scholarly journals US28: HCMV’s Swiss Army Knife

Viruses ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Krishna ◽  
William Miller ◽  
Christine O’Connor

US28 is one of four G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) encoded by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). The US28 protein (pUS28) is a potent signaling molecule that alters a variety of cellular pathways that ultimately alter the host cell environment. This viral GPCR is expressed not only in the context of lytic replication but also during viral latency, highlighting its multifunctional properties. pUS28 is a functional GPCR, and its manipulation of multiple signaling pathways likely impacts HCMV pathogenesis. Herein, we will discuss the impact of pUS28 on both lytic and latent infection, pUS28-mediated signaling and its downstream consequences, and the influence this viral GPCR may have on disease states, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. We will also discuss the potential for and progress towards exploiting pUS28 as a novel therapeutic to combat HCMV.

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1685) ◽  
pp. 20150040 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Wenger ◽  
W. Buzgariu ◽  
B. Galliot

Hydra continuously differentiates a sophisticated nervous system made of mechanosensory cells (nematocytes) and sensory–motor and ganglionic neurons from interstitial stem cells. However, this dynamic adult neurogenesis is dispensable for morphogenesis. Indeed animals depleted of their interstitial stem cells and interstitial progenitors lose their active behaviours but maintain their developmental fitness, and regenerate and bud when force-fed. To characterize the impact of the loss of neurogenesis in Hydra , we first performed transcriptomic profiling at five positions along the body axis. We found neurogenic genes predominantly expressed along the central body column, which contains stem cells and progenitors, and neurotransmission genes predominantly expressed at the extremities, where the nervous system is dense. Next, we performed transcriptomics on animals depleted of their interstitial cells by hydroxyurea, colchicine or heat-shock treatment. By crossing these results with cell-type-specific transcriptomics, we identified epithelial genes up-regulated upon loss of neurogenesis: transcription factors ( Dlx , Dlx1 , DMBX1/Manacle , Ets1 , Gli3 , KLF11 , LMX1A , ZNF436 , Shox1 ), epitheliopeptides ( Arminins , PW peptide ), neurosignalling components ( CAMK1D , DDCl2 , Inx1 ), ligand-ion channel receptors ( CHRNA1 , NaC7 ), G-Protein Coupled Receptors and FMRFRL. Hence epitheliomuscular cells seemingly enhance their sensing ability when neurogenesis is compromised. This unsuspected plasticity might reflect the extended multifunctionality of epithelial-like cells in early eumetazoan evolution.


Author(s):  
Charlotte Avet ◽  
Arturo Mancini ◽  
Billy Breton ◽  
Christian Le Gouill ◽  
Alexander S. Hauser ◽  
...  

SUMMARYThe ability of individual G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) to engage multiple signaling pathways opens opportunities for the development of better drugs. This requires new knowledge and tools to determine the G protein subtypes and βarrestins engaged by a given receptor. Here, we used a new BRET-based effector membrane translocation assay (EMTA) that monitors activation of each Gα protein through the recruitment of selective G protein effectors and βarrestins to the plasma membrane. Profiling of 100 therapeutically relevant GPCR revealed a great diversity of coupling profiles with some receptors displaying exquisite selectivity, whereas others promiscuitely engage all four G protein families. Comparison with existing datasets points to commonalities but also to critical differences between studies. Combining a biosensor subset allowed detecting activity of nearly all GPCR thus providing a new tool for safety screens and systems pharmacology. Overall, this work describes unique resources for studying GPCR function and drug discovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Gao ◽  
Xinge Xu ◽  
Kunlun Huang ◽  
Zhihong Liang

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane receptors involved in transducing signals from the external environment inside the cell, which enables fungi to coordinate cell transport, metabolism, and growth to promote their survival, reproduction, and virulence. There are 14 classes of GPCRs in fungi involved in sensing various ligands. In this paper, the synthesis of mycotoxins that are GPCR-mediated is discussed with respect to ligands, environmental stimuli, and intra-/interspecific communication. Despite their apparent importance in fungal biology, very little is known about the role of ochratoxin A (OTA) biosynthesis by Aspergillus ochraceus and the ligands that are involved. Fortunately, increasing evidence shows that the GPCR that involves the AF/ST (sterigmatocystin) pathway in fungi belongs to the same genus. Therefore, we speculate that GPCRs play an important role in a variety of environmental signals and downstream pathways in OTA biosynthesis. The verification of this inference will result in a more controllable GPCR target for control of fungal contamination in the future.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (13) ◽  
pp. 3207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetoshi Komatsu ◽  
Mamoru Fukuchi ◽  
Yugo Habata

Tremendous advances have been made recently in the identification of genes and signaling pathways associated with the risks for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there has been a marked reduction in the pipeline for the development of new psychiatric drugs worldwide, mainly due to the complex causes that underlie these disorders. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most common targets of antipsychotics such as quetiapine and aripiprazole, and play pivotal roles in controlling brain function by regulating multiple downstream signaling pathways. Progress in our understanding of GPCR signaling has opened new possibilities for selective drug development. A key finding has been provided by the concept of biased ligands, which modulate some, but not all, of a given receptor’s downstream signaling pathways. Application of this concept raises the possibility that the biased ligands can provide therapeutically desirable outcomes with fewer side effects. Instead, this application will require a detailed understanding of the mode of action of antipsychotics that drive distinct pharmacologies. We review our current understanding of the mechanistic bases for multiple signaling modes by antipsychotics and the potential of the biased modulators to treat mental disorders.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengchun Ye ◽  
Xiufen Lei ◽  
Shou-Jiang Gao

The life cycle of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) consists of latent and lytic replication phases. During latent infection, only a limited number of KSHV genes are expressed. However, this phase of replication is essential for persistent infection, evasion of host immune response, and induction of KSHV-related malignancies. KSHV reactivation from latency produces a wide range of viral products and infectious virions. The resultingde novoinfection and viral lytic products modulate diverse cellular pathways and stromal microenvironment, which promote the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). The mechanisms controlling KSHV latency and reactivation are complex, involving both viral and host factors, and are modulated by diverse environmental factors. Here, we review the cellular and molecular basis of KSHV latency and reactivation with a focus on the most recent advancements in the field.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Jankowski

Autotaxin (ATX) is an extracellular lysophospholipase D (lysoPLD) released from normal cells and cancer cells. Activity of ATX is detected in various biological fluids. The lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the main product of ATX. LPA acting through specific G protein-coupled receptors (LPA1-LPA6) affects immunological response, normal development, and malignant tumors' formation and progression. In this review, the impact of autotoxin on biology of melanoma cells and potential treatment is discussed.


Physiology ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-75
Author(s):  
SD Shukla

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor is coupled to multiple signaling pathways, including phospholipid turnover via phospholipases C, D, A2;Ca2+ mobilization;and activation of protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase. The cloned receptor shows homology to G protein-coupled receptors. These developments highlight receptor functions of this novel phospholipid agonist.


2011 ◽  
Vol 392 (12) ◽  
pp. 1123-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Khouri ◽  
Anna Dittrich ◽  
Sara Dutton Sackett ◽  
Bernd Denecke ◽  
Christian Trautwein ◽  
...  

AbstractInflammation is the biological response to injurious stimuli. In the initial phase of the inflammatory process, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the main inducer of acute phase protein expression in the liver. A prolonged acute phase response is characterised by a disturbed glucose homeostasis and elevated levels of IL-6, insulin, and counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon. Several studies deal with the impact of IL-6 on glucagon-dependent gene expression. In contrast, only very little is known about the influence of G-protein-coupled receptors on IL-6 signalling. Therefore, the aim of this study is to elucidate the regulation of IL-6-induced gene expression by glucagon. We could reveal a novel mechanism of negative regulation of IL-6-induced MAP kinase activation by glucagon in primary murine hepatocytes. IL-6-dependent induction of the ERK-dependent target geneTfpi2, coding for a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, was strongly down-regulated by glucagon treatment. Studying the underlying mechanism revealed a redundant action of the signalling molecules exchange protein activated by cyclic AMP (Epac) and protein kinase A. The metabolic hormone glucagon interferes in IL-6-induced gene expression. This observation is indicative for a regulatory role of G-protein-coupled receptors in the IL-6-dependent inflammatory response.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader Alaridah ◽  
Nataliya Lutay ◽  
Erik Tenland ◽  
Anna Rönnholm ◽  
Oskar Hallgren ◽  
...  

Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is currently the only approved vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). BCG mimics M. tuberculosis (Mtb) in its persistence in the body and is used as a benchmark to compare new vaccine candidates. BCG was originally designed for mucosal vaccination, but comprehensive knowledge about its interaction with epithelium is currently lacking. We used primary airway epithelial cells (AECs) and a murine model to investigate the initial events of mucosal BCG interactions. Furthermore, we analysed the impact of the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CXCR1 and CXCR2, in this process, as these receptors were previously shown to be important during TB infection. BCG infection of AECs induced GPCR-dependent Rac1 up-regulation, resulting in actin redistribution. The altered distribution of the actin cytoskeleton involved the MAPK signalling pathway. Blocking of the CXCR1 or CXCR2 prior to infection decreased Rac1 expression, and increased epithelial transcriptional activity and epithelial cytokine production. BCG infection did not result in epithelial cell death as measured by p53 phosphorylation and annexin. This study demonstrated that BCG infection of AECs manipulated the GPCRs to suppress epithelial signalling pathways. Future vaccine strategies could thus be improved by targeting GPCRs.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin A. Krishna ◽  
Monica S. Humby ◽  
William E. Miller ◽  
Christine M. O’Connor

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that undergoes latency in cells of the hematopoietic compartment, though the mechanisms underlying establishment and maintenance of latency remain elusive. We previously reported that the HCMV-encoded G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) homolog,US28is required for successful latent infection. We now show that US28 protein (pUS28) providedin transcomplements the US28Δ lytic phenotype in myeloid cells, suggesting that sustained US28 expression is necessary for long-term latency. Furthermore, expression of pUS28 at the time of infection represses transcription from the major immediate early promoter (MIEP) within 24 hours. However, this repression is only maintained in the presence of continual pUS28 expression providedin trans. Our data also reveal that pUS28-mediated signaling attenuates both expression and phosphorylation of cellular fos (c-fos), an AP-1 transcription factor subunit, to repress MIEP-driven transcription. AP-1 binds to the MIEP and promotes lytic replication, and in line with this, we find that US28Δ infection results in an increase in AP-1 binding to the MIEP, compared to wild type latent infection. Pharmacological inhibition of c-fos represses the MIEP during US28Δ infection to similar levels we observe during wild type latent infection. Together, our data reveal that US28 is required for both establishment and long-term maintenance of HCMV latency, which is modulated, at least in part, by repressing functional AP-1 binding to the MIEP.Significance StatementHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a wise-spread pathogen that remains with an individual for life in a quiescent/latent state, posing little threat to an otherwise healthy person. However, when an individual’s immune system is severely compromised, HCMV can reactivate to its active/lytic state, resulting in viral spread and disease that is often fatal. The biological mechanisms underlying HCMV latency and reactivation remain poorly understood. Herein we show that the viral-encoded G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR)US28aids in the establishment and the maintenance of viral latency. Furthermore, we find that US28 modulates host cell proteins to suppress viral processes associated with active/lytic replication, thereby promoting latent infection. This work provides mechanism by which HCMV modulates the host cell environment to its advantage.


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