scholarly journals Arabidopsis HAP2/GCS1 is a gamete fusion protein homologous to somatic and viral fusogens

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clari Valansi ◽  
David Moi ◽  
Evgenia Leikina ◽  
Elena Matveev ◽  
Martín Graña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Generative Cell ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Complete Fusion ◽  
Gamete Fusion ◽  
Cell Cell

AbstractCell-cell fusion is inherent to any form of sexual reproduction. Loss of HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) proteins results in gamete fusion failure in different organisms but their exact role is unclear. Here we show that Arabidopsis HAP2/GCS1 expression in mammalian cells is sufficient to promote cell-cell fusion. Hemifusion and complete fusion depend on HAP2/GCS1 presence in both fusing cells. Furthermore, expression of HAP2 on the surface of pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus and on the target cells results in HAP2-dependent virus-cell fusion. This bilateral requirement can be bypassed by replacing the plant gene with C. elegans EFF-1 somatic cell fusogen in one of the fusing cells or the virus, indicating that HAP2/GCS1 and EFF-1 share a similar fusion mechanism. Structural modeling of the HAP2/GCS1 protein family predicts that they are homologous to EFF-1 and class II fusion proteins from enveloped viruses (e.g. dengue and Zika viruses). We name this superfamily FUSEXINS: FUSion proteins essential for sexual reproduction and EXoplasmic merger of plasma membranes. Thus, Fusexins unify the origin and evolution of sexual reproduction, enveloped virus entry into cells and somatic cell fusion.

scholarly journals Arabidopsis HAP2/GCS1 is a gamete fusion protein homologous to somatic and viral fusogens

2017 ◽  
Vol 216 (3) ◽  
pp. 571-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clari Valansi ◽  
David Moi ◽  
Evgenia Leikina ◽  
Elena Matveev ◽  
Martín Graña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Somatic Cell ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Plasma Membranes ◽  
Generative Cell ◽  
Complete Fusion ◽  
Gamete Fusion ◽  
Origin And Evolution ◽  
Cell Cell

Cell–cell fusion is inherent to sexual reproduction. Loss of HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) proteins results in gamete fusion failure in diverse organisms, but their exact role is unclear. In this study, we show that Arabidopsis thaliana HAP2/GCS1 is sufficient to promote mammalian cell–cell fusion. Hemifusion and complete fusion depend on HAP2/GCS1 presence in both fusing cells. Furthermore, expression of HAP2 on the surface of pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus results in homotypic virus–cell fusion. We demonstrate that the Caenorhabditis elegans Epithelial Fusion Failure 1 (EFF-1) somatic cell fusogen can replace HAP2/GCS1 in one of the fusing membranes, indicating that HAP2/GCS1 and EFF-1 share a similar fusion mechanism. Structural modeling of the HAP2/GCS1 protein family predicts that they are homologous to EFF-1 and viral class II fusion proteins (e.g., Zika virus). We name this superfamily Fusexins: fusion proteins essential for sexual reproduction and exoplasmic merger of plasma membranes. We suggest a common origin and evolution of sexual reproduction, enveloped virus entry into cells, and somatic cell fusion.

scholarly journals Virus-Mediated Cell-Cell Fusion

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9644
Author(s):  
Héloïse Leroy ◽  
Mingyu Han ◽  
Marie Woottum ◽  
Lucie Bracq ◽  
Jérôme Bouchet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
General Process ◽  
Tissue Organization ◽  
Donor Cells ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Cell Cell

Cell-cell fusion between eukaryotic cells is a general process involved in many physiological and pathological conditions, including infections by bacteria, parasites, and viruses. As obligate intracellular pathogens, viruses use intracellular machineries and pathways for efficient replication in their host target cells. Interestingly, certain viruses, and, more especially, enveloped viruses belonging to different viral families and including human pathogens, can mediate cell-cell fusion between infected cells and neighboring non-infected cells. Depending of the cellular environment and tissue organization, this virus-mediated cell-cell fusion leads to the merge of membrane and cytoplasm contents and formation of multinucleated cells, also called syncytia, that can express high amount of viral antigens in tissues and organs of infected hosts. This ability of some viruses to trigger cell-cell fusion between infected cells as virus-donor cells and surrounding non-infected target cells is mainly related to virus-encoded fusion proteins, known as viral fusogens displaying high fusogenic properties, and expressed at the cell surface of the virus-donor cells. Virus-induced cell-cell fusion is then mediated by interactions of these viral fusion proteins with surface molecules or receptors involved in virus entry and expressed on neighboring non-infected cells. Thus, the goal of this review is to give an overview of the different animal virus families, with a more special focus on human pathogens, that can trigger cell-cell fusion.

scholarly journals Fusexins, HAP2/GCS1 and Evolution of Gamete Fusion

2022 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicolas G. Brukman ◽  
Xiaohui Li ◽  
Benjamin Podbilewicz
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Generative Cell ◽  
Class Ii ◽  
Flowering Plants ◽  
Evolutionary Relationships ◽  
Gamete Fusion ◽  
Somatic Fusion ◽  
Viral Glycoproteins ◽  
Significant Divergence ◽  
Cell Cell

Gamete fusion is the climax of fertilization in all sexually reproductive organisms, from unicellular fungi to humans. Similarly to other cell-cell fusion events, gamete fusion is mediated by specialized proteins, named fusogens, that overcome the energetic barriers during this process. In recent years, HAPLESS 2/GENERATIVE CELL-SPECIFIC 1 (HAP2/GCS1) was identified as the fusogen mediating sperm-egg fusion in flowering plants and protists, being both essential and sufficient for the membrane merger in some species. The identification of HAP2/GCS1 in invertebrates, opens the possibility that a similar fusogen may be used in vertebrate fertilization. HAP2/GCS1 proteins share a similar structure with two distinct families of exoplasmic fusogens: the somatic Fusion Family (FF) proteins discovered in nematodes, and class II viral glycoproteins (e.g., rubella and dengue viruses). Altogether, these fusogens form the Fusexin superfamily. While some attributes are shared among fusexins, for example the overall structure and the possibility of assembly into trimers, some other characteristics seem to be specific, such as the presence or not of hydrophobic loops or helices at the distal tip of the protein. Intriguingly, HAP2/GCS1 or other fusexins have neither been identified in vertebrates nor in fungi, raising the question of whether these genes were lost during evolution and were replaced by other fusion machinery or a significant divergence makes their identification difficult. Here, we discuss the biology of HAP2/GCS1, its involvement in gamete fusion and the structural, mechanistic and evolutionary relationships with other fusexins.

scholarly journals Fragments of Target Cells are Internalized into Retroviral Envelope Protein-Expressing Cells during Cell-Cell Fusion by Endocytosis

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mai Izumida ◽  
Haruka Kamiyama ◽  
Takashi Suematsu ◽  
Eri Honda ◽  
Yosuke Koizumi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Envelope Protein ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Cell Cell

scholarly journals The Avian Retrovirus Avian Sarcoma/Leukosis Virus Subtype A Reaches the Lipid Mixing Stage of Fusion at Neutral pH

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 3058-3066 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurie J. Earp ◽  
Sue E. Delos ◽  
Robert C. Netter ◽  
Paul Bates ◽  
Judith M. White
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Low Ph ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Neutral Ph ◽  
Subtype A ◽  
Avian Sarcoma ◽  
Virus Subtype ◽  
Cell Cell

ABSTRACT We previously showed that the envelope glycoprotein (EnvA) of avian sarcoma/leukosis virus subtype A (ASLV-A) binds to liposomes at neutral pH following incubation with its receptor, Tva, at ≥22°C. We also provided evidence that ASLV-C fuses with cells at neutral pH. These findings suggested that receptor binding at neutral pH and ≥22°C is sufficient to activate Env for fusion. A recent study suggested that two steps are necessary to activate avian retroviral Envs: receptor binding at neutral pH, followed by exposure to low pH (W. Mothes et al., Cell 103:679-689, 2000). Therefore, we evaluated the requirements for intact ASLV-A particles to bind to target bilayers and fuse with cells. We found that ASLV-A particles bind stably to liposomes in a receptor- and temperature-dependent manner at neutral pH. Using ASLV-A particles biosynthetically labeled with pyrene, we found that ASLV-A mixes its lipid envelope with cells within 5 to 10 min at 37°C. Lipid mixing was neither inhibited nor enhanced by incubation at low pH. Lipid mixing of ASLV-A was inhibited by a peptide designed to prevent six-helix bundle formation in EnvA; the same peptide inhibits virus infection and EnvA-mediated cell-cell fusion (at both neutral and low pHs). Bafilomycin and dominant-negative dynamin inhibited lipid mixing of Sindbis virus (which requires low pH for fusion), but not of ASLV-A, with host cells. Finally, we found that, although EnvA-induced cell-cell fusion is enhanced at low pH, a mutant EnvA that is severely compromised in its ability to support infection still induced massive syncytia at low pH. Our results indicate that receptor binding at neutral pH is sufficient to activate EnvA, such that ASLV-A particles bind hydrophobically to and merge their membranes with target cells. Possible roles for low pH at subsequent stages of viral entry are discussed.

scholarly journals Ultrastructural plasma membrane asymmetries in tension and curvature promote yeast cell fusion

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivia Muriel ◽  
Laetitia Michon ◽  
Wanda Kukulski ◽  
Sophie G Martin
Keyword(s):  
Cell Wall ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sexual Reproduction ◽  
Membrane Fusion ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Turgor Pressure ◽  
Wall Material ◽  
M Cells ◽  
P Cells ◽  
Cell Cell

Cell-cell fusion is central to the process of fertilization for sexual reproduction. This necessitates the remodeling of peri-cellular matrix or cell wall material and the merging of plasma membranes. In walled fission yeast S. pombe, the fusion of P and M cells during sexual reproduction relies on the fusion focus, an actin structure that concentrates glucanase-containing secretory vesicles for local cell wall digestion necessary for membrane fusion. Here, we present a correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) quantitative study of a large dataset of 3D tomograms of the fusion site, which revealed the ultrastructure of the fusion focus as an actin-containing, vesicle-dense structure excluding other organelles. Unexpectedly, the data revealed asymmetries between the two gametes: M-cells exhibit a taut and convex plasma membrane that progressively protrudes into P-cells, which exhibit a more slack, wavy plasma membrane. These asymmetries are relaxed upon plasma membrane fusion, with observations of ramified pores that may result from multiple initiations or inhomogeneous expansion. We show that P-cells have a higher exo- to endocytosis ratio than M-cells, and that local reduction in exocytosis abrogates membrane waviness and compromises cell fusion significantly more in P- than M-cells. Reciprocally, reduction of turgor pressure specifically in M-cells prevents their protrusions into P-cells and delays cell fusion. Thus, asymmetric membrane conformations, which result from differential turgor pressure and exocytosis/endocytosis ratios between mating types, favor cell-cell fusion.

scholarly journals Antigenic Properties of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Envelope during Cell-Cell Fusion

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (22) ◽  
pp. 11096-11105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Finnegan ◽  
Werner Berg ◽  
George K. Lewis ◽  
Anthony L. DeVico
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Target Cell ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Coreceptor Binding ◽  
Antigenic Properties ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cell Interface ◽  
Cell Cell

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) fusion and entry involves sequential interactions between the viral envelope protein, gp120, cell surface CD4, and a G-protein-coupled coreceptor. Each interaction creates an intermediate gp120 structure predicted to display distinct antigenic features, including key functional domains for viral entry. In this study, we examined the disposition of these features during the fusion of HeLa cells expressing either HIVHXB2 envelope (Env cells) or CXCR4 and CD4 (target cells). Cell-cell fusion, indicated by cytoplasmic dye transfer, was allowed to progress for various times and then arrested. The cells were then examined for reactivity with antibodies directed against receptor-induced epitopes on gp120. Analyses of cells arrested by cooling to 4°C revealed that antibodies against the CD4-induced coreceptor-binding domain, i.e., 17b, 48d, and CG10, faintly react with Env cells even in the absence of target cell or soluble CD4 (sCD4) interactions. Such reactivity increased after exposure to sCD4 but remained unchanged during fusion with target cells and was not intensified at the Env-target cell interface. Notably, the antibodies did not react with Env cells when treated with a covalent cross-linker either alone or during fusion with target cells. Immunoreactivity could not be promoted or otherwise altered on either temperature arrested or cross-linked cells by preventing coreceptor interactions or by using a 17b Fab. In comparison, two other gp120-CD4 complex-dependent antibodies against epitopes outside the coreceptor domain, 8F101 and A32, exhibited a different pattern of reactivity. These antibodies reacted with the Env-target cell interface only after 30 min of cocultivation, concurrent with the first visible transfer of cytoplasmic dye from Env to target cells. At later times, the staining surrounded entire syncytia. Such binding was entirely dependent on the formation of gp120-CD4-CXCR4 tricomplexes since staining was absent with SDF-treated or coreceptor-negative target cells. Overall, these studies show that access to the CD4-induced coreceptor-binding domain on gp120 is largely blocked at the fusing cell interface and is unlikely to represent a target for neutralizing antibodies. However, new epitopes are presented on intermediate gp120 structures formed as a result of coreceptor interactions. Such findings have important implications for HIV vaccine approaches based on conformational alterations in envelope structures.

scholarly journals Antigenic Properties of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmembrane Glycoprotein during Cell-Cell Fusion

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (23) ◽  
pp. 12123-12134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine M. Finnegan ◽  
Werner Berg ◽  
George K. Lewis ◽  
Anthony L. DeVico
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Dye Transfer ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Gp41 Ectodomain ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv Envelope ◽  
Soluble Cd4 ◽  
Cell Cell

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) entry is triggered by interactions between a pair of heptad repeats in the gp41 ectodomain, which convert a prehairpin gp41 trimer into a fusogenic three-hairpin bundle. Here we examined the disposition and antigenic nature of these structures during the HIV-mediated fusion of HeLa cells expressing either HIVHXB2 envelope (Env cells) or CXCR4 and CD4 (target cells). Cell-cell fusion, indicated by cytoplasmic dye transfer, was allowed to progress for various lengths of time and then arrested. Fusion intermediates were then examined for reactivity with various monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against immunogenic cluster I and cluster II epitopes in the gp41 ectodomain. All of these MAbs produced similar staining patterns indicative of reactivity with prehairpin gp41 intermediates or related structures. MAb staining was seen on Env cells only upon exposure to soluble CD4, CD4-positive, coreceptor-negative cells, or stromal cell-derived factor-treated target cells. In the fusion system, the MAbs reacted with the interfaces of attached Env and target cells within 10 min of coculture. MAb reactivity colocalized with the formation of gp120-CD4-coreceptor tricomplexes after longer periods of coculture, although reactivity was absent on cells exhibiting cytoplasmic dye transfer. Notably, the MAbs were unable to inhibit fusion even when allowed to react with soluble-CD4-triggered or temperature-arrested antigens prior to initiation of the fusion process. In comparison, a broadly neutralizing antibody, 2F5, which recognizes gp41 antigens in the HIV envelope spike, was immunoreactive with free Env cells and Env-target cell clusters but not with fused cells. Notably, exposure of the 2F5 epitope required temperature-dependent elements of the HIV envelope structure, as MAb binding occurred only above 19°C. Overall, these results demonstrate that immunogenic epitopes, both neutralizing and nonneutralizing, are accessible on gp41 antigens prior to membrane fusion. The 2F5 epitope appears to depend on temperature-dependent elements on prefusion antigens, whereas cluster I and cluster II epitopes are displayed by transient gp41 structures. Such findings have important implications for HIV vaccine approaches based on gp41 intermediates.

scholarly journals The late endosome-resident lipid bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate is a cofactor for Lassa virus fusion

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. e1009488
Author(s):  
Ruben M. Markosyan ◽  
Mariana Marin ◽  
You Zhang ◽  
Fredric S. Cohen ◽  
Gregory B. Melikyan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Target Cells ◽  
Lassa Virus ◽  
Viral Glycoprotein ◽  
Glycoprotein Complex ◽  
Late Endosomes ◽  
Viral Glycoproteins ◽  
Fusion Pores ◽  
Cell Cell

Arenavirus entry into host cells occurs through a low pH-dependent fusion with late endosomes that is mediated by the viral glycoprotein complex (GPC). The mechanisms of GPC-mediated membrane fusion and of virus targeting to late endosomes are not well understood. To gain insights into arenavirus fusion, we examined cell-cell fusion induced by the Old World Lassa virus (LASV) GPC complex. LASV GPC-mediated cell fusion is more efficient and occurs at higher pH with target cells expressing human LAMP1 compared to cells lacking this cognate receptor. However, human LAMP1 is not absolutely required for cell-cell fusion or LASV entry. We found that GPC-induced fusion progresses through the same lipid intermediates as fusion mediated by other viral glycoproteins–a lipid curvature-sensitive intermediate upstream of hemifusion and a hemifusion intermediate downstream of acid-dependent steps that can be arrested in the cold. Importantly, GPC-mediated fusion and LASV pseudovirus entry are specifically augmented by an anionic lipid, bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), which is highly enriched in late endosomes. This lipid also specifically promotes cell fusion mediated by Junin virus GPC, an unrelated New World arenavirus. We show that BMP promotes late steps of LASV fusion downstream of hemifusion–the formation and enlargement of fusion pores. The BMP-dependence of post-hemifusion stages of arenavirus fusion suggests that these viruses evolved to use this lipid as a cofactor to selectively fuse with late endosomes.

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