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Long-term Visna virus infection of sheep choroid plexus cells: initiation and preliminary characterization of the carrier cultures.

Two sheep choroid plexus cell cultures were maintained and propagated for 413 days since being infected with strain K796 visna virus. The majority of the cells in these cultures contained visna virus-specific antigen on days 93 and 105 after infection. Reverse transcriptase-like activity similar to that present in visna virus preparations was obtained from these cultures when very little plaque-forming virus was being synthesized. The persistently infected cultures are resistant to the cytopathic effect which occurs in uninfected cultures upon exposure to visna virus. Persistently infected cells require more time than uninfected cells to become confluent. Less than 0.02 percent of the persistently infected sheep choroid plexus cells form macroscopic colonies within 14 days, whereas 20 to 30 percent of the cells from uninfected cultures form macroscopic colonies within this time.

Animals↗

Studies on reverse transcriptase of RNA tumor viruses. I. Localization of thermolabile DNA polymerase and RNase H activities on one polypeptide.

Purified reverse transcriptase from avian myeloblastosis virus or Rous sarcoma virus consists of two subunits of average mol wt of 100,000 and 60,000. The lower-molecular-weight subunit, alpha, has been isolated from avian myeloblastosis virus, Rous sarcoma virus and a temperature-sensitive mutant of Rous sarcoma virus, LA337. Subunit alpha manifests both the DNA polymerase and RNase H activities associated with purified reverse transcriptase of avian RNA tumor viruses. The thermal inactivation of these enzymatic activities of alpha subunit from the wild-type virus. The results show that both DNA polymerase and RNase H activities associated with the alpha subunit of LA337 are five to seven times more thermolabile then the corresponding alpha subunit from the wild-type virus. It is concluded that (i) both the polymerase and nuclease activities reside on the same polypeptide chain, and (ii) at least the lower-molecular-weight subunit alpha is coded for by the viral RNA.

Avian Leukosis Virus↗

Characterization of DNA polymerase and RNA associated with A-type particles from murine myeloma cells.

The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase present in intracisternal A-type particles from mouse myeloma tumor cells has been studied. This polymerase can use either endogenous A particle RNA or an exogenous synthetic polynucleotide [poly (rA)] as a template. The DNA reaction product is small (4S-10S) and over 90% of it hybridizes to A particle RNA, whereas up to 50% of it hybridizes to murine sarcoma-leukemia virus RNAs. The RNA isolated from purified A particles is generally of low molecular weight (5S-15S) but contains small amount of 70S and 35S components. These results suggest that A-type particles may be related to C-type oncornaviruses.

Animals↗

RNA of simian sarcoma-associated virus type 1 produced in human tumor cells.

Simian sarcoma-associated virus type 1 propagated in human rhabdomyosarcoma cells exhibited characteristics typical of oncornaviruses but seemed to have several aberrant properties. It had a buoyant density of 1.14 g/cm3, had RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity, seemed to be labile to high salt concentrations, and contained little 50 to 60S RNA but relatively large amounts of human ribosomal RNA. In addition to 50 to 60S RNA, purified virions contained smaller RNA molecules with sedimentation coefficients of 28 to 30S, 18 TO 20S, and 4 to 10S. Unlike the 50 to 60S RNA species, the smaller virion-associated RNAs lacked polyadenylic acid, and the 28 to 30S RNA had an average base composition similar to that of human ribosomal RNA. Upon heat denaturation, the native 50 to 60S RNA genome yielded polyadenylic acid-containing 28 to 30S subunits that degraded in to 18 to 20S molecules upon further heat treatment. The 50 to 60S viral RNA had a guanine plus cytosine content of 56%.

Animals↗

RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity of RNA tumor viruses. V. Rous sarcoma virus single-stranded RNA-DNA covalent hybrids in infected chicken embryo fibroblast cells.

RNA-DNA covalent hybrids containing viral RNA have been isolated from nuclear fractions of Rous sarcoma virus-infected chicken embryo fibroblast cells shortly after virus infection. The formation of covalent hybrid structures depends upon a functional reverse transcriptase in vivo, since its appearance in cells is temperature dependent when infected with Rous sarcoma virus mutant LA335, which contains a temperature-sensitive reverse transcriptase.

Animals↗

A UG5 reverse transcriptase-nitrilase antiviral module confers phage immunity in the plant symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti.

Bacteriophages exert strong selective pressure on soil- and rhizosphere-associated bacteria, including plant-associated symbionts. Reverse transcriptase-associated defense systems of the UG family are widespread across bacterial lineages, yet their ecological roles remain largely undefined. Within this family, UG5 systems are distinguished by reverse transcriptases fused to or associated with a nitrilase domain. Here, we combine phylogenetic, metagenomic, and functional analyses to investigate the evolutionary context and antiviral activity of UG5-associated systems. Phylogenetic analysis of 728 nitrilase domains places UG5-associated nitrilases within a well-supported UG-related radiation encompassing the UG1, UG5, and UG6 families, with UG1 nested within a broader UG5 lineage. Metagenomic analysis further revealed UG5-associated reverse transcriptases in soil- and rhizosphere-derived metagenomes. Based on this observation, we characterized a UG5-large reverse transcriptase (RT)-associated system, here designated DRT11, encoded on the pSymA megaplasmid of Sinorhizobium meliloti RMO17, a nitrogen-fixing symbiont of Medicago sativa. Despite lacking the transmembrane protein typical of canonical UG5-large architectures, DRT11 confers protection against naturally occurring M. sativa rhizosphere phages with podovirus-like morphology. Phage infection assays reveal protection at low multiplicities of infection, consistent with an abortive-infection-like mechanism. Moreover, mutational analyses demonstrate that antiviral activity requires only the RT and its fused C-terminal nitrilase domain, establishing DRT11 as a minimal UG5-associated antiviral system.IMPORTANCEIn this study, we report the functional characterization of a UG5-large reverse transcriptase-associated defense system (DRT11) encoded on the pSymA megaplasmid of the nitrogen-fixing plant symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti. Using a combination of phylogenetic, metagenomic, genomic, and experimental approaches, we demonstrate that DRT11 functions as a bona fide antiviral defense module, providing protection against naturally occurring rhizosphere phages through a minimal reverse transcriptase-nitrilase architecture. This work establishes direct functional evidence for antiviral activity within the UG5 family and clarifies the evolutionary placement of UG5-associated systems within the broader UG radiation.

Phylogeny↗

New retron systems from environmental bacteria identify triggers of anti-phage defense and expand tools for genome editing.

Retrons are bacterial immune systems that protect a bacterial population against phages by killing infected hosts. Retrons typically comprise a reverse transcriptase (RT), a template noncoding RNA that is partially reverse transcribed into RT-DNA, and a toxic effector. The reverse transcriptase (RT), noncoding RNA, and RT-DNA complex sequester the toxic effector until triggered by phage infection, at which point the toxin is released to induce cell death. Due to their ability to produce single-stranded DNA in vivo, retrons have also been engineered to produce donor templates for genome editing in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. However, the current repertoire of experimentally characterized retrons is limited, with most retrons sourced from clinical and laboratory strains of bacteria. To better understand retron biology and natural diversity, and to expand the current toolbox of retron-based genome editors, we developed a pipeline to isolate retrons and their bacterial hosts from a variety of environmental samples. Here, we identify seven new retron systems, each isolated from a different host bacterium. We characterize DNA production by these retrons and test their ability to defend against a panel of Escherichia coli phages. We find that two of these retrons are disrupted by other elements, in one case a group II intron and in another a separate defense system, yet both retrons still produce RT-DNA. For two other retrons, we further unravel their mechanism of defense by identifying the phage genes responsible for triggering abortive infection. Finally, we engineer these retrons for genome editing in E. coli, demonstrating their potential use in a biotechnological application.

Gene Editing↗

Different hematological diseases induced by type C viruses chemically activated from embryo cells of different mouse strains.

Type C RNA viruses can be induced by certain chemicals from cells of many mouse strains. Both C58 and BALB/c cells have been shown to contain endogenous viruses that are designated N-tropic because they grow preferentially in cells of NIH Swiss mouse origin. While demonstrating many similar biological and immunological properties, the C58-induced virus is around 10-fold more infectious per physical particle than the N-tropic virus of BALB/c cells. In the present studies, inoculation of these viruses into newborn NIH Swiss mice led to the development of diseases associated with splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy at similar frequency in each group. The disease induced by C58-MuLV was histophathologically diagnosed as lymphoblastic leukemia and was highly malignant following transplantation into newborn mice. The histopathological appearance of spleens from BALB/c virus-affected animals was distinguishable, demonstrating instead myeloid metaplasia or myelogenous leukemia. These findings provide evidence that different endogenous mouse type C viruses can induce distinct diseases in the same mouse strain. Furthermore, they implicate the N-tropic virus endogenous to C58 cells as a major factor in the development of lymphoblastic leukemia that occurs at high frequency in that strain.

Animals↗

Effect of glucocorticoids on activation of leukemia virus in AKR mouse embryo cells.

The effect of glucocorticoids on activation and replication of leukemia virus in AKR mouse embryo cells was analyzed. The number of cells detected as positive by fluorescent antibody techniques as well as the virus production in cells chronically producing virus was doubled at optimal concentrations of glucocorticoids. The effect of the hormones in activated cells was found to be not on the process of activation per se but rather on synthesis of the viral components after activation has occurred. Intracellular reverse transcriptase levels were not changed by hormone treatment. The stimulation of virus synthesis by glucocorticoids requires binding of the steroid to a cytoplasmic receptor protein.

Animals↗

Search for C-type particles in human neoplasia.

The salient biologic and morphologic characteristics of RNA tumor (oncornavirus) virus are reviewed. The ultrastructure of replicating oncornaviruses is illustrated in detail. C-type particles wide spread in at least three orders of animals were sighted in human sarcomas and leukemias. One case, an infantile fibrosarcoma, is presented from our cases surveyed for the presence of C-type particles. Tissue cultures derived from this tumor contained viral particles and had an elevated reverse transcriptase activity associated with the presence of 70 S RNA. The particles were larger (125 to 150nm) than those of the murine or avian Type C particles.

Animals↗

Microanalytical system for determination of picogram quantities of metals in metalloenzymes, as illustrated with zinc-containing enzymes.

Microwave-induced emission spectrometry combined with gel-exclusion chromatography provides a microanalytical system capable of precisely measuring 10 minus 10 to 10 minus 13 g of metal in microgram amounts of enzyme. Such sensitivity greatly exceeds that of other, more conventional methods. Metal quenching agents and low-molecular-weight protein contaminants were removed from the enzyme by Sephadex G-100 chromatography in microbore columns (0.03 times 25 cm). Droplet fractions were analyzed for zinc by the present method, for enzyme activity, and for protein content. With this analytical system we could demonstrate that stoichiometric amounts of zinc are present in the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, the reverse transcriptase, from wooly monkey type C RNA tumor virus. The precision of the method for zinc was demonstrated by the coefficient of variation of 4.4 percent for 10 mug of zinc per liter. Validity and accuracy of the method were established by determining zinc in a series of zinc metalloenzymes of known metal content and stoichiometry.

Animals↗

Mammary tumor virus induction by glucocorticoids. Characterization of specific transcriptional regulation.

Dexamethasone (1,4-pregnadiene-9-fluor-16alpha-methyl-11beta,17alpha,21-triol-3,20-dione), a potent synthetic glucocorticoid, stimulates mouse mammary tumor virus expression 10- to 20-fold in tissue culture cells. This hormone effect was observed at concentrations as low as 1 times 10-10 M and was maximal at 10-7 to 10-8 M. The time course of induction indicated that detectable increases in extracellular viral DNA polymerase were first noted 18 to 24 hours following the addition of dexamethasone, and cells produced the highest polymerase levels at the time monolayers approached confluence. Steroid responsiveness was associated with specific increases in type B murine mammary tumor virus structural polypeptide (gp52(sl) expression and murine mammary tumor virus RNA that quantitatively paralleled the increase in extracellular virus production as measured by electron microscopy and supernatant RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity. Another virally transformed murine cell line, KA 31, did not contain detectable levels of murine mammary tumor virus gp52(sl) or RNA before or after dexamethasone stimulation; thus induction was noted only in murine cells with pre-existing murine mammary tumor virus expression. No increase in basal levels of type C murine leukemia viral proteins or RNA was detected in dexamethasone-treated mammary cell lines which were producing increased levels of murine mammary tumor virus. Therefore, increases in murine mammary tumor virus gene products are specific for murine mammary tumor virus DNA sequences under these conditions.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Biochemical properties of a hamster syncytium-forming ("foamy") virus.

A hamster syncytium-forming ("foamy") virus (HFV) was characterized. The HFV sedimented in isopyknic sucrose density gradients at 1.16-1.165 g/ml. It had RNA but no DNA, its replication was inhibited by actinomycin D, and it contained virion-associated, RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. Analysis of the RNA from purified virus showed several species: 62S, 40S, 28-30S, 18-20S, and 4-7S.

Animals↗

[Reproduction of leukovirus RD-114 in diploid and heteroploid human cells].

The capacity of leukovirus RD-114 to replicate in human embryo lung diploid cell cultures and continuous human angiosarcoma cell cultures (AS and 709 lines). Differences in the capacity to support the virus reproduction were observed in the two strains of human embryo lung cells (HEL-1 and HEL-3) and the two continuous angiosarcoma cell lines. No virus reporduction was observed in mouse and rat cell cultures. No cytopathic or transformation changes were caused by the virus in any of the systems examined.

Animals↗

PTGS is dispensable for the initiation of epigenetic silencing of an active transposon in Arabidopsis.

Transposable elements (TEs) are repressed in plants through transcriptional gene silencing (TGS), maintained epigenetic silencing marks such as DNA methylation. However, the mechanisms by which silencing is first installed remain poorly understood in plants. Small interfering (si)RNAs and post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) are believed to mediate the initiation of TGS by guiding the first deposition of DNA methylation. To determine how this silencing installation works, we took advantage of ÉVADÉ (EVD), an endogenous retroelement in Arabidopsis, able to recapitulate true de novo silencing with a sequence of PTGS followed by a TGS. To test whether PTGS is required for TGS, we introduce active EVD into RNA-DEPENDENT-RNA-POLYMERASE-6 (RDR6) mutants, an essential PTGS component. EVD activity and silencing are monitored across several generations. In the absence of PTGS, silencing of EVD is still achieved through installation of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM). Our study shows that PTGS is dispensable for de novo EVD silencing. Although we cannot rule out that PTGS might facilitate TGS, or control TE activity, initiation of epigenetic silencing can take place in its absence.

Arabidopsis↗