scholarly journals Molecular basis for specific viral RNA recognition and 2′-O-ribose methylation by the dengue virus nonstructural protein 5 (NS5)

2015 ◽  
Vol 112 (48) ◽  
pp. 14834-14839 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongqian Zhao ◽  
Tingjin Sherryl Soh ◽  
Siew Pheng Lim ◽  
Ka Yan Chung ◽  
Kunchithapadam Swaminathan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Molecular Basis ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Rna Genome ◽  
Binding Groove ◽  
Efficacious Vaccine

Dengue virus (DENV) causes several hundred million human infections and more than 20,000 deaths annually. Neither an efficacious vaccine conferring immunity against all four circulating serotypes nor specific drugs are currently available to treat this emerging global disease. Capping of the DENV RNA genome is an essential structural modification that protects the RNA from degradation by 5′ exoribonucleases, ensures efficient expression of viral proteins, and allows escape from the host innate immune response. The large flavivirus nonstructural protein 5 (NS5) (105 kDa) has RNA methyltransferase activities at its N-terminal region, which is responsible for capping the virus RNA genome. The methyl transfer reactions are thought to occur sequentially using the strictly conserved flavivirus 5′ RNA sequence as substrate (GpppAG-RNA), leading to the formation of the 5′ RNA cap: G0pppAG-RNA→m7G0pppAG-RNA (“cap-0”)→m7G0pppAm2′-O-G-RNA (“cap-1”). To elucidate how viral RNA is specifically recognized and methylated, we determined the crystal structure of a ternary complex between the full-length NS5 protein from dengue virus, an octameric cap-0 viral RNA substrate bearing the authentic DENV genomic sequence (5′-m7G0pppA1G2U3U4G5U6U7-3′), and S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine (SAH), the by-product of the methylation reaction. The structure provides for the first time, to our knowledge, a molecular basis for specific adenosine 2′-O-methylation, rationalizes mutagenesis studies targeting the K61-D146-K180-E216 enzymatic tetrad as well as residues lining the RNA binding groove, and offers previously unidentified mechanistic and evolutionary insights into cap-1 formation by NS5, which underlies innate immunity evasion by flaviviruses.

scholarly journals Long-Range RNA-RNA Interactions Circularize the Dengue Virus Genome

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (11) ◽  
pp. 6631-6643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego E. Alvarez ◽  
María F. Lodeiro ◽  
Silvio J. Ludueña ◽  
Lía I. Pietrasanta ◽  
Andrea V. Gamarnik
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Rna Elements ◽  
Rna Interaction

ABSTRACT Secondary and tertiary RNA structures present in viral RNA genomes play essential regulatory roles during translation, RNA replication, and assembly of new viral particles. In the case of flaviviruses, RNA-RNA interactions between the 5′ and 3′ ends of the genome have been proposed to be required for RNA replication. We found that two RNA elements present at the ends of the dengue virus genome interact in vitro with high affinity. Visualization of individual molecules by atomic force microscopy reveled that physical interaction between these RNA elements results in cyclization of the viral RNA. Using RNA binding assays, we found that the putative cyclization sequences, known as 5′ and 3′ CS, present in all mosquito-borne flaviviruses, were necessary but not sufficient for RNA-RNA interaction. Additional sequences present at the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the viral RNA were also required for RNA-RNA complex formation. We named these sequences 5′ and 3′ UAR (upstream AUG region). In order to investigate the functional role of 5′-3′ UAR complementarity, these sequences were mutated either separately, to destroy base pairing, or simultaneously, to restore complementarity in the context of full-length dengue virus RNA. Nonviable viruses were recovered after transfection of dengue virus RNA carrying mutations either at the 5′ or 3′ UAR, while the RNA containing the compensatory mutations was able to replicate. Since sequence complementarity between the ends of the genome is required for dengue virus viability, we propose that cyclization of the RNA is a required conformation for viral replication.

scholarly journals Two Distinct Sets of NS2A Molecules Are Responsible for Dengue Virus RNA Synthesis and Virion Assembly

2014 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 1298-1313 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuping Xie ◽  
Jing Zou ◽  
Chunya Puttikhunt ◽  
Zhiming Yuan ◽  
Pei-Yong Shi
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Infection Cycle ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Replication Complex ◽  
Virion Assembly ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Viral Replication Complex

ABSTRACTFlavivirus nonstructural protein 2A (NS2A) plays important roles in both viral RNA synthesis and virion assembly. The molecular details of how the NS2A protein modulates the two distinct events have not been defined. To address this question, we have performed a systematic mutagenesis of NS2A using dengue virus (DENV) serotype 2 (DENV-2) as a model. We identified two sets of NS2A mutations with distinct defects during a viral infection cycle. One set of NS2A mutations (D125A and G200A) selectively abolished viral RNA synthesis. Mechanistically, the D125A mutation abolished viral RNA synthesis through blocking the N-terminal cleavage of the NS2A protein, leading to an unprocessed NS1-NS2A protein; this result suggests that amino acid D125 (far downstream of the N terminus of NS2A) may contribute to the recognition of host protease at the NS1-NS2A junction. The other set of NS2A mutations (G11A, E20A, E100A, Q187A, and K188A) specifically impaired virion assembly without significantly affecting viral RNA synthesis. Remarkably, mutants defective in virion assembly could be rescued by supplying intranswild-type NS2A molecules expressed from a replicative replicon, by wild-type NS2A protein expressed alone, by a mutant NS2A (G200A) that is lethal for viral RNA synthesis, or by a different mutant NS2A that is defective in virion assembly. In contrast, none of the mutants defective in viral RNA synthesis could be rescued bytrans-complementation. Collectively, the results indicate that two distinct sets of NS2A molecules are responsible for DENV RNA synthesis and virion assembly.IMPORTANCEDengue virus (DENV) represents the most prevalent mosquito-borne human pathogen. Understanding the replication of DENV is essential for development of vaccines and therapeutics. Here we characterized the function of DENV-2 NS2A using a systematic mutagenesis approach. The mutagenesis results revealed two distinct sets of NS2A mutations: one set of mutations that result in defects in viral RNA synthesis and another set of mutations that result in defects in virion assembly.trans-Complementation analysis showed that mutants defective in viral RNA synthesis could not be rescued by wild-type NS2A; in contrast, mutants defective in virion assembly could be successfully rescued by wild-type NS2A or even by a mutant NS2A that is incompetent to support viral RNA synthesis. These results support a model in which two distinct sets of NS2A molecules are responsible for DENV RNA synthesis (located in the viral replication complex) and virion assembly (located in the virion assembly/budding site). The study confirms and extends our understanding of the two critical roles of flavivirus NS2A in viral RNA synthesis and virion assembly.

scholarly journals Molecular characterization of the RNA-protein complex directing −2/−1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting during arterivirus replicase expression

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (52) ◽  
pp. 17904-17921
Author(s):  
Ankoor Patel ◽  
Emmely E. Treffers ◽  
Markus Meier ◽  
Trushar R. Patel ◽  
Jörg Stetefeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Genome ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Host Protein ◽  
Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽  
Ribosomal Frameshifting ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Rna Genome

Programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) is a mechanism used by arteriviruses like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) to generate multiple proteins from overlapping reading frames within its RNA genome. PRRSV employs −1 PRF directed by RNA secondary and tertiary structures within its viral genome (canonical PRF), as well as a noncanonical −1 and −2 PRF that are stimulated by the interactions of PRRSV nonstructural protein 1β (nsp1β) and host protein poly(C)-binding protein (PCBP) 1 or 2 with the viral genome. Together, nsp1β and one of the PCBPs act as transactivators that bind a C-rich motif near the shift site to stimulate −1 and −2 PRF, thereby enabling the ribosome to generate two frameshift products that are implicated in viral immune evasion. How nsp1β and PCBP associate with the viral RNA genome remains unclear. Here, we describe the purification of the nsp1β:PCBP2:viral RNA complex on a scale sufficient for structural analysis using small-angle X-ray scattering and stochiometric analysis by analytical ultracentrifugation. The proteins associate with the RNA C-rich motif as a 1:1:1 complex. The monomeric form of nsp1β within the complex differs from previously reported homodimer identified by X-ray crystallography. Functional analysis of the complex via mutational analysis combined with RNA-binding assays and cell-based frameshifting reporter assays reveal a number of key residues within nsp1β and PCBP2 that are involved in complex formation and function. Our results suggest that nsp1β and PCBP2 both interact directly with viral RNA during formation of the complex to coordinate this unusual PRF mechanism.

scholarly journals Roles of the AX4GKS and Arginine-Rich Motifs of Hepatitis C Virus RNA Helicase in ATP- and Viral RNA-Binding Activity

2000 ◽  
Vol 74 (20) ◽  
pp. 9732-9737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shin C. Chang ◽  
Ju-Chien Cheng ◽  
Yi-Hen Kou ◽  
Chuan-Hong Kao ◽  
Chiung-Hui Chiu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Atp Hydrolysis ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Atp Binding ◽  
Rna Unwinding ◽  
Arginine Rich Motif

ABSTRACT The nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) possesses protease, nucleoside triphosphatase, and helicase activities. Although the enzymatic activities have been extensively studied, the ATP- and RNA-binding domains of the NS3 helicase are not well-characterized. In this study, NS3 proteins with point mutations in the conserved helicase motifs were expressed inEscherichia coli, purified, and analyzed for their effects on ATP binding, RNA binding, ATP hydrolysis, and RNA unwinding. UV cross-linking experiments indicate that the lysine residue in the AX4GKS motif is directly involved in ATP binding, whereas the NS3(GR1490DT) mutant in which the arginine-rich motif (1486-QRRGRTGR-1493) was changed to QRRDTTGR bound ATP as well as the wild type. The binding activity of HCV NS3 helicase to the viral RNA was drastically reduced with the mutation at Arg1488 (R1488A) and was also affected by the K1236E substitution in the AX4GKS motif and the R1490A and GR1490DT mutations in the arginine-rich motif. Previously, Arg1490 was suggested, based on the crystal structure of an NS3-deoxyuridine octamer complex, to directly interact with the γ-phosphate group of ATP. Nevertheless, our functional analysis demonstrated the critical roles of Arg1490 in binding to the viral RNA, ATP hydrolysis, and RNA unwinding, but not in ATP binding.

Zinc finger protein ZFP36L1 inhibits flavivirus infection by both 5′-3′ XRN1 and 3′-5′ RNA-exosome RNA decay pathways.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Han Chiu ◽  
Hsin-Ping Chiu ◽  
Han-Pang Yu ◽  
Li-Hsiung Lin ◽  
Zih-Ping Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Zinc Finger ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Zinc Finger Protein ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Rna Decay ◽  
Finger Protein ◽  
Zinc Finger Motifs ◽  
Rna Exosome

Zinc-finger protein 36, CCCH type-like 1 (ZFP36L1), containing tandem CCCH-type zinc-finger motifs with an RNA-binding property, plays an important role in cellular RNA metabolism mainly via RNA decay pathways. Recently, we demonstrated that human ZFP36L1 has potent antiviral activity against influenza A virus infection. However, its role in the host defense response against flaviviruses has not been addressed. Here, we demonstrate that ZFP36L1 functions as a host innate defender against flaviviruses, including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and dengue virus (DENV). Overexpression of ZFP36L1 reduced JEV and DENV infection, and ZFP36L1 knockdown enhanced viral replication. ZFP36L1 destabilized the JEV genome by targeting and degrading viral RNA mediated by both 5′-3′ XRN1 and 3′-5′ RNA-exosome RNA decay pathways. Mutation in both zinc-finger motifs of ZFP36L1 disrupted RNA-binding and antiviral activity. Furthermore, the viral RNA sequences specifically recognized by ZFP36L1 were mapped to the 3'-untranslated region of the JEV genome with the AU-rich element (AUUUA) motif. We extend the function of ZFP36L1 to host antiviral defense by directly binding and destabilizing the viral genome via recruiting cellular mRNA decay machineries. Importance Cellular RNA-binding proteins are among the first lines of defense against various viruses, particularly RNA viruses. ZFP36L1 belongs to the CCCH-type zinc-finger protein family and has RNA-binding activity; it has been reported to directly bind to the AU-rich elements (AREs) of a subset of cellular mRNAs and then lead to mRNA decay by recruiting mRNA degrading enzymes. However, the antiviral potential of ZFP36L1 against flaviviruses has not yet been fully demonstrated. Here, we reveal the antiviral potential of human ZFP36L1 against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and dengue virus (DENV). ZFP36L1 specifically targeted the ARE motif within viral RNA and triggered the degradation of viral RNA transcripts via cellular degrading enzymes, 5′-3′ XRN1 and 3′-5′ RNA exosome. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how human ZFP36L1 serves as a host antiviral factor to restrict flavivirus replication.

scholarly journals Structural insights into RNA recognition by the Chikungunya virus nsP2 helicase

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (19) ◽  
pp. 9558-9567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yee-Song Law ◽  
Age Utt ◽  
Yaw Bia Tan ◽  
Jie Zheng ◽  
Sainan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atpase Activity ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Rna Helicase ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Helicase Domain ◽  
Stacking Interactions ◽  
Adaptive Mutations ◽  
Rna Backbone

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes and causes Chikungunya fever. Nonstructural protein 2 (nsP2) exhibits the protease and RNA helicase activities that are required for viral RNA replication and transcription. Unlike for the C-terminal protease, the structure of the N-terminal RNA helicase (nsP2h) has not been determined. Here, we report the crystal structure of the nsP2h bound to the conserved 3′-end 14 nucleotides of the CHIKV genome and the nonhydrolyzable transition-state nucleotide analog ADP-AlF4. Overall, the structural analysis revealed that nsP2h adopts a uniquely folded N-terminal domain followed by a superfamily 1 RNA helicase fold. The conserved helicase motifs establish polar contacts with the RNA backbone. There are three hydrophobic residues (Y161, F164, and F287) which form stacking interactions with RNA bases and thereby bend the RNA backbone. An F287A substitution that disrupted these stacking interactions increased the basal ATPase activity but decreased the RNA binding affinity. Furthermore, the F287A substitution reduced viral infectivity by attenuating subgenomic RNA synthesis. Replication of the mutant virus was restored by pseudoreversion (A287V) or adaptive mutations in the RecA2 helicase domain (T358S or V410I). Y161A and/or F164A substitutions, which were designed to disrupt the interactions with the RNA molecule, did not affect the ATPase activity but completely abolished the replication and transcription of viral RNA and the infectivity of CHIKV. Our study sheds light on the roles of the RNA helicase region in viral replication and provides insights that might be applicable to alphaviruses and other RNA viruses in general.

scholarly journals A novel interaction between dengue virus nonstructural protein 1 and the NS4A-2K-4B precursor is required for viral RNA replication but not for formation of the membranous replication organelle

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (5) ◽  
pp. e1007736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Płaszczyca ◽  
Pietro Scaturro ◽  
Christopher John Neufeldt ◽  
Mirko Cortese ◽  
Berati Cerikan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Nonstructural Protein 1

scholarly journals Structural features of NS3 ofDengue virusserotypes 2 and 4 in solution and insight into RNA binding and the inhibitory role of quercetin

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 402-419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankita Pan ◽  
Wuan Geok Saw ◽  
Malathy Sony Subramanian Manimekalai ◽  
Ardina Grüber ◽  
Shin Joon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Helicase Domain ◽  
Protease Domain ◽  
Serine Protease Domain ◽  
Atpase Inhibitors ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Insight Into

Dengue virus(DENV), which has four serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), is the causative agent of the viral infection dengue. DENV nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) comprises a serine protease domain and an RNA helicase domain which has nucleotide triphosphatase activities that are essential for RNA replication and viral assembly. Here, solution X-ray scattering was used to provide insight into the overall structure and flexibility of the entire NS3 and its recombinant helicase and protease domains forDengue virusserotypes 2 and 4 in solution. The DENV-2 and DENV-4 NS3 forms are elongated and flexible in solution. The importance of the linker residues in flexibility and domain–domain arrangement was shown by the compactness of the individual protease and helicase domains. Swapping of the174PPAVP179linker stretch of the relatedHepatitis C virus(HCV) NS3 into DENV-2 NS3 did not alter the elongated shape of the engineered mutant. Conformational alterations owing to RNA binding are described in the protease domain, which undergoes substantial conformational alterations that are required for the optimal catalysis of bound RNA. Finally, the effects of ATPase inhibitors on the enzymatically active DENV-2 and DENV-4 NS3 and the individual helicases are presented, and insight into the allosteric effect of the inhibitor quercetin is provided.

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