scholarly journals Construction of an Infectious cDNA Clone of Aichi Virus (a New Member of the Family Picornaviridae) and Mutational Analysis of a Stem-Loop Structure at the 5′ End of the Genome

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (17) ◽  
pp. 8021-8030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Sasaki ◽  
Yasuhiro Kusuhara ◽  
Yoshimasa Maeno ◽  
Nobumichi Kobayashi ◽  
Teruo Yamashita ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Virus Replication ◽  
Cdna Clone ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Infectious Cdna Clone ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Aichi Virus ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Stem Loop Structure ◽  
The Family

ABSTRACT Aichi virus is the type species of a new genus,Kobuvirus, of the family Picornaviridae. In this study, we constructed a full-length cDNA clone of Aichi virus whose in vitro transcripts were infectious to Vero cells. During construction of the infectious cDNA clone, a novel sequence of 32 nucleotides was identified at the 5′ end of the genome. Computer-assisted prediction of the secondary structure of the 5′ end of the genome, including the novel sequence, suggested the formation of a stable stem-loop structure consisting of 42 nucleotides. The function of this stem-loop in virus replication was investigated using various site-directed mutants derived from the infectious cDNA clone. Our data indicated that correct folding of the stem-loop at the 5′ end of the positive strand, but not at the 3′ end of the negative strand, is critical for viral RNA replication. The primary sequence in the lower part of the stem was also suggested to be crucial for RNA replication. In contrast, nucleotide changes in the loop segment did not so severely reduce the efficiency of virus replication. A double mutant, in which both nucleotide stretches of the middle part of the stem were replaced by their complementary nucleotides, had efficient RNA replication and translation abilities but was unable to produce viruses. These results indicate that the stem-loop at the 5′ end of the Aichi virus genome is an element involved in both viral RNA replication and production of infectious virus particles.

scholarly journals Distinct Poly(rC) Binding Protein KH Domain Determinants for Poliovirus Translation Initiation and Viral RNA Replication

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (23) ◽  
pp. 12008-12022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon L. Walter ◽  
Todd B. Parsley ◽  
Ellie Ehrenfeld ◽  
Bert L. Semler
Keyword(s):  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Host Protein ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Stem Loop Structure

ABSTRACT The limited coding capacity of picornavirus genomic RNAs necessitates utilization of host cell factors in the completion of an infectious cycle. One host protein that plays a role in both translation initiation and viral RNA synthesis is poly(rC) binding protein 2 (PCBP2). For picornavirus RNAs containing type I internal ribosome entry site (IRES) elements, PCBP2 binds the major stem-loop structure (stem-loop IV) in the IRES and is essential for translation initiation. Additionally, the binding of PCBP2 to the 5′-terminal stem-loop structure (stem-loop I or cloverleaf) in concert with viral protein 3CD is required for initiation of RNA synthesis directed by poliovirus replication complexes. PCBP1, a highly homologous isoform of PCBP2, binds to poliovirus stem-loop I with an affinity similar to that of PCBP2; however, PCBP1 has reduced affinity for stem-loop IV. Using a dicistronic poliovirus RNA, we were able to functionally uncouple translation and RNA replication in PCBP-depleted extracts. Our results demonstrate that PCBP1 rescues RNA replication but is not able to rescue translation initiation. We have also generated mutated versions of PCBP2 containing site-directed lesions in each of the three RNA-binding domains. Specific defects in RNA binding to either stem-loop I and/or stem-loop IV suggest that these domains may have differential functions in translation and RNA replication. These predictions were confirmed in functional assays that allow separation of RNA replication activities from translation. Our data have implications for differential picornavirus template utilization during viral translation and RNA replication and suggest that specific PCBP2 domains may have distinct roles in these activities.

scholarly journals The 5′-End Sequence of the Genome of Aichi Virus, a Picornavirus, Contains an Element Critical for Viral RNA Encapsidation

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (6) ◽  
pp. 3542-3548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Sasaki ◽  
Koki Taniguchi
Keyword(s):  
Mutational Analysis ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Virus Genome ◽  
Middle Part ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Aichi Virus ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Positive Strand ◽  
The Family ◽  
Infected Cells

ABSTRACT Picornavirus positive-strand RNAs are selectively encapsidated despite the coexistence of viral negative-strand RNAs and cellular RNAs in infected cells. However, the precise mechanism of the RNA encapsidation process in picornaviruses remains unclear. Here we report the first identification of an RNA element critical for encapsidation in picornaviruses. The 5′ end of the genome of Aichi virus, a member of the family Picornaviridae, folds into three stem-loop structures (SL-A, SL-B, and SL-C, from the most 5′ end). In the previous study, we constructed a mutant, termed mut6, by exchanging the seven-nucleotide stretches of the middle part of the stem in SL-A with each other to maintain the base pairings of the stem. mut6 exhibited efficient RNA replication and translation but formed no plaques. The present study showed that in cells transfected with mut6 RNA, empty capsids were accumulated, but few virions containing RNA were formed. This means that mut6 has a severe defect in RNA encapsidation. Site-directed mutational analysis indicated that as the mutated region was narrowed, the encapsidation was improved. As a result, the mutation of the 7 bp of the middle part of the stem in SL-A was required for abolishing the plaque-forming ability. Thus, the 5′-end sequence of the Aichi virus genome was shown to play an important role in encapsidation.

scholarly journals RNA signals in the 3′ terminus of the genome of Equine arteritis virus are required for viral RNA synthesis

2006 ◽  
Vol 87 (7) ◽  
pp. 1977-1983 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Beerens ◽  
Eric J. Snijder
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Structure ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Rna Secondary Structure ◽  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Full Length ◽  
Equine Arteritis Virus ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Stem Loop Structure

RNA virus genomes contain cis-acting sequences and structural elements involved in virus replication. Both full-length and subgenomic negative-strand RNA synthesis are initiated at the 3′ terminus of the positive-strand genomic RNA of Equine arteritis virus (EAV). To investigate the molecular mechanism of EAV RNA synthesis, the RNA secondary structure of the 3′-proximal region of the genome was analysed by chemical and enzymic probing. Based on the RNA secondary structure model derived from this analysis, several deletions were engineered in a full-length cDNA copy of the viral genome. Two RNA domains were identified that are essential for virus replication and most likely play a key role in viral RNA synthesis. The first domain, located directly upstream of the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) (nt 12610–12654 of the genome), is mainly single-stranded but contains one small stem–loop structure. The second domain is located within the 3′ UTR (nt 12661–12690) and folds into a prominent stem–loop structure with a large loop region. The location of this stem–loop structure near the 3′ terminus of the genome suggests that it may act as a recognition signal during the initiation of minus-strand RNA synthesis.

scholarly journals An RNA Pseudoknot in the 3′ End of the Arterivirus Genome Has a Critical Role in Regulating Viral RNA Synthesis

2007 ◽  
Vol 81 (17) ◽  
pp. 9426-9436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Beerens ◽  
Eric J. Snijder
Keyword(s):  
Rna Synthesis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Equine Arteritis Virus ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Replicase Gene ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Minus Strand ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Loop Region ◽  
Stem Loop Structure

ABSTRACT In the life cycle of plus-strand RNA viruses, the genome initially serves as the template for both translation of the viral replicase gene and synthesis of minus-strand RNA and is ultimately packaged into progeny virions. These various processes must be properly balanced to ensure efficient viral proliferation. To achieve this, higher-order RNA structures near the termini of a variety of RNA virus genomes are thought to play a key role in regulating the specificity and efficiency of viral RNA synthesis. In this study, we have analyzed the signals for minus-strand RNA synthesis in the prototype of the arterivirus family, equine arteritis virus (EAV). Using site-directed mutagenesis and an EAV reverse genetics system, we have demonstrated that a stem-loop structure near the 3′ terminus of the EAV genome is required for RNA synthesis. We have also obtained evidence for an essential pseudoknot interaction between the loop region of this stem-loop structure and an upstream hairpin residing in the gene encoding the nucleocapsid protein. We propose that the formation of this pseudoknot interaction may constitute a molecular switch that could regulate the specificity or timing of viral RNA synthesis. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that phylogenetic analysis predicted the formation of similar pseudoknot interactions near the 3′ end of all known arterivirus genomes, suggesting that this interaction has been conserved in evolution.

scholarly journals Demonstration of Nicking/Joining Activity at the Origin of DNA Replication Associated with the Rep and Rep′ Proteins of Porcine Circovirus Type 1

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (13) ◽  
pp. 6225-6234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Steinfeldt ◽  
Tim Finsterbusch ◽  
Annette Mankertz
Keyword(s):  
Dna Replication ◽  
Virus Replication ◽  
Porcine Circovirus Type ◽  
Porcine Circovirus ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Single Strand Break ◽  
Stem Loop Structure ◽  
Rep Proteins

ABSTRACT The replication of porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) is thought to occur by rolling-circle replication (RCR), whereby the introduction of a single-strand break generates a free 3′-hydroxyl group serving as a primer for subsequent DNA synthesis. The covalently closed, single-stranded genome of PCV1 replicates via a double-stranded replicative intermediate, and the two virus-encoded replication-associated proteins Rep and Rep′ have been demonstrated to be necessary for virus replication. However, although postulated to be involved in RCR-based virus replication, the mechanism of action of Rep and Rep′ is as yet unknown. In this study, the ability of PCV1 Rep and Rep′ to “nick” and “join” strand discontinuities within synthetic oligonucleotides corresponding to the origin of replication of PCV1 was investigated in vitro. Both proteins were demonstrated to be able to cleave the viral strand between nucleotides 7 and 8 within the conserved nonanucleotide motif (5′-TAGTATTAC-3′) located at the apex of a putative stem-loop structure. In addition, the Rep and Rep′ proteins of PCV1 were demonstrated to be capable of joining viral single-stranded DNA fragments, suggesting that these proteins also play roles in the termination of virus DNA replication. This joining activity was demonstrated to be strictly dependent on preceding substrate cleavage and the close proximity of origin fragments accomplished by base pairing in the stem-loop structure. The dual “nicking/joining” activities associated with PCV1 Rep and Rep′ are pivotal events underlying the RCR-based replication of porcine circoviruses in mammalian cells.

scholarly journals cis-Acting Sequences Required for Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Defective-RNA Replication and Packaging

2001 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Dalton ◽  
Rosa Casais ◽  
Kathy Shaw ◽  
Kathleen Stirrups ◽  
Sharon Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Bronchitis Virus ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Replicase Gene ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Cis Acting ◽  
Infectious Bronchitis ◽  
Stem Loop Structure ◽  
Defective Rna ◽  
Region Ii

ABSTRACT The parts of the RNA genome of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) required for replication and packaging of the RNA were investigated using deletion mutagenesis of a defective RNA (D-RNA) CD-61 (6.1 kb) containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene. A D-RNA with the first 544, but not as few as 338, nucleotides (nt) of the 5′ terminus was replicated; the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) comprises 528 nt. Region I of the 3′ UTR, adjacent to the nucleocapsid protein gene, comprised 212 nt and could be removed without impairment of replication or packaging of D-RNAs. A D-RNA with the final 338 nt, including the 293 nt in the highly conserved region II of the 3′ UTR, was replicated. Thus, the 5′-terminal 544 nt and 3′-terminal 338 nt contained the necessary signals for RNA replication. Phylogenetic analysis of 19 strains of IBV and 3 strains of turkey coronavirus predicted a conserved stem-loop structure at the 5′ end of region II of the 3′ UTR. Removal of the predicted stem-loop structure abolished replication of the D-RNAs. D-RNAs in which replicase gene 1b-derived sequences had been removed or replaced with all the downstream genes were replicated well but were rescued poorly, suggesting inefficient packaging. However, no specific part of the 1b gene was required for efficient packaging.

scholarly journals Role of the 5′-Proximal Stem-Loop Structure of the 5′ Untranslated Region in Replication and Translation of Hepatitis C Virus RNA

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. 3312-3318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangxiang Luo ◽  
Shaojie Xin ◽  
Zhaohui Cai
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Rna Replication ◽  
Hcv Rna ◽  
Loop Structure ◽  
Nucleotide Substitutions ◽  
Stem Loop ◽  
Stem Loop Structure ◽  
Compensatory Mutations ◽  
Cell Colony

ABSTRACT Sequences of the untranslated regions at the 5′ and 3′ ends (5′UTR and 3′UTR) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA genome are highly conserved and contain cis-acting RNA elements for HCV RNA replication. The HCV 5′UTR consists of two distinct RNA elements, a short 5′-proximal stem-loop RNA element (nucleotides 1 to 43) and a longer element of internal ribosome entry site. To determine the sequence and structural requirements of the 5′-proximal stem-loop RNA element in HCV RNA replication and translation, a mutagenesis analysis was preformed by nucleotide deletions and substitutions. Effects of mutations in the 5′-proximal stem-loop RNA element on HCV RNA replication were determined by using a cell-based HCV replicon replication system. Deletion of the first 20 nucleotides from the 5′ end resulted in elimination of cell colony formation. Likewise, disruption of the 5′-proximal stem-loop by nucleotide substitutions abolished the ability of HCV RNA to induce cell colony formation. However, restoration of the 5′-proximal stem-loop by compensatory mutations with different nucleotides rescued the ability of the subgenomic HCV RNA to replicate in Huh7 cells. In addition, deletion and nucleotide substitutions of the 5′-proximal stem-loop structure, including the restored stem-loop by compensatory mutations, all resulted in reduction of translation by two- to fivefold, suggesting that the 5′-proximal stem-loop RNA element also modulates HCV RNA translation. These findings demonstrate that the 5′-proximal stem-loop of the HCV RNA is a cis-acting RNA element that regulates HCV RNA replication and translation.

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