scholarly journals Arginine Methylation Increases the Stability of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat

2009 ◽  
Vol 83 (22) ◽  
pp. 11694-11703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haran Sivakumaran ◽  
Armando van der Horst ◽  
Alex J. Fulcher ◽  
Ann Apolloni ◽  
Min-Hsuan Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Half Life ◽  
Arginine Methylation ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Tat Protein ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Arginine methylation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein downregulates its key function in viral-gene transactivation. The fate of methylated Tat is unknown, so it is unclear whether methylated Tat is degraded or persists in the cell for additional functions. Here we show that the arginine methyltransferase PRMT6 increases Tat protein half-life by 4.7-fold. Tat stabilization depends on the catalytic activity of PRMT6 and requires arginine methylation within the Tat basic domain. In contrast, HIV-1 Rev, which is also methylated by PRMT6, is completely refractory to the stabilizing effect. Proteasome inhibition and silencing experiments demonstrated that Tat can be degraded by a REGγ-independent proteasome, against which PRMT6 appears to act to increase Tat half-life. Our data reveal a proteasome-dependent Tat degradation pathway that is inhibited by arginine methylation. The stabilizing action of PRMT6 could allow Tat to persist within the cell and the extracellular environment and thereby enable functions implicated in AIDS-related cancer, neurodegeneration, and T-cell death.

scholarly journals Evidence for Gene Expression by Unintegrated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 DNA Species

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (20) ◽  
pp. 11263-11271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Brussel ◽  
Pierre Sonigo
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Viral Expression ◽  
Molecular Stability ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The integrated form of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA is classically considered to be the sole template for viral gene expression. However, several studies have suggested that unintegrated viral DNA species could also support transcription. To determine the contribution of the different species of HIV-1 DNA to viral expression, we first monitored intracellular levels of various HIV-1 DNA and RNA species in a single-round infection assay. We observed that, in comparison to the precocity of HIV-1 DNA synthesis, viral expression was delayed, suggesting that only the HIV-1 DNA species that persist for a sufficient period of time would be transcribed efficiently. We next evaluated the transcriptional activity of the circular forms of HIV-1 DNA bearing two long terminal repeats, since these episomes were reported to exhibit an intrinsic molecular stability. Our results support the notion that these circular species of HIV-1 DNA are naturally transcribed during HIV-1 infection, thereby participating in virus replication.

scholarly journals Tat Protein of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Subtype C Strains Is a Defective Chemokine

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (5) ◽  
pp. 2586-2590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Udaykumar Ranga ◽  
Raj Shankarappa ◽  
Nagadenahalli B. Siddappa ◽  
Lakshmi Ramakrishna ◽  
Ramalingam Nagendran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
The United States ◽  
Tat Protein ◽  
Subtype C ◽  
Monocyte Migration ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-associated dementia (HAD) is correlated with increased monocyte migration to the brain, and the incidence of HAD among otherwise asymptomatic subjects appears to be lower in India than in the United States and Europe (1 to 2% versus 15 to 30%). Because of the genetic differences between HIV-1 strains circulating in these regions, we sought to identify viral determinants associated with this difference. We targeted Tat protein for these studies in view of its association with monocyte chemotactic function. Analyses of Tat sequences representing nine subtypes revealed that at least six amino acid residues are differentially conserved in subtype C Tat (C-Tat). Of these, cysteine (at position 31) was highly (>99%) conserved in non-subtype C viruses and more than 90% of subtype C viruses encoded a serine. We hypothesized a compromised chemotactic function of C-Tat due to the disruption of CC motif and tested it with the wild type C-Tat (CS) and its two isogenic variants (CC and SC) derived by site-directed mutagenesis. We found that the CS natural variant was defective for monocyte chemotactic activity without a loss in the transactivation property. While the CC mutant is functionally competent for both the functions, in contrast, the SC mutant was defective in both. Therefore, the loss of the C-Tat chemotactic property may underlie the reduced incidence of HAD; although not presenting conclusive evidence, this study provides the first evidence for a potential epidemiologic phenomenon associated with biological differences in the subtype C viruses.

scholarly journals A functional genetic approach suggests a novel interaction between the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein and HIV-1 TAR RNA in vivo

2003 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-606 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars H. Lund ◽  
Britta Wahren ◽  
Mariano A. Garcia-Blanco
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Tat Protein ◽  
Cyclin T1 ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Tar Rna ◽  
Hiv 1

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat and human Cyclin T1 form a complex and together recognize the viral TAR RNA element with specificity. Using HIV-1/equine infectious anaemia virus TAR chimeras, we show that in addition to the well-characterized interaction with the bulge, Tat recognizes the distal stem and the loop of TAR. These data support previously proposed, but unproven, molecular models.

scholarly journals Recruitment of Tat to Heterochromatin Protein HP1 via Interaction with CTIP2 Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication in Microglial Cells

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 5415-5427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olivier Rohr ◽  
Dominique Lecestre ◽  
Sylvette Chasserot-Golaz ◽  
Céline Marban ◽  
Dorina Avram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Binding Interface ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The Tat protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) plays a key role as inducer of viral gene expression. We report that Tat function can be potently inhibited in human microglial cells by the recently described nuclear receptor cofactor chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor-interacting protein 2 (CTIP2). Overexpression of CTIP2 leads to repression of HIV-1 replication, as a result of inhibition of Tat-mediated transactivation. In contrast, the related CTIP1 was unable to affect Tat function and viral replication. Using confocal microscopy to visualize Tat subcellular distribution in the presence of the CTIPs, we found that overexpression of CTIP2, and not of CTIP1, leads to disruption of Tat nuclear localization and recruitment of Tat within CTIP2-induced nuclear ball-like structures. In addition, our studies demonstrate that CTIP2 colocalizes and associates with the heterochromatin-associated protein HP1α. The CTIP2 protein harbors two Tat and HP1 interaction interfaces, the 145-434 and the 717-813 domains. CTIP2 and HP1α associate with Tat to form a three-protein complex in which the 145-434 CTIP2 domain interacts with the N-terminal region of Tat, while the 717-813 domain binds to HP1. The importance of this Tat binding interface and of Tat subnuclear relocation was confirmed by analysis of CTIP2 deletion mutants. Our findings suggest that inhibition of HIV-1 expression by CTIP2 correlates with recruitment of Tat within CTIP2-induced structures and relocalization within inactive regions of the chromatin via formation of the Tat-CTIP2-HP1α complex. These data highlight a new mechanism of Tat inactivation through subnuclear relocalization that may ultimately lead to inhibition of viral pathogenesis.

scholarly journals Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat prevents dephosphorylation of Sp1 by TCF-4 in astrocytes

2006 ◽  
Vol 87 (6) ◽  
pp. 1613-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Rossi ◽  
Ruma Mukerjee ◽  
Pasquale Ferrante ◽  
Kamel Khalili ◽  
Shohreh Amini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

Previous examination of the effect of TCF-4 on transcription of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) promoter in human astrocytic cells found that TCF-4 affects the HIV-1 promoter through the GC-rich domain (nt −80 to nt −68). Here, the physical interaction and a functional consequence of TCF4–Sp1 contact were characterized. It was shown that expression of TCF-4 in U-87 MG (human astrocytic) cells decreased basal and Sp1-mediated transcription of the HIV-1 promoter. Results from a GST pull-down assay, as well as combined immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis of protein extracts from U-87 MG cells, revealed an interaction of Sp1 with TCF-4. Using in vitro protein chromatography, the region of Sp1 that contacts TCF-4 was mapped to aa 266–350. It was also found that, in cell-free extracts, TCF-4 prevented dsDNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK)-mediated Sp1 phosphorylation. Surprisingly, TCF-4 failed to decrease Sp1-mediated transcription of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) and Sp1 phosphorylation in cells expressing HIV-1 Tat. Results from immunoprecipitation/Western blotting demonstrated that TCF-4 lost its ability to interact with Sp1, but not with Tat, in Tat-transfected cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that activity at the HIV-1 promoter is influenced by phosphorylation of Sp1, which is affected by Tat and DNA-PK. Interactions among TCF-4, Sp1 and/or Tat may determine the level of viral gene transcription in human astrocytic cells.

scholarly journals Fruit-Specific Expression of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat Gene in Tomato Plants and Its Immunogenic Potential in Mice

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 685-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Jorge Peña Ramírez ◽  
Ennio Tasciotti ◽  
Abel Gutierrez-Ortega ◽  
Alberto J. Donayre Torres ◽  
María Teresa Olivera Flores ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Tat Protein ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein is considered a potential candidate vaccine antigen. In an effort to design a strategy for noninvasive vaccination against HIV-1, we developed transgenic tomatoes expressing the Tat protein. Two independent plants testing positive in transgene detection analysis were selected and grown to maturity. Monoclonal antibodies against Tat recognized a protein of the expected size. Interestingly, expression of Tat seemed to be toxic to the plant, as in all cases the fruit exhibited underdeveloped reproductive structures and no seeds. Nine groups of 10 pathogen-free BALB/c male mice were primed either orally, intraperitoneally, or intramuscularly with 10 mg of tomato fruit extract derived from transgenic or wild-type plants and with 10 μg of Tat86 recombinant protein. Mice were immunized at days 0, 14, and 28, and given boosters after 15 weeks; sera were drawn 7 days after each booster, and the antibody titer was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All three immunization approaches induced the development of a strong anti-Tat immunological response, which increased over time. Isotype subclass determination showed the presence of mucosal (immunoglobulin A) immunity soon after the beginning of the oral immunization protocol, and the data were confirmed by the presence of anti-Tat antibodies in fecal pellets and in vaginal washes. We also demonstrated that sera from immunized mice inhibited with high efficiency recombinant Tat-dependent transactivation of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat promoter. This neutralization activity might be relevant for the suppression of extracellular Tat activities, which play an important role in HIV disease development.

scholarly journals CDK13, a New Potential Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Inhibitory Factor Regulating Viral mRNA Splicing

2008 ◽  
Vol 82 (14) ◽  
pp. 7155-7166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reem Berro ◽  
Caitlin Pedati ◽  
Kylene Kehn-Hall ◽  
Weilin Wu ◽  
Zachary Klase ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Rna Polymerase Ii ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Virus Production ◽  
Mrna Splicing ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat is a 14-kDa viral protein that acts as a potent transactivator by binding to the transactivation-responsive region, a structured RNA element located at the 5′ end of all HIV-1 transcripts. Tat transactivates viral gene expression by inducing the phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain of RNA polymerase II through several Tat-activated kinases and by recruiting chromatin-remodeling complexes and histone-modifying enzymes to the HIV-1 long terminal repeat. Histone acetyltransferases, including p300 and hGCN5, not only acetylate histones but also acetylate Tat at lysine positions 50 and 51 in the arginine-rich motif. Acetylated Tat at positions 50 and 51 interacts with a specialized protein module, the bromodomain, and recruits novel factors having this particular domain, such as P/CAF and SWI/SNF. In addition to having its effect on transcription, Tat has been shown to be involved in splicing. In this study, we demonstrate that Tat interacts with cyclin-dependent kinase 13 (CDK13) both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that CDK13 increases HIV-1 mRNA splicing and favors the production of the doubly spliced protein Nef. In addition, we demonstrate that CDK13 acts as a possible restriction factor, in that its overexpression decreases the production of the viral proteins Gag and Env and subsequently suppresses virus production. Using small interfering RNA against CDK13, we show that silencing of CDK13 leads to a significant increase in virus production. Finally, we demonstrate that CDK13 mediates its effect on splicing through the phosphorylation of ASF/SF2.

scholarly journals Contribution of Vpu, Env, and Nef to CD4 Down-Modulation and Resistance of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected T Cells to Superinfection

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (16) ◽  
pp. 8047-8059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steffen Wildum ◽  
Michael Schindler ◽  
Jan Münch ◽  
Frank Kirchhoff
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Virus Type ◽  
Virus Production ◽  
Viral Gene Expression ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) utilizes Vpu, Env, and Nef to down-modulate its primary CD4 receptor from the cell surface, and this function seems to be critical for the pathogenesis of AIDS. The physiological relevance of CD4 down-modulation, however, is currently not well understood. In the present study, we analyzed the kinetics of CD4 down-modulation and the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected T cells to superinfection using proviral HIV-1 constructs containing individual and combined defects in vpu, env, and nef and expressing red or green fluorescent proteins. T cells infected with HIV-1 mutants containing functional nef genes expressed low surface levels of CD4 from the first moment that viral gene expression became detectable. In comparison, Vpu and Env had only minor to moderate effects on CD4 during later stages of infection. Consistent with these quantitative differences, Nef inhibited superinfection more efficiently than Vpu and Env. Notably, nef alleles from AIDS patients were more effective in preventing superinfection than those derived from a nonprogressor of HIV-1 infection. Our data suggest that protection against X4-tropic HIV-1 superinfection involves both CD4-independent and CD4-dependent mechanisms of HIV-1 Nef. X4 was effectively down-regulated by simian immunodeficiency virus and HIV-2 but not by HIV-1 Nef proteins. Thus, maximal protection seems to involve an as-yet-unknown mechanism that is independent of CD4 or coreceptor down-modulation. Finally, we demonstrate that superinfected primary T cells show enhanced levels of apoptosis. Accordingly, one reason that HIV-1 inhibits CD4 surface expression and superinfection is to prevent premature cell death in order to expand the period of effective virus production.

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