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Small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of hepatitis G virus gene expression in human hepatoma cell Huh-7.

The RNA interference (RNAi) phenomenon is a recently observed process in which the introduction of a double-stranded, small interfering RNA (siRNA) into a cell causes the specific degradation of a homologous single-stranded RNA. It represents an exciting new technology that could have therapeutic applications for the treatment of viral infections. Since hepatitis G virus (HGV) genome is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA, the replication of HGV does not lead to an integrated DNA genome, suggesting a particularly attractive target for RNAi study that could eliminate viral RNA from infected cells. The eukaryotic expression vector pVAX.EH containing the cDNA sequences of the entire HGV structural genes and hygromycin resistance gene downstream from the encephalomyocarditis virus (ECMV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) was constructed and transfected into human hepatoma cell Huh-7. The modified cleavage products of the structural proteins of HGV expressed in hygromycin-resistant cell line Huh-7-EH were confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot methods. Two specific HGV E2 siRNAs (1-E2 siRNA, 2-E2 siRNA) synthesized with T7 RNA polymerase by transcription in vitro were transfected into the Huh-7-EH cells. With the analyses of Western blot and the formation of hygromycin-resistant colonies, the inhibitions of expression of HGV structural protein by two HGV E2 siRNAs were detected and found lasting at least one week. The inhibition of 2-E2 siRNA was stronger and only 1% of the cells treated with 2-E2 siRNA formed hygromycin-resistant colonies. These results support that specific HGV 2-E2 siRNAs mediate the degradation of mRNA spanning from HGV structural gene cDNA to hygromycin resistance gene in a majority of cells. In conclusion, the Huh-7-EH cells expressing HGV structural proteins stably can be used as a cell model for studying the replication of HGV and RNAi and the enlargement of RNAi may exist, in mammalian cells.

Antiviral Agents↗

High fidelity of internal strand transfer catalyzed by human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase.

A system to study the fidelity of internal strand transfer events was constructed. A donor RNA, on which reverse transcriptase (RT)-directed DNA synthesis was initiated, shared homology with an acceptor RNA, to which DNAs initiated on the donor could transfer. The homology occurred over a 119-base internal region of the donor which coded for the N-terminal portion of the alpha-lac gene. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify DNA synthesis products. The PCR products were then digested with PvuII and EcoRI and ligated into a vector which had this same region excised. Transformed Escherichia coli were screened for the ability to produce a functional beta-galactosidase protein by blue-white phenotype analysis with white colonies scored as those with errors in alpha-lac. Products synthesized on the donor were used to assess the error rate of human immunodeficiency virus-RT while products transferring to and subsequently extended on the acceptor (transfer products) were used to monitor transfer fidelity. Human immunodeficiency virus-RT made approximately 1 error per 7500 bases copied in the assay. Nucleocapsid protein (NCp), although stimulating strand transfer 3-fold, had no effect on RT fidelity. Transfer products in the absence of NCp had essentially the same amount of errors as donor-directed products while those produced with NCp showed a slight increase in error frequency. Overall, strand transfer events on this template were highly accurate. Since experiments with other templates have suggested that transfer is error prone, the fidelity of strand transfer may be highly sequence dependent.

Base Sequence↗

Efficient gene transfer into human CD34(+) cells by a retargeted adenovirus vector.

Efficient infection with adenovirus (Ad) vectors based on serotype 5 (Ad5) requires the presence of coxsackievirus-adenovirus receptors (CAR) and alpha(v) integrins on cells. The paucity of these cellular receptors is thought to be a limiting factor for Ad gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells. In a systematic approach, we screened different Ad serotypes for interaction with noncycling human CD34(+) cells and K562 cells on the level of virus attachment, internalization, and replication. From these studies, serotype 35 emerged as the variant with the highest tropism for CD34(+) cells. A chimeric vector (Ad5GFP/F35) was generated which contained the short-shafted Ad35 fiber incorporated into an Ad5 capsid. This substitution was sufficient to transplant all infection properties from Ad35 to the chimeric vector. The retargeted, chimeric vector attached to a receptor different from CAR and entered cells by an alpha(v) integrin-independent pathway. In transduction studies, Ad5GFP/F35 expressed green fluorescent protein (GFP) in 54% of CD34(+) cells. In comparison, the standard Ad5GFP vector conferred GFP expression to only 25% of CD34(+) cells. Importantly, Ad5GFP transduction, but not Ad5GFP/F35, was restricted to a specific subset of CD34(+) cells expressing alpha(v) integrins. The actual transduction efficiency was even higher than 50% because Ad5GFP/F35 viral genomes were found in GFP-negative CD34(+) cell fractions, indicating that the cytomegalovirus promoter used for transgene expression was not active in all transduced cells. The chimeric vector allowed for gene transfer into a broader spectrum of CD34(+) cells, including subsets with potential stem cell capacity. Fifty-five percent of CD34(+) c-Kit(+) cells expressed GFP after infection with Ad5GFP/F35, whereas only 13% of CD34(+) c-Kit(+) cells were GFP positive after infection with Ad5GFP. These findings represent the basis for studies aimed toward stable gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Specific interaction of a 25-kilodalton cellular protein, a 40S ribosomal subunit protein, with the internal ribosome entry site of hepatitis C virus genome.

Translation initiation of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is controlled by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) contained in 5' noncoding region (NCR) and in several nucleotides of the coding region. The ability of a 25-kilodalton cellular protein (p25) to bind the HCV 5' NCR is correlated with the efficiency of translation initiation of HCV RNA, indicating that this protein plays a critical role in HCV translation (S. Fukushi, C. Kurihara, N. Ishiyama, F. B. Hoshino, A. Oya, and K. Katayama, J Virol 71, 1662-1666, 1997). We have extended the study for identification of the IRES region required for p25 binding. For this purpose, we have performed UV cross-linking competition analyses using 5'- or 3'- deleted mutants of the HCV 5' NCR as competitor RNAs for binding of p25 to wild-type HCV 5' NCR. Competitor RNAs lacking nucleotides (nt) 47-74 or nt 279-331 did not inhibit p25 binding to the HCV IRES, indicating that these regions are necessary for interaction of the p25 and HCV IRES. Since p25 binding was not observed in the IRES elements of encephalomyocarditis virus and poliovirus in UV cross-linking competition analyses, the p25 binding may be specific for the HCV IRES. p25 bound to the HCV IRES was detected when a purified 40S ribosomal subunit was used for UV cross-linking experiment, indicating that p25 is one of 40S ribosomal subunit proteins. These results reveal an unique interaction between the 40S ribosomal subunit and HCV IRES to contribute to translation initiation of the HCV genome.

Base Sequence↗

A prokaryotic-like mode of cytoplasmic eukaryotic ribosome binding to the initiation codon during internal translation initiation of hepatitis C and classical swine fever virus RNAs.

Initiation of translation of hepatitis C virus and classical swine fever virus mRNAs results from internal ribosomal entry. We reconstituted internal ribosomal entry in vitro from purified translation components and monitored assembly of 48S ribosomal preinitiation complexes by toe-printing. Ribosomal subunits (40S) formed stable binary complexes on both mRNAs. The complex structure of these RNAs determined the correct positioning of the initiation codon in the ribosomal "P" site in binary complexes. Ribosomal binding and positioning on these mRNAs did not require the initiation factors eIF3, eIF4A, eIF4B, and eIF4F and translation of these mRNAs was not inhibited by a trans-dominant eIF4A mutant. Addition of Met-tRNAiMet, eIF2, and GTP to these binary ribosomal complexes resulted in formation of 48S preinitiation complexes. The striking similarities between this eukaryotic initiation mechanism and the mechanism of translation initiation in prokaryotes are discussed.

Animals↗

CD4 down-regulation by HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Nef proteins involves both internalization and intracellular retention mechanisms.

Among the pleiotropic effects of Nef proteins of HIV and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), down-modulation of cell surface expression of CD4 is a prominent phenotype. It has been presumed that Nef proteins accelerate endocytosis of CD4 by linking the receptor to the AP-2 clathrin adaptor. However, the related AP-1 and AP-3 adaptors have also been shown to interact with Nef, hinting at role(s) for these complexes in the intracellular retention of CD4. By using genetic inhibitors of endocytosis and small interfering RNA-induced knockdown of AP-2, we show that accelerated CD4 endocytosis is not a dominant mechanism of HIV-1 (NL4-3 strain) Nef in epithelial cells, T lymphocyte cell lines, or peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, we show that both the CD4 recycling from the plasma membrane and the nascent CD4 in transit to the plasma membrane are susceptible to intracellular retention in HIV-1 Nef-expressing cells. In contrast, AP-2-mediated enhanced endocytosis constitutes the predominant mechanism for SIV (MAC-239 strain) Nef-induced down-regulation of human CD4 in human cells.

Adaptor Protein Complex 3↗

The hepatitis B virus enhancer modulates transcription of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen gene from an internal location.

We have used a transient expression system to examine the influence of the hepatitis B virus enhancer on the transcription of the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) gene. This enhancer is located 3' to HBsAg coding sequences but is contained within the mature HBsAg transcripts. Removal of the enhancer resulted in a significant reduction in HBsAg gene expression in liver cells. By using an in vitro nuclear run-on assay, this effect was determined to be at the level of transcription. We have further noted that HBsAg expression can be restored by the reinsertion of the enhancer sequences in the enhancerless vector. However, this reconstitution of HBsAg expression appears to depend on location of the enhancer with regard to the HBsAg promoters.

Animals↗

Directional transneuronal infection by pseudorabies virus is dependent on an acidic internalization motif in the Us9 cytoplasmic tail.

The Us9 gene is conserved among most alphaherpesviruses. In pseudorabies virus (PRV), the Us9 protein is a 98-amino-acid, type II membrane protein found in the virion envelope. It localizes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) region in infected and transfected cells and is maintained in this compartment by endocytosis from the plasma membrane. Viruses with Us9 deleted have no observable defects in tissue culture yet have reduced virulence and restricted spread to retinorecipient neurons in the rodent brain. In this report, we demonstrate that Us9-promoted transneuronal spread in vivo is dependent on a conserved acidic motif previously shown to be essential for the maintenance of Us9 in the TGN region and recycling from the plasma membrane. Mutant viruses with the acidic motif deleted have an anterograde spread defect indistinguishable from that of Us9 null viruses. Transneuronal spread, however, is not dependent on a dileucine endocytosis motif in the Us9 cytoplasmic tail. Through alanine scanning mutagenesis of the acidic motif, we have identified two conserved tyrosine residues that are essential for Us9-mediated spread as well as two serine residues, comprising putative consensus casein kinase II sites, that modulate the rate of PRV transneuronal spread in vivo.

Alanine↗

Therapeutic potential of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 antagonists as multifunctional agents.

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 possesses multiple critical functions in normal and pathologic physiology. CXCR4 is a G-protein-coupled receptor that transduces signals of its endogenous ligand, the chemokine CXCL12 (stromal cell-derived factor-1, SDF-1). The interaction between CXCL12 and CXCR4 plays an important role in the migration of progenitors during embryologic development of the cardiovascular, hemopoietic, central nervous systems, and so on. This interaction is also known to be involved in several intractable disease processes, including HIV infection, cancer cell metastasis, leukemia cell progression, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and pulmonary fibrosis. It is conjectured that this interaction may be a critical therapeutic target in all of these diseases, and several CXCR4 antagonists have been proposed as potential drugs. Fourteen-mer peptides, T140 and its analogues, were previously developed in our laboratory as specific CXCR4 antagonists that were identified as HIV-entry inhibitors, anti-cancer-metastatic agents, anti-chronic lymphocytic/acute lymphoblastic leukemia agents, and anti-RA agents. Cyclic pentapeptides, such as FC131 [cyclo(D-Tyr-Arg-Arg-L-3-(2-naphthyl)alanine-Gly)], were also previously found as CXCR4 antagonist leads based on pharmacophores of T140. This review article describes the elucidation of multiple functions of CXCR4 antagonists and the development of a number of low-molecular weight CXCR4 antagonists involving FC131 analogues and other compounds with different scaffolds including linear-type structures.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Internal structural anisotropy of spherical viruses studied with magnetic birefringence.

Six so called spherical viruses (four plant and two animal) are shown to exhibit magnetically induced birefringence in solution. They must therefore be magnetically and optically anisotropic. This is attributed to static structural anisotropy of the interiors as neither natural shape nor field-induced deformations are likely causes. Thus at least part of these virus cores have a symmetry differing from that of their capsids. An estimate of the average orientation of the RNA bases is given for the plant viruses: turnip yellow mosaic, bromegrass mosaic, tomato bushy stunt and turnip crinkle. The packing geometry of the nucleic acid/protein cores of adenovirus and probably influenza virus are anisotropic but to an extent that cannot be quantified.

Adenoviridae↗

Expression of human alpha 1 antitrypsin in murine hematopoietic cells in vivo after retrovirus-mediated gene transfer.

For patients with alpha1 antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) deficiency, the expression of alpha 1AT in hematopoietic cells may results in a number of benefits not provided by gene transfer strategies involving local modification of the respiratory epithelium or liver-directed gene transfer. We investigated the expression of alpha 1AT in murine hematopoietic cells after retrovirus-mediated gene transfer. For this purpose we constructed an LNL-6-derived recombinant retrovirus vector (L alpha 1ED) that expresses the alpha 1AT cDNA from the Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) U3 promoter/enhancer and coexpresses the cDNA for a mutant form of the murine dihydrofolate reductase molecule (*DHFR) from the encephalomyocarditis virus (emc) internal ribosome entry site (IRES). All of the mice transplanted with bone marrow transduced with the L alpha 1ED vector expressed the alpha 1AT protein at the 3-week time point after transplantation. By the 6-week time point the alpha 1AT levels declined to a lower level, where they generally remained for the duration of the experiment. This study demonstrates the potential utility of hematopoietic cell gene transfer for gene therapy of alpha 1AT deficiency.

Animals↗

Effects of temperature on viral glycoprotein mobility and a possible role of internal "viroskeleton" proteins in Sendai virus fusion.

The effect of temperature on fusion of Sendai virus with target membranes and mobility of the viral glycoproteins was studied with fluorescence methods. When intact virus was used, the fusion threshold temperature (20-22 degrees C) was not altered regardless of the different types of target membranes. Viral glycoprotein mobility in the intact virus increased with temperature, particularly sharply at the fusion threshold temperature. This effect was suppressed by the presence of erythrocyte ghosts and/or dextran sulfate in the virus suspension. In these cases also, no change in the fusion threshold temperature was observed. On the other hand, reconstituted viral envelopes (virosomes) bearing viral glycoproteins but lacking matrix proteins were capable of fusing with erythrocyte ghosts even at temperatures lower than the fusion threshold temperature and no fusion threshold temperature was observed over the range of 10-40 degrees C. The mobility of viral glycoproteins on virosomes was much greater and virtually temperature-independent. The intact virus treated with an actin-affector, jasplakinolide, reduced the extent of fusion with erythrocyte ghosts and the mobility of viral glycoproteins, while the treatment of virosomes with the same drug did not affect the extent of fusion of virosomes with erythrocyte ghosts and the mobility of the glycoproteins. These results suggest that viral matrix proteins including actins affect viral glycoprotein mobility and may be responsible for the temperature threshold phenomenon observed in Sendai virus fusion.

Cells, Cultured↗

A critical evaluation of the conformational requirements of fusogenic peptides in membranes.

It is generally assumed that fusogenic peptides would require a certain conformation, which triggers or participates in the rate-determining step of membrane fusion. Previous structure analyses of the viral fusion peptide from gp41 of HIV-1 have yielded contradictory results, showing either an alpha-helical or a beta-stranded conformation under different conditions. To find out whether either of these conformations is relevant in the actual fusion process, we have placed sterically demanding substitutions into the fusion peptide FP23 to prevent or partially inhibit folding and self-assembly. A single substitution of either D- or L-CF(3)-phenylglycine was introduced in different positions of the sequence, and the capability of these peptide analogues to fuse large unilamellar vesicles was monitored by lipid mixing and dynamic light scattering. If fusion proceeds via a beta-stranded oligomer, then the D- and L-epimers are expected to differ systematically in their activity, since the D-epimers should be unable to form beta-structures due to sterical hindrance. If an alpha-helical conformation is relevant for fusion, then the D-epimers would be slightly disfavoured compared to the L-forms, hence a small systematic difference in fusion activity should be observed. Interestingly, we find that (1) all D- and L-epimers are fusogenically active, though to different extents compared to the wild type, and--most importantly--(ii) there is no systematic preference for either the D- or L-forms. We therefore suggest that a well-structured alpha-helical peptide conformation or a beta-stranded oligomeric assembly can be excluded as the rate-determining state. Instead, fusion appears to involve conformationally disordered peptides with a pronounced structural plasticity.

Membrane Fusion↗

Conformational change of influenza virus hemagglutinin is sensitive to ionic concentration.

The homotrimeric spike glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA) of influenza virus undergoes a low pH-mediated conformational change which mediates the fusion of the viral envelope with the target membrane. Previous approaches predict that the interplay of electrostatic interactions between and within HA subunits, HA 1 and HA2, are essential for the metastability of the HA ectodomain. Here, we show that suspension media of low ionic concentration promote fusion of fluorescent labelled influenza virus X31 with erythrocyte ghosts and with ganglioside containing liposomes. By measuring the low pH mediated inactivation of the fusion competence of HA and the Proteinase K sensitivity of low pH incubated HA we show that the conformational change is promoted by low ionic concentration. We surmise that electrostatic attraction within the HA ectodomain is weakened by lowering the ionic concentration facilitating the conformational change at low pH.

Cells, Cultured↗