scholarly journals The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein associates with the replication organelles before viral assembly at the Golgi/ERGIC and lysosome-mediated egress

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina M Scherer ◽  
Luca Mascheroni ◽  
George W Carnell ◽  
Lucia C S Wunderlich ◽  
Stanislaw Makarchuk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Viral Assembly ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Spatiotemporal Regulation ◽  
Transport Vesicles ◽  
Replication Foci ◽  
Assembly Compartment

Despite being the target of extensive research efforts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, relatively little is known about the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 replication within cells. We investigate and characterise the tightly orchestrated sequence of events during different stages of the infection cycle by visualising the spatiotemporal dynamics of the four structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 at high resolution. The nucleoprotein is expressed first and accumulates around folded ER membranes in convoluted layers that connect to viral RNA replication foci. We find that of the three transmembrane proteins, the membrane protein appears at the Golgi apparatus/ERGIC before the spike and envelope proteins. Relocation of the lysosome marker LAMP1 towards the assembly compartment and its detection in transport vesicles of viral proteins confirm an important role of lysosomes in SARS-CoV-2 egress. These data provide new insights into the spatiotemporal regulation of SARS-CoV-2 assembly, and refine current understanding of SARS-CoV-2 replication.

scholarly journals Potent Inhibition of Human Cytomegalovirus by Modulation of Cellular SNARE Syntaxin 5

2016 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Cruz ◽  
Nicholas T. Streck ◽  
Kevin Ferguson ◽  
Trisha Desai ◽  
Dhimant H. Desai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Cytomegalovirus ◽  
Hcmv Infection ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Organ Transplant ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Viral Assembly ◽  
Cellular Protein ◽  
Cellular Trafficking ◽  
Efficient Production ◽  
Assembly Compartment

ABSTRACT Formation of the cytoplasmic viral assembly compartment (cVAC) is an important step for efficient human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) assembly. To do this, the virus must alter and repurpose the normal cellular balance of membrane and protein flux, a process that is not well understood. Although a recent screen identified three viral proteins essential for cVAC formation, less is known about the contribution of cellular factors. We show that HCMV infection increases the protein level of a cellular trafficking factor, syntaxin 5 (STX5), a member of the syntaxin family of SNARE proteins. STX5 is recruited to the cVAC in infected cells and is required for the efficient production of infectious virions. We find that STX5 is important for normal cVAC morphology and the proper localization of viral proteins. A previously identified inhibitor of trafficking, Retro94, causes the mislocalization of STX5, an altered cVAC morphology, and dispersal of viral proteins. The presence of Retro94 results in severely impaired production of infectious virions, with a decrease as great as 5 logs. We show that this inhibition is conserved among different strains of HCMV and the various cell types that support infection, as well as for murine CMV. Thus, our data identify a key cellular trafficking factor important for supporting HCMV infection. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes severe disease and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, including organ transplant and AIDS patients. In addition, infection of a developing fetus may result in lifelong complications such as deafness and learning disabilities. Understanding in detail the processes involved in HCMV replication is important for developing novel treatments. One of these essential processes, assembly of infectious virions, takes places in the cytoplasmic viral assembly compartment. We identify a cellular protein, syntaxin 5, important for generating this compartment, and show that it is required for the efficient production of infectious virions. We also show that a small molecule that disrupts this protein also significantly reduces the amount of infectious virions that are generated. Thus, by pinpointing a cellular protein that is important in the replication cycle of HCMV, we identified a novel target that can be pursued for therapeutic intervention.

Cellular and molecular biology of HCV infection and hepatitis

2009 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hengli Tang ◽  
Henry Grisé
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Structural Proteins ◽  
Particle Assembly ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

HCV (hepatitis C virus) infects nearly 3% of the population worldwide and has emerged as a major causative agent of liver disease, resulting in acute and chronic infections that can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatitis C represents the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States and Europe. A positive-strand RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, HCV contains a single-stranded RNA genome of approx. 9600 nucleotides. The genome RNA serves as both mRNA for translation of viral proteins and the template for RNA replication. Cis-acting RNA elements within the genome regulate RNA replication by forming secondary structures that interact with each other and trans-acting factors. Although structural proteins are clearly dispensable for RNA replication, recent evidence points to an important role of several non-structural proteins in particle assembly and release, turning their designation on its head. HCV enters host cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis, and the process requires the co-ordination of multiple cellular receptors and co-receptors. RNA replication takes place at specialized intracellular membrane structures called ‘membranous webs’ or ‘membrane-associated foci’, whereas viral assembly probably occurs on lipid droplets and endoplasmic reticulum. Liver inflammation plays a central role in the liver damage seen in hepatitis C, but many HCV proteins also directly contribute to HCV pathogenesis. In the present review, the molecular and cellular aspects of the HCV life cycle and the role of viral proteins in pathological liver conditions caused by HCV infection are described.

scholarly journals Utilization of Homotypic and Heterotypic Proteins of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus by Defective Interfering Particle Genomes for RNA Replication and Virion Assembly: Implications for the Mechanism of Homologous Viral Interference

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (15) ◽  
pp. 9588-9596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyoung Nyoun Kim ◽  
C. Yong Kang
Keyword(s):  
Vesicular Stomatitis Virus ◽  
Nucleocapsid Protein ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Genomic Rnas ◽  
Virion Assembly ◽  
Viral Interference ◽  
Vesicular Stomatitis ◽  
L Proteins

ABSTRACT Defective interfering (DI) particles of Indiana serotype of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSVInd) are capable of interfering with the replication of both homotypic VSVInd and heterotypic New Jersey serotype (VSVNJ) standard virus. In contrast, DI particles from VSVNJ do not interfere with the replication of VSVInd standard virus but do interfere with VSVNJ replication. The differences in the interfering activities of VSVInd DI particles and VSVNJ DI particles against heterotypic standard virus were investigated. We examined the utilization of homotypic and heterotypic VSV proteins by DI particle genomic RNAs for replication and maturation into infectious DI particles. Here we show that the RNA-nucleocapsid protein (N) complex of one serotype does not utilize the polymerase complex (P and L) of the other serotype for RNA synthesis, while DI particle genomic RNAs of both serotypes can utilize the N, P, and L proteins of either serotype without serotypic restriction but with differing efficiencies as long as all three proteins are derived from the same serotype. The genomic RNAs of VSVInd DI particles assembled and matured into DI particles by using either homotypic or heterotypic viral proteins. In contrast, VSVNJ DI particles could assemble only with homotypic VSVNJ viral proteins, although the genomic RNAs of VSVNJ DI particles could be replicated by using heterotypic VSVInd N, P, and L proteins. Thus, we concluded that both efficient RNA replication and assembly of DI particles are required for the heterotypic interference by VSV DI particles.

Determinants in non-structural protein 4A of dengue virus required for RNA replication and replication organelle biogenesis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mirko Cortese ◽  
Klaas Mulder ◽  
Laurent Chatel-Chaix ◽  
Pietro Scaturro ◽  
Berati Cerikan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dengue Virus ◽  
Antiviral Therapy ◽  
Genetic Interaction ◽  
Nonstructural Protein ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Health Concern

Dengue virus (DENV) constitutes one of the most important arboviral pathogens affecting humans. The high prevalence of DENV infections, which cause more than twenty thousand deaths annually, and the lack of effective vaccines or direct-acting antiviral drugs make it a global health concern. DENV genome replication occurs in close association with the host endomembrane system, which is remodeled to form the viral replication organelle that originates from ER membranes. To date, the viral and cellular determinants responsible for the biogenesis of DENV replication organelles are still poorly defined. The viral nonstructural protein (NS) 4A can remodel membranes and has been shown to associate with numerous host factors in DENV replicating cells. In the present study we used reverse and forward genetic screens and identified sites within NS4A required for DENV replication. We also mapped the determinants in NS4A required for interactions with other viral proteins. Moreover, taking advantage of our recently developed polyprotein expression system, we evaluated the role of NS4A in the formation of DENV replication organelles. Together, we report a detailed map of determinants within NS4A required for RNA replication, interaction with other viral proteins and replication organelle formation. Our results suggest that NS4A might be an attractive target for antiviral therapy. Importance DENV is the most prevalent mosquito-borne virus, causing around 390 million infections each year. There are no approved therapies to treat DENV infection and the only available vaccine shows limited efficacy. The viral non-structural proteins have emerged as attractive drug targets, due to their pivotal role in RNA replication and establishment of virus-induced membranous compartments, designated replication organelles (ROs). The transmembrane protein NS4A, generated by cleavage of the NS4A-2K-4B precursor, contributes to DENV replication by unknown mechanisms. Here, we report a detailed genetic interaction map of NS4A and identify residues required for RNA replication and interaction between NS4A-2K-4B and NS2B-3 as well as NS1. Importantly, by means of an expression-based system we demonstrate the essential role of NS4A in ROs biogenesis and identify determinants in NS4A required for this process. Our data suggest that NS4A is an attractive target for antiviral therapy.

scholarly journals Role of Host-Mediated Post-Translational Modifications (PTMs) in RNA Virus Pathogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Ramesh Kumar ◽  
Divya Mehta ◽  
Nimisha Mishra ◽  
Debasis Nayak ◽  
Sujatha Sunil
Keyword(s):  
Rna Virus ◽  
Viral Proteins ◽  
Post Translational Modification ◽  
Host Proteins ◽  
Viral Protein Synthesis ◽  
Post Translational Modifications ◽  
Small Proteins ◽  
Cellular Machinery ◽  
Chemical Groups

Being opportunistic intracellular pathogens, viruses are dependent on the host for their replication. They hijack host cellular machinery for their replication and survival by targeting crucial cellular physiological pathways, including transcription, translation, immune pathways, and apoptosis. Immediately after translation, the host and viral proteins undergo a process called post-translational modification (PTM). PTMs of proteins involves the attachment of small proteins, carbohydrates/lipids, or chemical groups to the proteins and are crucial for the proteins’ functioning. During viral infection, host proteins utilize PTMs to control the virus replication, using strategies like activating immune response pathways, inhibiting viral protein synthesis, and ultimately eliminating the virus from the host. PTM of viral proteins increases solubility, enhances antigenicity and virulence properties. However, RNA viruses are devoid of enzymes capable of introducing PTMs to their proteins. Hence, they utilize the host PTM machinery to promote their survival. Proteins from viruses belonging to the family: Togaviridae, Flaviviridae, Retroviridae, and Coronaviridae such as chikungunya, dengue, zika, HIV, and coronavirus are a few that are well-known to be modified. This review discusses various host and virus-mediated PTMs that play a role in the outcome during the infection.

scholarly journals What Is the Metabolic Amplification of Insulin Secretion and Is It (Still) Relevant?

Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 355
Author(s):  
Ingo Rustenbeck ◽  
Torben Schulze ◽  
Mai Morsi ◽  
Mohammed Alshafei ◽  
Uwe Panten
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Secretion ◽  
Beta Cell ◽  
Adenine Nucleotides ◽  
Pancreatic Beta Cell ◽  
Secretory Response ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Insulin Synthesis ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Insulin Granules

The pancreatic beta-cell transduces the availability of nutrients into the secretion of insulin. While this process is extensively modified by hormones and neurotransmitters, it is the availability of nutrients, above all glucose, which sets the process of insulin synthesis and secretion in motion. The central role of the mitochondria in this process was identified decades ago, but how changes in mitochondrial activity are coupled to the exocytosis of insulin granules is still incompletely understood. The identification of ATP-sensitive K+-channels provided the link between the level of adenine nucleotides and the electrical activity of the beta cell, but the depolarization-induced Ca2+-influx into the beta cells, although necessary for stimulated secretion, is not sufficient to generate the secretion pattern as produced by glucose and other nutrient secretagogues. The metabolic amplification of insulin secretion is thus the sequence of events that enables the secretory response to a nutrient secretagogue to exceed the secretory response to a purely depolarizing stimulus and is thus of prime importance. Since the cataplerotic export of mitochondrial metabolites is involved in this signaling, an orienting overview on the topic of nutrient secretagogues beyond glucose is included. Their judicious use may help to define better the nature of the signals and their mechanism of action.

Peripheral muscarinic control of norepinephrine release in the cardiovascular system

1980 ◽  
Vol 239 (6) ◽  
pp. H713-H720 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Muscholl
Keyword(s):  
Physiological Role ◽  
Sympathetic Nerves ◽  
Adrenergic Nerve ◽  
Sequence Of Events ◽  
Adrenergic Response ◽  
Adrenergic Nerve Terminals ◽  
Muscarinic Cholinergic ◽  
Related Compounds ◽  
Stimulation Of

Activation of muscarinic cholinergic receptors located at the terminal adrenergic nerve fiber inhibits the process of exocytotic norepinephrine (NE) release. This neuromodulatory effect of acetylcholine and related compounds has been discovered as a pharmacological phenomenon. Subsequently, evidence for a physiological role of the presynaptic muscarinic inhibition was obtained on organs known to be innervated by the autonomic ground plexus (Hillarp, Acta. Physiol. Scand. 46, Suppl. 157: 1-68, 1959) in which terminal adrenergic and cholinergic axons run side by side. Thus, in the heart electrical vagal stimulation inhibits the release of NE evoked by stimulation of sympathetic nerves, and this is reflected by a corresponding decrease in the postsynaptic adrenergic response. On the other hand, muscarinic antagonists such as atropine enhance the NE release evoked by field stimulation of tissues innervated by the autonomic ground plexus. The presynaptic muscarine receptor of adrenergic nerve terminals probably restricts the influx of calcium ions that triggers the release of NE. However, the sequence of events between recognition of the muscarinic compound by the receptor and the process of exocytosis still remains to be clarified.

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