scholarly journals Structural and molecular basis for Cardiovirus 2A protein as a viral gene expression switch

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris H. Hill ◽  
Lukas Pekarek ◽  
Sawsan Napthine ◽  
Anuja Kibe ◽  
Andrew E. Firth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Tweezers ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Rna Recognition ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Multiple Copies ◽  
Rna Pseudoknot

AbstractProgrammed –1 ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) in cardioviruses is activated by the 2A protein, a multi-functional virulence factor that also inhibits cap-dependent translational initiation. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of 2A and show that it selectively binds to a pseudoknot-like conformation of the PRF stimulatory RNA element in the viral genome. Using optical tweezers, we demonstrate that 2A stabilises this RNA element, likely explaining the increase in PRF efficiency in the presence of 2A. Next, we demonstrate a strong interaction between 2A and the small ribosomal subunit and present a cryo-EM structure of 2A bound to initiated 70S ribosomes. Multiple copies of 2A bind to the 16S rRNA where they may compete for binding with initiation and elongation factors. Together, these results define the structural basis for RNA recognition by 2A, show how 2A-mediated stabilisation of an RNA pseudoknot promotes PRF, and reveal how 2A accumulation may shut down translation during virus infection.

scholarly journals Structural studies of Cardiovirus 2A protein reveal the molecular basis for RNA recognition and translational control

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris H. Hill ◽  
Sawsan Napthine ◽  
Lukas Pekarek ◽  
Anuja Kibe ◽  
Andrew E. Firth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Structural Data ◽  
Encephalomyocarditis Virus ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Rna Recognition ◽  
Folding Energy ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Mechanistic Basis

AbstractEncephalomyocarditis virus 2A protein is a multi-functional virulence factor essential for efficient virus replication with roles in stimulating programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting (PRF), inhibiting cap-dependent translational initiation, interfering with nuclear import and export and preventing apoptosis of infected cells. The mechanistic basis for many of these activities is unclear and a lack of structural data has hampered our understanding. Here we present the X-ray crystal structure of 2A, revealing a novel “beta-shell” fold. We show that 2A selectively binds to and stabilises a specific conformation of the stimulatory RNA element in the viral genome that directs PRF at the 2A/2B* junction. We dissect the folding energy landscape of this stimulatory RNA element, revealing multiple conformers, and measure changes in unfolding pathways arising from mutation and 2A binding. Furthermore, we demonstrate a strong interaction between 2A and the small ribosomal subunit and present a high-resolution cryo-EM structure of 2A bound to initiated 70S ribosomes. In this complex, three copies of 2A bind directly to 16S ribosomal RNA at the factor binding site, where they may compete for binding with initiation and elongation factors. Together, these results provide an integrated view of the structural basis for RNA recognition by 2A, expand our understanding of PRF, and provide unexpected insights into how a multifunctional viral protein may shut down translation during virus infection.

Role of the avian retrovirus mRNA leader in expression: evidence for novel translational control

1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 372-379
Author(s):  
R A Katz ◽  
B R Cullen ◽  
R Malavarca ◽  
A M Skalka
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
State Level ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Efficient Expression ◽  
Expression Characterization ◽  
Expression Evidence

Avian retroviral mRNAs contain a long 5' untranslated leader of approximately 380 nucleotides. The leader includes sequences required for viral replication and three AUG codons which precede the AUG codon used for translational initiation of the gag and env genes. We have used sensitive, quantitative assays of viral gene transcription and translation to analyze the role of this mRNA leader in viral gene expression. By substituting segments from related viruses, we had previously shown that the endogenous avian provirus ev-1 contained a defective leader segment (B. R. Cullen, A. M. Skalka, and G. Ju, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:2946-2950, 1983). The sequence analysis presented here, followed by comparison with the nondefective ev-2 endogenous provirus segment, identified the critical changes at nucleotides 4 and 7 upstream of the initiator AUG. These differences do not alter the most conserved nucleotides within the consensus sequence which precedes eucaryotic initiation codons, but lie within a nine-nucleotide region that is otherwise highly conserved among avian retrovirus strains. Analysis of a series of deletion mutants indicated that other sequences within the leader are also required for efficient expression. Characterization of the altered transcripts demonstrated that the presence of the defective ev-1 segment or the deletion of a ca. 200-nucleotide leader segment did not affect the steady-state level or splicing efficiency of these mRNAs. Thus, we conclude that the reduced expression of these mRNAs is due to a translational deficiency. These results indicate that specific leader sequences, other than the previously identified consensus nucleotides which precede eucaryotic AUG initiator codons, can influence eucaryotic gene translation.

Adenovirus infection increases iNOS and peroxynitrite production in the lung

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (3) ◽  
pp. L503-L511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsuzsanna K. Zsengellér ◽  
Gary F. Ross ◽  
Bruce C. Trapnell ◽  
Csaba Szabó ◽  
Jeffrey A. Whitsett
Keyword(s):  
Alveolar Macrophages ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Recombinant Adenovirus ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Inos Expression ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Inos Mrna ◽  
Adenovirus Infection ◽  
Intratracheal Administration

Host inflammatory and immune responses limit viral gene expression after administration of replication-deficient adenoviruses to the lung. The current study asks whether inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and peroxynitrite generation accompanied the inflammatory response following intratracheal administration of adenovirus. Pulmonary iNOS mRNA and protein were increased 2, 7, and 14 days following administration of 2 × 109plaque-forming units of recombinant adenovirus (Av1Luc1) to BALB/c mice. Adenovirus infection was associated with a marked increase in nitrotyrosine staining. Intense nitrotyrosine staining was observed in alveolar macrophages, respiratory epithelial cells, conducting airways, and alveolar spaces 2 days postinfection. Two weeks after exposure to adenovirus, nitrotyrosine staining was detected within alveolar macrophages, suggesting adenovirus enhanced the nitration of proteins that were subsequently taken up by alveolar macrophages. Western blot analysis using anti-nitrotyrosine antibody did not demonstrate accumulation of nitrated surfactant protein A (SP-A), although a small fraction of aggregated SP-A comigrated with a nitrotyrosine-positive protein. iNOS expression, peroxynitrite, and nitrotyrosine generation accompany and may contribute to inflammatory responses to adenovirus in the lung.

scholarly journals Restriction of SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (26) ◽  
pp. e2023051118
Author(s):  
Yu Sun ◽  
Laura Abriola ◽  
Rachel O. Niederer ◽  
Savannah F. Pedersen ◽  
Mia M. Alfajaro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Role ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Open Reading Frame ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Ribosomal Frameshift ◽  
Ribosomal Frameshifting ◽  
Reading Frame ◽  
Rna Pseudoknot ◽  
Proof Of Principle

Translation of open reading frame 1b (ORF1b) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires a programmed −1 ribosomal frameshift (−1 PRF) promoted by an RNA pseudoknot. The extent to which SARS-CoV-2 replication may be sensitive to changes in −1 PRF efficiency is currently unknown. Through an unbiased, reporter-based high-throughput compound screen, we identified merafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial, as a −1 PRF inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2. Frameshift inhibition by merafloxacin is robust to mutations within the pseudoknot region and is similarly effective on −1 PRF of other betacoronaviruses. Consistent with the essential role of −1 PRF in viral gene expression, merafloxacin impedes SARS-CoV-2 replication in Vero E6 cells, thereby providing proof-of-principle for targeting −1 PRF as a plausible and effective antiviral strategy for SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.

scholarly journals Role of the avian retrovirus mRNA leader in expression: evidence for novel translational control.

1986 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 372-379 ◽  
Author(s):  
R A Katz ◽  
B R Cullen ◽  
R Malavarca ◽  
A M Skalka
Keyword(s):  
Translational Control ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
State Level ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Translational Initiation ◽  
Efficient Expression ◽  
Expression Characterization ◽  
Expression Evidence

Avian retroviral mRNAs contain a long 5' untranslated leader of approximately 380 nucleotides. The leader includes sequences required for viral replication and three AUG codons which precede the AUG codon used for translational initiation of the gag and env genes. We have used sensitive, quantitative assays of viral gene transcription and translation to analyze the role of this mRNA leader in viral gene expression. By substituting segments from related viruses, we had previously shown that the endogenous avian provirus ev-1 contained a defective leader segment (B. R. Cullen, A. M. Skalka, and G. Ju, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 80:2946-2950, 1983). The sequence analysis presented here, followed by comparison with the nondefective ev-2 endogenous provirus segment, identified the critical changes at nucleotides 4 and 7 upstream of the initiator AUG. These differences do not alter the most conserved nucleotides within the consensus sequence which precedes eucaryotic initiation codons, but lie within a nine-nucleotide region that is otherwise highly conserved among avian retrovirus strains. Analysis of a series of deletion mutants indicated that other sequences within the leader are also required for efficient expression. Characterization of the altered transcripts demonstrated that the presence of the defective ev-1 segment or the deletion of a ca. 200-nucleotide leader segment did not affect the steady-state level or splicing efficiency of these mRNAs. Thus, we conclude that the reduced expression of these mRNAs is due to a translational deficiency. These results indicate that specific leader sequences, other than the previously identified consensus nucleotides which precede eucaryotic AUG initiator codons, can influence eucaryotic gene translation.

scholarly journals Gamma Interferon Blocks Gammaherpesvirus Reactivation from Latency

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 192-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley L. Steed ◽  
Erik S. Barton ◽  
Scott A. Tibbetts ◽  
Daniel L. Popkin ◽  
Mary L. Lutzke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Gamma Interferon ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Herpesvirus Infection ◽  
Murine Gammaherpesvirus ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Gammaherpesvirus 68 ◽  
Novel Strategy

ABSTRACT Establishment of latent infection and reactivation from latency are critical aspects of herpesvirus infection and pathogenesis. Interfering with either of these steps in the herpesvirus life cycle may offer a novel strategy for controlling herpesvirus infection and associated disease pathogenesis. Prior studies show that mice deficient in gamma interferon (IFN-γ) or the IFN-γ receptor have elevated numbers of cells reactivating from murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) latency, produce infectious virus after the establishment of latency, and develop large-vessel vasculitis. Here, we demonstrate that IFN-γ is a powerful inhibitor of reactivation of γHV68 from latency in tissue culture. In vivo, IFN-γ controls viral gene expression during latency. Importantly, depletion of IFN-γ in latently infected mice results in an increased frequency of cells reactivating virus. This demonstrates that IFN-γ is important for immune surveillance that limits reactivation of γHV68 from latency.

scholarly journals Structural Basis for the C-Terminal Domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ribosome Maturation Factor RimM to Bind Ribosomal Protein S19

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 597
Author(s):  
Haoran Zhang ◽  
Qiuxiang Zhou ◽  
Chenyun Guo ◽  
Liubin Feng ◽  
Huilin Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycobacterium Tuberculosis ◽  
Ribosomal Protein ◽  
Solution Structure ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Structural Basis ◽  
Hydrophobic Core ◽  
Terminal Domain ◽  
Ribosomal Protein S19

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a serious threat to public health, calling for the development of new anti-TB drugs. Chaperon protein RimM, involved in the assembly of ribosomal protein S19 into 30S ribosomal subunit during ribosome maturation, is a potential drug target for TB treatment. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RimM is primarily responsible for binding S19. However, both the CTD structure of RimM from Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MtbRimMCTD) and the molecular mechanisms underlying MtbRimMCTD binding S19 remain elusive. Here, we report the solution structure, dynamics features of MtbRimMCTD, and its interaction with S19. MtbRimMCTD has a rigid hydrophobic core comprised of a relatively conservative six-strand β-barrel, tailed with a short α-helix and interspersed with flexible loops. Using several biophysical techniques including surface plasmon resonance (SPR) affinity assays, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) assays, and molecular docking, we established a structural model of the MtbRimMCTD–S19 complex and indicated that the β4-β5 loop and two nonconserved key residues (D105 and H129) significantly contributed to the unique pattern of MtbRimMCTD binding S19, which might be implicated in a form of orthogonality for species-dependent RimM–S19 interaction. Our study provides the structural basis for MtbRimMCTD binding S19 and is beneficial to the further exploration of MtbRimM as a potential target for the development of new anti-TB drugs.

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