
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11
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Liu T, Xing Y, Fan X, Chen Z, Zhao C, Liu L, Zhao M, Hu X, Dong B, Wang J, Cui H, Gong D, Geng T. Fasting and overfeeding affect the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes in the liver of poultry via endogenous retrovirus. Poult Sci 2021; 100:973-981. [PMID: 33518151 PMCID: PMC7858184 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2020.11.057] [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: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that nutrition and immunity are connected, but the mechanism is not very clear. Endogenous retroviruses (ERV) account for 8 to 10% of the human and mouse genomes and play an important role in some biological processes of animals. Recent studies indicate that the activation of ERV can affect the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes, and the activities of ERV are subjected to regulation of many factors including nutritional factors. Therefore, we hypothesize that nutritional status can affect the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes via ERV. To verify this hypothesis, the nutritional status of animals was altered by fasting or overfeeding, and the expression of intact ERV (ERVK18P, ERVK25P) and immunity- or inflammation-related genes (DDX41, IFIH1, IFNG, IRF7, STAT3) in the liver was determined by quantitative PCR, followed by overexpressing ERVK25P in goose primary hepatocytes and determining the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes. The data showed that compared with the control group (no fasting), the expression of ERV and the immunity- or inflammation-related genes was increased in the liver of the fasted chickens but decreased in the liver of the fasted geese. Moreover, compared with the control group (routinely fed), the expression of ERV and the immunity- or inflammation-related genes was increased in the liver of the overfed geese. In addition, overexpression of ERVK25P in goose primary hepatocytes can induce the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that ERV mediate the effects of fasting and overfeeding on the expression of the immunity- or inflammation-related genes, the mediation varied with poultry species, and ERV and the immunity- or inflammation-related genes may be involved in the development of goose fatty liver. This study provides a potential mechanism for the connection between nutrition and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongjun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Ya Xing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xue Fan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhenzhen Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Chao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Long Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Minmeng Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xuming Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Biao Dong
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangsu Agri-Animal Husbandry Vocational College, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - Hengmi Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Daoqing Gong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tuoyu Geng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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12
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Gröger V, Emmer A, Staege MS, Cynis H. Endogenous Retroviruses in Nervous System Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010070. [PMID: 33467098 PMCID: PMC7829834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERV) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several nervous system disorders including multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The toxicity of HERV-derived RNAs and proteins for neuronal cells has been demonstrated. The involvement of HERV in the pathogenesis of currently incurable diseases might offer new treatment strategies based on the inhibition of HERV activities by small molecules or therapeutic antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Gröger
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander Emmer
- Department of Neurology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Martin S. Staege
- Department of Surgical and Conservative Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
| | - Holger Cynis
- Department of Drug Design and Target Validation, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.S.S.); (H.C.); Tel.: +49-345-557-7280 (M.S.S.); +49-345-13142835 (H.C.)
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13
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Dolci M, Favero C, Toumi W, Favi E, Tarantini L, Signorini L, Basile G, Bollati V, D'Alessandro S, Bagnoli P, Ferrante P, Delbue S. Human Endogenous Retroviruses Long Terminal Repeat Methylation, Transcription, and Protein Expression in Human Colon Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:569015. [PMID: 33194657 PMCID: PMC7653092 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.569015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in both incidence and mortality in developed countries. Infectious agents are among the risk factors for colon cancer. Variations in human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) transcript and protein levels are associated with several types of cancers, but few studies address HERV expression in colon cancer. Fifty-eight patients with advanced-stage colon cancer were enrolled in this study. HERV-H, -K (HML-2), -P LTRs, Alu, and LINE-1 methylation levels and transcription of HERV-H, -K (HML-2), and -P env and HERV-K pol genes in normal adjacent and tumor tissues were investigated by pyrosequencing and RT-qPCR, respectively. Expression of the HERV-K (HML-2) Pol and Env proteins in selected tissues was examined by Western blotting. Associations between HERV transcript expression and methylation levels and between clinical characteristics and HERV expression were evaluated. Compared to adjacent normal tissues, LINE-1 was hypomethylated in tumor tissues (p < 0.05), whereas Alu, HERV-K (HML-2), and -H LTRs showed a decreasing trend in tumor tissue compared to normal tissue, though without a significant difference. The transcription levels of HERV env and pol genes were similar. However, the HERV-K (HML-2) Pol protein was more highly expressed (p < 0.01) in surrounding normal tissues, but the HERV-K (HML-2) Env protein was only expressed in tumor tissues. Although HERV LTR methylation and gene expression did not show significant differences between tumor and normal tissues, HERV protein expression differed greatly. Pol protein expression in normal cells may induce reverse transcription and subsequent integration into the host genome, likely favoring cell transformation; in contrast, the Env protein in tumor tissue may contribute to cancer progression through cell-to-cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dolci
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Favero
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Wafa Toumi
- Laboratory Services, Viral and Molecular Tumor Diagnostics Unit, Habib Thameur Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Evaldo Favi
- Renal Transplantation, Fondazione Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Letizia Tarantini
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Signorini
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Basile
- Orthopedic Department, San Siro Clinical Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET-Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sarah D'Alessandro
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Bagnoli
- Surgical Department, Istituto Clinico Città Studi, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale Ferrante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Delbue
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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14
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Xue B, Sechi LA, Kelvin DJ. Human Endogenous Retrovirus K (HML-2) in Health and Disease. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1690. [PMID: 32765477 PMCID: PMC7380069 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from exogenous retrovirus infections in the evolution of primates and account for about 8% of the human genome. They were considered as silent passengers within our genomes for a long time, however, reactivation of HERVs has been associated with tumors and autoimmune diseases, especially the HERV-K (HML-2) family, the most recent integration groups with the least number of mutations and the most biologically active to encode functional retroviral proteins and produce retrovirus-like particles. Increasing studies are committed to determining the potential role of HERV-K (HML-2) in pathogenicity. Although there is still no evidence for HERV-K (HML-2) as a direct cause of diseases, aberrant expression profiles of the HERV-K (HML-2) transcripts and their regulatory function to their proximal host-genes were identified in different diseases. In this review, we summarized the advances between HERV-K (HML-2) and diseases to provide basis for further studies on the causal relationship between HERV-K (HML-2) and diseases. We recommended more attention to polymorphic integrated HERV-K (HML-2) loci which could be genetic causative factors and be associated with inter-individual differences in tumorigenesis and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Xue
- Division of Immunology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Leonardo A. Sechi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Mediterranean Center for Disease Control, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - David J. Kelvin
- Division of Immunology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Canadian Center for Vaccinology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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15
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Pro-Inflammatory Signaling Upregulates a Neurotoxic Conotoxin-Like Protein Encrypted Within Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K. Cells 2020; 9:cells9071584. [PMID: 32629888 PMCID: PMC7407490 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Motor neuron degeneration and spinal cord demyelination are hallmark pathological events in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) expression has an established association with ALS neuropathology, with murine modeling pointing to a role for the ERVK envelope (env) gene in disease processes. Here, we describe a novel viral protein cryptically encoded within the ERVK env transcript, which resembles two distinct cysteine-rich neurotoxic proteins: conotoxin proteins found in marine snails and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Tat protein. Consistent with Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-induced retrotransposon expression, the ERVK conotoxin-like protein (CTXLP) is induced by inflammatory signaling. CTXLP is found in the nucleus, impacting innate immune gene expression and NF-κB p65 activity. Using human autopsy specimens from patients with ALS, we further showcase CTXLP expression in degenerating motor cortex and spinal cord tissues, concomitant with inflammation linked pathways, including enhancement of necroptosis marker mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) protein and oligodendrocyte maturation/myelination inhibitor Nogo-A. These findings identify CTXLP as a novel ERVK protein product, which may act as an effector in ALS neuropathology.
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16
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Rex C, Nadeau MJ, Douville R, Schellenberg K. Expression of Human Endogenous Retrovirus-K in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy. Front Neurol 2019; 10:968. [PMID: 31551920 PMCID: PMC6738134 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA) is caused by the extension of the polyglutamine tract within the androgen receptor (AR) gene, and results in a multisystem presentation, including the degeneration of lower motor neurons. The androgen receptor (AR) is known to modulate the expression of endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK), a pathogenic viral genomic symbiont. Since ERVK is associated with motor neuron disease, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), we sought to determine if patients with SBMA exhibit evidence of ERVK reactivation. Results: Data from a pilot study demonstrate that peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from controls and patients with SBMA were examined ex vivo for the expression of ERVK viral transcripts and proteins. No differences in ERVK RNA expression was observed between the clinical groups. In contrast, enhancement of processed ERVK Gag and integrase proteins were observed in SBMA-derived PBMC as compared to healthy control specimens. Increased ERVK protein maturation co-occurred with elevation in the expression of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor IRF1 in SBMA. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ERVK viral protein maturation in SBMA is an unrecognized biomarker and facet of the disease. We discuss how our current understanding of ERVK-driven pathology may tie into key aspects of multi-system dysfunction in SBMA, with a focus on inflammation, proteinopathy, as well as DNA damage and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Rex
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | - Renée Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kerri Schellenberg
- Division of Neurology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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17
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Gruchot J, Kremer D, Küry P. Neural Cell Responses Upon Exposure to Human Endogenous Retroviruses. Front Genet 2019; 10:655. [PMID: 31354794 PMCID: PMC6637040 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are ancient retroviral elements, which invaded the human germ line several million years ago. Subsequent retrotransposition events amplified these sequences, resulting in approximately 8% of the human genome being composed of HERV sequences today. These genetic elements, normally dormant within human genomes, can be (re)-activated by environmental factors such as infections with other viruses, leading to the expression of viral proteins and, in some instances, even to viral particle production. Several studies have shown that the expression of these retroviral elements correlates with the onset and progression of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Further studies provided evidence on additional roles for HERVs in schizophrenia (SCZ). Since these diseases are still not well understood, HERVs might constitute a new category of pathogenic components that could significantly change our understanding of these pathologies. Moreover, knowledge about their mode of action might also help to develop novel and more powerful approaches for the treatment of these complex diseases. Therefore, the main scope of this review is a description of the current knowledge on the involvement of HERV-W and HERV-K in neurological disease specifically focusing on the effects they exert on neural cells of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gruchot
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - David Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Patrick Küry
- Department of Neurology, Neuroregeneration, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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18
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Chen Y, Yan Q, Zhou P, Li S, Zhu F. HERV-W env regulates calcium influx via activating TRPC3 channel together with depressing DISC1 in human neuroblastoma cells. J Neurovirol 2018; 25:101-113. [PMID: 30397826 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-0692-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The activation and involvement of human endogenous retroviruses W family envelope gene (HERV-W env, also called ERVWE1) have been reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, as well as in multiple sclerosis (MS). Dysregulation of intracellular calcium content is also involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Our previous studies showed that HERV-W env overexpression results in activation of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel protein 3 (SK3), a potential risk factor for schizophrenia. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the relationship between HERV-W env and calcium signaling in schizophrenia. Our results showed that HERV-W env could induce Ca2+ influx in two human neuroblastoma cell lines and upregulate the expression and activation of TRPC3 in cells. The abnormal increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration was inhibited by addition of the TRPC3 channel blocker pyr3, demonstrating that the Ca2+ influx induced by HERV-W env was TRPC3-dependent. Further experiments showed that HERV-W env overexpression downregulated DISC1, while knockdown of DISC1 promoted activation of TRPC3 without affecting TRPC3 expression. In conclusion, HERV-W env induced Ca2+ influx in human neuroblastoma cells by activating the TRPC3 channel through directly regulating its expression or downregulating DISC1, which could also increase TRPC3 activation without affecting TRPC3 expression. These findings provide new insights into how HERV-W env affects neuronal activity and contributes to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatang Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiujin Yan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Integrated Medicine, Dongfeng Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Hubei, 442000, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, 185 Donghu Road, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China. .,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Garcia-Montojo M, Doucet-O'Hare T, Henderson L, Nath A. Human endogenous retrovirus-K (HML-2): a comprehensive review. Crit Rev Microbiol 2018; 44:715-738. [PMID: 30318978 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2018.1501345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains a large number of retroviral elements acquired over the process of evolution, some of which are specific to primates. However, as many of these are defective or silenced through epigenetic changes, they were historically considered "junk DNA" and their potential role in human physiology or pathological circumstances have been poorly studied. The most recently acquired, human endogenous retrovirus-K (HERV-K), has multiple copies in the human genome and some of them have complete open reading frames that are transcribed and translated, especially in early embryogenesis. Phylogenetically, HERV-K is considered a supergroup of viruses. One of the subtypes, termed HML-2, seems to be the most active and hence, it is the best studied. Aberrant expression of HML-2 in adult tissues has been associated with certain types of cancer and with neurodegenerative diseases. This review discusses the discovery of these viruses, their classification, structure, regulation and potential for replication, physiological roles, and their involvement in disease pathogenesis. Finally, it presents different therapeutic approaches being considered to target these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garcia-Montojo
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Tara Doucet-O'Hare
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lisa Henderson
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Avindra Nath
- a Section of Infections of the Nervous System , National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
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20
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Turnbull MG, Douville RN. Related Endogenous Retrovirus-K Elements Harbor Distinct Protease Active Site Motifs. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:1577. [PMID: 30072963 PMCID: PMC6058741 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.01577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endogenous retrovirus-K is a group of related genomic elements descending from retroviral infections in human ancestors. HML2 is the clade of these viruses which contains the most intact provirus copies. These elements can be transcribed and translated in healthy and diseased tissues, and some of them produce active retroviral enzymes, such as protease. Retroviral gene products, including protease, contribute to illness in exogenous retroviral infections. There are ongoing efforts to test anti-retroviral regimens against endogenous retroviruses. Herein, we examine the potential activity and diversity of human endogenous retrovirus-K proteases, and their potential for impact on immunity and human disease. Results: Sequences similar to the endogenous retrovirus-K HML2 protease and reverse transcriptase were identified in the human genome, classified by phylogenetic inference and compared to Repbase reference sequences. The topologies of trees inferred from protease and reverse transcriptase sequences were similar and agreed with the classification using reference sequences. Surprisingly, only 62/480 protease sequences identified by BLAST were classified as HML2; the remainder were classified as other HML groups, with the majority (216) classified as HML3. Variation in functionally significant protease motifs was explored, and two major active site variants were identified – the DTGAD variant is common in all groups, but the DTGVD motif appears limited to HML3, HML5, and HML6. Furthermore, distinct RNA expression patterns of protease variants are seen in disease states, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Conclusion: Transcribed ERVK proteases exhibit a diversity which could impact immunity and inhibitor-based treatments, and these facets should be considered when designing therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renée N Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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21
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ALSUntangled 45: Antiretrovirals. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2018; 19:630-634. [PMID: 29693424 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2018.1465248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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22
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Gautam P, Yu T, Loh YH. Regulation of ERVs in pluripotent stem cells and reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2017; 46:194-201. [PMID: 28866476 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) regulation and its functional aspects have provided us with vast power to unravel its role in the host's genome. Co-evolutionary model of ERVs and Kruppel associated box-Zinc Finger Proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) provides a deeper knowledge of how the genome is shaped during the course of evolution. However, the role of ERVs in normal cellular function still remains an enigma. Here we review studies in recent years with a focus on the role of ERVs in maintaining stemness and cell fate reprogramming, along with the recent discoveries of novel regulatory factors which have been shown to mediate ERV expression in both canonical and non-canonical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Gautam
- Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Ageing, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Tao Yu
- Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Ageing, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yuin-Han Loh
- Epigenetics and Cell Fates Laboratory, Programme in Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine and Ageing, A*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
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23
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Buzdin AA, Prassolov V, Garazha AV. Friends-Enemies: Endogenous Retroviruses Are Major Transcriptional Regulators of Human DNA. Front Chem 2017. [PMID: 28642863 PMCID: PMC5462908 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2017.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous retroviruses are mobile genetic elements hardly distinguishable from infectious, or “exogenous,” retroviruses at the time of insertion in the host DNA. Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are not rare. They gave rise to multiple families of closely related mobile elements that occupy ~8% of the human genome. Together, they shape genomic regulatory landscape by providing at least ~320,000 human transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) located on ~110,000 individual HERV elements. The HERVs host as many as 155,000 mapped DNaseI hypersensitivity sites, which denote loci active in the regulation of gene expression or chromatin structure. The contemporary view of the HERVs evolutionary dynamics suggests that at the early stages after insertion, the HERV is treated by the host cells as a foreign genetic element, and is likely to be suppressed by the targeted methylation and mutations. However, at the later stages, when significant number of mutations has been already accumulated and when the retroviral genes are broken, the regulatory potential of a HERV may be released and recruited to modify the genomic balance of transcription factor binding sites. This process goes together with further accumulation and selection of mutations, which reshape the regulatory landscape of the human DNA. However, developmental reprogramming, stress or pathological conditions like cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases, can remove the blocks limiting expression and HERV-mediated host gene regulation. This, in turn, can dramatically alter the gene expression equilibrium and shift it to a newer state, thus further amplifying instability and exacerbating the stressful situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton A Buzdin
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia.,Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute,"Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Prassolov
- Department of Cell Biology, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of SciencesMoscow, Russia
| | - Andrew V Garazha
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic ChemistryMoscow, Russia.,Department of Biomedicine, Moscow Institute of Physics and TechnologyMoscow, Russia
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24
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NF-κB and IRF1 Induce Endogenous Retrovirus K Expression via Interferon-Stimulated Response Elements in Its 5' Long Terminal Repeat. J Virol 2016; 90:9338-49. [PMID: 27512062 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01503-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Thousands of endogenous retroviruses (ERV), viral fossils of ancient germ line infections, reside within the human genome. Evidence of ERV activity has been observed widely in both health and disease. While this is most often cited as a bystander effect of cell culture or disease states, it is unclear which signals control ERV transcription. Bioinformatic analysis suggests that the viral promoter of endogenous retrovirus K (ERVK) is responsive to inflammatory transcription factors. Here we show that one reason for ERVK upregulation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the presence of functional interferon-stimulated response elements (ISREs) in the viral promoter. Transcription factor overexpression assays revealed independent and synergistic upregulation of ERVK by interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) and NF-κB isoforms. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and LIGHT cytokine treatments of human astrocytes and neurons enhanced ERVK transcription and protein levels through IRF1 and NF-κB binding to the ISREs. We further show that in ALS brain tissue, neuronal ERVK reactivation is associated with the nuclear translocation of IRF1 and NF-κB isoforms p50 and p65. ERVK overexpression can cause motor neuron pathology in murine models. Our results implicate neuroinflammation as a key trigger of ERVK provirus reactivation in ALS. These molecular mechanisms may also extend to the pathobiology of other ERVK-associated inflammatory diseases, such as cancers, HIV infection, rheumatoid arthritis, and schizophrenia. IMPORTANCE It has been well established that inflammatory signaling pathways in ALS converge at NF-κB to promote neuronal damage. Our findings suggest that inflammation-driven IRF1 and NF-κB activity promotes ERVK reactivation in neurons of the motor cortex in ALS. Thus, quenching ERVK activity through antiretroviral or immunomodulatory regimens may hinder virus-mediated neuropathology and improve the symptoms of ALS or other ERVK-associated diseases.
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25
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Manghera M, Ferguson-Parry J, Douville RN. TDP-43 regulates endogenous retrovirus-K viral protein accumulation. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 94:226-36. [PMID: 27370226 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The concomitant expression of neuronal TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and human endogenous retrovirus-K (ERVK) is a hallmark of ALS. Since the involvement of TDP-43 in retrovirus replication remains controversial, we sought to evaluate whether TDP-43 exerts an effect on ERVK expression. In this study, TDP-43 bound the ERVK promoter in the context of inflammation or proteasome inhibition, with no effect on ERVK transcription. However, over-expression of ALS-associated aggregating forms of TDP-43, but not wild-type TDP-43, significantly enhanced ERVK viral protein accumulation. Human astrocytes and neurons further demonstrated cell-type specific differences in their ability to express and clear ERVK proteins during inflammation and proteasome inhibition. Astrocytes, but not neurons, were able to clear excess ERVK proteins through stress granule formation and autophagy. In vitro findings were validated in autopsy motor cortex tissue from patients with ALS and neuro-normal controls. We further confirmed marked enhancement of ERVK in cortical neurons of patients with ALS. Despite evidence of enhanced stress granule and autophagic response in ALS cortical neurons, these cells failed to clear excess ERVK protein accumulation. This highlights how multiple cellular pathways, in conjunction with disease-associated mutations, can converge to modulate the expression and clearance of viral gene products from genomic elements such as ERVK. In ALS, ERVK protein aggregation is a novel aspect of TDP-43 misregulation contributing towards the pathology of this neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamneet Manghera
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2G3, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ferguson-Parry
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2G3, Canada
| | - Renée N Douville
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, 599 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2G3, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, 750 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0T5, Canada.
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26
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Trela M, Nelson PN, Rylance PB. The role of molecular mimicry and other factors in the association of Human Endogenous Retroviruses and autoimmunity. APMIS 2016; 124:88-104. [PMID: 26818264 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) have been implicated in autoimmune and other diseases. Molecular mimicry has been postulated as a potential mechanism of autoimmunity. Exogenous viruses have also been reported to be associated with the same diseases, as have genetic and environmental factors. If molecular mimicry were to be shown to be an initiating mechanism of some autoimmune diseases, then therapeutic options of blocking antibodies and peptides might be of benefit in halting diseases at the outset. Bioinformatic and molecular modelling techniques have been employed to investigate molecular mimicry and the evidence for the association of HERVs and autoimmunity is reviewed. The most convincing evidence for molecular mimicry is in rheumatoid arthritis, where HERV K-10 shares amino acid sequences with IgG1Fc, a target for rheumatoid factor. Systemic lupus erythematosus is an example of a condition associated with several autoantibodies, and several endogenous and exogenous viruses have been reported to be associated with the disease. The lack of a clear link between one virus and this condition, and the spectrum of clinical manifestations, suggests that genetic, environmental and the inflammatory response to a virus or viruses might also be major factors in the pathogenesis of lupus and other autoimmune conditions. Where there are strong associations between a virus and an autoimmune condition, such as in hepatitis C and cryoglobulinaemia, the use of bioinformatics and molecular modelling can also be utilized to help to understand the role of molecular mimicry in how HERVs might trigger disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Trela
- Immunology Research Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Paul N Nelson
- Immunology Research Group, Research Institute in Healthcare Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Paul B Rylance
- Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
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27
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Mortelmans K, Wang-Johanning F, Johanning GL. The role of human endogenous retroviruses in brain development and function. APMIS 2016; 124:105-15. [PMID: 26818265 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous retroviral sequences are spread throughout the genome of all humans, and make up about 8% of the genome. Despite their prevalence, the function of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in humans is largely unknown. In this review we focus on the brain, and evaluate studies in animal models that address mechanisms of endogenous retrovirus activation in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). One such study in mice found that TRIM28, a protein critical for mouse early development, regulates transcription and silencing of endogenous retroviruses in neural progenitor cells. Another intriguing finding in human brain cells and mouse models was that endogenous retrovirus HERV-K appears to be protective against neurotoxins. We also report on studies that associate HERVs with human diseases of the brain and CNS. There is little doubt of an association between HERVs and a number of CNS diseases. However, a cause and effect relationship between HERVs and these diseases has not yet been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristien Mortelmans
- Discovery Biology Section, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Feng Wang-Johanning
- Discovery Biology Section, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Gary L Johanning
- Discovery Biology Section, Biosciences Division, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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28
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Nadeau MJ, Manghera M, Douville RN. Inside the Envelope: Endogenous Retrovirus-K Env as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1244. [PMID: 26617584 PMCID: PMC4643131 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to multiple ancestral human retroviral germ cell infections, the modern human genome is strewn with relics of these infections, termed endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). ERV expression has been silenced due to negative selective pressures and genetic phenomena such as mutations and epigenetic silencing. Nonetheless, select ERVs have retained the capacity to be damaging to their host when reawakened. Much of the current research on the ERVK Env protein strongly suggests a causal or contributive role in the pathogenesis of various cancers, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Additionally, there is a small body of research suggesting that ERVK Env has been domesticated for use in placental development, akin to the ERVW syncytin. Though much is left to ascertain, the innate immune response to ERVK Env expression has been partially characterized and appears to be due to a region located in the transmembrane domain of the Env protein. In this review, we aim to highlight ERVK Env as a biomarker for inflammatory conditions and explore its use as a future therapeutic target for cancers, HIV infection and neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Nadeau
- Douville Lab, Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mamneet Manghera
- Douville Lab, Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Renée N Douville
- Douville Lab, Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, MB, Canada ; Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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29
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Suntsova M, Garazha A, Ivanova A, Kaminsky D, Zhavoronkov A, Buzdin A. Molecular functions of human endogenous retroviruses in health and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:3653-75. [PMID: 26082181 PMCID: PMC11113533 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1947-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) and related genetic elements form 504 distinct families and occupy ~8% of human genome. Recent success of high-throughput experimental technologies facilitated understanding functional impact of HERVs for molecular machinery of human cells. HERVs encode active retroviral proteins, which may exert important physiological functions in the body, but also may be involved in the progression of cancer and numerous human autoimmune, neurological and infectious diseases. The spectrum of related malignancies includes, but not limits to, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, lupus, schizophrenia, multiple cancer types and HIV. In addition, HERVs regulate expression of the neighboring host genes and modify genomic regulatory landscape, e.g., by providing regulatory modules like transcription factor binding sites (TFBS). Indeed, recent bioinformatic profiling identified ~110,000 regulatory active HERV elements, which formed at least ~320,000 human TFBS. These and other peculiarities of HERVs might have played an important role in human evolution and speciation. In this paper, we focus on the current progress in understanding of normal and pathological molecular niches of HERVs, on their implications in human evolution, normal physiology and disease. We also review the available databases dealing with various aspects of HERV genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Suntsova
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachyov Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, 117198, Russia.
| | - Andrew Garazha
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, D. Rogachyov Federal Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Moscow, 117198, Russia.
| | - Alena Ivanova
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Dmitry Kaminsky
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
| | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
- Department of Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy per., Dolgoprudny, Moscow, 141700, Russia.
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Group for Genomic Regulation of Cell Signaling Systems, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Pathway Pharmaceuticals, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
- National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Centre for Convergence of Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, 1, Akademika Kurchatova sq., Moscow, 123182, Russia.
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30
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Morales ME, Servant G, Ade C, Roy-Enge AM. Altering Genomic Integrity: Heavy Metal Exposure Promotes Transposable Element-Mediated Damage. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 166:24-33. [PMID: 25774044 PMCID: PMC4696754 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of genomic integrity is critical for cellular homeostasis and survival. The active transposable elements (TEs) composed primarily of three mobile element lineages LINE-1, Alu, and SVA comprise approximately 30% of the mass of the human genome. For the past 2 decades, studies have shown that TEs significantly contribute to genetic instability and that TE-caused damages are associated with genetic diseases and cancer. Different environmental exposures, including several heavy metals, influence how TEs interact with its host genome increasing their negative impact. This mini-review provides some basic knowledge on TEs, their contribution to disease, and an overview of the current knowledge on how heavy metals influence TE-mediated damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Morales
- Department of Epidemiology and Tulane Cancer Center, SL-66, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Geraldine Servant
- Department of Epidemiology and Tulane Cancer Center, SL-66, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Catherine Ade
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Astrid M. Roy-Enge
- Department of Epidemiology and Tulane Cancer Center, SL-66, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112
- Corresponding author: Astrid M. Roy-Engel, Ph.D., Department of Epidemiology, Tulane Cancer Center, SL66, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, 1430 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112. , Phone: (504) 988-6316, Fax: (504) 988-5516
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