We explored how a simple retrovirus, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) to facilitate its replication process, utilizes DHX15, a cellular RNA helicase, typically engaged in RNA processing. Through advanced genetic engineering techniques, we showed that M-PMV recruits DHX15 by mimicking cellular mechanisms, relocating it from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to aid in viral assembly. This interaction is essential for the correct packaging of the viral genome and critical for its infectivity. Our findings offer unique insights into the mechanisms of viral manipulation of host cellular processes, highlighting a sophisticated strategy that viruses employ to leverage cellular machinery for their replication. This study adds valuable knowledge to the understanding of viral-host interactions but also suggests a common evolutionary history between cellular processes and viral mechanisms. This finding opens a unique perspective on the export mechanism of intron-retaining mRNAs in the packaging of viral genetic information and potentially develop ways to stop it.

• Klíčová slova
• DEAH-box RNA helicase, DHX15, G-patch, gRNA packaging, retrovirus,
• MeSH
• buněčné jádro metabolismus   virologie   MeSH
• DEAD-box RNA-helikasy metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• genom virový MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus * genetika   metabolismus   fyziologie   MeSH
• replikace viru genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• RNA virová * metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• RNA-helikasy metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• sestavení viru * genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DEAD-box RNA-helikasy MeSH
• DHX15 protein, human MeSH Prohlížeč
• RNA virová * MeSH
• RNA-helikasy MeSH

The assembly of a hexameric lattice of retroviral immature particles requires the involvement of cell factors such as proteins and small molecules. A small, negatively charged polyanionic molecule, myo-inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), was identified to stimulate the assembly of immature particles of HIV-1 and other lentiviruses. Interestingly, cryo-electron tomography analysis of the immature particles of two lentiviruses, HIV-1 and equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), revealed that the IP6 binding site is similar. Based on this amino acid conservation of the IP6 interacting site, it is presumed that the assembly of immature particles of all lentiviruses is stimulated by IP6. Although this specific region for IP6 binding may be unique for lentiviruses, it is plausible that other retroviral species also recruit some small polyanion to facilitate the assembly of their immature particles. To study whether the assembly of retroviruses other than lentiviruses can be stimulated by polyanionic molecules, we measured the effect of various polyanions on the assembly of immature virus-like particles of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), a member of alpharetroviruses, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) representative of betaretroviruses, and murine leukemia virus (MLV), a member of gammaretroviruses. RSV, M-PMV and MLV immature virus-like particles were assembled in vitro from truncated Gag molecules and the effect of selected polyanions, myo-inostol hexaphosphate, myo-inositol, glucose-1,6-bisphosphate, myo-inositol hexasulphate, and mellitic acid, on the particles assembly was quantified. Our results suggest that the assembly of immature particles of RSV and MLV was indeed stimulated by the presence of myo-inostol hexaphosphate and myo-inositol, respectively. In contrast, no effect on the assembly of M-PMV as a betaretrovirus member was observed.

• Klíčová slova
• CAH *, IP6 *, M-PMV *, MLV *, RSV *, SP domain *, assembly *, hexamer *, immature *, polyanion *,
• MeSH
• Alpharetrovirus fyziologie   MeSH
• Betaretrovirus fyziologie   MeSH
• buněčná membrána chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Gammaretrovirus fyziologie   MeSH
• genové produkty gag chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu * MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• polyelektrolyty chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• Retroviridae fyziologie   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• sestavení viru * MeSH
• virion MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• genové produkty gag MeSH
• polyanions MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyelektrolyty MeSH

Despite successful vaccination programs and effective treatments for some viral infections, humans are still losing the battle with viruses. Persisting human pandemics, emerging and re-emerging viruses, and evolution of drug-resistant strains impose continuous search for new antiviral drugs. A combination of detailed information about the molecular organization of viruses and progress in molecular biology and computer technologies has enabled rational antivirals design. Initial step in establishing efficacy of new antivirals is based on simple methods assessing inhibition of the intended target. We provide here an overview of biochemical and cell-based assays evaluating the activity of inhibitors of clinically important viruses.

• Klíčová slova
• Assay, Assembly, Cell-based, Entry, High-throughput screening, In vitro, Inhibitor, Method, Replication, Virus,
• MeSH
• antivirové látky farmakologie   MeSH
• fyziologie virů účinky léků   MeSH
• inhibitory enzymů farmakologie   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a patogenu účinky léků   MeSH
• internalizace viru účinky léků   MeSH
• kapsida účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• preklinické hodnocení léčiv metody   MeSH
• replikace viru účinky léků   MeSH
• rychlé screeningové testy metody   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antivirové látky MeSH
• inhibitory enzymů MeSH

Retrovirus assembly is driven mostly by Gag polyprotein oligomerization, which is mediated by inter and intra protein-protein interactions among its capsid (CA) domains. Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) CA contains three cysteines (C82, C193 and C213), where the latter two are highly conserved among most retroviruses. To determine the importance of these cysteines, we introduced mutations of these residues in both bacterial and proviral vectors and studied their impact on the M-PMV life cycle. These studies revealed that the presence of both conserved cysteines of M-PMV CA is necessary for both proper assembly and virus infectivity. Our findings suggest a crucial role of these cysteines in the formation of infectious mature particles.

• Klíčová slova
• Cysteine mutagenesis, M-PMV capsid, M-PMV infectivity, Retrovirus assembly, Virus core stability,
• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• cystein genetika   MeSH
• genetické vektory MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• proviry genetika   MeSH
• sestavení viru * MeSH
• virion fyziologie   MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny chemie   genetika   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• cystein MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny MeSH

UNLABELLED: The Gag polyprotein of retroviruses drives immature virus assembly by forming hexameric protein lattices. The assembly is primarily mediated by protein-protein interactions between capsid (CA) domains and by interactions between nucleocapsid (NC) domains and RNA. Specific interactions between NC and the viral RNA are required for genome packaging. Previously reported cryoelectron microscopy analysis of immature Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) particles suggested that a basic region (residues RKK) in CA may serve as an additional binding site for nucleic acids. Here, we have introduced mutations into the RKK region in both bacterial and proviral M-PMV vectors and have assessed their impact on M-PMV assembly, structure, RNA binding, budding/release, nuclear trafficking, and infectivity using in vitro and in vivo systems. Our data indicate that the RKK region binds and structures nucleic acid that serves to promote virus particle assembly in the cytoplasm. Moreover, the RKK region appears to be important for recruitment of viral genomic RNA into Gag particles, and this function could be linked to changes in nuclear trafficking. Together these observations suggest that in M-PMV, direct interactions between CA and nucleic acid play important functions in the late stages of the viral life cycle. IMPORTANCE: Assembly of retrovirus particles is driven by the Gag polyprotein, which can self-assemble to form virus particles and interact with RNA to recruit the viral genome into the particles. Generally, the capsid domains of Gag contribute to essential protein-protein interactions during assembly, while the nucleocapsid domain interacts with RNA. The interactions between the nucleocapsid domain and RNA are important both for identifying the genome and for self-assembly of Gag molecules. Here, we show that a region of basic residues in the capsid protein of the betaretrovirus Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) contributes to interaction of Gag with nucleic acid. This interaction appears to provide a critical scaffolding function that promotes assembly of virus particles in the cytoplasm. It is also crucial for packaging the viral genome and thus for infectivity. These data indicate that, surprisingly, interactions between the capsid domain and RNA play an important role in the assembly of M-PMV.

• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• elektronová kryomikroskopie MeSH
• genom virový * MeSH
• genové produkty gag MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus fyziologie   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny MeSH
• RNA virová metabolismus   MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• sestavení viru * genetika   MeSH
• substituce aminokyselin MeSH
• transport proteinů MeSH
• vazba proteinů MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• genové produkty gag MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny MeSH
• RNA virová MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny MeSH

UNLABELLED: The hexameric lattice of an immature retroviral particle consists of Gag polyprotein, which is the precursor of all viral structural proteins. Lentiviral and alpharetroviral Gag proteins contain a peptide sequence called the spacer peptide (SP), which is localized between the capsid (CA) and nucleocapsid (NC) domains. SP plays a critical role in intermolecular interactions during the assembly of immature particles of several retroviruses. Published models of supramolecular structures of immature particles suggest that in lentiviruses and alpharetroviruses, SP adopts a rod-like six-helix bundle organization. In contrast, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV), a betaretrovirus that assembles in the cytoplasm, does not contain a distinct SP sequence, and the CA-NC connecting region is not organized into a clear rod-like structure. Nevertheless, the CA-NC junction comprises a sequence critical for assembly of immature M-PMV particles. In the present work, we characterized this region, called the SP-like domain, in detail. We provide biochemical data confirming the critical role of the M-PMV SP-like domain in immature particle assembly, release, processing, and infectivity. Circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that, in contrast to the SP regions of other retroviruses, a short SP-like domain-derived peptide (SPLP) does not form a purely helical structure in aqueous or helix-promoting solution. Using 8-Å cryo-electron microscopy density maps of immature M-PMV particles, we prepared computational models of the SP-like domain and indicate the structural features required for M-PMV immature particle assembly. IMPORTANCE: Retroviruses such as HIV-1 are of great medical importance. Using Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) as a model retrovirus, we provide biochemical and structural data confirming the general relevance of a short segment of the structural polyprotein Gag for retrovirus assembly and infectivity. Although this segment is critical for assembly of immature particles of lentiviruses, alpharetroviruses, and betaretroviruses, the organization of this domain is strikingly different. A previously published electron microscopic structure of an immature M-PMV particle allowed us to model this important region into the electron density map. The data presented here help explain the different packing of the Gag segments of various retroviruses, such as HIV, Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), and M-PMV. Such knowledge contributes to understanding the importance of this region and its structural flexibility among retroviral species. The region might play a key role in Gag-Gag interactions, leading to different morphological pathways of immature particle assembly.

• MeSH
• cirkulární dichroismus MeSH
• elektronová kryomikroskopie MeSH
• konformace proteinů MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus fyziologie   MeSH
• molekulární modely MeSH
• nukleokapsida - proteiny chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• sestavení viru * MeSH
• uvolnění viru z buňky MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny chemie   genetika   metabolismus   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• nukleokapsida - proteiny MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny MeSH

BACKGROUND: Formation of a mature core is a crucial event for infectivity of retroviruses such as Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV). The process is triggered by proteolytic cleavage of the polyprotein precursor Gag, which releases matrix, capsid (CA), and nucleocapsid proteins. Once released, CA assembles to form a mature core - a hexameric lattice protein shell that protects retroviral genomic RNA. Subtle conformational changes within CA induce the transition from the immature lattice to the mature lattice. Upon release from the precursor, the initially unstructured N-terminus of CA is refolded to form a β-hairpin stabilized by a salt bridge between the N-terminal proline and conserved aspartate. Although the crucial role of the β-hairpin in the mature core assembly has been confirmed, its precise structural function remains poorly understood. RESULTS: Based on a previous NMR analysis of the N-terminal part of M-PMV CA, which suggested the role of additional interactions besides the proline-aspartate salt bridge in stabilization of the β-hairpin, we introduced a series of mutations into the CA sequence. The effect of the mutations on virus assembly and infectivity was analyzed. In addition, the structural consequences of selected mutations were determined by NMR spectroscopy. We identified a network of interactions critical for proper formation of the M-PMV core. This network involves residue R14, located in the N-terminal β-hairpin; residue W52 in the loop connecting helices 2 and 3; and residues Q113, Q115, and Y116 in helix 5. CONCLUSION: Combining functional and structural analyses, we identified a network of supportive interactions that stabilize the β-hairpin in mature M-PMV CA.

• MeSH
• AIDS opičí genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• HEK293 buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• mutace genetika   MeSH
• sekundární struktura proteinů genetika   MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• sestavení viru genetika   MeSH
• virion genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• virové plášťové proteiny metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• virové plášťové proteiny MeSH

Immature retroviral particles are assembled by self-association of the structural polyprotein precursor Gag. During maturation the Gag polyprotein is proteolytically cleaved, yielding mature structural proteins, matrix (MA), capsid (CA), and nucleocapsid (NC), that reassemble into a mature viral particle. Proteolytic cleavage causes the N terminus of CA to fold back to form a β-hairpin, anchored by an internal salt bridge between the N-terminal proline and the inner aspartate. Using an in vitro assembly system of capsid-nucleocapsid protein (CANC), we studied the formation of virus-like particles (VLP) of a gammaretrovirus, the xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)-related virus (XMRV). We show here that, unlike other retroviruses, XMRV CA and CANC do not assemble tubular particles characteristic of mature assembly. The prevention of β-hairpin formation by the deletion of either the N-terminal proline or 10 initial amino acids enabled the assembly of ΔProCANC or Δ10CANC into immature-like spherical particles. Detailed three-dimensional (3D) structural analysis of these particles revealed that below a disordered N-terminal CA layer, the C terminus of CA assembles a typical immature lattice, which is linked by rod-like densities with the RNP.

• MeSH
• DNA primery MeSH
• elektronová kryomikroskopie MeSH
• Escherichia coli ultrastruktura   virologie   MeSH
• Fourierova analýza MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
• proteolýza MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• sekvence nukleotidů MeSH
• sekvenční homologie aminokyselin MeSH
• sestavení viru * MeSH
• transmisní elektronová mikroskopie MeSH
• virion fyziologie   MeSH
• virové proteiny chemie   metabolismus   MeSH
• virus myší leukemie fyziologie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA primery MeSH
• virové proteiny MeSH

Heterologous proteins are frequently purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) based on their modification with a hexa-histidine affinity tag (His-tag). The terminal His-tag can, however, alter functional properties of the tagged protein. Numerous strategies for the tag removal have been developed including chemical treatment and insertion of protease target sequences in the protein sequence. Instead of using these approaches, we took an advantage of natural interaction of zinc finger domains with metal ions to purify functionally similar retroviral proteins from two different retroviruses. We found that these proteins exhibited significantly different affinities to the immobilized metal ions, despite that both contain the same type of zinc finger motif (i.e., CCHC). While zinc finger proteins may differ in biochemical properties, the multitude of IMAC platforms should allow relatively simple yet specific method for their isolation in native state.

• MeSH
• chromatografie afinitní metody   MeSH
• Escherichia coli genetika   MeSH
• exprese genu MeSH
• HIV-1 chemie   genetika   MeSH
• kovy chemie   MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus chemie   genetika   MeSH
• virové proteiny chemie   genetika   izolace a purifikace   MeSH
• zinek analýza   MeSH
• zinkové prsty * MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• kovy MeSH
• virové proteiny MeSH
• zinek MeSH

Assembly of immature retroviral particles is a complex process involving interactions of several specific domains of the Gag polyprotein localized mainly within capsid protein (CA), spacer peptide (SP), and nucleocapsid protein (NC). In the present work we focus on the contribution of NC to the oligomerization of CA leading to assembly of Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) and HIV-1. Analyzing in vitro assembly of substitution and deletion mutants of DeltaProCANC, we identified a "spacer-like" sequence (NC(15)) at the M-PMV NC N terminus. This NC(15) domain is indispensable for the assembly and cannot be replaced with oligomerization domains of GCN4 or CREB proteins. Although the M-PMV NC(15) occupies a position analogous to that of the HIV-1 spacer peptide, it could not be replaced by the latter one. To induce the assembly, both M-PMV NC(15) and HIV-1 SP1 must be followed by a short peptide that is rich in basic residues. This region either can be specific, i.e., derived from the downstream NC sequence, or can be a nonspecific positively charged peptide. However, it cannot be replaced by heterologous interaction domains either from GCN4 or from CREB. In summary, we report here a novel M-PMV spacer-like domain that is functionally similar to other retroviral spacer peptides and contributes to the assembly of immature-virus-like particles.

• MeSH
• buněčné linie MeSH
• DNA primery genetika   MeSH
• DNA virů genetika   MeSH
• Escherichia coli genetika   ultrastruktura   virologie   MeSH
• HIV-1 genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Masonův-Pfizerův opičí virus genetika   fyziologie   ultrastruktura   MeSH
• molekulární sekvence - údaje MeSH
• multimerizace proteinu MeSH
• mutageneze MeSH
• nukleokapsida - proteiny chemie   genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny chemie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• sekvence aminokyselin MeSH
• sekvence nukleotidů MeSH
• sekvenční homologie aminokyselin MeSH
• sestavení viru genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• terciární struktura proteinů MeSH
• transmisní elektronová mikroskopie MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural MeSH
• Názvy látek
• DNA primery MeSH
• DNA virů MeSH
• nukleokapsida - proteiny MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny MeSH