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Association of yeast viral 23 S RNA with its putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

T double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and its single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) counterpart, 23 S RNA, are present in some strains of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 23 S RNA is identical with the T (+)-strand, and both are cytoplasmically inherited. The T (+)-strand encodes a protein of 104 kilodaltons (kDa) (p104) that has sequences diagnostic of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases from (+)-strand and double-stranded RNA viruses. Here we show that p104 is expressed only in yeast strains carrying T dsRNA (and 23 S RNA) and that the ability to produce p104 is co-transmitted from one strain to another by cytoplasmic mixing (cytoduction) along with T dsRNA. Neither T nor 23 S RNA is encapsidated into viral particles; however, the latter was found to be non-covalently associated with p104. This finding was based on the evidence that: (i) both 23 S RNA and p104 cosedimented in sucrose gradients and that (ii) 23 S RNA was immunoprecipitated by a p104-specific polyclonal antiserum. Consistent with this association, p104 shows single-stranded RNA-binding activity in Northwestern blots. We have localized the RNA-binding domain of p104 within its C terminus 234 amino acids.

Fungal Proteins↗

Identification of cis-acting signals in the giardiavirus (GLV) genome required for expression of firefly luciferase in Giardia lamblia.

Giardiavirus (GLV) is a 6,277-bp double-stranded RNA virus of Giardia lamblia, one of the earliest eukaryotic divergents from the prokaryotes. Our previous success in GLV-mediated transfection of G. lamblia has provided an effective way of monitoring the mechanisms underlining GLV gene replication and mRNA translation in this organism. Here we have investigated the cis-acting signals in the GLV genome that regulate replication, transcription, and translation of an inserted firefly luciferase gene in GLV-infected G. lamblia. By modifying the two terminal regions of a full-length GLV cDNA clone used to flank a luciferase gene, various in vitro chimeric transcripts were generated and introduced into GLV-infected G. lamblia via electroporation. Expression of luciferase (+) strand and (-) strand RNAs in the transfected cells was monitored and the luciferase activity assayed. The results indicated that the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 366 nt and the 3'-terminal 2,022 nt of the viral transcript are both needed for optimal expression of the two RNA strands. Although the entire 5'-UTR is needed for the chimeric mRNA synthesis, both the primary sequence and the secondary structure at the 3' end of GLV transcript are essential for the synthesis of (-) strand RNA. When the 5' end of GLV transcript was extended 265 nt into the capsid protein open reading frame and fused with that of luciferase, there was no change in the level of luciferase chimeric RNA, but a 5,000-fold increase of luciferase activity was observed that may be attributed to an enhanced translational efficiency of the chimeric mRNA in G. lamblia.

Animals↗

Overview of the Leishmaniavirus endoribonuclease and functions of other endoribonucleases affecting viral gene expression.

Leishmaniaviruses (LRV) are double-stranded RNA viruses that persistently infect some strains of the protozoan parasite Leishmania. The identification of a short viral RNA transcript led to our discovery of an endoribonuclease activity of the LRV capsid protein. Other known endoribonucleases serve a variety of diverse roles in the regulated balance of processing and degradation of both cellular and viral RNAs, thus determining the amount and functionality of specific RNA molecules in a cell at any given time. The consequence of LRV RNA cleavage on the LRV life cycle has not yet been determined. Here we review the LRV endoribonuclease and discuss potential roles for this endoribonuclease activity in the context of the involvement of other endoribonucleases in regulating viral gene expression and replicative capacity.

Animals↗

Unique double-stranded RNAs associated with the Trichomonas vaginalis virus are synthesized by viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Most Trichomonas vaginalis isolates are carriers of the multisegmented double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus. In vitro polymerase assays were performed to demonstrate the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) activity of purified particles. Transcripts which comigrated with the dsRNAs of the virus were readily detected as synthesized products, indicating viral RDRP activity. In addition, smaller-sized dsRNA species, possibly two of approximately 700 bp (s1) and one of 500 bp (s2), were synthesized by purified virus particles of the CsCl gradient surrounding the virus peak. No cross-hybridization with either s1 or s2 and the dsRNA segments occurred, suggesting that s1 and s2 were synthesized from different templates. An RNase A protection assay revealed that the synthesized s1 and s2 polymerase products were double stranded. Furthermore, hybridization of products with strand-specific RNA of s1 generated from cDNA indicated that only one strand was synthesized in vitro. s1 and s2 were not visualized in ethidium bromide-stained agarose gels of dsRNA of infected trichomonads grown in batch cultures. However, dsRNA profiles of the same infected organisms cultivated under defined continuous-flow conditions contained readily detectable levels of s1 and s2, indicating that amplification of s1 and s2 occurred under specific environmental conditions. These newly discovered dsRNAs were not detected in all of the virus-carrying isolates. Finally, it is noteworthy that the s1 and s2 dsRNAs and the RDRP activity were not detected in trichomonal isolates without virus or in virus-negative progeny derived from virus-positive parental isolates. These data indicate the possibility of variations in the number of dsRNAs and/or of the presence of satellites in trichomonads infected with the multisegmented virus.

Animals↗

In vitro L-A double-stranded RNA synthesis in virus-like particles from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Most strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae harbor L-A double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), 4.5 kilobases long, contained in virus-like particles (VLPs). These L-A VLPs can be separated by CsCl density gradient centrifugation into a main peak of particles, containing full-length L-A dsRNA, which synthesizes only plus-strand single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), and a lighter fraction of VLPs, containing plus-strand ssRNA, which has L-A dsRNA-synthesizing activity. This dsRNA-synthesizing activity was present in particles from logarithmically growing cells but not from stationary-phase cells. The newly synthesized strand of dsRNA in the lightest particles was full-length minus strand. All or almost all of the new minus strand was synthesized in vitro, and the rate of chain elongation was approximately 100 nucleotides per minute. The lightest particles synthesized plus-strand ssRNA only after completion of dsRNA synthesis, indicating that the same particle contains dsRNA- and ssRNA-synthesizing enzyme(s). We also observed dsRNA-synthesizing activity in L-BC dsRNA-containing particles similar to that in L-A VLPs.

Genes, Fungal↗

The effects of interferon and double-stranded RNA upon the virus-host interaction: studies with togavirus strains in mice.

Partially purified fibroblast interferon and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of fungal origin were administered as single graded doses to A2G and Balb/c mice shortly before intraperitoneal infection by specified virulent or avirulent strains of representative togaviruses (Semliki Forest virus, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus and yellow fever virus). Changes of efficiency of infection arising from interference at the level of clearance or replication and changes of the expression of virulence or protective immunity, were compared for different initial doses of interferon or dsRNA in relation to different levels of infection by defined virus strains. Interferon and dsRNA, although acting through quantitatively different mechanisms, both reduced effective dose of virus and influenced only the extent of primary replication and host stimulation. Neither agent changed in any way the outcome of infection in terms of expression of virulence (regulatory immunity) or protective immunity. These results are discussed in terms of the control of virus infections at stages before or after immune stimulation can be effective.

Animals↗

The divergence of Trichomonas vaginalis virus RNAs among various isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis virus is a double-stranded (ds) RNA virus found in the parasitic protozoan T. vaginalis. To examine the possible existence of related viruses in various T. vaginalis strains and isolates, we screened 20 such isolates and found the characteristic 5.5-kb viral ds RNA in 16 of them. An additional 0.5-kb ds RNA band was also identified in 10 of these virus-infected T. vaginalis isolates. In a local isolate T1, this 0.5-kb ds RNA cross-hybridized with the 5.5-kb ds RNA. Preliminary evidence from CsCl buoyant density gradient centrifugations suggests that the two ds RNA species are encapsidated in separate viral particles by the same capsid protein. The 5.5-kb ds RNA in isolate T1 exhibited moderate hybridization with the prototype 5.5-kb ds RNA in T. vaginalis stratin NIH-Cl. Little cross-hybridization was observed among the 5.5-kb ds RNAs from T. vaginalis isolates JH32A No. 4, T1 and T5, although the viral proteins in these isolates are of similar molecular weight and share common epitopes as viewed by Western blotting. Hybridization characteristics of the 5.5-kb ds RNAs in individual isolates were further analyzed, and the results suggest great ds RNA divergence among the T. vaginalis viruses. Interestingly, the 0.5-kb ds RNA in different isolates of T. vaginalis also exhibited divergence in patterns closely associated with that of the 5.5-kb ds RNA.

Animals↗

Antiviral activity of mismatched double-stranded RNA against human immunodeficiency virus in vitro.

The biological response modifier r(I)n.r(C12-U)n, referred to here as mismatched double-stranded (ds) RNA, was examined for antihuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity in vitro because of its known antiviral activity and ability to induce interferon (IFN) in other biological systems [Carter, W. A., Strayer, D. R., Hubbell, H. R. & Brodsky, I. (1985) J. Biol. Response Modif. 4, 495-502]. We found that cultures of the highly HIV-permissive T-cell line C3 were afforded significant protection from HIV infection when incubated in growth media supplemented with mismatched dsRNA at 10-50 micrograms/ml prior to virus challenge. Similar results were obtained at 50 micrograms of mismatched dsRNA per ml in cultures of the T-lymphoblastoid cell line CEM. Infections were monitored by indirect immunofluorescence of cells for viral p24 antigen expression, reverse transcriptase activity in culture fluids for virus production, and vital dye uptake for cytopathic effect. Antiviral activity was increased by the continued presence of mismatched dsRNA in cultures following virus challenge. A one-time exposure to mismatched dsRNA (50 micrograms/ml) provided greater antiviral activity than either a one-time exposure to recombinant IFN-alpha [250 international units (IU)/ml], IFN-beta (250 IU/ml), or IFN-gamma (50 IU/ml) in cultures of CEM cells, or a one-time exposure to a combination of all three IFNs (150 IU each per ml) in cultures of C3 cells. Mismatched dsRNA at 50 micrograms/ml had no effect on cell division, RNA and protein synthesis, or virus replication in all T-cell lines examined. A clear distinction between the activities of mismatched dsRNA and IFN was the ability of IFN to suppress the in vitro replication of HIV that occurred at IFN concentrations (150 IU each of alpha, beta, and gamma per ml) that provided less antiviral activity than mismatched dsRNA (50 micrograms/ml). The results of these in vitro studies suggest a potential therapeutic value for mismatched dsRNA in the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Antiviral Agents↗

[Structure-activity relation for rhodomycin-type antibiotics and the inhibition kinetics of single-stranded and double-stranded DNA- and RNA-viruses].

The antiviral activity of anthracycline antibiotics of rhodomycin group was investigated by two independent methods which determined the infectious units or antigenicity of the viruses. The action of rhodomycin depended on the structure, number, and position of amino sugar in aglycon. The antiviral activity was found to increase in serial order: iremycin--adriamycin--daunomycin--alpha-rubicin--beta-rhodom ycin-- violamycin B I complex by inhibition kinetics determined with adenovirus.

Animals↗

Characterization of double-stranded RNA satellites associated with the Trichomonas vaginalis virus.

Three small and distinct satellite double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) denoted s1, s1', and s2 were recently described for a Trichomonas vaginalis isolate harboring a dsRNA virus. Since characterization of these satellite dsRNAs might provide insight into the virus replication cycle and virus-host interactions, full-length cDNAs to s1 and s1' dsRNAs were synthesized and sequenced. s1 dsRNA has 688 bp, and s1' dsRNA has 616 bp. A 228-bp open reading frame that begins at nucleotide 37 was detected on a putative sense strand of s1. All satellite RNAs were found associated with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDRP) activity that banded on CsCl gradients. Within carrier trichomonads, satellite RNAs synthesized single-stranded replicative intermediates. An in vitro assay was established to assess replication of satellite RNAs. Transcripts generated from s1 cDNA, for example, served as a template for the viral RDRP. These templates had a polarity similar to that of the replicative intermediate found in the satellite-harboring parasites. Importantly, the recognition of s1 RNA was shown to be specific, since unrelated RNAs did not serve as templates for RDRP under the same experimental conditions. The data indicate that the cDNA of s1 has a specific and essential sequence needed for recognition by the viral RDRP and for subsequent RNA synthesis. Both s1 and s1' have conserved domains, albeit of unproven function, but which may be required for replication.

Animals↗

VIRUS-SPECIFIC DOUBLE-STRANDED RNA IN POLIOVIRUS-INFECTED CELLS.

Poliovirus-infected HeLa cells contain a small amount of an RNA that sediments slightly faster than 16S. This RNA is less dense than viral RNA and resists digestion by ribonuclease. It is therefore, considered to be a double-stranded form of poliovirus RNA. A significant amount of this material is found in association with a membranous virus-specific particulate.

Biochemical Phenomena↗

High-frequency occurrence of virus-like particles with double-stranded RNA genome in Fusarium poae.

Fifty-five geographically different strains of Fusarium poae were assayed for the presence of extrachromosomal nucleic acid elements. All strains were found to harbour double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) elements and encapsidated virus-like particles (VLP). There were great individual differences in dsRNA patterns of the various strains, but numbers and sizes characteristic for a given isolate remained unchanged after repeated subculturing of the fungi. Morphological alterations or signs of degeneration were not observed in dsRNA-containing isolates. This is the first report on the ubiquitous occurrence of dsRNAs in a hyphomycete fungus species.

Fusarium↗

Evidence that vesicular stomatitis virus produces double-stranded RNA that inhibits protein synthesis in a reticulocyte lysate.

Cell-free protein synthesis by reticulocyte lysates was inhibited by a polyadenylated RNA fraction extracted from HeLa cells infected with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) but not by polyadenylated RNA from mock-infected HeLa cells. A similar inhibitor of cell-free protein synthesis was found in a polyadenylated fraction of RNA transcribed in vitro by VSV but not in untranscribed nucleocapsids. Fractionation of the VSV transcription product showed that the translation inhibitor segregated with nucleocapsids containing newly transcribed polyadenylated or non-polyadenylated RNA, as determined by oligodeoxythymidylate-cellulose chromatography. The inhibitors present in VSV-infected HeLa cells and in VSV in vitro transcripts both appeared to be double-stranded RNA, as judged by the characteristics for inhibition of reticulocyte cell-free protein synthesis described by Hunter et al. (J. Biol. Chem. 250:409-417, 1975). The double-stranded nature of the VSV RNA inhibitor was supported by the finding that the translational inhibitory effect was inactivated by melting the inhibitor in the absence of salt and by micrococcal nuclease.

Cell-Free System↗

Blockade of interferon induction and action by the E3L double-stranded RNA binding proteins of vaccinia virus.

The vaccinia virus E3L gene encodes two double-stranded RNA binding proteins that promote viral growth and pathogenesis through suppression of innate immunity. To explore how E3L enables vaccinia virus to evade the interferon system, cells and mice deficient in the principal interferon-regulated antiviral enzymes, PKR and RNase L, were infected with wild-type vaccinia virus and strains of vaccinia virus from which E3L had been deleted (E3L-deleted strains). While wild-type virus was unaffected by RNase L and PKR, virus lacking E3L replicated only in the deficient cells. Nevertheless, E3L-deleted virus failed to replicate to high titers or to cause significant morbidity or mortality in triply deficient mice lacking RNase L, PKR, and Mx1. To investigate the underlying cause, we determined the effect of E3L on interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a transcription factor required for viral induction of subtypes of type I interferons. Results showed that IRF3 activation and interferon-beta induction occurred after infections with E3L-deleted virus but not with wild-type virus. These findings demonstrate that E3L plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of vaccinia virus by blocking the interferon system at multiple levels. Furthermore, our results indicate the existence of an interferon-mediated antipoxvirus pathway that operates independently of PKR, Mx1, or the 2-5A/RNase L system.

Animals↗

Bluetongue virus and double-stranded RNA increase human vascular permeability: role of p38 MAPK.

Endothelial cell (EC) involvement in viral hemorrhagic fevers has been clearly established. However, virally activated mechanisms leading to endothelial activation and dysfunction are not well understood. Several different potential mechanisms such as direct viral infection, alterations in procoagulant/anticoagulant balance, and increased cytokine production have been suggested. We utilized a model of EC barrier dysfunction and vascular endothelial leakage to explore the effect of bluetongue virus (BTV), a hemorrhagic fever virus of ruminants, on human lung endothelial cell barrier properties. Infection of human lung EC with BTV induced a significant and dose-dependent decrease in trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TER). Furthermore, decreases in TER occurred in conjunction with cytoskeletal rearrangement, suggesting a direct mechanism for viral infection-mediated endothelial barrier disruption. Interestingly, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mimicked the effects of BTV on endothelial barrier properties. Both BTV- and dsRNA-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction was blocked by treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor of p38 MAPK. The induction of vascular permeability by dsRNA treatment or BTV infection was concomitent with induction of inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our data suggest that the presence of dsRNA during viral infections and subsequent activation of p38 MAPK is a potential molecular pathway for viral induction of hemorrhagic fevers. Collectively, our data suggest that inhibition of p38 MAPK may be a possible therapeutic approach to alter viral-induced acute hemorrhagic diseases.

Bluetongue virus↗