Characterization of Hantavirus N Protein Intracellular Dynamics and Localization

Hantaviruses are enveloped viruses that possess a tri-segmented, negative-sense RNA genome. The viral S-segment encodes the multifunctional nucleocapsid protein (N), which is involved in genome packaging, intracellular protein transport, immunoregulation and several other crucial processes during hantavirus infection. In this study we have generated fluorescently tagged N protein constructs derived from Puumalavirus, the dominant hantavirus species in Central, Northern and Eastern Europe. We have comprehensively characterized this protein in the rodent cell line CHO-K1, monitoring the dynamics of N protein complex formation and investigating co-localization with host proteins as well as the viral glycoproteins Gc and Gn. We found a significant spatial correlation of N with vimentin, actin and P-bodies, but not with microtubules. N constructs also co-localized with Gn and Gc, albeit not as strong as the glycoproteins associated with each other. Moreover, we as-sessed oligomerization of N constructs, observing efficient and concentration-dependent multi-merization, with complexes comprising more than 10 individual proteins.

IP6K1 upregulates the formation of processing bodies by influencing protein-protein interactions on the mRNA cap

Inositol hexakisphosphate kinase 1 (IP6K1) is a small molecule kinase that catalyzes the conversion of the inositol phosphate IP6 to 5-IP7. We show that IP6K1 acts independent of its catalytic activity to upregulate the formation of processing bodies (P-bodies), which are cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein granules that store translationally repressed mRNA. IP6K1 does not localize to P-bodies, but instead binds to ribosomes, where it interacts with the mRNA decapping complex - the scaffold protein EDC4, activator proteins DCP1A/B, decapping enzyme DCP2, and RNA helicase DDX6. Along with its partner 4E-T, DDX6 is known to nucleate protein-protein interactions on the 5’ mRNA cap to facilitate P-body formation. IP6K1 binds the translation initiation complex eIF4F on the mRNA cap, augmenting the interaction of DDX6 with 4E-T and the cap binding protein eIF4E. Cells with reduced IP6K1 show downregulated microRNA-mediated translational suppression and increased stability of DCP2-regulated transcripts. Our findings unveil IP6K1 as a novel facilitator of proteome remodelling on the mRNA cap, tipping the balance in favour of translational repression over initiation, thus leading to P-body assembly.

Localization and translocation of mature miRNAs

The scientific review shows the ways of nuclear import and export of miRNAs in the cell. The authors present a clear and accessible scheme of microRNA translocation in the cell. The article shows that the main site of localization in the cytoplasm of cells of the RISC complex and its components, including miRNAs, are processing P-cells. The authors cite the fact that Argonaute proteins — signature components of the effector complex of RISC RNA interference — are localized in mammalian P-bodies. It is shown that proteins of the karyopherin family mediate the translocation of miRISC into the cell nucleus. These proteins recognize nuclear localization sequences (NLS) in the amino acid sequences of proteins and actively transport these proteins through the pores of the cell’s nuclear membrane. It is emphasized that in addition to non-selective mechanisms of nuclear import of miRNAs, there are transport mechanisms that carry certain miRNAs across the cell membrane. Some miRNAs are presented, which are mainly loca­lized in the nucleus of a certain type of cell. Scientists believe that much of the nucleus miRNA is concentrated in polysomes. Export of nuclear pool microRNA into the cytoplasm of the cell occurs with the help of export 1. Thus, in the cytoplasm of the cell, mature forms of microRNA accumulate, some of which are translocated to the cell nucleus or the extracellular space. Assembly of the miRISC complex is carried out in the cytoplasm of the cell, and only after the formation of the complex, it is imported into the cell nucleus. The spectrum of exosome-associated miRNAs can be a highly important diagnostic criterion for some nosologies, and exosomes containing certain miRNAs can be used for targeted therapy of specific diseases. To write the article, information was searched using databases Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library, CyberLeninka.

Functionally distinct roles for eEF2K in the control of ribosome availability and p-body abundance

Processing bodies (p-bodies) are a prototypical phase-separated RNA-containing granule. Their abundance is highly dynamic and has been linked to translation. Yet, the molecular mechanisms responsible for coordinate control of the two processes are unclear. Here, we uncover key roles for eEF2 kinase (eEF2K) in the control of ribosome availability and p-body abundance. eEF2K acts on a sole known substrate, eEF2, to inhibit translation. We find that the eEF2K agonist nelfinavir abolishes p-bodies in sensory neurons and impairs translation. To probe the latter, we used cryo-electron microscopy. Nelfinavir stabilizes vacant 80S ribosomes. They contain SERBP1 in place of mRNA and eEF2 in the acceptor site. Phosphorylated eEF2 associates with inactive ribosomes that resist splitting in vitro. Collectively, the data suggest that eEF2K defines a population of inactive ribosomes resistant to recycling and protected from degradation. Thus, eEF2K activity is central to both p-body abundance and ribosome availability in sensory neurons.

Using quantitative reconstitution to investigate multi-component condensates

Many biomolecular condensates are thought to form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of multivalent macromolecules. For those that form through this mechanism, our understanding has benefitted significantly from biochemical reconstitutions of key components and activities. Reconstitutions of RNA-based condensates to date have mostly been based on relatively simple collections of molecules. However, proteomics and sequencing data indicate that natural RNA-based condensates are enriched in hundreds to thousands of different components, and genetic data suggest multiple interactions can contribute to condensate formation to varying degrees. In this perspective we describe recent progress in understanding RNA-based condensates through different levels of biochemical reconstitutions, as a means to bridge the gap between simple in vitro reconstitution and cellular analyses. Complex reconstitutions provide insight into the formation, regulation, and functions of multi-component condensates. We focus on two RNA-protein condensate case studies: stress granules and RNA processing bodies (P bodies), and examine the evidence for cooperative interactions among multiple components promoting LLPS. An important concept emerging from these studies is that composition and stoichiometry regulate biochemical activities within condensates. Based on the lessons learned from stress granules and P bodies we discuss forward-looking approaches to understand the thermodynamic relationships between condensate components, with the goal of developing predictive models of composition and material properties, and their effects on biochemical activities. We anticipate that quantitative reconstitutions will facilitate understanding of the complex thermodynamics and functions of diverse RNA-protein condensates.

Age-induced P-bodies become detrimental and shorten the lifespan of yeast

Aging is an irreversible process characterized by a progressive loss of homeostasis in cells, which often manifests as protein aggregates. Recently, it has been speculated that aggregates of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) may go through pathological transitions during aging and drive the progression of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system of aging, we find that P-bodies - an RBP granule that is formed and can be beneficial for cell growth during stress conditions - naturally form during aging without any external stresses and an increase in P-body intensity is negatively correlated with the future lifespan of yeast cells. When mother cells transfer age-induced P-bodies to daughter cells, the mother cells extend lifespan, while the daughter cells grow poorly, suggesting that these age-induced P-bodies may be directly pathological. Furthermore, we find that suppressing acidification of the cytosol during aging slows down the increase in the intensity of P-body foci and extends lifespan. Our data suggest that acidification of the cytosol may facilitate the pathological transition of RBP granules during aging.

Rvb1/Rvb2 proteins couple transcription and translation during glucose starvation

During times of unpredictable stress, organisms must adapt their gene expression to maximize survival. Along with changes in transcription, one conserved means of gene regulation during conditions that quickly represses translation is the formation of cytoplasmic phase-separated mRNP granules such as P-bodies and stress granules. Previously, we identified that distinct steps in gene expression can be coupled during glucose starvation as promoter sequences in the nucleus are able to direct the subcellular localization and translatability of mRNAs in the cytosol. Here, we report that Rvb1 and Rvb2, conserved ATPase proteins implicated as protein assembly chaperones and chromatin remodelers, were enriched at the promoters and mRNAs of genes involved in alternative glucose metabolism pathways that we previously found to be transcriptionally upregulated but translationally downregulated during glucose starvation in yeast. Engineered Rvb1/Rvb2-binding on mRNAs was sufficient to sequester the mRNAs into phase-separated granules and repress their translation. Additionally, this Rvb-tethering to the mRNA drove further transcriptional upregulation of the target genes. Overall, our results point to Rvb1/Rvb2 coupling transcription, mRNA granular localization, and translatability of mRNAs during glucose starvation. This Rvb-mediated rapid gene regulation could potentially serve as an efficient recovery plan for cells after stress removal.

RNA helicase DDX6 in P-bodies is essential for the assembly of stress granules

Two prominent cytoplasmic RNA granules, ubiquitous RNA-processing bodies (PB) and inducible stress granules (SG), regulate storage of translationally arrested mRNAs and are intimately related. In this study, we found the dependence of SG formation on PB in the cells under arsenite (ARS) stress, but not the other way around. GW182, 4E-T and DDX6 essential for PB formation differentially affect SG formation in the cells under ARS stress, with DDX6 being the most prominent. The cells with DDX6 deficiency display irregular shape of SG which could be rescued by ectopic wt DDX6, but not its helicase mutant E247A DDX6, which induces SG in the cells without stress, indicating that DDX6 helicase activity is essential for PB, but suppressive for SG. DDX6's dual roles are independent of DDX6 interactors EDC3, CNOT1, and PAT1B. This study provides a conceptual advance of how DDX6 involves in the biogenesis of PB and SG.