scholarly journals RNA binding domains of heterologous viral proteins substituted for basic residues in the RSV Gag NC domain restore specific packaging of genomic RNA

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna L. Rice ◽  
Timothy L. Lochmann ◽  
Leslie J. Parent
Keyword(s):  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Genomic Rna ◽  
Basic Residue ◽  
Gag Proteins ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Rous Sarcoma

AbstractThe Rous sarcoma virus Gag polyprotein transiently traffics through the nucleus, which is required for efficient incorporation of the viral genomic RNA (gRNA) into virus particles. Packaging of gRNA is mediated by two zinc knuckles and basic residues located in the nucleocapsid (NC) domain in Gag. To further examine the role of basic residues located downstream of the zinc knuckles in gRNA encapsidation, we used a gain-of-function approach. We replaced a basic residue cluster essential for gRNA packaging with heterologous basic residue motif (BR) with RNA binding activity from either the HIV-1 Rev protein (Rev BR) or the HSV ICP27 protein (ICP27 BR). Compared to wild type Gag, the mutant ICP27 BR and Rev BR Gag proteins were much more strongly localized to the nucleus and released significantly lower levels of virus particles. Surprisingly, both the ICP27 BR and Rev BR mutants packaged normal levels of gRNA per virus particle when examined in the context of a proviral vector, yet both mutants were noninfectious. These results support the hypothesis that basic residues located in the C-terminal region of NC are required for selective gRNA packaging, potentially via initial electrostatic interactions that facilitate specific binding.

scholarly journals RNA-Binding Domains of Heterologous Viral Proteins Substituted for Basic Residues in the RSV Gag NC Domain Restore Specific Packaging of Genomic RNA

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Breanna L. Rice ◽  
Timothy L. Lochmann ◽  
Leslie J. Parent
Keyword(s):  
Electrostatic Interactions ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Genomic Rna ◽  
Basic Residue ◽  
Gag Proteins ◽  
Virus Particles ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

The Rous sarcoma virus Gag polyprotein transiently traffics through the nucleus, which is required for efficient incorporation of the viral genomic RNA (gRNA) into virus particles. Packaging of gRNA is mediated by two zinc knuckles and basic residues located in the nucleocapsid (NC) domain in Gag. To further examine the role of basic residues located downstream of the zinc knuckles in gRNA encapsidation, we used a gain-of-function approach. We replaced a basic residue cluster essential for gRNA packaging with heterologous basic residue motif (BR) with RNA-binding activity from either the HIV-1 Rev protein (Rev BR) or the HSV ICP27 protein (ICP27 BR). Compared to wild-type Gag, the mutant ICP27 BR and Rev BR Gag proteins were much more strongly localized to the nucleus and released significantly lower levels of virus particles. Surprisingly, both the ICP27 BR and Rev BR mutants packaged normal levels of gRNA per virus particle when examined in the context of a proviral vector, yet both mutants were noninfectious. These results support the hypothesis that basic residues located in the C-terminal region of NC are required for selective gRNA packaging, potentially by binding non-specifically to RNA via electrostatic interactions.

scholarly journals Staufen1 is imported into the nucleolus via a bipartite nuclear localization signal and several modulatory determinants

2005 ◽  
Vol 393 (1) ◽  
pp. 245-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine Martel ◽  
Paolo Macchi ◽  
Luc Furic ◽  
Michael A. Kiebler ◽  
Luc Desgroseillers
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Nuclear Export ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Nuclear Trafficking ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Bipartite Nuclear Localization Signal ◽  
Localization Signal

Mammalian Stau1 (Staufen1), a modular protein composed of several dsRBDs (double-stranded RNA-binding domains), is probably involved in mRNA localization. Although Stau1 is mostly described in association with the rough endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes in the cytoplasm, recent studies suggest that it may transit through the nucleus/nucleolus. Using a sensitive yeast import assay, we show that Stau1 is actively imported into the nucleus through a newly identified bipartite nuclear localization signal. As in yeast, the bipartite nuclear localization signal is necessary for Stau1 nuclear import in mammalian cells. It is also required for Stau1 nucleolar trafficking. However, Stau1 nuclear transit seems to be regulated by mechanisms that involve cytoplasmic retention and/or facilitated nuclear export. Cytoplasmic retention is mainly achieved through the action of dsRBD3, with dsRBD2 playing a supporting role in this function. Similarly, dsRBD3, but not its RNA-binding activity, is critical for Stau1 nucleolar trafficking. The function of dsRBD3 is strengthened or stabilized by the presence of dsRBD4 but prevented by the interdomain between dsRBD2 and dsRBD3. Altogether, these results suggest that Stau1 nuclear trafficking is a highly regulated process involving several determinants. The presence of Stau1 in the nucleus/nucleolus suggests that it may be involved in ribonucleoprotein formation in the nucleus and/or in other nuclear functions not necessarily related to mRNA transport.

scholarly journals Genetic Evidence for a Connection between Rous Sarcoma Virus Gag Nuclear Trafficking and Genomic RNA Packaging

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (13) ◽  
pp. 6790-6797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Garbitt-Hirst ◽  
Scott P. Kenney ◽  
Leslie J. Parent
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Localization ◽  
Rous Sarcoma Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Genetic Evidence ◽  
Genomic Rna ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Nuclear Trafficking ◽  
Gag Protein ◽  
Rous Sarcoma ◽  
Sarcoma Virus

ABSTRACT The packaging of retroviral genomic RNA (gRNA) requires cis-acting elements within the RNA and trans-acting elements within the Gag polyprotein. The packaging signal ψ, at the 5′ end of the viral gRNA, binds to Gag through interactions with basic residues and Cys-His box RNA-binding motifs in the nucleocapsid. Although specific interactions between Gag and gRNA have been demonstrated previously, where and when they occur is not well understood. We discovered that the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein transiently localizes to the nucleus, although the roles of Gag nuclear trafficking in virus replication have not been fully elucidated. A mutant of RSV (Myr1E) with enhanced plasma membrane targeting of Gag fails to undergo nuclear trafficking and also incorporates reduced levels of gRNA into virus particles compared to those in wild-type particles. Based on these results, we hypothesized that Gag nuclear entry might facilitate gRNA packaging. To test this idea by using a gain-of-function genetic approach, a bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) derived from the nucleoplasmin protein was inserted into the Myr1E Gag sequence (generating mutant Myr1E.NLS) in an attempt to restore nuclear trafficking. Here, we report that the inserted NLS enhanced the nuclear localization of Myr1E.NLS Gag compared to that of Myr1E Gag. Also, the NLS sequence restored gRNA packaging to nearly wild-type levels in viruses containing Myr1E.NLS Gag, providing genetic evidence linking nuclear trafficking of the retroviral Gag protein with gRNA incorporation.

scholarly journals The multiple RNA-binding domains of the mRNA poly(A)-binding protein have different RNA-binding activities.

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 3419-3424 ◽  
Author(s):  
C G Burd ◽  
E L Matunis ◽  
G Dreyfuss
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Rna Binding Domains

The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is the major mRNA-binding protein in eukaryotes, and it is essential for viability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The amino acid sequence of the protein indicates that it consists of four ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence-containing RNA-binding domains (RBDs I, II, III, and IV) and a proline-rich auxiliary domain at the carboxyl terminus. We produced different parts of the S. cerevisiae PABP and studied their binding to poly(A) and other ribohomopolymers in vitro. We found that none of the individual RBDs of the protein bind poly(A) specifically or efficiently. Contiguous two-domain combinations were required for efficient RNA binding, and each pairwise combination (I/II, II/III, and III/IV) had a distinct RNA-binding activity. Specific poly(A)-binding activity was found only in the two amino-terminal RBDs (I/II) which, interestingly, are dispensable for viability of yeast cells, whereas the activity that is sufficient to rescue lethality of a PABP-deleted strain is in the carboxyl-terminal RBDs (III/IV). We conclude that the PABP is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein that has at least two distinct and separable activities: RBDs I/II, which most likely function in binding the PABP to mRNA through the poly(A) tail, and RBDs III/IV, which may function through binding either to a different part of the same mRNA molecule or to other RNA(s).

scholarly journals The ORF2 Protein of Hepatitis E Virus Binds the 5′ Region of Viral RNA

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 320-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milan Surjit ◽  
Shahid Jameel ◽  
Sunil K. Lal
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Genomic Rna ◽  
Structural Part ◽  
Conserved Sequence ◽  
Cellular Environment ◽  
Orf2 Protein

ABSTRACT Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major human pathogen in much of the developing world. It is a plus-strand RNA virus with a 7.2-kb polyadenylated genome consisting of three open reading frames, ORF1, ORF2, and ORF3. Of these, ORF2 encodes the major capsid protein of the virus and ORF3 encodes a small protein of unknown function. Using the yeast three-hybrid system and traditional biochemical techniques, we have studied the RNA binding activities of ORF2 and ORF3, two proteins encoded in the 3′ structural part of the genome. Since the genomic RNA from HEV has been postulated to contain secondary structures at the 5′ and 3′ ends, we used these two terminal regions, besides other regions within the genome, in this study. Experiments were designed to test for interactions between the genomic RNA fusion constructs with ORF2 and ORF3 hybrid proteins in a yeast cellular environment. We show here that the ORF2 protein contains RNA binding activity. The ORF2 protein specifically bound the 5′ end of the HEV genome. Deletion analysis of this protein showed that its RNA binding activity was lost when deletions were made beyond the N-terminal 111 amino acids. Finer mapping of the interacting RNA revealed that a 76-nucleotide (nt) region at the 5′ end of the HEV genome was responsible for binding the ORF2 protein. This 76-nt region included the 51-nt HEV sequence, conserved across alphaviruses. Our results support the requirement of this conserved sequence for interaction with ORF2 and also indicate an increase in the strength of the RNA-protein interaction when an additional 44 bases downstream of this 76-nt region were included. Secondary-structure predictions and the location of the ORF2 binding region within the HEV genome indicate that this interaction may play a role in viral encapsidation.

scholarly journals Phosphorylation of Rubella Virus Capsid Regulates Its RNA Binding Activity and Virus Replication

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 1764-1771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lok Man J. Law ◽  
Jason C. Everitt ◽  
Martin D. Beatch ◽  
Charles F. B. Holmes ◽  
Tom C. Hobman
Keyword(s):  
Virus Replication ◽  
Rubella Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Virus Assembly ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Wild Type Virus ◽  
Genomic Rna ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

ABSTRACT Rubella virus is an enveloped positive-strand RNA virus of the family Togaviridae. Virions are composed of three structural proteins: a capsid and two membrane-spanning glycoproteins, E2 and E1. During virus assembly, the capsid interacts with genomic RNA to form nucleocapsids. In the present study, we have investigated the role of capsid phosphorylation in virus replication. We have identified a single serine residue within the RNA binding region that is required for normal phosphorylation of this protein. The importance of capsid phosphorylation in virus replication was demonstrated by the fact that recombinant viruses encoding hypophosphorylated capsids replicated at much lower titers and were less cytopathic than wild-type virus. Nonphosphorylated mutant capsid proteins exhibited higher affinities for viral RNA than wild-type phosphorylated capsids. Capsid protein isolated from wild-type strain virions bound viral RNA more efficiently than cell-associated capsid. However, the RNA-binding activity of cell-associated capsids increased dramatically after treatment with phosphatase, suggesting that the capsid is dephosphorylated during virus assembly. In vitro assays indicate that the capsid may be a substrate for protein phosphatase 1A. As capsid is heavily phosphorylated under conditions where virus assembly does not occur, we propose that phosphorylation serves to negatively regulate binding of viral genomic RNA. This may delay the initiation of nucleocapsid assembly until sufficient amounts of virus glycoproteins accumulate at the budding site and/or prevent nonspecific binding to cellular RNA when levels of genomic RNA are low. It follows that at a late stage in replication, the capsid may undergo dephosphorylation before nucleocapsid assembly occurs.

scholarly journals The multiple RNA-binding domains of the mRNA poly(A)-binding protein have different RNA-binding activities

1991 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 3419-3424
Author(s):  
C G Burd ◽  
E L Matunis ◽  
G Dreyfuss
Keyword(s):  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Consensus Sequence ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Yeast Cells ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Amino Terminal ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Rna Binding Domains

The poly(A)-binding protein (PABP) is the major mRNA-binding protein in eukaryotes, and it is essential for viability of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The amino acid sequence of the protein indicates that it consists of four ribonucleoprotein consensus sequence-containing RNA-binding domains (RBDs I, II, III, and IV) and a proline-rich auxiliary domain at the carboxyl terminus. We produced different parts of the S. cerevisiae PABP and studied their binding to poly(A) and other ribohomopolymers in vitro. We found that none of the individual RBDs of the protein bind poly(A) specifically or efficiently. Contiguous two-domain combinations were required for efficient RNA binding, and each pairwise combination (I/II, II/III, and III/IV) had a distinct RNA-binding activity. Specific poly(A)-binding activity was found only in the two amino-terminal RBDs (I/II) which, interestingly, are dispensable for viability of yeast cells, whereas the activity that is sufficient to rescue lethality of a PABP-deleted strain is in the carboxyl-terminal RBDs (III/IV). We conclude that the PABP is a multifunctional RNA-binding protein that has at least two distinct and separable activities: RBDs I/II, which most likely function in binding the PABP to mRNA through the poly(A) tail, and RBDs III/IV, which may function through binding either to a different part of the same mRNA molecule or to other RNA(s).

scholarly journals Residues R192 and K225 in RNA-binding pocket of tobacco vein banding mosaic virus CP control virus cell-to-cell movement and replication

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi-Yong Yan ◽  
Xiao-Jie Xu ◽  
Le Fang ◽  
De-Jie Cheng ◽  
Yan-Ping Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mosaic Virus ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Cell Movement ◽  
Binding Pocket ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Watermelon Mosaic Virus ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Mobility Shift ◽  
Virus Particles

Potyviruses move to neighboring cells in the form of virus particles or coat protein (CP)-containing ribonucleoprotein complex. However, the precise roles of RNA binding residues in potyviral CP in viral cell-to-cell movement remain to be elucidated. In this study, we predicted the three-dimensional model of tobacco vein banding mosaic potyvirus (TVBMV)-encoded CP and found nine residues presumably located in the CP RNA-binding pocket. Substitutions of the two basic residues at positions of 192 and 225 (R192 and K225) either with alanine, cysteine, or glutamic acid abolished TVBMV cell-to-cell and systemic movement in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. These substitutions also reduced the replication of the mutant viruses. Results from the electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that the RNA binding activity of mutant CPs derived from R192 or K225 substitutions was significantly lower than that of wild-type CP. Analysis of purified virus particles showed that mutant viruses with R192 or K225 substitutions formed RNA-free virus-like particles. Mutations of R192 and K225 did not change the CP plasmodesmata localization. The wild-type TVBMV CP could rescue the deficient cell-to-cell movement of mutant viruses. Moreover, deletion of any of the other seven residues also abolished TVBMV cell-to-cell movement and reduced the CP-RNA binding activity. The corresponding nine residues in watermelon mosaic virus CP were also found to play essential roles in virus cell-to-cell movement. In conclusion, residues R192 and K225 in the CP RNA-binding pocket are critical for viral RNA binding and affect both virus replication and cell-to-cell movement.

scholarly journals A Human Sequence Homologue of Staufen Is an RNA-Binding Protein That Is Associated with Polysomes and Localizes to the Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

1999 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 2212-2219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa María Marión ◽  
Puri Fortes ◽  
Ana Beloso ◽  
Carlos Dotti ◽  
Juan Ortín
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Intracellular Localization ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Ns1 Protein ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Human Sequence ◽  
Dsrna Binding

ABSTRACT In the course of a two-hybrid screen with the NS1 protein of influenza virus, a human clone capable of coding for a protein with high homology to the Staufen protein from Drosophila melanogaster (dmStaufen) was identified. With these sequences used as a probe, cDNAs were isolated from a λ cDNA library. The encoded protein (hStaufen-like) contained four double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-binding domains with 55% similarity and 38% identity to those of dmStaufen, including identity at all residues involved in RNA binding. A recombinant protein containing all dsRNA-binding domains was expressed in Escherichia coli as a His-tagged polypeptide. It showed dsRNA binding activity in vitro, with an apparentKd of 10−9 M. Using a specific antibody, we detected in human cells a major form of the hStaufen-like protein with an apparent molecular mass of 60 to 65 kDa. The intracellular localization of hStaufen-like protein was investigated by immunofluorescence using a series of markers for the cell compartments. Colocalization was observed with the rough endoplasmic reticulum but not with endosomes, cytoskeleton, or Golgi apparatus. Furthermore, sedimentation analyses indicated that hStaufen-like protein associates with polysomes. These results are discussed in relation to the possible functions of the protein.

scholarly journals Core Promoter Binding by Histone-Like TAF Complexes

2005 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 206-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanshuang Shao ◽  
Merav Revach ◽  
Sandra Moshonov ◽  
Yael Tzuman ◽  
Kfir Gazit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Binding ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Core Promoter ◽  
Binding Activity ◽  
Major Function ◽  
Dna Binding Domains ◽  
Histone Fold ◽  
Binding Domains ◽  
Dna Binding Activity ◽  
Promoter Recognition

ABSTRACT A major function of TFIID is core promoter recognition. TFIID consists of TATA-binding protein (TBP) and 14 TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Most of them contain a histone fold domain (HFD) that lacks the DNA-contacting residues of histones. Whether and how TAF HFDs contribute to core promoter DNA binding are yet unresolved. Here we examined the DNA binding activity of TAF9, TAF6, TAF4b, and TAF12, which are related to histones H3, H4, H2A, and H2B, respectively. Each of these TAFs has intrinsic DNA binding activity adjacent to or within the HFD. The DNA binding domains were mapped to evolutionarily conserved and essential regions. Remarkably, HFD-mediated interaction enhanced the DNA binding activity of each of the TAF6-TAF9 and TAF4b-TAF12 pairs and of a histone-like octamer complex composed of the four TAFs. Furthermore, HFD-mediated interaction stimulated sequence-specific binding by TAF6 and TAF9. These results suggest that TAF HFDs merge with other conserved domains for efficient and specific core promoter binding.

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