1
|
Krishnan A, Ali LM, Prabhu SG, Pillai VN, Chameettachal A, Vivet-Boudou V, Bernacchi S, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. Identification of a putative Gag binding site critical for feline immunodeficiency virus genomic RNA packaging. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 30:68-88. [PMID: 37914398 PMCID: PMC10726167 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079840.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
The retroviral Gag precursor plays a central role in the selection and packaging of viral genomic RNA (gRNA) by binding to virus-specific packaging signal(s) (psi or ψ). Previously, we mapped the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) ψ to two discontinuous regions within the 5' end of the gRNA that assumes a higher order structure harboring several structural motifs. To better define the region and structural elements important for gRNA packaging, we methodically investigated these FIV ψ sequences using genetic, biochemical, and structure-function relationship approaches. Our mutational analysis revealed that the unpaired U85CUG88 stretch within FIV ψ is crucial for gRNA encapsidation into nascent virions. High-throughput selective 2' hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (hSHAPE) performed on wild type (WT) and mutant FIV ψ sequences, with substitutions in the U85CUG88 stretch, revealed that these mutations had limited structural impact and maintained nucleotides 80-92 unpaired, as in the WT structure. Since these mutations dramatically affected packaging, our data suggest that the single-stranded U85CUG88 sequence is important during FIV RNA packaging. Filter-binding assays performed using purified FIV Pr50Gag on WT and mutant U85CUG88 ψ RNAs led to reduced levels of Pr50Gag binding to mutant U85CUG88 ψ RNAs, indicating that the U85CUG88 stretch is crucial for ψ RNA-Pr50Gag interactions. Delineating sequences important for FIV gRNA encapsidation should enhance our understanding of both gRNA packaging and virion assembly, making them potential targets for novel retroviral therapeutic interventions, as well as the development of FIV-based vectors for human gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lizna M Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suresha G Prabhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, 67084 Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Serena Bernacchi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, 67084 Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Research Institute in Precision Medicine, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, 67084 Strasbourg cedex, France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- ASPIRE Research Institute in Precision Medicine, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pillai VN, Ali LM, Prabhu SG, Krishnan A, Tariq S, Mustafa F, Rizvi TA. Expression, purification, and functional characterization of soluble recombinant full-length simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Pr55 Gag. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12892. [PMID: 36685375 PMCID: PMC9853374 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) precursor polypeptide Pr55Gag drives viral assembly and facilitates specific recognition and packaging of the SIV genomic RNA (gRNA) into viral particles. While several studies have tried to elucidate the role of SIV Pr55Gag by expressing its different components independently, studies using full-length SIV Pr55Gag have not been conducted, primarily due to the unavailability of purified and biologically active full-length SIV Pr55Gag. We successfully expressed soluble, full-length SIV Pr55Gag with His6-tag in bacteria and purified it using affinity and gel filtration chromatography. In the process, we identified within Gag, a second in-frame start codon downstream of a putative Shine-Dalgarno-like sequence resulting in an additional truncated form of Gag. Synonymously mutating this sequence allowed expression of full-length Gag in its native form. The purified Gag assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro in the presence of nucleic acids, revealing its biological functionality. In vivo experiments also confirmed formation of functional VLPs, and quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR demonstrated efficient packaging of SIV gRNA by these VLPs. The methodology we employed ensured the availability of >95% pure, biologically active, full-length SIV Pr55Gag which should facilitate future studies to understand protein structure and RNA-protein interactions involved during SIV gRNA packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vineeta N. Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lizna Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Suresha G. Prabhu
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjana Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saeed Tariq
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates,Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Tahir A. Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates,Corresponding author. Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin S, Rajan S, Lemberg S, Altawil M, Anderson K, Bryant R, Cappeta S, Chin B, Hamdan I, Hamer A, Hyzny R, Karp A, Lee D, Lim A, Nayak M, Palaniappan V, Park S, Satishkumar S, Seth A, Sri Dasari U, Toppari E, Vyas A, Walker J, Weston E, Zafar A, Zielke C, Mahabeleshwar GH, Tartakoff AM. Production of nascent ribosome precursors within the nucleolar microenvironment of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genetics 2022; 221:iyac070. [PMID: 35657327 PMCID: PMC9252279 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
35S rRNA transcripts include a 5'-external transcribed spacer followed by rRNAs of the small and large ribosomal subunits. Their processing yields massive precursors that include dozens of assembly factor proteins. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, nucleolar assembly factors form 2 coaxial layers/volumes around ribosomal DNA. Most of these factors are cyclically recruited from a latent state to an operative state, and are extensively conserved. The layers match, at least approximately, known subcompartments found in higher eukaryotic cells. ∼80% of assembly factors are essential. The number of copies of these assembly factors is comparable to the number of nascent transcripts. Moreover, they exhibit "isoelectric balance," with RNA-binding candidate "nucleator" assembly factors being notably basic. The physical properties of pre-small subunit and pre-large subunit assembly factors are similar, as are their 19 motif signatures detected by hierarchical clustering, unlike motif signatures of the 5'-external transcribed spacer rRNP. Additionally, many assembly factors lack shared motifs. Taken together with the progression of rRNP composition during subunit maturation, and the realization that the ribosomal DNA cable is initially bathed in a subunit-nonspecific assembly factor reservoir/microenvironment, we propose a "3-step subdomain assembly model": Step (1): predominantly basic assembly factors sequentially nucleate sites along nascent rRNA; Step (2): the resulting rRNPs recruit numerous less basic assembly factors along with notably basic ribosomal proteins; Step (3): rRNPs in nearby subdomains consolidate. Cleavages of rRNA then promote release of rRNPs to the nucleoplasm, likely facilitated by the persistence of assembly factors that were already associated with nucleolar precursors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lin
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Suchita Rajan
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sofia Lemberg
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mark Altawil
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Katherine Anderson
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ruth Bryant
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sebastian Cappeta
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Brandon Chin
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Isabella Hamdan
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Annelise Hamer
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Rachel Hyzny
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Andrew Karp
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Daniel Lee
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Alexandria Lim
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Medha Nayak
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Vishnu Palaniappan
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Soomin Park
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Sarika Satishkumar
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Anika Seth
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Uva Sri Dasari
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Emili Toppari
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ayush Vyas
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Julianne Walker
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Evan Weston
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Atif Zafar
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Cecelia Zielke
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ganapati H Mahabeleshwar
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Alan M Tartakoff
- Pathology Department and The Cell Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Stretch of Unpaired Purines in the Leader Region of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) Genomic RNA is Critical for its Packaging into Virions. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167293. [PMID: 34624298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) is an important lentivirus used as a non-human primate model to study HIV replication, and pathogenesis of human AIDS, as well as a potential vector for human gene therapy. This study investigated the role of single-stranded purines (ssPurines) as potential genomic RNA (gRNA) packaging determinants in SIV replication. Similar ssPurines have been implicated as important motifs for gRNA packaging in many retroviruses like, HIV-1, MPMV, and MMTV by serving as Gag binding sites during virion assembly. In examining the secondary structure of the SIV 5' leader region, as recently deduced using SHAPE methodology, we identified four specific stretches of ssPurines (I-IV) in the region that harbors major packaging determinants of SIV. The significance of these ssPurine motifs were investigated by mutational analysis coupled with a biologically relevant single round of replication assay. These analyses revealed that while ssPurine II was essential, the others (ssPurines I, III, & IV) did not significantly contribute to SIV gRNA packaging. Any mutation in the ssPurine II, such as its deletion or substitution, or other mutations that caused base pairing of ssPurine II loop resulted in near abrogation of RNA packaging, further substantiating the crucial role of ssPurine II and its looped conformation in SIV gRNA packaging. Structure prediction analysis of these mutants further corroborated the biological results and further revealed that the unpaired nature of ssPurine II is critical for its function during SIV RNA packaging perhaps by enabling it to function as a specific binding site for SIV Gag.
Collapse
|
5
|
5'-Cap sequestration is an essential determinant of HIV-1 genome packaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2112475118. [PMID: 34493679 PMCID: PMC8449379 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112475118] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 selectively packages two copies of its 5'-capped RNA genome (gRNA) during virus assembly, a process mediated by the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of the viral Gag polyprotein and encapsidation signals located within the dimeric 5' leader of the viral RNA. Although residues within the leader that promote packaging have been identified, the determinants of authentic packaging fidelity and efficiency remain unknown. Here, we show that a previously characterized 159-nt region of the leader that possesses all elements required for RNA dimerization, high-affinity NC binding, and packaging in a noncompetitive RNA packaging assay (ΨCES) is unexpectedly poorly packaged when assayed in competition with the intact 5' leader. ΨCES lacks a 5'-tandem hairpin element that sequesters the 5' cap, suggesting that cap sequestration may be important for packaging. Consistent with this hypothesis, mutations within the intact leader that expose the cap without disrupting RNA structure or NC binding abrogated RNA packaging, and genetic addition of a 5' ribozyme to ΨCES to enable cotranscriptional shedding of the 5' cap promoted ΨCES-mediated RNA packaging to wild-type levels. Additional mutations that either block dimerization or eliminate subsets of NC binding sites substantially attenuated competitive packaging. Our studies indicate that packaging is achieved by a bipartite mechanism that requires both sequestration of the 5' cap and exposure of NC binding sites that reside fully within the ΨCES region of the dimeric leader. We speculate that cap sequestration prevents irreversible capture by the cellular RNA processing and translation machinery, a mechanism likely employed by other viruses that package 5'-capped RNA genomes.
Collapse
|
6
|
An infectious Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag mutant that is defective in nuclear cycling. J Virol 2021; 95:e0064821. [PMID: 34319154 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00648-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During retroviral replication, unspliced viral genomic RNA (gRNA) must escape the nucleus for translation into viral proteins and packaging into virions. "Complex" retroviruses such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) use cis-acting elements on the unspliced gRNA in conjunction with trans-acting viral proteins to facilitate this escape. "Simple" retroviruses such as Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus (MPMV) and Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) exclusively use cis-acting elements on the gRNA in conjunction with host nuclear export proteins for nuclear escape. Uniquely, the simple retrovirus Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) has a Gag structural protein that cycles through the nucleus prior to plasma membrane binding. This trafficking has been implicated in facilitating gRNA nuclear export and is thought to be a required mechanism. Previously described mutants that abolish nuclear cycling displayed enhanced plasma membrane binding, enhanced virion release, and a significant loss in genome incorporation resulting in loss of infectivity. Here, we describe a nuclear cycling deficient RSV Gag mutant that has similar plasma membrane binding and genome incorporation to WT virus and surprisingly, is replication competent albeit with a slower rate of spread compared to WT. This mutant suggests that RSV Gag nuclear cycling is not strictly required for RSV replication. Importance While mechanisms for retroviral Gag assembly at the plasma membrane are beginning to be characterized, characterization of intermediate trafficking locales remain elusive. This is in part due to the difficulty of tracking individual proteins from translation to plasma membrane binding. RSV Gag nuclear cycling is a unique phenotype that may provide comparative insight to viral trafficking evolution and may present a model intermediate to cis- and trans-acting mechanisms for gRNA export.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chameettachal A, Vivet-Boudou V, Pitchai F, Pillai V, Ali L, Krishnan A, Bernacchi S, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi T. A purine loop and the primer binding site are critical for the selective encapsidation of mouse mammary tumor virus genomic RNA by Pr77Gag. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4668-4688. [PMID: 33836091 PMCID: PMC8096270 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral RNA genome (gRNA) harbors cis-acting sequences that facilitate its specific packaging from a pool of other viral and cellular RNAs by binding with high-affinity to the viral Gag protein during virus assembly. However, the molecular intricacies involved during selective gRNA packaging are poorly understood. Binding and footprinting assays on mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) gRNA with purified Pr77Gag along with in cell gRNA packaging study identified two Pr77Gag binding sites constituting critical, non-redundant packaging signals. These included: a purine loop in a bifurcated stem-loop containing the gRNA dimerization initiation site, and the primer binding site (PBS). Despite these sites being present on both unspliced and spliced RNAs, Pr77Gag specifically bound to unspliced RNA, since only that could adopt the native bifurcated stem-loop structure containing looped purines. These results map minimum structural elements required to initiate MMTV gRNA packaging, distinguishing features that are conserved amongst divergent retroviruses from those perhaps unique to MMTV. Unlike purine-rich motifs frequently associated with packaging signals, direct involvement of PBS in gRNA packaging has not been documented in retroviruses. These results enhance our understanding of retroviral gRNA packaging/assembly, making it not only a target for novel therapeutic interventions, but also development of safer gene therapy vectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fathima Nuzra Nagoor Pitchai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lizna Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjana Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Serena Bernacchi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l’ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pitchai FNN, Chameettachal A, Vivet-Boudou V, Ali LM, Pillai VN, Krishnan A, Bernacchi S, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. Identification of Pr78 Gag Binding Sites on the Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus Genomic RNA Packaging Determinants. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166923. [PMID: 33713677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
How retroviral Gag proteins recognize the packaging signals (Psi) on their genomic RNA (gRNA) is a key question that we addressed here using Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) as a model system by combining band-shift assays and footprinting experiments. Our data show that Pr78Gag selects gRNA against spliced viral RNA by simultaneously binding to two single stranded loops on the MPMV Psi RNA: (1) a large purine loop (ssPurines), and (2) a loop which partially overlaps with a mostly base-paired purine repeat (bpPurines) and extends into a GU-rich binding motif. Importantly, this second Gag binding site is located immediately downstream of the major splice donor (mSD) and is thus absent from the spliced viral RNAs. Identifying elements crucial for MPMV gRNA packaging should help in understanding not only the mechanism of virion assembly by retroviruses, but also facilitate construction of safer retroviral vectors for human gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fathima Nuzra Nagoor Pitchai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lizna Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Anjana Krishnan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Serena Bernacchi
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Zayed bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Zayed bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Enveloped viruses exit producer cells and acquire their external lipid envelopes by budding through limiting cellular membranes. Most viruses encode multifunctional structural proteins that coordinate the processes of virion assembly, membrane envelopment, budding, and maturation. In many cases, the cellular ESCRT pathway is recruited to facilitate the membrane fission step of budding, but alternative strategies are also employed. Recently, many viruses previously considered to be non-enveloped have been shown to exit cells non-lytically within vesicles, adding further complexity to the intricacies of virus budding and egress.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ali LM, Pitchai FNN, Vivet-Boudou V, Chameettachal A, Jabeen A, Pillai VN, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. Role of Purine-Rich Regions in Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus (MPMV) Genomic RNA Packaging and Propagation. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:595410. [PMID: 33250884 PMCID: PMC7674771 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.595410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A distinguishing feature of the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) packaging signal RNA secondary structure is a single-stranded purine-rich sequence (ssPurines) in close vicinity to a palindromic stem loop (Pal SL) that functions as MPMV dimerization initiation site (DIS). However, unlike other retroviruses, MPMV contains a partially base-paired repeat sequence of ssPurines (bpPurines) in the adjacent region. Both purine-rich sequences have earlier been proposed to act as potentially redundant Gag binding sites to initiate the process of MPMV genomic RNA (gRNA) packaging. The objective of this study was to investigate the biological significance of ssPurines and bpPurines in MPMV gRNA packaging by systematic mutational and biochemical probing analyses. Deletion of either ssPurines or bpPurines individually had no significant effect on MPMV gRNA packaging, but it was severely compromised when both sequences were deleted simultaneously. Selective 2′ hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) analysis of the mutant RNAs revealed only mild effects on structure by deletion of either ssPurines or bpPurines, while the structure was dramatically affected by the two simultaneous deletions. This suggests that ssPurines and bpPurines play a redundant role in MPMV gRNA packaging, probably as Gag binding sites to facilitate gRNA capture and encapsidation. Interestingly, the deletion of bpPurines revealed an additional severe defect on RNA propagation that was independent of the presence or absence of ssPurines or the gRNA structure of the region. These findings further suggest that the bpPurines play an additional role in the early steps of MPMV replication cycle that is yet to be identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizna Mohamed Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Fathima Nuzra Nagoor Pitchai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, IBMC, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, IBMC, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Boyd PS, Brown JB, Brown JD, Catazaro J, Chaudry I, Ding P, Dong X, Marchant J, O’Hern CT, Singh K, Swanson C, Summers MF, Yasin S. NMR Studies of Retroviral Genome Packaging. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101115. [PMID: 33008123 PMCID: PMC7599994 DOI: 10.3390/v12101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Nearly all retroviruses selectively package two copies of their unspliced RNA genomes from a cellular milieu that contains a substantial excess of non-viral and spliced viral RNAs. Over the past four decades, combinations of genetic experiments, phylogenetic analyses, nucleotide accessibility mapping, in silico RNA structure predictions, and biophysical experiments were employed to understand how retroviral genomes are selected for packaging. Genetic studies provided early clues regarding the protein and RNA elements required for packaging, and nucleotide accessibility mapping experiments provided insights into the secondary structures of functionally important elements in the genome. Three-dimensional structural determinants of packaging were primarily derived by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A key advantage of NMR, relative to other methods for determining biomolecular structure (such as X-ray crystallography), is that it is well suited for studies of conformationally dynamic and heterogeneous systems—a hallmark of the retrovirus packaging machinery. Here, we review advances in understanding of the structures, dynamics, and interactions of the proteins and RNA elements involved in retroviral genome selection and packaging that are facilitated by NMR.
Collapse
|
12
|
Gales JP, Kubina J, Geldreich A, Dimitrova M. Strength in Diversity: Nuclear Export of Viral RNAs. Viruses 2020; 12:E1014. [PMID: 32932882 PMCID: PMC7551171 DOI: 10.3390/v12091014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The nuclear export of cellular mRNAs is a complex process that requires the orchestrated participation of many proteins that are recruited during the early steps of mRNA synthesis and processing. This strategy allows the cell to guarantee the conformity of the messengers accessing the cytoplasm and the translation machinery. Most transcripts are exported by the exportin dimer Nuclear RNA export factor 1 (NXF1)-NTF2-related export protein 1 (NXT1) and the transcription-export complex 1 (TREX1). Some mRNAs that do not possess all the common messenger characteristics use either variants of the NXF1-NXT1 pathway or CRM1, a different exportin. Viruses whose mRNAs are synthesized in the nucleus (retroviruses, the vast majority of DNA viruses, and influenza viruses) exploit both these cellular export pathways. Viral mRNAs hijack the cellular export machinery via complex secondary structures recognized by cellular export factors and/or viral adapter proteins. This way, the viral transcripts succeed in escaping the host surveillance system and are efficiently exported for translation, allowing the infectious cycle to proceed. This review gives an overview of the cellular mRNA nuclear export mechanisms and presents detailed insights into the most important strategies that viruses use to export the different forms of their RNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jón Pol Gales
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) UPR2357, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084 Strasbourg, France; (J.P.G.); (J.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Julie Kubina
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) UPR2357, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084 Strasbourg, France; (J.P.G.); (J.K.); (A.G.)
- SVQV UMR-A 1131, INRAE, Université de Strasbourg, F-68000 Colmar, France
| | - Angèle Geldreich
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) UPR2357, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084 Strasbourg, France; (J.P.G.); (J.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Dimitrova
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire des Plantes, The French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) UPR2357, Université de Strasbourg, F-67084 Strasbourg, France; (J.P.G.); (J.K.); (A.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rous Sarcoma Virus Genomic RNA Dimerization Capability In Vitro Is Not a Prerequisite for Viral Infectivity. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050568. [PMID: 32455905 PMCID: PMC7291142 DOI: 10.3390/v12050568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviruses package their full-length, dimeric genomic RNA (gRNA) via specific interactions between the Gag polyprotein and a “Ψ” packaging signal located in the gRNA 5′-UTR. Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) gRNA has a contiguous, well-defined Ψ element, that directs the packaging of heterologous RNAs efficiently. The simplicity of RSV Ψ makes it an informative model to examine the mechanism of retroviral gRNA packaging, which is incompletely understood. Little is known about the structure of dimerization initiation sites or specific Gag interaction sites of RSV gRNA. Using selective 2′-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE), we probed the secondary structure of the entire RSV 5′-leader RNA for the first time. We identified a putative bipartite dimerization initiation signal (DIS), and mutation of both sites was required to significantly reduce dimerization in vitro. These mutations failed to reduce viral replication, suggesting that in vitro dimerization results do not strictly correlate with in vivo infectivity, possibly due to additional RNA interactions that maintain the dimers in cells. UV crosslinking-coupled SHAPE (XL-SHAPE) was next used to determine Gag-induced RNA conformational changes, revealing G218 as a critical Gag contact site. Overall, our results suggest that disruption of either of the DIS sequences does not reduce virus replication and reveal specific sites of Gag–RNA interactions.
Collapse
|
14
|
Maldonado RJK, Rice B, Chen EC, Tuffy KM, Chiari EF, Fahrbach KM, Hope TJ, Parent LJ. Visualizing Association of the Retroviral Gag Protein with Unspliced Viral RNA in the Nucleus. mBio 2020; 11:e00524-20. [PMID: 32265329 PMCID: PMC7157774 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00524-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) by retroviruses is essential for infectivity, yet the subcellular site of the initial interaction between the Gag polyprotein and gRNA remains poorly defined. Because retroviral particles are released from the plasma membrane, it was previously thought that Gag proteins initially bound to gRNA in the cytoplasm or at the plasma membrane. However, the Gag protein of the avian retrovirus Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) undergoes active nuclear trafficking, which is required for efficient gRNA encapsidation (L. Z. Scheifele, R. A. Garbitt, J. D. Rhoads, and L. J. Parent, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99:3944-3949, 2002, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.062652199; R. Garbitt-Hirst, S. P. Kenney, and L. J. Parent, J Virol 83:6790-6797, 2009, https://doi.org/10.1128/JVI.00101-09). These results raise the intriguing possibility that the primary contact between Gag and gRNA might occur in the nucleus. To examine this possibility, we created a RSV proviral construct that includes 24 tandem repeats of MS2 RNA stem-loops, making it possible to track RSV viral RNA (vRNA) in live cells in which a fluorophore-conjugated MS2 coat protein is coexpressed. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that both wild-type Gag and a nuclear export mutant (Gag.L219A) colocalized with vRNA in the nucleus. In live-cell time-lapse images, the wild-type Gag protein trafficked together with vRNA as a single ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in the nucleoplasm near the nuclear periphery, appearing to traverse the nuclear envelope into the cytoplasm. Furthermore, biophysical imaging methods suggest that Gag and the unspliced vRNA physically interact in the nucleus. Taken together, these data suggest that RSV Gag binds unspliced vRNA to export it from the nucleus, possibly for packaging into virions as the viral genome.IMPORTANCE Retroviruses cause severe diseases in animals and humans, including cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndromes. To propagate infection, retroviruses assemble new virus particles that contain viral proteins and unspliced vRNA to use as gRNA. Despite the critical requirement for gRNA packaging, the molecular mechanisms governing the identification and selection of gRNA by the Gag protein remain poorly understood. In this report, we demonstrate that the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein colocalizes with unspliced vRNA in the nucleus in the interchromatin space. Using live-cell confocal imaging, RSV Gag and unspliced vRNA were observed to move together from inside the nucleus across the nuclear envelope, suggesting that the Gag-gRNA complex initially forms in the nucleus and undergoes nuclear export into the cytoplasm as a viral ribonucleoprotein (vRNP) complex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Breanna Rice
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eunice C Chen
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin M Tuffy
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Estelle F Chiari
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kelly M Fahrbach
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas J Hope
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
RNA-Binding Domains of Heterologous Viral Proteins Substituted for Basic Residues in the RSV Gag NC Domain Restore Specific Packaging of Genomic RNA. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040370. [PMID: 32230826 PMCID: PMC7232437 DOI: 10.3390/v12040370] [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: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rous sarcoma virus Gag polyprotein transiently traffics through the nucleus, which is required for efficient incorporation of the viral genomic RNA (gRNA) into virus particles. Packaging of gRNA is mediated by two zinc knuckles and basic residues located in the nucleocapsid (NC) domain in Gag. To further examine the role of basic residues located downstream of the zinc knuckles in gRNA encapsidation, we used a gain-of-function approach. We replaced a basic residue cluster essential for gRNA packaging with heterologous basic residue motif (BR) with RNA-binding activity from either the HIV-1 Rev protein (Rev BR) or the HSV ICP27 protein (ICP27 BR). Compared to wild-type Gag, the mutant ICP27 BR and Rev BR Gag proteins were much more strongly localized to the nucleus and released significantly lower levels of virus particles. Surprisingly, both the ICP27 BR and Rev BR mutants packaged normal levels of gRNA per virus particle when examined in the context of a proviral vector, yet both mutants were noninfectious. These results support the hypothesis that basic residues located in the C-terminal region of NC are required for selective gRNA packaging, potentially by binding non-specifically to RNA via electrostatic interactions.
Collapse
|
16
|
Purification and Functional Characterization of a Biologically Active Full-Length Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Pr50 Gag. Viruses 2019; 11:v11080689. [PMID: 31357656 PMCID: PMC6723490 DOI: 10.3390/v11080689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) full-length Pr50Gag precursor is a key player in the assembly of new viral particles. It is also a critical component of the efficient selection and packaging of two copies of genomic RNA (gRNA) into the newly formed virus particles from a wide pool of cellular and spliced viral RNA. To understand the molecular mechanisms involved during FIV gRNA packaging, we expressed the His6-tagged and untagged recombinant FIV Pr50Gag protein both in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. The recombinant Pr50Gag-His6-tag fusion protein was purified from soluble fractions of prokaryotic cultures using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC). This purified protein was able to assemble in vitro into virus-like particles (VLPs), indicating that it preserved its ability to oligomerize/multimerize. Furthermore, VLPs formed in eukaryotic cells by the FIV full-length Pr50Gag both in the presence and absence of His6-tag could package FIV sub-genomic RNA to similar levels, suggesting that the biological activity of the recombinant full-length Pr50Gag fusion protein was retained in the presence of His6-tag at the carboxy terminus. Successful expression and purification of a biologically active, recombinant full-length Pr50Gag-His6-tag fusion protein will allow study of the intricate RNA-protein interactions involved during FIV gRNA encapsidation.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kalloush RM, Vivet-Boudou V, Ali LM, Pillai VN, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. Stabilizing role of structural elements within the 5´ Untranslated Region (UTR) and gag sequences in Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) genomic RNA packaging. RNA Biol 2019; 16:612-625. [PMID: 30773097 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1572424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) genomic RNA (gRNA) packaging signal is a highly-structured element with several stem-loops held together by two phylogenetically conserved long-range interactions (LRIs) between U5 and gag complementary sequences. These LRIs play a critical role in maintaining the structure of the 5´ end of the MPMV gRNA. Thus, one could hypothesize that the overall RNA secondary structure of this region is further architecturally held together by three other stem loops (SL3, Gag SL1, and Gag SL2) comprising of sequences from the distal parts of the 5´untranslated region (5' UTR) to ~ 120 nucleotides into gag, excluding gag sequences involved in forming the U5-Gag LRIs. To provide functional evidence for the biological significance of these stem loops during gRNA encapsidation, these structural motifs were mutated and their effects on MPMV RNA packaging and propagation were tested in a single round trans-complementation assay. The mutant RNA structures were further studied by high throughput SHAPE (hSHAPE) assay. Our results reveal that sequences involved in forming these three stem loops do not play crucial roles at an individual level during MPMV gRNA packaging or propagation. Further structure-function analysis indicates that the U5-Gag LRIs have a more important architectural role in stabilizing the higher order structure of the 5´ UTR than the three stem loops which have a more secondary and perhaps indirect role in stabilizing the overall RNA secondary structure of the region. Our work provides a better understanding of the molecular interactions that take place during MPMV gRNA packaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rawan M Kalloush
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology College of Medicine and Health Sciences , United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates (UAE)
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- b CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Lizna M Ali
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology College of Medicine and Health Sciences , United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates (UAE)
| | - Vineeta N Pillai
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology College of Medicine and Health Sciences , United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates (UAE)
| | - Farah Mustafa
- c Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences , United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates (UAE)
| | - Roland Marquet
- b CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR , Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- a Department of Microbiology & Immunology College of Medicine and Health Sciences , United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , United Arab Emirates (UAE)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Garcia-Moreno M, Järvelin AI, Castello A. Unconventional RNA-binding proteins step into the virus-host battlefront. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 9:e1498. [PMID: 30091184 PMCID: PMC7169762 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The crucial participation of cellular RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) in virtually all steps of virus infection has been known for decades. However, most of the studies characterizing this phenomenon have focused on well‐established RBPs harboring classical RNA‐binding domains (RBDs). Recent proteome‐wide approaches have greatly expanded the census of RBPs, discovering hundreds of proteins that interact with RNA through unconventional RBDs. These domains include protein–protein interaction platforms, enzymatic cores, and intrinsically disordered regions. Here, we compared the experimentally determined census of RBPs to gene ontology terms and literature, finding that 472 proteins have previous links with viruses. We discuss what these proteins are and what their roles in infection might be. We also review some of the pioneering examples of unorthodox RBPs whose RNA‐binding activity has been shown to be critical for virus infection. Finally, we highlight the potential of these proteins for host‐based therapies against viruses. This article is categorized under:
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aino I Järvelin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pitchai FNN, Ali L, Pillai VN, Chameettachal A, Ashraf SS, Mustafa F, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. Expression, purification, and characterization of biologically active full-length Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (MPMV) Pr78 Gag. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11793. [PMID: 30087395 PMCID: PMC6081465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30142-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MPMV precursor polypeptide Pr78Gag orchestrates assembly and packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) into virus particles. Therefore, we have expressed recombinant full-length Pr78Gag either with or without His6-tag in bacterial as well as eukaryotic cultures and purified the recombinant protein from soluble fractions of the bacterial cultures. The recombinant Pr78Gag protein has the intrinsic ability to assemble in vitro to form virus like particles (VLPs). Consistent with this observation, the recombinant protein could form VLPs in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. VLPs formed in eukaryotic cells by recombinant Pr78Gag with or without His6-tag can encapsidate MPMV transfer vector RNA, suggesting that the inclusion of the His6-tag to the full-length Pr78Gag did not interfere with its expression or biological function. This study demonstrates the expression and purification of a biologically active, recombinant Pr78Gag, which should pave the way to study RNA-protein interactions involved in the MPMV gRNA packaging process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fathima Nuzra Nagoor Pitchai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lizna Ali
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineeta Narayana Pillai
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Akhil Chameettachal
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Syed Salman Ashraf
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roland Marquet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR, 9002, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Tahir Aziz Rizvi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mustafa F, Vivet-Boudou V, Jabeen A, Ali LM, Kalloush RM, Marquet R, Rizvi TA. The bifurcated stem loop 4 (SL4) is crucial for efficient packaging of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) genomic RNA. RNA Biol 2018; 15:1047-1059. [PMID: 29929424 PMCID: PMC6161677 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2018.1486661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Packaging the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) genomic RNA (gRNA) requires the entire 5' untranslated region (UTR) in conjunction with the first 120 nucleotides of the gag gene. This region includes several palindromic (pal) sequence(s) and stable stem loops (SLs). Among these, stem loop 4 (SL4) adopts a bifurcated structure consisting of three stems, two apical loops, and an internal loop. Pal II, located in one of the apical loops, mediates gRNA dimerization, a process intricately linked to packaging. We thus hypothesized that the bifurcated SL4 structure could constitute the major gRNA packaging determinant. To test this hypothesis, the two apical loops and the flanking sequences forming the bifurcated SL4 were individually mutated. These mutations all had deleterious effects on gRNA packaging and propagation. Next, single and compensatory mutants were designed to destabilize then recreate the bifurcated SL4 structure. A structure-function analysis using bioinformatics predictions and RNA chemical probing revealed that mutations that led to the loss of the SL4 bifurcated structure abrogated RNA packaging and propagation, while compensatory mutations that recreated the native SL4 structure restored RNA packaging and propagation to wild type levels. Altogether, our results demonstrate that SL4 constitutes the principal packaging determinant of MMTV gRNA. Our findings further suggest that SL4 acts as a structural switch that can not only differentiate between RNA for translation versus packaging/dimerization, but its location also allows differentiation between spliced and unspliced RNAs during gRNA encapsidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah Mustafa
- a Department of Biochemistry , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , UAE
| | - Valérie Vivet-Boudou
- b Université de Strasbourg , CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN , Strasbourg , France
| | - Ayesha Jabeen
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , UAE
| | - Lizna M Ali
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , UAE
| | - Rawan M Kalloush
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , UAE
| | - Roland Marquet
- b Université de Strasbourg , CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN , Strasbourg , France
| | - Tahir A Rizvi
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University , Al Ain , UAE
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Full-Length Pr77 Gag Expressed in Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells. Viruses 2018; 10:v10060334. [PMID: 29912170 PMCID: PMC6024702 DOI: 10.3390/v10060334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) Pr77Gag polypeptide is an essential retroviral structural protein without which infectious viral particles cannot be formed. This process requires specific recognition and packaging of dimerized genomic RNA (gRNA) by Gag during virus assembly. Most of the previous work on retroviral assembly has used either the nucleocapsid portion of Gag, or other truncated Gag derivatives—not the natural substrate for virus assembly. In order to understand the molecular mechanism of MMTV gRNA packaging process, we expressed and purified full-length recombinant Pr77Gag-His6-tag fusion protein from soluble fractions of bacterial cultures. We show that the purified Pr77Gag-His6-tag protein retained the ability to assemble virus-like particles (VLPs) in vitro with morphologically similar immature intracellular particles. The recombinant proteins (with and without His6-tag) could both be expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and had the ability to form VLPs in vivo. Most importantly, the recombinant Pr77Gag-His6-tag fusion proteins capable of making VLPs in eukaryotic cells were competent for packaging sub-genomic MMTV RNAs. The successful expression and purification of a biologically active, full-length MMTV Pr77Gag should lay down the foundation towards performing RNA–protein interaction(s), especially for structure-function studies and towards understanding molecular intricacies during MMTV gRNA packaging and assembly processes.
Collapse
|
22
|
Mutations in the Basic Region of the Mason-Pfizer Monkey Virus Nucleocapsid Protein Affect Reverse Transcription, Genomic RNA Packaging, and the Virus Assembly Site. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.00106-18. [PMID: 29491167 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00106-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to specific RNA-binding zinc finger domains, the retroviral Gag polyprotein contains clusters of basic amino acid residues that are thought to support Gag-viral genomic RNA (gRNA) interactions. One of these clusters is the basic K16NK18EK20 region, located upstream of the first zinc finger of the Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) nucleocapsid (NC) protein. To investigate the role of this basic region in the M-PMV life cycle, we used a combination of in vivo and in vitro methods to study a series of mutants in which the overall charge of this region was more positive (RNRER), more negative (AEAEA), or neutral (AAAAA). The mutations markedly affected gRNA incorporation and the onset of reverse transcription. The introduction of a more negative charge (AEAEA) significantly reduced the incorporation of M-PMV gRNA into nascent particles. Moreover, the assembly of immature particles of the AEAEA Gag mutant was relocated from the perinuclear region to the plasma membrane. In contrast, an enhancement of the basicity of this region of M-PMV NC (RNRER) caused a substantially more efficient incorporation of gRNA, subsequently resulting in an increase in M-PMV RNRER infectivity. Nevertheless, despite the larger amount of gRNA packaged by the RNRER mutant, the onset of reverse transcription was delayed in comparison to that of the wild type. Our data clearly show the requirement for certain positively charged amino acid residues upstream of the first zinc finger for proper gRNA incorporation, assembly of immature particles, and proceeding of reverse transcription.IMPORTANCE We identified a short sequence within the Gag polyprotein that, together with the zinc finger domains and the previously identified RKK motif, contributes to the packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV). Importantly, in addition to gRNA incorporation, this basic region (KNKEK) at the N terminus of the nucleocapsid protein is crucial for the onset of reverse transcription. Mutations that change the positive charge of the region to a negative one significantly reduced specific gRNA packaging. The assembly of immature particles of this mutant was reoriented from the perinuclear region to the plasma membrane. On the contrary, an enhancement of the basic character of this region increased both the efficiency of gRNA packaging and the infectivity of the virus. However, the onset of reverse transcription was delayed even in this mutant. In summary, the basic region in M-PMV Gag plays a key role in the packaging of genomic RNA and, consequently, in assembly and reverse transcription.
Collapse
|
23
|
Olson ED, Musier-Forsyth K. Retroviral Gag protein-RNA interactions: Implications for specific genomic RNA packaging and virion assembly. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 86:129-139. [PMID: 29580971 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Retroviral Gag proteins are responsible for coordinating many aspects of virion assembly. Gag possesses two distinct nucleic acid binding domains, matrix (MA) and nucleocapsid (NC). One of the critical functions of Gag is to specifically recognize, bind, and package the retroviral genomic RNA (gRNA) into assembling virions. Gag interactions with cellular RNAs have also been shown to regulate aspects of assembly. Recent results have shed light on the role of MA and NC domain interactions with nucleic acids, and how they jointly function to ensure packaging of the retroviral gRNA. Here, we will review the literature regarding RNA interactions with NC, MA, as well as overall mechanisms employed by Gag to interact with RNA. The discussion focuses on human immunodeficiency virus type-1, but other retroviruses will also be discussed. A model is presented combining all of the available data summarizing the various factors and layers of selection Gag employs to ensure specific gRNA packaging and correct virion assembly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for RNA Biology, and Center for Retrovirus Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Boeras I, Seufzer B, Brady S, Rendahl A, Heng X, Boris-Lawrie K. The basal translation rate of authentic HIV-1 RNA is regulated by 5'UTR nt-pairings at junction of R and U5. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6902. [PMID: 28761163 PMCID: PMC5537239 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06883-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The paradigm protein synthesis rate is regulated by structural complexity of the 5′untranslated region (UTR) derives from bacterial and other riboswitches. In-solution, HIV-1 5′UTR forms two interchangeable long-range nucleotide (nt) -pairings, one sequesters the gag start codon promoting dimerization while the other sequesters the dimer initiation signal preventing dimerization. While the effect of these nt-pairings on dimerization and packaging has been documented their effect on authentic HIV translation in cellulo has remained elusive until now. HIVNL4-3 5′UTR substitutions were designed to individually stabilize the dimer-prone or monomer-prone conformations, validated in-solution, and introduced to molecular clones. The effect of 5′UTR conformation on ribosome loading to HIV unspliced RNA and rate of Gag polypeptide synthesis was quantified in cellulo. Monomer- and dimer-prone 5′UTRs displayed equivalent, basal rate of translation. Gain-of-function substitution U103, in conjunction with previously defined nt-pairings that reorient AUG to flexible nt-pairing, significantly activated the translation rate, indicating the basal translation rate is under positive selection. The observed translation up-mutation focuses attention to nt-pairings at the junction of R and U5, a poorly characterized structure upstream of the characterized HIV riboswitch and demonstrates the basal translation rate of authentic HIV RNA is regulated independently of monomer:dimer equilibrium of the 5′UTR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Boeras
- University of Minnesota, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1971 Commonwealth, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - B Seufzer
- University of Minnesota, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1971 Commonwealth, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - S Brady
- University of Missouri, Department of Biochemistry, 503 S. College Ave, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - A Rendahl
- University of Minnesota, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1971 Commonwealth, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - X Heng
- University of Missouri, Department of Biochemistry, 503 S. College Ave, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
| | - K Boris-Lawrie
- University of Minnesota, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, 1971 Commonwealth, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Subcellular Localization of HIV-1 gag-pol mRNAs Regulates Sites of Virion Assembly. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.02315-16. [PMID: 28053097 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02315-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Full-length unspliced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNAs serve dual roles in the cytoplasm as mRNAs encoding the Gag and Gag-Pol capsid proteins as well as genomic RNAs (gRNAs) packaged by Gag into virions undergoing assembly at the plasma membrane (PM). Because Gag is sufficient to drive the assembly of virus-like particles even in the absence of gRNA binding, whether viral RNA trafficking plays an active role in the native assembly pathway is unknown. In this study, we tested the effects of modulating the cytoplasmic abundance or distribution of full-length viral RNAs on Gag trafficking and assembly in the context of single cells. Increasing full-length viral RNA abundance or distribution had little-to-no net effect on Gag assembly competency when provided in trans In contrast, artificially tethering full-length viral RNAs or surrogate gag-pol mRNAs competent for Gag synthesis to non-PM membranes or the actin cytoskeleton severely reduced net virus particle production. These effects were explained, in large part, by RNA-directed changes to Gag's distribution in the cytoplasm, yielding aberrant subcellular sites of virion assembly. Interestingly, RNA-dependent disruption of Gag trafficking required either of two cis-acting RNA regulatory elements: the 5' packaging signal (Psi) bound by Gag during genome encapsidation or, unexpectedly, the Rev response element (RRE), which regulates the nuclear export of gRNAs and other intron-retaining viral RNAs. Taken together, these data support a model for native infection wherein structural features of the gag-pol mRNA actively compartmentalize Gag to preferred sites within the cytoplasm and/or PM.IMPORTANCE The spatial distribution of viral mRNAs within the cytoplasm can be a crucial determinant of efficient translation and successful virion production. Here we provide direct evidence that mRNA subcellular trafficking plays an important role in regulating the assembly of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virus particles at the plasma membrane (PM). Artificially tethering viral mRNAs encoding Gag capsid proteins (gag-pol mRNAs) to distinct non-PM subcellular locales, such as cytoplasmic vesicles or the actin cytoskeleton, markedly alters Gag subcellular distribution, relocates sites of assembly, and reduces net virus particle production. These observations support a model for native HIV-1 assembly wherein HIV-1 gag-pol mRNA localization helps to confine interactions between Gag, viral RNAs, and host determinants in order to ensure virion production at the right place and right time. Direct perturbation of HIV-1 mRNA subcellular localization may represent a novel antiviral strategy.
Collapse
|
26
|
Post K, Olson ED, Naufer MN, Gorelick RJ, Rouzina I, Williams MC, Musier-Forsyth K, Levin JG. Mechanistic differences between HIV-1 and SIV nucleocapsid proteins and cross-species HIV-1 genomic RNA recognition. Retrovirology 2016; 13:89. [PMID: 28034301 PMCID: PMC5198506 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-016-0322-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nucleocapsid (NC) domain of HIV-1 Gag is responsible for specific recognition and packaging of genomic RNA (gRNA) into new viral particles. This occurs through specific interactions between the Gag NC domain and the Psi packaging signal in gRNA. In addition to this critical function, NC proteins are also nucleic acid (NA) chaperone proteins that facilitate NA rearrangements during reverse transcription. Although the interaction with Psi and chaperone activity of HIV-1 NC have been well characterized in vitro, little is known about simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) NC. Non-human primates are frequently used as a platform to study retroviral infection in vivo; thus, it is important to understand underlying mechanistic differences between HIV-1 and SIV NC. RESULTS Here, we characterize SIV NC chaperone activity for the first time. Only modest differences are observed in the ability of SIV NC to facilitate reactions that mimic the minus-strand annealing and transfer steps of reverse transcription relative to HIV-1 NC, with the latter displaying slightly higher strand transfer and annealing rates. Quantitative single molecule DNA stretching studies and dynamic light scattering experiments reveal that these differences are due to significantly increased DNA compaction energy and higher aggregation capability of HIV-1 NC relative to the SIV protein. Using salt-titration binding assays, we find that both proteins are strikingly similar in their ability to specifically interact with HIV-1 Psi RNA. In contrast, they do not demonstrate specific binding to an RNA derived from the putative SIV packaging signal. CONCLUSIONS Based on these studies, we conclude that (1) HIV-1 NC is a slightly more efficient NA chaperone protein than SIV NC, (2) mechanistic differences between the NA interactions of highly similar retroviral NC proteins are revealed by quantitative single molecule DNA stretching, and (3) SIV NC demonstrates cross-species recognition of the HIV-1 Psi RNA packaging signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klara Post
- Section on Viral Gene Regulation, Program in Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-2780 USA
| | - Erik D. Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - M. Nabuan Naufer
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Robert J. Gorelick
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702-1201 USA
| | - Ioulia Rouzina
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Mark C. Williams
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Karin Musier-Forsyth
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Center for Retrovirus Research, and Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Judith G. Levin
- Section on Viral Gene Regulation, Program in Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-2780 USA
| |
Collapse
|