scholarly journals Replication-dependent biogenesis of turnip crinkle virus long noncoding RNAs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoyan Zhang ◽  
Rong Sun ◽  
Camila Perdoncini Carvalho ◽  
Junping Han ◽  
Limin Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Long Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Turnip Crinkle Virus ◽  
Replication Proteins ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Subgenomic Rnas ◽  
Positive Strand Rna ◽  
Dependent Mechanism

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) of virus origin accumulate in cells infected by many positive strand (+) RNA viruses to bolster viral infectivity. Their biogenesis mostly utilizes exoribonucleases of host cells that degrade viral genomic or subgenomic RNAs in the 5’-to-3’ direction until being stalled by well-defined RNA structures. Here we report a viral lncRNA that is produced by a novel replication-dependent mechanism. This lncRNA corresponds to the last 283 nucleotides of the turnip crinkle virus (TCV) genome, hence is designated tiny TCV subgenomic RNA (ttsgR). ttsgR accumulated to high levels in TCV-infected Nicotiana benthamiana cells when the TCV-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), also known as p88, was overexpressed. Both (+) and (-) strand forms of ttsgR were produced in a manner dependent on the RdRp functionality. Strikingly, templates as short as ttsgR itself were sufficient to program ttsgR amplification, as long as the TCV-encoded replication proteins, p28 and p88, were provided in trans . Consistent with its replicational origin, ttsgR accumulation required a 5’ terminal carmovirus consensus sequence (CCS), a sequence motif shared by genomic and subgenomic RNAs of many viruses phylogenetically related to TCV. More importantly, introducing a new CCS motif elsewhere in the TCV genome was alone sufficient to cause the emergence of another lncRNA. Finally, abolishing ttsgR by mutating its 5’ CCS gave rise to a TCV mutant that failed to compete with wildtype TCV in Arabidopsis. Collectively our results unveil a replication-dependent mechanism for the biogenesis of viral lncRNAs, thus suggesting that multiple mechanisms, individually or in combination, may be responsible for viral lncRNA production. Importance Many positive strand (+) RNA viruses produce long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) during the process of cellular infections, and mobilize these lncRNAs to counteract antiviral defenses, as well as coordinate the translation of viral proteins. Most viral lncRNAs arise from 5’-to-3’ degradation of longer viral RNAs being stalled at stable secondary structures. We report a viral lncRNA that is produced by the replication machinery of turnip crinkle virus (TCV). This lncRNA, designated ttsgR, shares the terminal characteristics with TCV genomic and subgenomic RNAs, and over-accumulates in the presence of moderately overexpressed TCV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Furthermore, templates that are of similar sizes as ttsgR itself are readily replicated by TCV replication proteins (p28 and RdRp) provided from non-viral sources. In summary, this study establishes an approach for uncovering low abundance viral lncRNAs, and characterizes a replicating TCV lncRNA. Similar investigations on human-pathogenic (+) RNA viruses could yield novel therapeutic targets.

scholarly journals Replication-Dependent Biogenesis of Turnip Crinkle Virus Long Noncoding RNAs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaoyan Zhang ◽  
Rong Sun ◽  
Limin Zheng ◽  
Feng Qu
Keyword(s):  
Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Long Noncoding Rnas ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Turnip Crinkle Virus ◽  
Rna Structures ◽  
Subgenomic Rna ◽  
Virus Origin ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Positive Strand Rna ◽  
Dependent Mechanism

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) of virus origin accumulate in cells infected by many positive strand (+) RNA viruses to bolster viral infectivity. Their biogenesis mostly utilizes exoribonucleases of host cells that degrade viral genomic or subgenomic RNAs in the 5’-to-3’ direction until being stalled by well-defined RNA structures. Here we report a viral lncRNA that is produced by a novel replication-dependent mechanism. This lncRNA corresponds to the last 283 nucleotides of the turnip crinkle virus (TCV) genome, hence is designated tiny TCV subgenomic RNA (ttsgR). ttsgR accumulated to high levels in TCV-infected Nicotiana benthamiana cells when the TCV-encoded RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), also known as p88, was overexpressed. Both (+) and (-) strand forms of ttsgR were produced in these cells in a manner dependent on the RdRp functionality. Strikingly, templates as short as ttsgR itself were sufficient to program ttsgR amplification, as long as the TCV-encoded replication proteins, p28 and p88, were provided in trans. Consistent with its replicational origin, ttsgR accumulation required a 5’ terminal G3(A/U)4 motif shown by others to be crucial for the replication of a TCV satellite RNA. More importantly, introducing a new G3(A/U)4 motif elsewhere in the TCV genome was alone sufficient to cause the emergence of another lncRNA. Collectively our results unveil a replication-dependent mechanism for the biogenesis of viral lncRNAs, thus suggesting that multiple mechanisms, individually or in combination, may be responsible for viral lncRNA production.

scholarly journals Evidence for Internal Initiation of RNA Synthesis by the Hepatitis C Virus RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase NS5B In Cellulo

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (19) ◽  
Author(s):  
Philipp Schult ◽  
Maren Nattermann ◽  
Chris Lauber ◽  
Stefan Seitz ◽  
Volker Lohmann
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Internal Initiation ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

ABSTRACT Initiation of RNA synthesis by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) NS5B has been extensively studied in vitro and in cellulo. Intracellular replication is thought to rely exclusively on terminal de novo initiation, as it conserves all genetic information of the genome. In vitro, however, additional modes of initiation have been observed. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether the intracellular environment allows for internal initiation of RNA replication by the HCV replicase. We used a dual luciferase replicon harboring a terminal and an internal copy of the viral genomic 5′ untranslated region, which was anticipated to support noncanonical initiation. Indeed, a shorter RNA species was detected by Northern blotting with low frequency, depending on the length and sequence composition upstream of the internal initiation site. By introducing mutations at either site, we furthermore established that internal and terminal initiation shared identical sequence requirements. Importantly, lethal point mutations at the terminal site resulted exclusively in truncated replicons. In contrast, the same mutations at the internal site abrogated internal initiation, suggesting a competitive selection of initiation sites, rather than recombination or template-switching events. In conclusion, our data indicate that the HCV replicase is capable of internal initiation in its natural environment, although functional replication likely requires only terminal initiation. Since many other positive-strand RNA viruses generate subgenomic messenger RNAs during their replication cycle, we surmise that their capability for internal initiation is a common and conserved feature of viral RdRps. IMPORTANCE Many aspects of viral RNA replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) are still poorly understood. The process of RNA synthesis is driven by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) NS5B. Most mechanistic studies on NS5B so far were performed with in vitro systems using isolated recombinant polymerase. In this study, we present a replicon model, which allows the intracellular assessment of noncanonical modes of initiation by the full HCV replicase. Our results add to the understanding of the biochemical processes underlying initiation of RNA synthesis by NS5B by the discovery of internal initiation in cellulo. Moreover, they validate observations made in vitro, showing that the viral polymerase acts very similarly in isolation and in complex with other viral and host proteins. Finally, these observations provide clues about the evolution of RdRps of positive-strand RNA viruses, which might contain the intrinsic ability to initiate internally.

scholarly journals Conformational changes in human Norovirus polymerase

2014 ◽  
Vol 70 (a1) ◽  
pp. C1595-C1595
Author(s):  
Kenneth Ng ◽  
Dmitry Zamyatkin ◽  
Hayeong Rho ◽  
Elesha Hoffarth ◽  
Gabriela Jurca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Conformational Changes ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Divalent Metal ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Human Norovirus ◽  
Conformational States ◽  
Crystal Forms ◽  
Divalent Metal Cations ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

Human Noroviruses (NV) belong in the Caliciviridae family and are a major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks throughout the world. Crystal structures of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from the human Norovirus have been determined in over ten different crystal forms in the presence and absence of divalent metal cations, nucleoside triphosphates, inhibitors and primer-template duplex RNA. These structures show how the polymerase enzyme can adopt a range of conformations in which the thumb, fingers and palm domains change orientations depending on the step of the enzymatic cycle trapped in different crystal forms. We discuss how the evidence from crystallographic and biochemical experiments combine to better understand how viral RNA polymerase enzymes from human Norovirus and related positive-strand RNA viruses can adopt a range of conformational states to facilitate RNA binding, NTP binding, catalysis, RNA translocation and pyrophosphate release. The detailed structural and mechanistic understanding of these conformational changes is important for providing a sound basis for understanding viral replication in general, as well as for the design of novel inhibitors capable of trapping the enzyme in specific conformational states.

scholarly journals Discovery of divided RdRp sequences and a hitherto unknown genomic complexity in fungal viruses

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuto Chiba ◽  
Takashi Yaguchi ◽  
Syun-ichi Urayama ◽  
Daisuke Hagiwara
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Viral Genomes ◽  
True Diversity ◽  
Fungal Viruses

AbstractBy identifying variations in viral RNA genomes, cutting-edge metagenome technology has potential to reshape current concepts about the evolution of RNA viruses. This technology, however, cannot process low-homology genomic regions properly, leaving the true diversity of RNA viruses unappreciated. To overcome this technological limitation we applied an advanced method, Fragmented and Primer-Ligated Double-stranded (ds) RNA Sequencing (FLDS), to screen RNA viruses from 155 fungal isolates, which allowed us to obtain complete viral genomes in a homology-independent manner. We created a high-quality catalog of 19 RNA viruses (12 viral species) that infect Aspergillus isolates. Among them, nine viruses were not detectable by the conventional methodology involving agarose gel electrophoresis of dsRNA, a hallmark of RNA virus infections. Segmented genome structures were determined in 42% of the viruses. Some RNA viruses had novel genome architectures; one contained a dual methyltransferase domain and another had a separated RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. A virus from a different fungal taxon (Pyricularia) had an RdRp sequence that was separated on different segments, suggesting that a divided RdRp is widely present among fungal viruses, despite the belief that all RNA viruses encode RdRp as a single gene. These findings illustrate the previously hidden diversity and evolution of RNA viruses, and prompt reconsideration of the structural plasticity of RdRp. By highlighting the limitations of conventional surveillance methods for RNA viruses, we showcase the potential of FLDS technology to broaden current knowledge about these viruses.Author SummaryThe development of RNA-seq technology has facilitated the discovery of RNA viruses in all types of biological samples. However, it is technically difficult to detect highly novel viruses using RNA-seq. We successfully reconstructed the genomes of multiple novel fungal RNA viruses by screening host fungi using a new technology, FLDS. Surprisingly, we identified two viral species whose RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) proteins were separately encoded on different genome segments, overturning the commonly accepted view of the positional unity of RdRp proteins in viral genomes. This new perspective on divided RdRp proteins should hasten the discovery of viruses with unique RdRp structures that have been overlooked, and further advance current knowledge and understanding of the diversity and evolution of RNA viruses.

scholarly journals Late Male-Killing Viruses in Homona magnanima Identified as Osugoroshi Viruses, Novel Members of Partitiviridae

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryosuke Fujita ◽  
Maki N. Inoue ◽  
Takumi Takamatsu ◽  
Hiroshi Arai ◽  
Mayu Nishino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modeling ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Horizontal Transmission ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Double Stranded Rna ◽  
First Report ◽  
Male Killing ◽  
Male Specific

Late male-killing, a male-specific death after hatching, is a unique phenotype found in Homona magnanima, oriental tea tortrix. The male-killing agent was suspected to be an RNA virus, but details were unknown. We herein successfully isolated and identified the putative male-killing virus as Osugoroshi viruses (OGVs). The three RNA-dependent RNA polymerase genes detected were phylogenetically related to Partitiviridae, a group of segmented double-stranded RNA viruses. Purified dsRNA from a late male-killing strain of H. magnanima revealed 24 segments, in addition to the RdRps, with consensus terminal sequences. These segments included the previously found male-killing agents MK1068 (herein OGV-related RNA16) and MK1241 (OGV-related RNA7) RNAs. Ultramicroscopic observation of purified virions, which induced late male-killing in the progeny of injected moths, showed sizes typical of Partitiviridae. Mathematical modeling showed the importance of late male-killing in facilitating horizontal transmission of OGVs in an H. magnanima population. This study is the first report on the isolation of partiti-like virus from insects, and one thought to be associated with late male-killing, although the viral genomic contents and combinations in each virus are still unknown.

scholarly journals Senecavirus-Specific Recombination Assays Reveal the Intimate Link between Polymerase Fidelity and RNA Recombination

2019 ◽  
Vol 93 (13) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Li ◽  
Haiwei Wang ◽  
Jiabao Shi ◽  
Decheng Yang ◽  
Guohui Zhou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Culture ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
Virus Evolution ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Polymerase Fidelity ◽  
Rdrp Region ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

ABSTRACTSenecavirus A (SVA) is a reemerging virus, and recent evidence has emphasized the importance of SVA recombinationin vivoon virus evolution. In this study, we report the development of an infectious cDNA clone for the SVA/HLJ/CHA/2016 strain. We used this strain to develop a reporter virus expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), which we then used to screen for a recombination-deficient SVA by an eGFP retention assay. Sequencing of the virus that retained the eGFP following passage allowed us to identify the nonsynonymous mutations (S460L alone and I212V-S460L in combination) in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region of the genome. We developed a Senecavirus-specific cell culture-based recombination assay, which we used to elucidate the role of RdRp in SVA recombination. Our results demonstrate that these two polymerase variants (S460L and I212/S460L) have reduced recombination capacity. These results indicate that the RdRp plays a central role in SVA replicative recombination. Notably, our results showed that the two recombination-deficient variants have higher replication fidelity than the wild type (WT) and display decreased ribavirin sensitivity compared to the WT. In addition, these two mutants exhibited significantly increased fitnessin vitrocompared to the WT. These results demonstrate that recombination and mutation rates are intimately linked. Our results have important implications for understanding the crucial role of the RdRp in virus recombination and fitness, especially in the molecular mechanisms of SVA evolution and pathogenicity.IMPORTANCERecent evidence has emphasized the importance of SVA recombination on virus evolutionin vivo. We describe the first assays to study Senecavirus A recombination. The results show that the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase plays a crucial role in recombination and that recombination can impact the fitness of SVA in cell culture. Further, SVA polymerase fidelity is closely related to recombination efficiency. The results provide key insights into the role of recombination in positive-strand RNA viruses.

Remdesivir-Bound and Ligand-Free Simulations Reveal the Probable Mechanism of Inhibiting the RNA Dependent RNA Polymerase of SARS-CoV-2

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shruti Koulgi ◽  
Vinod Jani ◽  
Mallikarjunachari Uppuladinne V N ◽  
Uddhavesh Sonavane ◽  
Rajendra Joshi
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Strong Interactions ◽  
Entry Site ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Strong Inhibitor ◽  
Ensemble Docking ◽  
Positive Strand Rna

<p>The efforts towards developing a potential drug against the current global pandemic, COVID-19, has increased in the past few months. Drug development strategies to target the RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) are being tried worldwide. The gene encoding this protein, is known to be conserved amongst positive strand RNA viruses. This enables an avenue to repurpose the drugs designed against earlier reported inhibitors of RdRP. One such strong inhibitor is remdesivir which has been used against EBOLA infections. The binding of remdesivir to RdRP of SARS-CoV-2 has been studied using the classical molecular dynamics and ensemble docking approach. A comparative study of the simulations of RdRP in the apo and remdesivir-bound form revealed blocking of the template entry site in the presence of remdesivir. The conformation changes leading to this event were captured through principal component analysis. The conformational and thermodynamic parameters supported the experimental information available on the involvement of crucial arginine, serine and aspartate residues belonging to the conserved motifs in RdRP functioning. The catalytic site comprising of SER 759, ASP 760, and ASP 761 (SDD) was observed to form strong contacts with remdesivir. The significantly strong interactions of these residues with remdesivir may infer the latter’s binding similar to the normal nucleotides thereby remaining unidentified by the exonuclease activity of RdRP. The ensemble docking of remdesivir too, comprehended the involvement of similar residues in interaction with the inhibitor. This information on crucial interactions between conserved residues of RdRP with remdesivir through <i>in-silico</i> approaches may be useful in designing inhibitors.<b></b></p>

scholarly journals Biased Hypermutagenesis Associated with Mutations in an Untranslated Hairpin of an RNA Virus

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (14) ◽  
pp. 7813-7817 ◽  
Author(s):  
John C. McCormack ◽  
Anne E. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Mutation Frequency ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Turnip Crinkle Virus ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Rna Chaperone ◽  
Error Catastrophe

ABSTRACT The mutation frequency of Turnip crinkle virus can increase 12-fold without inducing error catastrophe. Lesions in a hairpin repressor frequently reverted and led to second-site alterations biased for specific mutations. These results suggest that the hairpin may also function as an RNA chaperone to properly fold the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Targeting Viral RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases as an Antiviral Therapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Miranda ◽  
David Jesse Sanchez
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Global Health ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Viral Pathogens ◽  
Relevant Topic ◽  
Target Rna

Abstract: Progressive globalization of our society brings not only worldwide integration, it increases and promotes our exposure to new viral pathogens with evident impacts on our global health. Especially with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, our biomedical research infrastructure has never been more compelled to rapidly develop antiviral regimens that demonstrate improved efficacy against these pathogens. Here we showcase 3 poignant antivirals against the lucrative target, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) of RNA viruses – a timely and relevant topic given the present efforts against COVID-19. While effective drug designs against RdRP are important, their benefit and potential as a standard of care truly relies on them standing out in well-designed clinical trials.

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