No detectable truncating mutations in large T antigen (LT-Ag) sequence of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA obtained from porocarcinomas

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In tumor cells the MCPyV large T antigen (LT-Ag) is frequently found truncated and this is considered a major tumor-specific signature. The role of MCPyV in other, non-MCC tumours, is little known. Viral DNA and/or tumour-specific mutations have been sometimes detected in different tumours, but such data are not unequivocal and the involvement of the virus in the tumorigenesis is not clear. In a previous study, we demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of MCPyV DNA in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) porocarcinoma tissues compared to the normal skin. In the present study, we investigated the presence of truncating mutations in MCPyV LT-Ag coding region in porocarcinoma specimens. Using several overlapped PCR primer pairs, the complete LT-Ag sequence from two biopsies were obtained. No truncating mutations were detected. The lack of truncating mutations in LT-Ag sequence does not seem to support the role of MCPyV in porocarcinoma oncogenesis. However, an oncogenetic mechanism, different from that proposed for MCC and not associated with the LT-Ag mutations/deletions, cannot be excluded. Further studies of more sequences coding for LT-Ag would be needed to verify this hypothesis.

Molecular investigation of some DNA viruses in mucosal melanoma: Case-control study

The association between viral infections and both cutaneous and mucosal melanoma (MM) has not been fully investigated. Here, we assessed the prevalence of the DNA of a broad range of viruses in 31 MMs and 15 biopsies of healthy mucosa (HM) using molecular methods. The parvoviruses CuV and B19V, herpesviruses HSV1, HSV2, EBV, HHV6, and HHV8, polyomavirus MCPyV, and α-HPVs were not detected, or rarely found, in MMs, and in HM, of the digestive, respiratory, and female genital tract. The overall prevalence of β-HPV in MMs was not significantly higher compared to that in HM (70.9% and 53.3% respectively; p = 0.514). However, the number of MMs positive for β-HPV types belonging to Species 3 and 5 and for some viral types belonging to Species 1, 2, 3, and 5 were significantly higher compared with HM (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to HM, the MM samples contained a significantly higher number of β-HPV types, mainly belonging to Species 1, 3, and 5 (p < 0.05). Our data, although suggesting a role for certain β-HPV types in MM oncogenesis, require additional investigation in larger populations to support this hypothesis.

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) induces cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts: putative role in SSc-associated fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Emerging evidence demonstrates that excessive accumulation of senescent cells is associated with some chronic diseases and suggests a pathogenic role of cellular senescence in fibrotic processes, such as that occurring in aging or in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Recently, we demonstrated that parvovirus B19 (B19V) activates normal human dermal fibroblasts and induces expression of different profibrotic/proinflammatory genes. This observation prompted us to investigate whether it is also able to induce fibroblast senescence as a potential pathogenetic mechanism in B19V-induced fibrosis.

METHODS

Primary cultures of fibroblasts were infected with B19V and analyzed for the acquisition of senescence markers, such as morphological modifications, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity, DNA damage response (DDR) and expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-related factors.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that B19V-infected fibroblasts develop typical senescence features such as enlarged and flat-shaped morphology and SA-β-gal activity similar to that observed in SSc skin fibroblasts. They also developed a SASP-like phenotype characterized by mRNA expression and release of some proinflammatory cytokines, along with activation of transcription factor NFkB. Moreover, we observed B19V-induced DNA damage with the comet assay: a subpopulation of fibroblasts from B19V-infected cultures showed a significant higher level of DNA strand breaks and oxidative damage compared with mock-infected cells. Increased level and nuclear localization of ɣH2AX, a hallmark of DNA damage response, were also found.

CONCLUSIONS

B19V-induced senescence and production of SASP-like factors in normal dermal fibroblasts could represent a new pathogenic mechanism of non-productive B19V infection, which may have a role in the fibrotic process.

Insights into the knowledge of complex diseases: Environmental infectious/toxic agents as potential etiopathogenetic factors of systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease secondary to three cardinal pathological features: immune-system alterations, diffuse microangiopathy, and fibrosis involving the skin and internal organs. The etiology of SSc remains quite obscure; it may encompass multiple host genetic and environmental -infectious/chemical-factors. The present review focused on the potential role of environmental agents in the etiopathogenesis of SSc based on epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory investigations previously published in the world literature. Among infectious agents, some viruses that may persist and reactivate in infected individuals, namely human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6), and parvovirus B19 (B19V), and retroviruses have been proposed as potential causative agents of SSc. These viruses share a number of biological activities and consequent pathological alterations, such as endothelial dysfunction and/or fibroblast activation. Moreover, the acute worsening of pre-existing interstitial lung involvement observed in SSc patients with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection might suggest a potential role of this virus in the overall disease outcome. A variety of chemical/occupational agents might be regarded as putative etiological factors of SSc. In this setting, the SSc complicating silica dust exposure represents one of the most promising models of study. Considering the complexity of SSc pathogenesis, none of suggested causative factors may explain the appearance of the whole SSc; it is likely that the disease is the result of a multifactorial and multistep pathogenetic process. A variable combination of potential etiological factors may modulate the appearance of different clinical phenotypes detectable in individual scleroderma patients. The in-deep investigations on the SSc etiopathogenesis may provide useful insights in the broad field of human diseases characterized by diffuse microangiopathy or altered fibrogenesis.

Parvovirus B19 activates in vitro normal human dermal fibroblasts: a possible implication in skin fibrosis and systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Fibrosis is the most characteristic pathological hallmark of SSc, a connective tissue disease characterized by vascular and immunological abnormalities, inflammation and enhanced extracellular matrix production, leading to progressive fibrosis of skin and internal organs. We previously demonstrated that parvovirus B19 (B19V) can infect normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and that B19V persists in SSc fibroblasts. In this study, we investigated whether parvovirus B19V is able to activate in vitro NHDFs and to induce in these cells some phenotypic features similar to that observed in the SSc fibroblasts.

METHODS

We preliminarily analysed the time course of B19V infection in cultured NHDFs, then we investigated the ability of B19V to induce cell migration, invasive phenotype and mRNA expression of some profibrotic and/or proinflammatory genes.

RESULTS

We confirmed our previous findings that B19V infects NHDFs, but the infection is not productive. After incubation with B19V, NHDFs showed a significant increase of both migration and invasiveness, along with mRNA expression of different profibrotic genes (α-SMA, EDN-1, IL-6, TGF-β1 receptors 1 and 2, Col1α2), some genes associated with inflammasome platform (AIM2, IFI16, IL-1β, CASP-1) and genes for metalloprotease (MMP 2, 9 and 12).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that B19V can activate dermal fibroblasts and may have a role in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. B19V-induced fibroblast migration and invasiveness could be due to the B19V-associated MMP9 overexpression and activation. Moreover, the up-regulation of MMP12, typical of SSc, could link the B19V infection of fibroblasts to the anti-angiogenic process.

Sequence-dependent response of DNA to torsional stress: a potential biological regulation mechanism

Torsional restraints on DNA change in time and space during the life of the cell and are an integral part of processes such as gene expression, DNA repair and packaging. The mechanical behavior of DNA under torsional stress has been studied on a mesoscopic scale, but little is known concerning its response at the level of individual base pairs and the effects of base pair composition. To answer this question, we have developed a geometrical restraint that can accurately control the total twist of a DNA segment during all-atom molecular dynamics simulations. By applying this restraint to four different DNA oligomers, we are able to show that DNA responds to both under- and overtwisting in a very heterogeneous manner. Certain base pair steps, in specific sequence environments, are able to absorb most of the torsional stress, leaving other steps close to their relaxed conformation. This heterogeneity also affects the local torsional modulus of DNA. These findings suggest that modifying torsional stress on DNA could act as a modulator for protein binding via the heterogeneous changes in local DNA structure.

TiO2-Based Nanomaterials for Gas Sensing-Influence of Anatase and Rutile Contributions

The paper deals with application of three nanomaterial systems: undoped TiO₂, chromium-doped TiO₂:Cr and TiO₂-SnO₂ synthesized by flame spray synthesis (FSS) technique for hydrogen sensing. The emphasis is put on the role of anatase and rutile polymorphic forms of TiO₂ in enhancing sensitivity towards reducing gases. Anatase-to-rutile transformation is achieved by annealing of undoped TiO₂ in air at 700 °C, specific Cr doping and modification with SnO₂. Undoped TiO₂ and TiO₂-SnO₂ exhibit n-type behaviour and while TiO₂: 5 at.% Cr is a p-type semiconductor. X-ray diffraction (XRD) has been applied to determine anatase-to-rutile weight ratio as well as anatase and rutile crystal size. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have been used to characterize the structure and morphological parameters. Optical reflectometry enabled to find and compare the band gaps E _g of anatase and rutile predominated compositions. Electrical properties, i.e. the electrical conductivity and values of constant phase element (CPE), have been established on the basis of impedance spectroscopy. Dynamic responses of the electrical resistance as a function of hydrogen concentration revealed that predominance of rutile in anatase/rutile mixture is beneficial for gas sensing. Partial transformation to rutile in all three material systems under study resulted in an increased sensitivity towards hydrogen. It is proposed that this effect can be explained in a similar way as in photocatalysis, i.e. by specific band alignment and electron transfer from rutile to anatase to facilitate oxygen preadsorption on the surface of anatase grains.

Analyzing DNA curvature and its impact on the ionic environment: application to molecular dynamics simulations of minicircles

We propose a method for analyzing the magnitude and direction of curvature within nucleic acids, based on the curvilinear helical axis calculated by Curves+. The method is applied to analyzing curvature within minicircles constructed with varying degrees of over- or under-twisting. Using the molecular dynamics trajectories of three different minicircles, we are able to quantify how curvature varies locally both in space and in time. We also analyze how curvature influences the local environment of the minicircles, notably via increased heterogeneity in the ionic distributions surrounding the double helix. The approach we propose has been integrated into Curves+ and the utilities Canal (time trajectory analysis) and Canion (environmental analysis) and can be used to study a wide variety of static and dynamic structural data on nucleic acids.

Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) vs quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) approach for detection and quantification of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) cutaneous biopsies

BACKGROUND

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is associated with Merkel cell carcinoma and high viral load in the skin was proposed as a risk factor for the occurrence of this tumour. MCPyV DNA was detected, with lower frequency, in different skin cancers but since the viral load was usually low, the real prevalence of viral DNA could be underestimated.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the performance of two assays (qPCR and ddPCR) for MCPyV detection and quantification in formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples.

METHODS

Both assays were designed to simultaneous detection and quantification of both MCPyV as well as house-keeping DNA in clinical samples. The performance of MCPyV quantification was investigated using serial dilutions of cloned target DNA. We also evaluated the applicability of both tests for the analysis of 76 FFPE cutaneous biopsies.

RESULTS

The two approaches resulted equivalent with regard to the reproducibility and repeatability and showed a high degree of linearity in the dynamic range tested in the present study. Moreover, qPCR was able to quantify ≥10⁵ copies per reaction, while the upper limit of ddPCR was 10⁴ copies. There was not significant difference between viral load measured by the two methods The detection limit of both tests was 0,15 copies per reaction, however, the number of positive samples obtained by ddPCR was higher than that obtained by qPCR (45% and 37% respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The ddPCR represents a better method for detection of MCPyV in FFPE biopsies, mostly these containing low copies number of viral genome.

Human herpesviruses respiratory infections in patients with acute respiratory distress (ARDS)

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is today a leading cause of hospitalization in intensive care unit (ICU). ARDS and pneumonia are closely related to critically ill patients; however, the etiologic agent is not always identified. The presence of human herpes simplex virus 1, human cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus in respiratory samples of critically ill patients is increasingly reported even without canonical immunosuppression. The main aim of this study was to better understand the significance of herpesviruses finding in lower respiratory tract of ARDS patients hospitalized in ICU. The presence of this group of herpesviruses, in addition to the research of influenza viruses and other common respiratory viruses, was investigated in respiratory samples from 54 patients hospitalized in ICU, without a known microbiological causative agent. Moreover, the immunophenotype of each patient was analyzed. Herpesviruses DNA presence in the lower respiratory tract seemed not attributable to an impaired immunophenotype, whereas a significant correlation was observed between herpesviruses positivity and influenza virus infection. A higher ICU mortality was significantly related to the presence of herpesvirus infection in the lower respiratory tract as well as to impaired immunophenotype, as patients with poor outcome showed severe lymphopenia, affecting in particular T (CD3+) cells, since the first days of ICU hospitalization. In conclusion, these results indicate that herpesviruses lower respiratory tract infection, which occurs more frequently following influenza virus infection, can be a negative prognostic marker. An independent risk factor for ICU patients with ARDS is an impaired immunophenotype.

μABC: a systematic microsecond molecular dynamics study of tetranucleotide sequence effects in B-DNA

We present the results of microsecond molecular dynamics simulations carried out by the ABC group of laboratories on a set of B-DNA oligomers containing the 136 distinct tetranucleotide base sequences. We demonstrate that the resulting trajectories have extensively sampled the conformational space accessible to B-DNA at room temperature. We confirm that base sequence effects depend strongly not only on the specific base pair step, but also on the specific base pairs that flank each step. Beyond sequence effects on average helical parameters and conformational fluctuations, we also identify tetranucleotide sequences that oscillate between several distinct conformational substates. By analyzing the conformation of the phosphodiester backbones, it is possible to understand for which sequences these substates will arise, and what impact they will have on specific helical parameters.

Unraveling the sequence-dependent polymorphic behavior of d(CpG) steps in B-DNA

We have made a detailed study of one of the most surprising sources of polymorphism in B-DNA: the high twist/low twist (HT/LT) conformational change in the d(CpG) base pair step. Using extensive computations, complemented with database analysis, we were able to characterize the twist polymorphism in the d(CpG) step in all the possible tetranucleotide environment. We found that twist polymorphism is coupled with BI/BII transitions, and, quite surprisingly, with slide polymorphism in the neighboring step. Unexpectedly, the penetration of cations into the minor groove of the d(CpG) step seems to be the key element in promoting twist transitions. The tetranucleotide environment also plays an important role in the sequence-dependent d(CpG) polymorphism. In this connection, we have detected a previously unexplored intramolecular C-H···O hydrogen bond interaction that stabilizes the low twist state when 3'-purines flank the d(CpG) step. This work explains a coupled mechanism involving several apparently uncorrelated conformational transitions that has only been partially inferred by earlier experimental or theoretical studies. Our results provide a complete description of twist polymorphism in d(CpG) steps and a detailed picture of the molecular choreography associated with this conformational change.

Analyzing ion distributions around DNA

We present a new method for analyzing ion, or molecule, distributions around helical nucleic acids and illustrate the approach by analyzing data derived from molecular dynamics simulations. The analysis is based on the use of curvilinear helicoidal coordinates and leads to highly localized ion densities compared to those obtained by simply superposing molecular dynamics snapshots in Cartesian space. The results identify highly populated and sequence-dependent regions where ions strongly interact with the nucleic and are coupled to its conformational fluctuations. The data from this approach is presented as ion populations or ion densities (in units of molarity) and can be analyzed in radial, angular and longitudinal coordinates using 1D or 2D graphics. It is also possible to regenerate 3D densities in Cartesian space. This approach makes it easy to understand and compare ion distributions and also allows the calculation of average ion populations in any desired zone surrounding a nucleic acid without requiring references to its constituent atoms. The method is illustrated using microsecond molecular dynamics simulations for two different DNA oligomers in the presence of 0.15 M potassium chloride. We discuss the results in terms of convergence, sequence-specific ion binding and coupling with DNA conformation.

Pattern of HPV infection in basal cell carcinoma and in perilesional skin biopsies from immunocompetent patients

BACKGROUND

The association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is not yet fully understood. We analysed the prevalence and spectrum of cutaneous beta-HPV types and mucosal/genital HPV types in paired biopsies (tumour and corresponding perilesional skin) obtained from 50 BCC immunocompetent patients. A small group of SCC patients (n=9) was also included. We also evaluated some previously postulated risk factors for HPV infection in NMSC patients.

RESULTS

All biopsies were negative for mucosal/genital HPV types. Overall, beta-HPV DNA was detected more often in SCC compared to BCC patients (78% vs 55% of total samples). The frequency of infection increased with the patient's age [OR=4.88 (95% CI 1.29-18.39)]. There was no significant correlation between beta-HPV positivity and sex, skin type and UV exposure. The prevalence of beta-HPV species 1 types was significantly higher than those belonging to other beta-HPV species in biopsies from BCC (p=0.022) but not from SCC subjects (p=0.091). There was no significant difference in the overall prevalence of beta-HPV infection and the number of viral types between tumour lesions and perilesional skin. BCC samples were significantly more likely to be infected with beta-HPV species 1 types compared to perilesional skin (p=0.036) and showed a higher frequency of mixed infections (p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that beta-HPV types belonging to species 1 are the most common HPV types detected in the skin of BCC patients. Moreover beta-1-HPV types and mixed infections are significantly more frequent in tumour samples than in healthy perilesional skin. Our results suggest that beta-1-HPVs as well as co-infection with more than one viral type could be important in NMSC and in particular in BCC.Further studies aimed to compare the biological activity of viral types in tumours and in healthy skin (viral replication and expression, interference of infection with cellular functions) are necessary to understand the role of HPV infection in skin cancer.

Thin films of TiO2:N for photo-electrochemical applications

Dc-pulsed magnetron sputtering from Ti target in reactive Ar+O2+N2 atmosphere was used to grow stoichiometric TiO2:N and non-stoichiometric TiO2-x:N thin films. X-ray diffraction at glancing incidence, atomic force microscopy AFM, scanning electron microscopy SEM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy XPS, and optical spectrophotometry were applied for sample characterization. Measurements of photocurrent versus voltage and wavelength over the ultraviolet uv and visible vis ranges of the light spectrum were performed in order to assess the performance of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide thin films as photoanodes for hydrogen generation in photoelectrochemical cells, PEC. Undoped TiO2 and TiO2-x films were found to be composed of anatase and rutile mixture with larger anatase crystallites (25-35 nm) while the growth of smaller rutile crystallites (6-10 nm) predominated at higher nitrogen flow rates etaN2 as measured in standard cubic centimeters, sccm. Nitrogen-to-titanium ratio increased from N/Ti = 0.05 at etaN2 = 0.8 sccm for stoichiometric TiO2:N to N/Ti = 0.11 at etaN2 = 0.8 sccm for nonstoichiometric TiO2-x:N thin films. A red-shift in the optical absorbance was observed with an increase in etaN2. Doping with nitrogen improved photoelectrochemical properties over the visible range of the light spectrum in the case of nonstoichiometric samples.

CURVES+ web server for analyzing and visualizing the helical, backbone and groove parameters of nucleic acid structures

Curves+, a revised version of the Curves software for analyzing the conformation of nucleic acid structures, is now available as a web server. This version, which can be freely accessed at http://gbio-pbil.ibcp.fr/cgi/Curves_plus/, allows the user to upload a nucleic acid structure file, choose the nucleotides to be analyzed and after optionally setting a number of input variables, view the numerical and graphic results online or download files containing a set of helical, backbone and groove parameters that fully describe the structure. PDB format files are also provided for offline visualization of the helical axis and groove geometry.

Human parvovirus PARV4 DNA in tissues from adult individuals: a comparison with human parvovirus B19 (B19V)

Background

PARV4 is a new member of the Parvoviridae family not closely related to any of the known human parvoviruses. Viremia seems to be a hallmark of PARV4 infection and viral DNA persistence has been demonstrated in a few tissues. Till now, PARV4 has not been associated with any disease and its prevalence in human population has not been clearly established. This study was aimed to assess the tissue distribution and the ability to persist of PARV4 in comparison to parvovirus B19 (B19V).

Results

PARV4 and B19V DNA detection was carried out in various tissues of individuals without suspect of acute viral infection, by a real time PCR and a nested PCR, targeting the ORF2 and the ORF1 respectively. Low amount of PARV4 DNA was found frequently (>40%) in heart and liver of adults individuals, less frequently in lungs and kidneys (23,5 and 18% respectively) and was rare in bone marrow, skin and synovium samples (5,5%, 4% and 5%, respectively). By comparison, B19V DNA sequences were present in the same tissues with a higher frequency (significantly higher in myocardium, skin and bone marrow) except than in liver where the frequency was the same of PARV4 DNA and in plasma samples where B19V frequency was significantly lower than that of PARV4

Conclusions

The particular tropism of PARV4 for liver and heart, here emerged, suggests to focus further studies on these tissues as possible target for viral replication and on the possible role of PARV4 infection in liver and heart diseases. Neither bone marrow nor kidney seem to be a common target of viral replication.

TiO2-based nanopowders and thin films for photocatalytical applications

TiO2-based nanopowders are elaborated by flame spray synthesis, FSS from organic precursors of titanium and chromium with the Cr content changing from 0 to 15 at.%. Well-crystallized nanopowders with high specific surface area SSA reaching 107 m2/g for undoped TiO2 and 177 m2/g for TiO2 + 15 at.% Cr are obtained. Thin films are deposited by rf reactive sputtering from metallic Ti and Ti-Cr targets in Ar + O2 flow controlled atmosphere. The adjustable area of Cr/Ti allows to obtain up to 16 at.% Cr in TiO2 thin films. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron spectroscopy, TEM, atomic force microscopy, AFM and optical spectrophotometry over the ultraviolet UV and visible VIS range of the light spectrum have been performed in order to characterize the nanomaterials. The particle size of nanopowders is within the range of 5-42 nm. Anatase is the predominating polymorphic form while the amount of rutile increases with Cr content to reach of about 25 wt.% at 15 at.% Cr. The post-deposition annealing of thin films in air at temperatures from 770 K to 1280 K modifies the phase composition, leads to irreversible transformation from anatase to rutile and affects the surface roughness. Structural and optical properties of TiO2-based nanopowders and thin films are compared. The effect of grain size and the level of chromium doping on the band gap E(g) is discussed. Photocatalytic activity of the nanopowders is tested for degradation of methylene blue, MB.

Effectiveness of nanofiltration in removing small non-enveloped viruses from three different plasma-derived products

The objective of this study was to assess the ability of nanofiltration of albumin solution, prothrombin complex (PTC) and factor IX (FIX) to remove two small, non-enveloped DNA viruses, parvovirus B19 (B19V) and torque teno virus (TTV). Virus removal was investigated with down-scale experiments performed with sequential steps of 35-nm and 15-nm nanofiltrations of products spiked with virus DNA-positive sera. Viral loads were determined by real-time PCRs. The 15-nm nanofiltration removed more than 4.0 B19V log from all the products, TTV was reduced of more than 3.0 log from albumin solution and FIX by 35-nm and 15-nm nanofiltrations, respectively, being viral DNA undetectable after these treatments. Traces of TTV were still found in PTC after the 15-nm nanofiltration. In conclusion, nanofiltration can be efficacious in removing small naked viruses but, since viruses with similar features can differently respond to the treatment, a careful monitoring of large-scale nanofiltration should be performed.

A systematic molecular dynamics study of nearest-neighbor effects on base pair and base pair step conformations and fluctuations in B-DNA

It is well recognized that base sequence exerts a significant influence on the properties of DNA and plays a significant role in protein–DNA interactions vital for cellular processes. Understanding and predicting base sequence effects requires an extensive structural and dynamic dataset which is currently unavailable from experiment. A consortium of laboratories was consequently formed to obtain this information using molecular simulations. This article describes results providing information not only on all 10 unique base pair steps, but also on all possible nearest-neighbor effects on these steps. These results are derived from simulations of 50–100 ns on 39 different DNA oligomers in explicit solvent and using a physiological salt concentration. We demonstrate that the simulations are converged in terms of helical and backbone parameters. The results show that nearest-neighbor effects on base pair steps are very significant, implying that dinucleotide models are insufficient for predicting sequence-dependent behavior. Flanking base sequences can notably lead to base pair step parameters in dynamic equilibrium between two conformational sub-states. Although this study only provides limited data on next-nearest-neighbor effects, we suggest that such effects should be analyzed before attempting to predict the sequence-dependent behavior of DNA.

Protein-DNA binding specificity: a grid-enabled computational approach applied to single and multiple protein assemblies

We use a physics-based approach termed ADAPT to analyse the sequence-specific interactions of three proteins which bind to DNA on the side of the minor groove. The analysis is able to estimate the binding energy for all potential sequences, overcoming the combinatorial problem via a divide-and-conquer approach which breaks the protein-DNA interface down into a series of overlapping oligomeric fragments. All possible base sequences are studied for each fragment. Energy minimisation with an all-atom representation and a conventional force field allows for conformational adaptation of the DNA and of the protein side chains for each new sequence. As a result, the analysis depends linearly on the length of the binding site and complexes as large as the nucleosome can be treated, although this requires access to grid computing facilities. The results on the three complexes studied are in good agreement with experiment. Although they all involve significant DNA deformation, it is found that this does not necessarily imply that the recognition will be dominated by the sequence-dependent mechanical properties of DNA.

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in systemic sclerosis patients

BACKGROUND

Our previous reports suggested a possible association between parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection and systemic sclerosis (SSc), based on higher prevalence of B19V DNA in SSc patients in respect to controls.

METHODS

In the present study, to further evaluate the differences in the pattern of B19 infection in SSc, skin biopsies and bone marrow samples from patients and controls were analysed for B19V DNA detection, genotyping and viral expression.

RESULTS

B19V DNA was detected in skin biopsies from 39/49 SSc patients and from 20/28 controls. Bone marrow showed positive in 17/29 SSc patients, 5/21 haematological patients and 0/10 healthy controls. Genotype 1 was more frequent in skin and bone marrow from patients than from controls. Simultaneous persistence of 2 genotypes was detected in SSc skin and bone marrow samples, never in controls. Viral mRNA for capsid protein was detected in the skin of genotype 1-positive patients and not in control skins.

CONCLUSION

The results outline some differences in the rate of persistence of B19V DNA, in the simultaneous persistence of 2 genotypes and in the pattern of viral expression among SSc patients and controls.

Conformational analysis of nucleic acids revisited: Curves+

We describe Curves+, a new nucleic acid conformational analysis program which is applicable to a wide range of nucleic acid structures, including those with up to four strands and with either canonical or modified bases and backbones. The program is algorithmically simpler and computationally much faster than the earlier Curves approach, although it still provides both helical and backbone parameters, including a curvilinear axis and parameters relating the position of the bases to this axis. It additionally provides a full analysis of groove widths and depths. Curves+ can also be used to analyse molecular dynamics trajectories. With the help of the accompanying program Canal, it is possible to produce a variety of graphical output including parameter variations along a given structure and time series or histograms of parameter variations during dynamics.

Local and global effects of strong DNA bending induced during molecular dynamics simulations

DNA bending plays an important role in many biological processes, but its molecular and energetic details as a function of base sequence remain to be fully understood. Using a recently developed restraint, we have studied the controlled bending of four different B-DNA oligomers using molecular dynamics simulations. Umbrella sampling with the AMBER program and the recent parmbsc0 force field yield free energy curves for bending. Bending 15-base pair oligomers by 90 degrees requires roughly 5 kcal mol(-1), while reaching 150 degrees requires of the order of 12 kcal mol(-1). Moderate bending occurs mainly through coupled base pair step rolls. Strong bending generally leads to local kinks. The kinks we observe all involve two consecutive base pair steps, with disruption of the central base pair (termed Type II kinks in earlier work). A detailed analysis of each oligomer shows that the free energy of bending only varies quadratically with the bending angle for moderate bending. Beyond this point, in agreement with recent experiments, the variation becomes linear. An harmonic analysis of each base step yields force constants that not only vary with sequence, but also with the degree of bending. Both these observations suggest that DNA is mechanically more complex than simple elastic rod models would imply.

Magnitude and direction of DNA bending induced by screw-axis orientation: influence of sequence, mismatches and abasic sites

DNA-bending flexibility is central for its many biological functions. A new bending restraining method for use in molecular mechanics calculations and molecular dynamics simulations was developed. It is based on an average screw rotation axis definition for DNA segments and allows inducing continuous and smooth bending deformations of a DNA oligonucleotide. In addition to controlling the magnitude of induced bending it is also possible to control the bending direction so that the calculation of a complete (2-dimensional) directional DNA-bending map is now possible. The method was applied to several DNA oligonucleotides including A(adenine)-tract containing sequences known to form stable bent structures and to DNA containing mismatches or an abasic site. In case of G:A and C:C mismatches a greater variety of conformations bent in various directions compared to regular B-DNA was found. For comparison, a molecular dynamics implementation of the approach was also applied to calculate the free energy change associated with bending of A-tract containing DNA, including deformations significantly beyond the optimal curvature. Good agreement with available experimental data was obtained offering an atomic level explanation for stable bending of A-tract containing DNA molecules. The DNA-bending persistence length estimated from the explicit solvent simulations is also in good agreement with experiment whereas the adiabatic mapping calculations with a GB solvent model predict a bending rigidity roughly two times larger.

DNA-directed assembly of polyanilines: modified cytosine nucleotides transfer sequence programmability to a conjoined polymer

A series of polyaniline (PANI) oligomers was constructed from monomer units covalently linked to duplex DNA through N-(2-aminoethyl) groups bonded through cytosines. DNA oligomers containing the aniline monomers were treated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and H2O2 under conditions known to cause polymerization of aniline. No change in the absorption spectrum of the DNA was observed for samples containing fewer than four contiguous aniline groups. However, for oligomers containing four, five, or six aniline units, treatment with HRP and H2O2 led to the appearance of absorption features characteristic of the conducting "proton doped" emeraldine oxidation state of PANI. Molecular modeling shows that the DNA is distorted in the region of the PANI, but flanking regions of the DNA maintain their B-form structure. These findings provide a method to exploit the self-recognition, self-assembly, and sequence programmability of DNA for the formation of conducting polymers.

Exciton states of dynamic DNA double helices: alternating dCdG sequences

The present communication deals with the excited states of the alternating DNA oligomer (dCdG)5.(dCdG)5 which correspond to the UV absorption band around 260 nm. Their properties are studied in the frame of the exciton theory, combining molecular dynamics simulations and quantum chemistry data. It is shown that the dipolar coupling undergoes important variations with the site and the helix geometry. In contrast, the energy of the monomer transitions within the double helix is not sensitive to the local environment. It is thus considered to be distributed over Gaussian curves whose maximum and width are derived from the experimental absorption spectra of nucleosides in aqueous solution. The influence of the spectral width on the excited state delocalization and the absorption spectra is much stronger than that of the oligomer plasticity. About half of the excited states are delocalized over at least two bases. Many of them result from the mixing of different monomer states and extend on both strands. The trends found in the simulated spectra, when going from non-interacting monomers to the duplex, are in agreement with experimental observations. Conformational changes enhance the diversity of the states which can be populated upon excitation at a given energy. The states with larger spatial extent are located close to the maximum of the absorption spectrum.

Different behavior of erythrovirus B19 and torquetenovirus in response to a single step of albumin purification

BACKGROUND

The safety of human serum albumin (HSA) is of special interest with respect to virus transmission because of the wide use of this blood product as a therapeutic agent and also, added to other products, as an excipient or a stabilizer. Conflicting data are reported concerning HSA contamination by small, naked viruses such as the erythrovirus B19 (B19V) and the anellovirus torquetenovirus (TTV). This study has been performed to assess the effect of the HSA purification procedures on the viral contamination.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Known concentrations of B19V and TTV virus were spiked in raw Fraction V, the starting material from fractionated human plasma for HSA purification, which was subsequently submitted to the depth filtration procedure. After spiking, B19V and TTV genome copies were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays in the mixture at the end of Fraction V dissolution, to determine the virus concentration achieved, in the HSA solution after the filtration step, in the filtered postwashing fluid, and in the supernatant of resuspended Celite.

RESULTS

B19V was completely adsorbed by the Celite used as a filter aid in the depth filtration process and was thus undetectable in the resulting HSA-containing fraction. In contrast, in 2 out of 3 experiments, TTV was detected in all samples.

CONCLUSION

The different behavior of the two viruses might be a reflection of their different surface charge.

ARTIST: An activated method in internal coordinate space for sampling protein energy landscapes

We present the first applications of an activated method in internal coordinate space for sampling all-atom protein conformations, the activation-relaxation technique for internal coordinate space trajectories (ARTIST). This method differs from all previous internal coordinate-based studies aimed at folding or refining protein structures in that conformational changes result from identifying and crossing well-defined saddle points connecting energy minima. Our simulations of four model proteins containing between 4 and 47 amino acids indicate that this method is efficient for exploring conformational space in both sparsely and densely packed environments, and offers new perspectives for applications ranging from computer-aided drug design to supramolecular assembly.

Human parvovirus B19 experimental infection in human fibroblasts and endothelial cells cultures

With the aim to detect what kind of cells, in addition to erythroid progenitors, could be involved in the pathogenesis of B19 infection in some connective tissue diseases, primary cultures of human fibroblasts (HF) and endothelial cells (HUVEC) were exposed to a B19 positive serum (350 genome copies/cell). The presence of NS1 and VP1 mRNA, in both HF and HUVEC cultures 1, 2 and 6 days after the exposure, indicated infection by B19 virus. However, no significant increase of B19 DNA level in the infected HF and HUVEC cultures was detectable through the entire incubation period of 6 days. It is possible that HF and HUVEC are not permissive for B19 virus replication or, alternatively, that few cells only get infected by B19 virus. HF and HUVEC stimulation with different growth factors or cytokines could be required for a B19 productive infection to occur.

UV Spectra and Excitation Delocalization in DNA: Influence of the Spectral Width

The singlet excited states of the model DNA duplex (dA)10.(dT)10 are studied. Calculations are performed in the exciton theory framework. Molecular dynamics calculations provide the duplex geometry. The dipolar coupling is determined using atomic transition charges. The monomer transition energies are simulated by Gaussian functions resembling the absorption bands of nucleosides in aqueous solutions. Most of the excited states are found to be delocalized over at least two bases and result from the mixing of different monomer states. Their properties are only weakly affected by conformational changes of the double helix. On average, the highest oscillator strength is carried by the upper eigenstates. The duplex absorption spectra are shifted a few nanometers to higher energies with respect to the spectra of noninteracting monomers. The states with larger spatial extent are located close to the maximum of the absorption spectrum.

DNA and its counterions: a molecular dynamics study

The behaviour of mobile counterions, Na+ and K+, was analysed around a B-DNA double helix with the sequence CCATGCGCTGAC in aqueous solution during two 50 ns long molecular dynamics trajectories. The movement of both monovalent ions remains diffusive in the presence of DNA. Ions sample the complete space available during the simulation time, although individual ions sample only about one-third of the simulation box. Ions preferentially sample electronegative sites around DNA, but direct binding to DNA bases remains a rather rare event, with highest site occupancy values of <13%. The location of direct binding sites depends greatly on the nature of the counterion. While Na+ binding in both grooves is strongly sequence-dependent with the preferred binding site in the minor groove, K+ mainly visits the major groove and binds close to the centre of the oligomer. The electrostatic potential of an average DNA structure therefore cannot account for the ability of a site to bind a given cation; other factors must also play a role. An extensive analysis of the influence of counterions on DNA conformation showed no evidence of minor groove narrowing upon ion binding. A significant difference between the conformations of the double helix in the different simulations can be attributed to extensive alpha/gamma transitions in the phosphate backbone during the simulation with Na+. These transitions, with lifetimes over tens of nanoseconds, however, appear to be correlated with ion binding to phosphates. The ion-specific conformational properties of DNA, hitherto largely overlooked, may play an important role in DNA recognition and binding.

Sequence and pH effects of LNA-containing triple helix-forming oligonucleotides: physical chemistry, biochemistry, and modeling studies

Triple helix-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) have been demonstrated to be capable of interfering with gene expression and modifying genomic DNA in a sequence-specific manner. Partial incorporation of 2'-O,4'-C-methylene linked locked nucleic acid (LNA) residues in TFOs has been shown to enhance significantly triple helix formation, whereas the full-length LNA TFO failed to form a stable triplex. This work is aimed at understanding the triple helix-forming properties of LNA-containing TFOs and at optimally designing their sequences. Both DNA thermal melting, gel retardation, and restriction enzyme experiments as well as modeling studies by molecular mechanics were carried out to investigate the base composition/sequence and pH-dependence effects of LNA-containing TFOs, as well as their structural features underlying triple helix formation. Alternating LNA substitution every 2-3 nucleotides in TFOs is mandatory, whereas the use of thymine LNA residues should be favored under neutral pH conditions. A rule for designing optimal LNA-containing TFOs is proposed. In addition, alternative LNA and 2'-O-methyl residues in TFOs do not significantly improve triple helix formation.

Presence of TT virus DNA in bone marrow cells from hematologic patients

Recent observations suggest that TT virus (TTV), in addition to liver, may also infect bone marrow. In this study, bone marrow samples and sera from 33 patients with haematological disorders and sera from 16 healthy controls were investigated for TTV DNA presence. Altogether TTV DNA sequences were demonstrated in bone marrow cells of 84.84% of patients. Moreover TTV DNA was detected in sera from 72.72% of patients and from 93.75% of controls. N22 sequences amplified from bone marrow cells and serum of 3 patients were analysed, after cloning: all these isolates were of type 2c and 2 or 3 variants were present in each isolate. After single strand DNA degradation, replicative forms were detectable in BM cells. This finding, in addition to the detection of variants similar in the BM and in the serum of the same patient could suggest that BM is a site of TTV replication (or one of the sites) from which the virus is spread in blood.

DNA deformation energetics and protein binding

The formation of protein-DNA complexes often involves deformation of the DNA double helix. We have calculated the energy necessary to produce this deformation in 71 crystallographically determined complexes, using internal coordinate energy optimization with the JUMNA program and a generalized Born continuum solvent treatment. An analysis of the data allows deformation energy to be interpreted in terms of both local and global structural changes. We find that, in the majority of complexes, roughly 60% of the deformation energy corresponds to backbone distortion. It is also found that large changes in stacking and pairing energies are often compensated for by other, longer range, stabilizing factors. Some deformations, such as base opening, can be large, but only-produce local energetic effects. In terms of backbone distortions, the angle alpha, most often involved in alphagamma transitions, makes the most significant energetic contribution. This type of transition is twice as costly as those involving beta, or coupled epsilonzeta changes. Sugar amplitude changes are also energetically significant, in contrast to changes in phase angles.

Comparison of the cleavage profiles of oligonucleotide duplexes with or without phosphorothioate linkages by using a chemical nuclease probe

A manganese porphyrin complex, Mn-TMPyP, associated with KHSO(5) is a chemical nuclease able to selectively recognize the minor groove of three consecutive AT base pairs of DNA and to mediate very precise cleavage chemistry at that particular site. This specific recognition and cleavage were used to probe the accessibility of the minor groove of DNA duplexes composed of one phosphodiester strand and one phosphorothioate strand. The cleavage of 5'-GCAAAAGC/5'-GCTTTTGC duplexes by Mn-TMPyP/KHSO(5) was monitored by HPLC coupled to electrospray mass analysis. Each single strand was synthesized with all-phosphate, all- Rp-phosphorothioate and all- Sp-phosphorothioate internucleotide bonds. We found that the manganese porphyrin was able to recognize its favorite (AT)(3)-box binding site within the heteroduplexes, as in the case of natural DNA. Molecular modeling studies on the interactions of the reactive porphyrin manganese-oxo species with both types of duplexes confirmed the experimental data.

Antibody response to B19 parvovirus VP1 and VP2 linear epitopes in patients with haemophilic arthritis

Parvovirus B19 infection occurs very frequently in patients with haemophilia on account of its transmission with plasma derivatives. In order to achieve a more defined serological pattern for the study of the role of B19 infection in haemophilic arthritis, 53 serum samples from 37 patients with haemophilic arthritis were investigated for the presence of IgG immune response against B19 VP2 and VP1 linear epitopes and VP2 conformational antigen compared to the serological reactivity against B19 NS1 and to the presence of B19 DNA in the synovial membranes. An IgG immune response against VP1 and VP2 linear epitopes was detected by immunoblot assay using recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli. Specific IgG against VP2 and VP1 linear epitopes were present in 84.90 and 92.45% of haemophilic arthritis patients and in 28.0 and 64.0% of the controls (P<0.001) respectively. All 53 sera of the haemophiliacs (100%) and 66.0% of the controls (P<0.001) were IgG positive and IgM negative against VP2 structural epitopes. Specific IgG against VP2 linear epitopes, which are a serological marker of active or very recent B19 infection, proved to be significantly associated with the presence of anti-NS1 antibodies and with the presence of B19 DNA in synovial tissue in patients with haemophilic arthritis. In conclusion, in these patients the presence of B19 IgG anti-VP2 linear epitopes, in absence of IgM anti-VP2 structural antigens, can be a useful serological marker to diagnose active, recent or persistent B19 infection.