scholarly journals Development and characterization of a transient-replication assay for the genotype 2a hepatitis C virus subgenomic replicon

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. 3075-3080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Targett-Adams ◽  
John McLauchlan
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cell ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Subgenomic Replicon ◽  
Replication Assay ◽  
Cell Extracts ◽  
Genotype 1B

Dicistronic, subgenomic hepatitis C virus (HCV) replicons were constructed containing sequences from JFH1, a genotype 2a strain, that also incorporated the firefly luciferase gene under the control of the HCV internal ribosome entry site element. Luciferase activity in Huh-7 cell extracts containing in vitro-transcribed subgenomic JFH1 RNA was monitored over a 72 h period to examine early stages of HCV replication in the absence of any selective pressure. Enzyme activities produced by the replicon were almost 200-fold greater than those generated from corresponding genotype 1b replicons and correlated with an accumulation of NS5A protein and replicon RNA. Transient replication was sensitive to IFN treatment in a dose-dependent manner and, in addition to Huh-7 cells, the U2OS human osteosarcoma cell line supported efficient replication of the JFH1 replicon. Thus, this system based on JFH1 sequences offers improvements over prior genotype 1b replicons for quantitative measurement of viral RNA replication.

scholarly journals Natural Variation in Translational Activities of the 5′ Nontranslated RNAs of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes 1a and 1b: Evidence for a Long-Range RNA-RNA Interaction outside of the Internal Ribosomal Entry Site

1999 ◽  
Vol 73 (6) ◽  
pp. 4941-4951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masao Honda ◽  
Rene Rijnbrand ◽  
Geoff Abell ◽  
Desok Kim ◽  
Stanley M. Lemon
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Translation Efficiency ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Translational Activity ◽  
Genotype 1B ◽  
Rna Interaction

ABSTRACT The 5′ nontranslated RNA (5′NTR) of a genotype 1b hepatitis C virus (HCV-N) directs cap-independent translation of the HCV-N polyprotein with about twofold less efficiency than the 5′NTR of a genotype 1a virus under physiologic conditions (Hutchinson strain, or HCV-H) (M. Honda et al., Virology 222:31–42, 1996). Here, we show by mutational analysis that substitution of the AG dinucleotide sequence at nucleotides (nt) 34 and 35 of HCV-N with GA (present in HCV-H) restores the translational activity to that of the HCV-H 5′NTR both in vitro and in vivo. These nucleotides are located upstream of the minimal essential internal ribosome entry site (IRES), as a 6-nt deletion spanning nt 32 to 37 also increased the translational activity of the HCV-N 5′NTR to that of HCV-H. Thus, the upstream AG dinucleotide sequence has an inhibitory effect on IRES-directed translation. Surprisingly, however, this inhibitory effect was observed only when the translated, downstream RNA sequence contained nt 408 to 929 of HCV (capsid-coding RNA). Further analysis of RNA transcripts containing frameshift mutations demonstrated that the nucleotide sequence of the transcript, and not the amino acid sequence of the expressed capsid protein, determines this difference in translation efficiency. The difference between the translational activities of the HCV-N and HCV-H transcripts was increased when translation was carried out in reticulocyte lysates containing high K+ concentrations, with a sevenfold difference evident at 130 to 150 mM K+. These results suggest that there is an RNA-RNA interaction involving 5′NTR and capsid-coding sequences flanking the IRES and that this is responsible for the reduced IRES activity of the genotype 1b virus, HCV-N.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C Virus 3′X Region Interacts with Human Ribosomal Proteins

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 1348-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonny Wood ◽  
Robert M. Frederickson ◽  
Stanley Fields ◽  
Arvind H. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Ribosomal Proteins ◽  
Infectious Clone ◽  
Cdna Libraries ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Reporter Protein ◽  
Barr Virus

ABSTRACT To identify proteins that can bind the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) we screened human cDNA libraries using theSaccharomyces cerevisiae three-hybrid system. Screening with an RNA sequence derived from the 3′-terminal 98 nucleotides (3′X region) of an infectious clone of HCV (H77c) yielded clones of human ribosomal proteins L22, L3, S3, and mL3, a mitochondrial homologue of L3. We performed preliminary characterization of the binding between the 3′X region and these proteins by a three-hybrid mating assay using mutant 3′X sequences. We have further characterized the interaction between 3′X and L22, since this protein is known to be associated with two small Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded RNA species (EBERs) which are abundantly produced in cells latently infected with EBV. The EBERs, which have similar predicted secondary structure to the HCV 3′X, assemble into ribonucleoprotein particles that include L22 and La protein. To confirm that L22 binds HCV 3′X we performed in vitro binding assays using recombinant L22 (expressed as a glutathioneS-transferase [GST] fusion protein) together with a 3′X riboprobe. The 3′X region binds to the GST-L22 fusion protein (but not to GST alone), and this interaction is subject to competition with unlabeled 3′X RNA. To establish the functional role played by L22 in internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation of HCV sequences we performed translational analysis in HuH-7 cells using monocistronic and bicistronic reporter constructs. The relative amount of core-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter protein translated under the control of the HCV IRES was stimulated in the presence of L22 and La when these proteins were supplied in trans.

scholarly journals La Autoantigen Is Necessary for Optimal Function of the Poliovirus and Hepatitis C Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site In Vivo and In Vitro

2004 ◽  
Vol 24 (15) ◽  
pp. 6861-6870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mauro Costa-Mattioli ◽  
Yuri Svitkin ◽  
Nahum Sonenberg
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry Site ◽  
Ribosomal Subunit ◽  
Dominant Negative ◽  
Dominant Negative Mutant ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry

ABSTRACT Translation of poliovirus and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNAs is initiated by recruitment of 40S ribosomes to an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) in the mRNA 5′ untranslated region. Translation initiation of these RNAs is stimulated by noncanonical initiation factors called IRES trans-activating factors (ITAFs). The La autoantigen is such an ITAF, but functional evidence for the role of La in poliovirus and HCV translation in vivo is lacking. Here, by two methods using small interfering RNA and a dominant-negative mutant of La, we demonstrate that depletion of La causes a dramatic reduction in poliovirus IRES function in vivo. We also show that 40S ribosomal subunit binding to HCV and poliovirus IRESs in vitro is inhibited by a dominant-negative form of La. These results provide strong evidence for a function of the La autoantigen in IRES-dependent translation and define the step of translation which is stimulated by La.

scholarly journals Virological characterization of the hepatitis C virus JFH-1 strain in lymphocytic cell lines

2008 ◽  
Vol 89 (7) ◽  
pp. 1587-1592 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyoko Murakami ◽  
Toshiro Kimura ◽  
Motonao Osaki ◽  
Koji Ishii ◽  
Tatsuo Miyamura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cell Lines ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry ◽  
Culture Systems ◽  
Polyprotein Processing ◽  
Lymphocytic Cell

While hepatocytes are the major site of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a number of studies have suggested that HCV can replicate in lymphocytes. However, in vitro culture systems to investigate replication of HCV in lymphocytic cells are severely limited. Robust HCV culture systems have been established using the HCV JFH-1 strain and Huh-7 cells. To gain more insights into the tissue tropism of HCV, we investigated the infection, replication, internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent translation and polyprotein processing of the HCV JFH-1 strain in nine lymphocytic cell lines. HCV JFH-1 failed to infect lymphocytes and replicate, but exhibited efficient polyprotein processing and IRES-dependent translation in lymphocytes as well as in Huh-7 cells. Our results suggest that lymphocytic cells can support HCV JFH-1 translation and polyprotein processing, but may lack some host factors essential for HCV JFH-1 infection and replication.

scholarly journals Hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A protein downregulates HCV IRES-dependent translation

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 1015-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katerina I. Kalliampakou ◽  
Maria Kalamvoki ◽  
Penelope Mavromara
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Plasmid Vector ◽  
Firefly Luciferase ◽  
Detectable Effect ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Upstream Gene ◽  
Ns5a Protein ◽  
Hcv Ires

Translation of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) polyprotein is mediated by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) that is located mainly within the 5′ non-translated region of the viral genome. In this study, the effect of the HCV non-structural 5A (NS5A) protein on the HCV IRES-dependent translation was investigated by using a transient transfection system. Three different cell lines (HepG2, WRL-68 and BHK-21) were co-transfected with a plasmid vector containing a bicistronic transcript carrying the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) and the firefly luciferase genes separated by the HCV IRES sequences, and an expression vector producing the NS5A protein. Here, it was shown that the HCV NS5A protein inhibited HCV IRES-dependent translation in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, NS5A had no detectable effect on cap-dependent translation of the upstream gene (CAT) nor on translation from another viral IRES. Further analysis using deleted forms of the NS5A protein revealed that a region of about 120 aa located just upstream of the nuclear localization signal of the protein is critical for this suppression. Overall, these results suggest that HCV NS5A protein negatively modulates the HCV IRES activity in a specific manner.

scholarly journals Mutations in NS5B Polymerase of Hepatitis C Virus: Impacts on in Vitro Enzymatic Activity and Viral RNA Replication in the Subgenomic Replicon Cell Culture

Virology ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 297 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
I.Wayne Cheney ◽  
Suhaila Naim ◽  
Vicky C.H. Lai ◽  
Shannon Dempsey ◽  
Daniel Bellows ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Enzymatic Activity ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Subgenomic Replicon ◽  
Replicon Cell ◽  
Ns5b Polymerase

Amiodarone inhibits the entry and assembly steps of hepatitis C virus life cycle

2013 ◽  
Vol 125 (9) ◽  
pp. 439-448 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan-Lung Cheng ◽  
Keng-Hsueh Lan ◽  
Wei-Ping Lee ◽  
Szu-Han Tseng ◽  
Li-Rong Hung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Protein Activity ◽  
Entry Site

HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection affects an estimated 180 million people in the world's population. Adverse effects occur frequently with current standard treatment of interferon and ribavirin, while resistance of new direct anti-viral agents, NS3 protease inhibitors, is a major concern because of their single anti-HCV mechanism against the viral factor. New anti-viral agents are needed to resolve the problems. Amiodarone, an anti-arrhythmic drug, has recently been shown to inhibit HCV infection in vitro. The detailed mechanism has yet to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the inhibitory effect of amiodarone on HCV life cycle. The effect of amiodarone on HCV life cycle was investigated in Huh-7.5.1 cells with HCVcc (cell culture-derived HCV), HCVpp (HCV pseudoviral particles), sub-genomic replicons, IRES (internal ribosomal entry site)-mediated translation assay, and intracellular and extracellular infectivity assays. The administration of amiodarone appeared to inhibit HCV entry independent of genotypes, which was attributed to the down-regulation of CD81 receptor expression. The inhibitory effect of amiodarone also manifested in the HCV assembly step, via the suppression of MTP (microsomal triacylglycerol transfer protein) activity. Amiodarone revealed no effects on HCV replication and translation. With the host factor-targeting characteristics, amiodarone may be an attractive agent for the treatment of HCV infection.

scholarly journals The 5′ untranslated region of GB virus B shows functional similarity to the internal ribosome entry site of hepatitis C virus

1999 ◽  
Vol 80 (9) ◽  
pp. 2337-2341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ken Grace ◽  
Margaret Gartland ◽  
Peter Karayiannis ◽  
Michael J. McGarvey ◽  
Berwyn Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Secondary Structure ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry Site ◽  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry ◽  
Close Phylogenetic Relationship

Since its characterization in 1995, there has been increasing interest in the significance of GB virus B (GBV-B) due to its close phylogenetic relationship to hepatitis C virus (HCV). The genome of GBV-B is similar in length and organization to that of HCV and the two viruses share sequence similarity in their 5′ untranslated regions (5′UTR). A secondary structure model of the GBV-B 5′UTR has been proposed by comparative sequence analysis with HCV. The highly conserved secondary structure, present in HCV and the pestiviruses, is also present in the 5′UTR of GBV-B. Translation of the HCV polyprotein initiates via an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and it is proposed that the GBV-B UTR may function in a similar manner. Dicistronic reporter constructs were made to investigate the function of the GBV-B 5′UTR. Mutational analysis and in vitro translation experiments demonstrate that GBV-B initiates translation via an IRES.

scholarly journals Alpha interferon inhibits translation mediated by the internal ribosome entry site of six different hepatitis C virus genotypes

2005 ◽  
Vol 86 (11) ◽  
pp. 3047-3053 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sidhartha Hazari ◽  
Asha Patil ◽  
Virendra Joshi ◽  
Deborah E. Sullivan ◽  
Cesar D. Fermin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry Site ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Internal Ribosome Entry ◽  
Hcv Genotypes

Certain genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) respond less often than others to treatment with interferon (IFN). The mechanisms for this differential response are not known. In this report antiviral effects of IFN-α2b on translation were examined in a hepatic cell line using chimeric clones of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) sequences from six different HCV genotypes and the green fluorescence protein (GFP) gene. As a control, IFN action at the level of the IRES was examined in the presence of different cytokines. It was determined that IFN-α2b specifically inhibited the translation of GFP mediated by IRES sequences from six major HCV genotypes in a concentration-dependent manner. Other cytokines including tumour necrosis factor alpha, transforming growth factor beta 1, interleukin 1 and interleukin 6 have no inhibitory effect. The inhibition of translation in these experiments was not due to extensive intracellular degradation of IRES-GFP mRNA. These results suggest that the antiviral action of IFN-α2b blocks IRES-mediated translation and this effect is the same among HCVs of other genotypes.

scholarly journals Effect of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) NS5B-Nucleolin Interaction on HCV Replication with HCV Subgenomic Replicon

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (7) ◽  
pp. 3332-3340 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetsuro Shimakami ◽  
Masao Honda ◽  
Takashi Kusakawa ◽  
Takayuki Murata ◽  
Kunitada Shimotohno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Polymerase Activity ◽  
Subgenomic Replicon ◽  
Huh7 Cells ◽  
Hcv Ns5b

ABSTRACT We previously reported that nucleolin, a representative nucleolar marker, interacts with nonstructural protein 5B (NS5B) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) through two independent regions of NS5B, amino acids 208 to 214 and 500 to 506. We also showed that truncated nucleolin that harbors the NS5B-binding region inhibited the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity of NS5B in vitro, suggesting that nucleolin may be involved in HCV replication. To address this question, we focused on NS5B amino acids 208 to 214. We constructed one alanine-substituted clustered mutant (CM) replicon, in which all the amino acids in this region were changed to alanine, as well as seven different point mutant (PM) replicons, each of which harbored an alanine substitution at one of the amino acids in the region. After transfection into Huh7 cells, the CM replicon and the PM replicon containing NS5B W208A could not replicate, whereas the remaining PM replicons were able to replicate. In vivo immunoprecipitation also showed that the W208 residue of NS5B was essential for its interaction with nucleolin, strongly suggesting that this interaction is essential for HCV replication. To gain further insight into the role of nucleolin in HCV replication, we utilized the small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique to investigate the knockdown effect of nucleolin on HCV replication. Cotransfection of replicon RNA and nucleolin siRNA into Huh7 cells moderately inhibited HCV replication, although suppression of nucleolin did not affect cell proliferation. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that nucleolin is a host component that interacts with HCV NS5B and is indispensable for HCV replication.

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