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Post-translational processing of the tobacco etch virus 49-kDa small nuclear inclusion polyprotein: identification of an internal cleavage site and delimitation of VPg and proteinase domains.

The 49,000-dalton (49-kDa) small nuclear inclusion (NI) protein of tobacco etch virus (TEV) has two distinct functions associated with it. An N-terminal segment is covalently attached to the genomic length RNA and likely involved in RNA replication, while the C-terminal half is associated with a proteolytic activity critical for genome expression. The junction delineating these two proteins has not been identified. We have analyzed naturally occurring cleavage products of TEV NI proteins and have identified a possible internal cleavage site between Glu and Gly residues at TEV 49-kDa NI protein amino acids 189-190. Similar 49-kDa-derived products are formed in cell-free translation studies in minor amounts upon the addition of excess amounts of NI protein. Cleavage of the 49-kDa (430 amino acids) protein is predicted to result in the formation of two products, 21-kDa (189 amino acids) and 27 kDa (241 amino acids) in size. Complementary DNA encoding the 27-kDa C-terminal portion of the 49-kDa protein gene was cloned into various DNA sequences. This allowed us to express the 27-kDa protein alone or as part of higher molecular weight polyproteins containing flanking TEV or foreign protein sequences. This 27-kDa amino acid sequence had a proteolytic activity similar to the 49-kDa-associated activity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Hepatitis A virus polyprotein synthesis initiates from two alternative AUG codons.

The genomic RNA of hepatitis A virus has two potential translation initiation sites for synthesis of a 251-kDa polyprotein. It is not known which of these AUG codons, located at positions 735-737 and 741-743, is used in vitro or in vivo. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out to eliminate each start codon independently. Transcripts from the unmodified and modified cDNA clones were used either to program an in vitro translation system or for transfection of BS-C-1 cells. In vitro and in vivo translation data revealed preferential usage of the downstream AUG located at position 741 to 743, although either site could be utilized in the absence of the other. Both modified RNAs were able to induce productive infections in BS-C-1 cells. Deletion of almost all of the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of the RNA, however, stimulated selection of AUG 735-737 in vitro resulting in equal utilization of both sites, suggesting a strong influence of the 5'UTR for directing the ribosome to a specific internal initiation site.

Animals↗

A core polyprotein of murine leukemia virus on the surface of mouse leukemia cells.

A polypeptide of molecular weight approximately 75,000 daltons, p(75), was identified on the surface of AKR spontaneous leukemia cells by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed radio-iodination. This protein was shown by immunoprecipitation to have antigenic determinants of MuLV p30, p15, and p10, but not gp70, suggesting that p(75) represents a polyprotein composed of virion core components. As evidenced by studies on incorporation of radioactive glucosamine, p(75) is probably glycosylated. No p(75) was found on 2 month old AKR thymocytes, and only a small amount of p(75) was detectable of thymocytes from 4 month old animals. However, substantial quantities of p(75) could be found on thymocytes from 6 month old, yet still preleukemic mice.

Age Factors↗

Structure of human rhinovirus 3C protease reveals a trypsin-like polypeptide fold, RNA-binding site, and means for cleaving precursor polyprotein.

The structure of human rhinovirus-14 3C protease (3Cpro) has been determined at 2.3 A resolution and refined to an R factor of 0.22. This cysteine protease folds into two topologically equivalent six-stranded beta barrels and in this sense is similar to trypsin-like serine proteases. However, there are differences in the lengths and positioning of individual beta strands as well as in loops connecting elements of secondary structure. The catalytic residues Cys-146, His-40, and Glu-71 are positioned as in serine proteases, but the oxyanion hole is moved 1-1.2 A away. Residues that bind to the 5' noncoding region of rhinovirus genomic RNA are located on the opposite side of the molecule from the active site. Interactions between individual 3Cpro molecules in the crystal lattice suggest a model for intermolecular proteolytic cleavage of the 3CD polyprotein.

3C Viral Proteases↗

The gp15/400 polyprotein antigen of Brugia malayi binds fatty acids and retinoids.

Gp15/400 is a surface-proximal antigen of the filarial nematode Brugia malayi, produced as a large polyprotein precursor comprising an array of polypeptide units of approx. 14.5 kDa. Here we describe a biochemical function for gp15/400. A single 14.5-kDa unit of gp15/400 has been expressed in Escherichia coli, and found to dimerise spontaneously. This protein (designated P-RUNG) has high-affinity fatty acid and retinoid binding activity, suggesting that the parent polypeptide itself has these properties. Fluorescent fatty acid probes show significant enhancement of fluorescence intensity and shifts in emission wavelength in the presence of P-RUNG, which can be reversed by competing non-fluorescent fatty acids (oleic, palmitic, steric, arachidonic), retinoids (retinol and retinoic acid) and oleoyl Coenzyme A, but not by tryptophan, cholesterol, caproic acid, squalene, tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, succinyl CoA, 2-methylbutyric acid and 2-methylvaleric acid. Changes in intrinsic fluorescence of retinol or retinoic acid confirmed the retinoid binding function. The results of fluorescence titration experiments are consistent with stoichiometric binding to a single protein site per monomer unit with affinities (Kd) in the range 2 x 10(-6) M (for the fluorescent probe 11-((5-dansyl)amino)undecanoic acid) and 2 x 10(-7) M (for oleic acid). The extreme blue shift of the fluorescent fatty acid-protein complex suggests an unusually low polarity for the protein binding site. The intrinsic fluorescence of the single tryptophan residue of P-RUNG indicates that it also is deeply buried in a non-polar environment, but is probably not involved in ligand binding. Gp15/400, therefore, represents a new class of lipid binding protein which is possibly restricted to nematodes.

Animals↗

Extensive diversity in repeat unit sequences of the cDNA encoding the polyprotein antigen/allergen from the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus.

The complete sequence of the cDNA encoding the nematode polyprotein allergen/antigen (NPA) of the bovine lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus was obtained by immunoscreening of cDNA expression libraries and by 5' RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). The encoded polypeptide is similar in sequence to the ABA-1 allergen of Ascaris, the gp15/400 'ladder' protein of Brugia malayi, Brugia pahangi and Wuchereria bancrofti, and a 15-kDa antigen of Dirofilaria immitis. As with these, the predicted amino-acid sequence comprises a head-to-tail array of similar polypeptides with regularly spaced consensus proteinase cleavage sites. The D. viviparus protein was designated DvA-1 (D. viviparus antigen-1) and the gene dva-1. The deduced amino-acid sequence of DvA-1 showed features not observed before in other NPAs: (i) a hydrophobic leader peptide is present, (ii) none of the 12 units in the array are identical and the sequences diverge to a degree hitherto unseen in the NPAs of other nematode parasites, (iii) the predicted proteinase cleavage sites are also diverse in sequence and, in two instances, no consensus cleavage site was identifiable at the expected position, (iv) a short repeat unit is present, which is the only one containing a consensus N-glycosylation site and (v) a C-terminal extension peptide is encoded which shows no similarity to that from A. suum ABA-1. Comparison of independent cDNAs revealed slight variations in the sequence of the gene within the parasite population. Antisera to recombinant DvA-1 polypeptide identified 14-15-kDa antigens in both parasite somatic and excretory-secretory material. DvA-1 is the only NPA for which the complete coding sequence is available and the new principles which it illustrates may lie unsuspected in the NPA-encoding genes of all nematode parasites.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Determination of polyprotein processing sites by amino terminal sequencing of nonstructural proteins encoded by plum pox potyvirus.

Nonstructural proteins of plum pox potyvirus were partially purified following a procedure described for the isolation of tobacco etch virus nuclear inclusion proteins. Plum pox virus proteins with electrophoretic mobilities corresponding to 49, 59 and 68 kDa reacted with antibodies against the 49 kDa and 54 kDa components of the nuclear inclusions and the 70 kDa component of the cylindrical inclusions of tobacco etch virus, respectively. Further purification by size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography or SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and amino terminal amino acid sequencing permitted the location in the plum pox virus polyprotein of the cleavage sites from which the 49 kDa (NIa-type, protease), 59 kDa (NIb-type, putative RNA replicase), and 68 kDa (CI-type) proteins originate. A 110 kDa protein which copurified with the plum pox virus inclusion proteins reacted with both anti-NIa and anti-NIb sera and had the same amino terminus as the plum pox virus 49 kDa protein, indicating that it is a non-processed 49-59 kDa polypeptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The 15 amino acid residues preceding the amino terminus of the envelope protein in the yellow fever virus polyprotein precursor act as a signal peptide.

The 15 amino acids which precede the sequence of the envelope (E) protein in the yellow fever virus (YFV) polyprotein precursor have been proposed to function as a signal peptide for the E protein (P. Desprès A. Cahour, C. Wychowski, M. Girard and M. Bouloy; Ann. Inst. Pasteur/Virol., 139, 59-67, 1988). To confirm this hypothesis, recombinant SV40 genomes were constructed in which the sequence of the E protein, or that of the poliovirus VP0 capsid polypeptide were placed immediately downstream of and in frame with the sequence of the putative signal peptide, under the control of the late SV40 promoter. The E protein expressed by the hybrid virus SV-E was recognized by two neutralizing monoclonal antibodies directed against the YFV envelope protein. In this construct, the E protein was deleted of its C-terminal transmembrane zone. Therefore, as expected, the protein appeared to be efficiently transported along the exocytic pathway and excreted into the cell culture medium. In addition, when the putative signal peptide was fused in frame with poliovirus polypeptide VP0, the expressed chimeric polypeptide was targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum where it underwent glycosylation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis and processing of the rubella virus p110 polyprotein precursor in baculovirus-infected Spodoptera frugiperda cells.

In order to study the processing of rubella virus (RV) structural proteins (capsid protein, of 33 kDa; E2 of 42-47 kDa; and E1 of 58 kDa) in Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) cells, a 24S cDNA encoding the polyprotein precursor, p110, was inserted under the transcriptional regulation of the polyhedrin gene promoter of the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) and expressed during viral infection. By immunoblot analysis using antibodies directed against whole RV and the individual structural proteins, evidence is presented that polypeptides similar to those synthesized in RV-infected B-Vero cells are expressed in this lepidopteran insect cell line infected with the recombinant baculovirus, VL1392-RV24S. The identity of the recombinant proteins was further confirmed using human convalescent sera. By expressing the recombinant proteins in the presence and absence of tunicamycin, we have further demonstrated that the 24S transcription-translation unit of RV, is expressed and proteolytically cleaved similarly, if not identically, in Sf9 cells as compared to B-Vero cells.

Animals↗

Polyprotein processing in picornavirus replication.

The primary translation product of the picornavirus genome is a single large protein which is processed to the mature viral polypeptides by progressive, co- and post-translational cleavages. Replication of the picornaviruses is thus entirely dependent upon the proteolysis of viral precursor proteins. In poliovirus, two virus-encoded proteinases have been identified that catalyze all but the final cleavage of the viral polyprotein. The final processing event, maturation of the virion polypeptide VPO, appears to occur by an unusual autocatalytic serine proteinase-like mechanism. Proteolytic processing of viral precursor proteins is basically similar in all picornaviruses, but recently it has become clear that there are also important differences between these viruses. Understanding of the processing events in picornavirus replication may ultimately lead to the discovery of specific inhibitors of the viral enzymes that could prove clinically useful as anti-viral agents.

DNA Replication↗

MAP1B is encoded as a polyprotein that is processed to form a complex N-terminal microtubule-binding domain.

Microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B), an abundant developmentally regulated neuronal protein, is a stoichiometric complex of a heavy chain and two light chains (light chain 1 and light chain 3). We find that light chain 1 is encoded within the 3' end of a previously reported MAP1B heavy chain cDNA. Amino acid sequencing, epitope mapping, Northern blotting, and Southern blotting indicate that the light chain and heavy chain are encoded by the same mRNA within the same open reading frame. In addition, amino acid sequencing of a 120 kd microtubule-binding and light chain-binding fragment of the heavy chain reveals that light chain 1 binds near the heavy chain N-terminus. Together these data indicate that the heavy chain and light chain 1 are produced by proteolytic processing of a MAP1B polyprotein and form a complex microtubule-binding domain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Efavirenz enhances the proteolytic processing of an HIV-1 pol polyprotein precursor and reverse transcriptase homodimer formation.

The non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, efavirenz (EFV), is a potent enhancer of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) p66/p51 heterodimerization. While the mechanism of RT heterodimer formation in HIV-1 infected cells is not completely understood, it has been speculated that Gag-Pol/Gag-Pol and/or RT homodimer interactions may represent important intermediates in the pathway. To elucidate whether EFV impacts on these interactions, we have evaluated the effects of this drug on RT homodimer interactions and HIV-1 Gag-Pol processing. EFV, but not nevirapine, significantly enhanced RT p66/p66 and p51/p51 homodimer interactions and accelerated the proteolytic cleavage of a model HIV-1 Pol polyprotein precursor expressed in bacteria. These data suggest that potent mediators of RT dimerization might interfere with the late-stages of viral replication.

Alkynes↗

Specific packaging of APOBEC3G into HIV-1 virions is mediated by the nucleocapsid domain of the gag polyprotein precursor.

In cells infected by HIV-1 mutants lacking a functional Vif protein, APOBEC3G is specifically packaged into progeny virions and then interferes with the process of virus infection. Here, we show that incorporation of APOBEC3G into HIV-1 virions is mediated by the specific interaction of APOBEC3G with the carboxy-terminal nucleocapsid/p6 domain of the Gag polyprotein precursor. As a result, HIV-1 virus-like particles that lack the nucleocapsid domain fail to package APOBEC3G. Surprisingly, RNA was also found to be essential for formation of the nucleocapsid--APOBEC3G complex in vitro, thus raising the possibility that RNA may form a bridge between these two proteins.

APOBEC-3G Deaminase↗

A 45 amino acid residue domain necessary and sufficient for proteolytic cleavage of the MAP1B polyprotein precursor.

The microtubule-associated proteins 1B and 1A are synthesized as polyprotein precursors which are rapidly cleaved to give rise to heavy and light chains constituting the respective microtubule-associated protein 1B or microtubule-associated protein 1A complex. To identify domains necessary for precursor processing, we expressed microtubule-associated protein 1B deletion mutants in fibroblasts and monitored proteolytic cleavage of the precursor proteins by immunoblot analysis. We found that a novel hydrophilic, proline-rich 45 amino acid domain containing the cleavage site is necessary and sufficient for processing. This domain is conserved in microtubule-associated protein 1A. Additional sequences in the N-terminal half of the heavy chain contribute to the efficiency of cleavage.

3T3 Cells↗

Computer simulations to identify in polyproteins of FMDV OK1 and A12 strains putative nonapeptides with amino acid motifs for binding to BoLA class I A11 and A20 haplotype molecules.

The computer program "Findpatterns" was used to search FMDV- (OK1 and A12 strains) coded structural and nonstructural proteins for the availability of putative proteasome-generated nonapeptides with motifs reported for BoLA class I A11 and A20 haplotypes. These BoLA class I A11 and A20 nonapeptide motifs are identical to motifs of nonapeptides that interact with the peptide binding grooves of HLA class I B35 and B27 haplotypes, respectively. The computer findpattern program was used to analyze the FMDV-coded polyproteins for proteolytically cleavable nonapeptides with motifs for binding to the peptide binding grooves of BoLA class I A11 or 20 haplotypes. The computer simulations revealed that FMDV-infected cells (keratinocytes and antigen presenting cells. e.g., dendritic Langerhans cells in bovines) may be able to present viral nonapeptides to CD8+ cytolytic T cells (CTLs) in a BoLA-restricted manner. The role of the cellular arm of the immune response in the protection of bovines against FMDV is not known. Thus, the present computer analysis may encourage further experiments to develop a new generation of FMDV nonapeptide vaccines to stimulate the anti-FMDV cytolytic T cell response in bovine so this would complement the humoral immune response achieved by immunization with the inactivated virus vaccine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Structure of the N-terminal 283-residue fragment of the immature HIV-1 Gag polyprotein.

The capsid protein (CA) of the mature human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) contains an N-terminal beta-hairpin that is essential for formation of the capsid core particle. CA is generated by proteolytic cleavage of the Gag precursor polyprotein during viral maturation. We have determined the NMR structure of a 283-residue N-terminal fragment of immature HIV-1 Gag (Gag(283)), which includes the intact matrix (MA) and N-terminal capsid (CA(N)) domains. The beta-hairpin is unfolded in Gag(283), consistent with the proposal that hairpin formation occurs subsequent to proteolytic cleavage of Gag, triggering capsid assembly. Comparison of the immature and mature CA(N) structures reveals that beta-hairpin formation induces a approximately 2 A displacement of helix 6 and a concomitant displacement of the cyclophylin-A (CypA)-binding loop, suggesting a possible allosteric mechanism for CypA-mediated destabilization of the capsid particle during infectivity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Mimicry between the hepatitis C virus polyprotein and antigenic targets of nuclear and smooth muscle antibodies in chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Autoantibodies to smooth muscle (SMA) and nuclear components (ANA) arise in the natural course of chronic infection with hepatitis C virus. In view of the growing evidence for 'molecular mimicry' as a mechanism of autoimmunity we investigated whether cross-reactive immune reactions between host smooth muscle/nuclear components and HCV antigens may contribute to the formation of SMA and ANA in chronic HCV infection. Computer-assisted protein database search methods were used to identify three smooth muscle (smoothelin698-717, myosin1035-1054, vimentin69-88) and three nuclear (matrin722-741, histone H2A11-30, replication protein A133-152) host antigens with the highest local sequence similarity to the HCV polyprotein and 20-mer peptides corresponding to these regions were constructed. Sera from 51 children with chronic HCV infection [median age: 8 (2-16); 27 boys], 26 SMA positive and five ANA positive, were tested for reactivity to the synthesized HCV peptides and their human homologues by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from patients with HBV infection and chronic liver disease of different aetiologies were used as controls. 'Double reactivity' to HCV peptides and smooth muscle/nuclear homologues was associated strongly with HCV infection (P < 0.001 for both). Humoral cross-reactivity was established as the basis for double recognition by competition ELISA. Double-reactivity to smooth muscle and HCV peptide antigens correlated with SMA positivity by indirect immunofluouresence (P = 0.05). Of 15 patients double-reactive to myosin1035-1054 and its HCV homologue, 13 recognized whole myosin by immunoblot. These results suggest that ANA and SMA in chronic HCV infection may arise, at least in part, as a consequence of cross-reactive immune responses to HCV and host smooth muscle/nuclear antigens.

Adolescent↗

Identification, characterization and expression of Toxocara canis nematode polyprotein allergen TBA-1.

We have cloned the cDNA of TBA-1, the Nematode polyprotein allergen (NPA) of Toxocara canis and found it to be most similar to ABA-1, the Ascaris NPA, on the basis of amino acid sequence. We could study the antigenic properties of an E-coli synthesized fusion protein prepared with the cloned gene since no glycosylation site was expected from the deduced amino acid sequence. Although no IgE responses to TBA-1 were detected, recombinant TBA-1 was differently recognized by serum IgG antibodies when the recombinant TBA-1 was directly adsorbed vs when immobilized via a streptavidin linkage on polystyrene microtitre wells. One group of sera recognized TBA-1 directly immobilized while the second only recognized TBA-1 immobilized via streptavidin linkage. The former were from rodents immunized with a Toxocara sp. adult worm extract while the latter were obtained from rodents infected with T. canis larva or immunized with a Anisakis simplex L3 larval extract. These observations suggest that the two in vivo forms of TBA-1 are expressed, but during different stages of the parasite's life cycle.

Allergens↗