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Assessment of sequence relatedness of double-stranded RNA genes by RNA-RNA blot hybridization.

Three well-characterized reovirus serotypes were used to investigate the usefulness of RNA-RNA blot hybridization as a means to assess the genetic relatedness of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses. [5'-32P]pCp-labeled genomic dsRNAs from reovirus 1, 2 and 3 were used as probes in hybridization experiments in which segments of the three serotypes were separated in 10% polyacrylamide gels and transferred electrophoretically to membranes. Nine of the 10 reovirus genes cross-hybridized between the serotypes. The S1 gene was serotype specific. The L2 gene of reovirus 2 showed a lower level of cross-hybridization with types 1 and 3 when compared to the hybridization signal observed for L2 when types 1 and 3 were hybridized to each other. The data were consistent with previous studies on the relatedness of the three virus serotypes. Since RNA-RNA blot hybridization allows the number and identity of conserved genes to be determined, this approach may prove useful for assessing the genetic relatedness among other viruses in the family Reoviridae.

Base Sequence↗

Dissecting toxin immunity in virus-infected killer yeast uncovers an intrinsic strategy of self-protection.

Toxin-secreting "killer" yeasts were initially identified >40 years ago in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains infected with a double-stranded RNA "killer" virus. Despite extensive research conducted on yeast killer toxins, the mechanism of protecting immunity by which toxin-producing cells evade the lethal activities of these proteins has remained elusive. Here, we identify the mechanism leading to protecting immunity in a killer yeast secreting a viral alpha/beta protein toxin (K28) that enters susceptible cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis and, after retrograde transport into the cytosol, blocks DNA synthesis, resulting in both cell-cycle arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis. We demonstrate that toxin immunity is effected within the cytosol of a toxin-secreting yeast and occurs via the formation of complexes between reinternalized toxin and unprocessed precursor moieties that are subsequently ubiquitinated and proteasomally degraded, eliminating the active form of the toxin. Interference with cellular ubiquitin homeostasis, either through overexpression of mutated ubiquitin (Ub-RR(48/63)) or by blocking deubiquitination, prevents ubiquitination of toxin and results in an impaired immunity and the expression of a suicidal phenotype. The results presented here reveal the uniquely elegant and efficient strategy that killer cells have developed to circumvent the lethal effects of the toxin they produce.

Cytosol↗

Induction of interferon-alpha by glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus: a possible role of chemokine receptors.

The induction of type I interferons by most RNA viruses is initiated by virus-derived double-stranded (ds)RNA. However, retro- and DNA-viruses, which do not synthesize dsRNA, must rely on different mechanisms of induction. For human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), recombinant glycoproteins 120 or 160 suffice to induce interferon (IFN)-alpha in blood-derived lymphocytes [H. Ankel, M. R. Capobianchi, C. Castilletti, and F. Dianzani (1994). Virology 205, 34-43]. Here we show that for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) recombinant glycoprotein, gD is the major inducer, whereas gB, gC, gE, gG, gI, and the complex of gH and gL are poor inducers. The recombinant extramembrane fragment of gD was sufficient to induce IFN-alpha levels comparable to that of intact virus. Like with HIV-1, induction was inhibited by a monoclonal antibody that recognizes cerebrosides and sulfatides. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies specific for the chemokine receptors CCR3 and CXCR4 also blocked induction. We conclude that HSV-1 induces IFN-alpha by interaction of its glycoprotein gD with appropriate receptors on IFN-producing cells. Based on the known receptor roles of galactosyl cerebrosides and chemokine receptors in HIV infection, such structures on IFN-producing cells could also participate in the induction of IFN-alpha by HSV-1.

Animals↗

Conserved intermediates on the assembly pathway of double-stranded RNA bacteriophages.

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses are complex RNA processing machines that sequentially perform packaging, replication and transcription of their genomes. In order to characterize the assembly intermediates of such a machine we have developed an efficient in vitro assembly system for the procapsid of bacteriophage phi8. The major structural protein P1 is a stable and soluble tetramer. Three tetramers associate with a P2 monomer (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase) to form the nucleation complex. This complex is further stabilized by a P4 hexamer (packaging motor). Further assembly proceeds via rapid addition of individual building blocks. The incorporation of the packaging and replication machinery is under kinetic control. The in vitro assembled procapsids perform packaging, replication and transcription of viral RNA. Comparison with another dsRNA phage, phi6, indicates conservation of key assembly intermediates in the absence of sequence homology and suggests that a general assembly mechanism for the dsRNA virus lineage may exist.

Bacteriophage phi 6↗

Interferon regulatory factor-1, interferon-beta, and reovirus-induced myocarditis.

Viral myocarditis is an important human disease, and reovirus-induced myocarditis in mice provides an excellent model to study direct viral damage to the heart. Previously, we showed that reovirus induction of and sensitivity to interferon-beta (IFN-beta) is an important determinant of viral pathogenicity in the heart and that the transcription factor interferon regulatory factor-3 (IRF-3) is required for reovirus induction of IFN-beta in primary cardiac myocyte cultures. Given several lines of evidence suggesting a possible distinctive environment for IRFs in the heart, we have now focused on IRF-1. Previous studies demonstrated that viruses, double-stranded-RNA (dsRNA), and IFN-alpha/beta can each induce IRF-1 and that IRF-1 plays a role in dsRNA, but perhaps not viral, induction of IFN-alpha/beta. Importantly, none of these studies used a virus with a dsRNA genome (such as reovirus), none of them used a highly differentiated nonlymphoid cell type, and none of them addressed whether viral induction of IRF-1 is direct or is mediated through viral induction of IFN-beta. Indeed, as recently as this year it has been assumed that viral induction of IRF-1 is direct. Here, we found that reovirus induced IRF-1 in primary cardiac myocyte cultures, but that IRF-1 was not required for reovirus induction of IFN-beta. Surprisingly, we found that reovirus failed to induce IRF-1 in the absence of the IFN-alpha/beta response. This provides the first evidence that viruses may not induce IRF-1 directly. Finally, nonmyocarditic reovirus strains induced more cardiac lesions in mice deficient for IRF-1 than they did in wildtype mice, directly demonstrating a protective role for IRF-1. Together, the results indicate that while IRF-1 is downstream of the IFN-beta response, it plays an important protective role against viral myocarditis.

Animals↗

Enzymatic mechanism of RNA translocation in double-stranded RNA bacteriophages.

Many complex viruses acquire their genome by active packaging into a viral precursor particle called a procapsid. Packaging is performed by a viral portal complex, which couples ATP hydrolysis to translocation of nucleic acid into the procapsid. The packaging process has been studied for a variety of viruses, but the mechanism of the associated ATPase remains elusive. In this study, the mechanism of RNA translocation in double-stranded RNA bacteriophages is characterized using rapid kinetic analyses. The portal complex of bacteriophage 8 is a hexamer of protein P4, which exhibits nucleotide triphosphatase activity. The kinetics of ATP binding reveals a two-step process: an initial, fast, second-order association, followed by a slower, first-order phase. The slower phase exhibits a high activation energy and has been assigned to a conformational change. ATP binding becomes cooperative in the presence of RNA. Steady-state kinetics of ATP hydrolysis, which proceeds only in the presence of RNA, also exhibits cooperativity. On the other hand, ADP release is fast and RNA-independent. The steady-state rate of hydrolysis increases with the length of the RNA substrate indicating processive translocation. Raman spectroscopy reveals that RNA binds to P4 via the phosphate backbone. The ATP-induced conformational change affects the backbone of the bound RNA but leaves the protein secondary structure unchanged. This is consistent with a model in which cooperativity is induced by an RNA link between subunits of the hexamers and translocation is effected by an axial movement of the subunits relative to one another upon ATP binding.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Tobacco mosaic virus infection stimulates the phosphorylation of a plant protein associated with double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase activity.

The influence of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection on nucleotide binding and phosphorylation of an Mr 68,000 host-encoded protein (p68) was examined. The phosphorylation of p68 in homogenates from TMV-infected tissues was 4-fold greater than in homogenates from mock inoculated tissues. Phosphorylation of p68 in extracts from mock inoculated tissues was enhanced by the addition of double-stranded (ds) RNA. Nucleotide photoaffinity labeling experiments indicate that p68 contains an ATP binding site with characteristics consistent with protein kinase activity. Antiserum raised against a dsRNA-dependent protein kinase activity. Antiserum raised against a dsRNA-dependent protein kinase from interferon-treated human cells immunoprecipitated p68 from extracts of TMV-infected tissue, and p68-containing immunocomplexes catalyzed the phosphorylation of endogenous p68. These data suggest that p68 may be an autophosphorylating, dsRNA-dependent protein kinase involved in viral pathogenesis. Based upon analogous functions demonstrated for dsRNA-dependent protein kinases in mammalian systems, p68 may have a role in the regulation of protein synthesis and viral replication in infected cells.

Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel↗

The use of reverse transcriptase for efficient first- and second-strand cDNA synthesis from single- and double-stranded RNA templates.

Molecular characterization of eight distinct, difficult-to-clone RNA plant viruses was accomplished after the development of a reverse transcriptase-based first- and second-strand cDNA synthesis method. Double-stranded (ds) RNA templates isolated from strawberry and blackberry and several herbaceous hosts (mint, pea and tobacco) were cloned using this method. Templates, combined with random primers, were denatured with methyl mercuric hydroxide. Reverse transcriptase was added followed by the addition of RNase H. The resulting dsDNA was then digested with restriction endonucleases to produce shorter fragments that could be cloned efficiently into a T-tailed vector after adding an A-overhang using Taq polymerase. This procedure resulted in a high number of cloned fragments and allowed insert sizes up to three kilobase-pairs. Unlike traditional cDNA construction methods, there is no need for additional enzymes/steps for second-strand synthesis, PCR amplification or prior sequence information. Synthesis and cloning of cDNA derived from dsRNA templates is much more efficient than with previously described methods. This procedure also worked well for cloning gel-purified dsRNA and with single-stranded RNA templates.

DNA, Complementary↗

Visualization of ordered genomic RNA and localization of transcriptional complexes in rotavirus.

In double-stranded-RNA (dsRNA) viruses found in animals, bacteria and yeast, the genome is transcribed within the structurally intact core of the virion with extraordinary efficiency. The structural organization of the genome and the enzymes involved in the transcription inside any of these viruses, critical for understanding this process, is not known. Here we report what we believe is the first three-dimensional characterization of the viral genome and the transcription complex in a prototypical dsRNA virus. Rotavirus is a large (diameter 1,000 A) icosahedral virus composed of three capsid protein layers and 11 dsRNA segments. It is the most important cause of gastroenteritis in children, accounting for over a million deaths annually. We show that viral dsRNA forms a dodecahedral structure in which the RNA double helices, interacting closely with the inner capsid layer, are packed around the enzyme complex located at the icosahedral 5-fold axes. The ordered RNA accounts for about 4,500 out of a total 18,525 base pairs in the genome, the largest amount of icosahedrally ordered RNA observed in any virus structure to date. We propose that the observed organization of the dsRNA is conducive for an orchestrated movement of the RNA relative to the enzyme complex during transcription.

Cell Line↗

Small extrachromosomal nucleic acid segments in protozoan parasites.

Viruses have been described in the following protozoa: Babesia spp., Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia lamblia, Leishmania braziliensis and Eimeria spp. In order to study the Babesia bovis virus, merozoites have been prepared from the blood of infected cattle. Agarose gel electrophoresis of nucleic extracts from the bovine protozoa B. bovis and Babesia bigemina were separated into genomic DNA and at least two additional nucleic acids. One molecule with a relative mobility of 5.5 kilobase pairs (kbp) was identified as a double-stranded RNA virus-like particle. Another 6.2 kbp DNA molecule had sequences related to mitochondrial genome.

Animals↗

[Investigation of Arboviruses in Lancang river down-stream area in Yunnan province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemic state of arboviruses in the downstream area of Lancang river in Yunnan province. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected from Lancang river downstream area (including Lancang county and Simao city) during summer in 1998 and stored in liquid nitrogen after classification. The mosquito pools were homogenized and centrifuged, then the supernatant was inoculated into C6/36 cells for virus isolation. New isolates were identified by neutralization test(NT), ELISA, immunofluorescence assay(IFA) and polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis(PAGE). RESULTS: Totally 22 isolates of arbovirus were obtained from 233 mosquito pools by inoculation of C6/36 cells and positive rate of the isolation was 9.4%. Ten strains were resistant to both ether and 5 prime-IDU. So they were non-enveloped double-stranded (ds) RNA virus. Twelve segmented RNAs were shown by PAGE and PAGE profiles from the ten strains were 6-6 with minor variation. The isolates can be neutralized by immunized mouse ascites fluid of BJ95-75 strains of coltivirus by NT, and reacted with monoclonal antibody against BJ95-75 by ELISA. These viruses were identified as coltivirus. Nine isolates were sensitive to ether and resistant to 5 prime-IDU. So they were non-enveloped RNA viruses. PAGE showed 10 segmented RNA, and they were identified to be orbiviruses. Three isolations were sensitive to ether. One of them can be neutralized with JEV A2 strain antibody by NT and was positive to the homologous antibody by IFA. It was identified being strain of JE virus. One strain(YN92-4) can be reacted with anti-bunyavirus group specific immune ascites fluid by both IFA and ElISA, but reacted neither with anti-alpha virus group, nor with anti-flavivirus group JE virus ascites fluid. The virions are spherical and about 87 nm in diameter with surface projections by negative staining. Conclusion Twenty-two isolates have been obtained from wild caught-mosquitoes of Lancang river down-stream area in Yunnan province. Among them ten, nine, one and one were identified as coltivirus, orbivirus, JE virus and bunyavirus, respectively. One is under identification. This is the first report on bunyavirus isolated from mosquitoes in China.

Animals↗

Cloning of noncultivatable human rotavirus by single primer amplification.

A novel, sequence-independent strategy has been developed for the amplification of full-length cDNA copies of the genes of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses. Using human (Bristol) group C rotavirus as an example, a single amino-linked modified oligonucleotide (primer 1) was ligated to either end of each dsRNA genome segment by using T4 RNA ligase. Following reverse transcription, annealing, and repair of cDNA strands, amplification of the viral dsRNA genome was accomplished by polymerase chain reaction using a single complementary oligonucleotide (primer 2). Northern (RNA) hybridization of cDNA to virus dsRNA indicated that it was possible to generate cDNA representing the complete genome from very small clinical samples. This technique was used to determine the complete nucleotide sequence (728 bp) and coding assignment of gene 10, which revealed an open reading frame of 212 amino acids with limited homology to NS26 from human group A rotavirus. In contrast to previous tailing methods, the addition of one defined primer allowed unequivocal identification of terminal nucleotides and should be generally applicable to viruses with segmented dsRNA genomes and especially for analysis of clinical samples, for which very limited quantities of biological material are available.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Detection of DNA transcripts of measles genes in multiple sclerosis brain tissue by transfection.

Transfection studies on DNA obtained from 16 multiple sclerosis (MS) and 13 non-MS brain tissues suggested that 3/16 (19%) MS and 3/13 (23%) non-MS samples contained contaminating measles virus double-stranded RNA, and that 6/16 (38%) MS and 0/13 non-MS samples contained DNA transcripts of measles genes. It is argued that the DNA transcripts most probably originated from dual retrovirus and measles infections in the subjects.

Adult↗

Two Ustilago maydis viral dsRNAs of different size code for the same product.

UmV is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) virus of the corn fungus Ustilago maydis. There are three viral subtypes, P1, P4 and P6, which differ in the specificity of their secreted killer toxins. Each has three size classes of dsRNAs: H (heavy), M (medium), and L (light). We find that, unique among dsRNA viruses, two segments of different size code for the same product--the toxin resistance factor. The smaller dsRNA (L) is homologous to one end of the larger (M), and may have arisen by replication and packaging of a sub-genomic mRNA. We have also compared all the UmV dsRNAs with each other and with the dsRNAs of the similar yeast virus (ScV) by Northern gel and by 3' sequence analysis. Like those of ScV, many of the UmV dsRNAs have one 3' terminus with the sequence UUUUUCAOH or UUUUUCGOH. The H and L dsRNAs of similar size in different viral subtypes are generally related in sequence. The UmV H dsRNAs of different size are not detectably related in sequence.

Base Sequence↗

Inducibility of human beta-interferon gene in mouse L-cell clones.

Transfer of a 36-kilobase piece of human DNA containing the beta-interferon (IFN-beta) gene into mouse Ltk-cells leads to transient expression of human interferon even without an exogenous inducer. A low level of human interferon expression is also found in most stable clones containing the transferred DNA. With double-stranded RNA or Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as inducer, human interferon expression is greatly increased. The induced transcript is identical to normal human IFN-beta mRNA. Neighbouring genes contained on the transferred DNA are co-induced but are not essential for the production of human interferon in mouse L cells.

Clone Cells↗

Regulation of laccase biosynthesis in the plant-pathogenic fungus Cryphonectria parasitica by double-stranded RNA.

Transmissible hypovirulence of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, is associated with cytoplasmic double-stranded-RNA (dsRNA) viruses. The fungal laccase has attracted interest because its activity is reduced in hypovirulent dsRNA-containing strains. A laccase cDNA clone was isolated by screening a cDNA expression library with antibodies against the purified extracellular laccase. The amino acid sequence deduced from part of the cDNA clone revealed high homology to other fungal laccases, especially to the Neurospora crassa laccase. A major laccase transcript 2.3 kb in length was detected in Northern (RNA) blots. In liquid culture, extracellular laccase activity was reduced by about 75% in the hypovirulent (dsRNA-free) strain EP155/2. In contrast, production of biomass was not affected by the dsRNA. Northern blot analysis indicated that dsRNA down regulates laccase biosynthesis by reducing laccase mRNA accumulation. The laccase gene is one of several developmentally regulated genes affected by the presence of dsRNA.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Double-stranded RNA mycoviruses in mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus.

Mycelium of Pleurotus ostreatus var. florida with a decreased growth rate contained seven double-stranded RNA segments and isometrical virus particles with diameters of 24 and 30 nm. Mycelium with a normal growth rate lacked dsRNA. Protoclones from virus-containing mycelium contained one to seven of these dsRNA segments in varying concentrations. The exact correlation between slow growth and the presence of dsRNA molecules could not be established. Infection of virus-free protoplasts with PEG-precipitated virus particles resulted in mycelium that stably maintained the 2.4 kbp dsRNA.

Electrophoresis, Agar Gel↗

Development and application of a radioimmunoassay for interleukin-8: detection of interleukin-8 in synovial fluids from patients with inflammatory joint disease.

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for human interleukin-8 (IL-8) was developed using isotopically labeled homogenous natural protein. The detection limit (20% inhibition of 125I-IL-8 binding) was 30 pg/100 microliters; 50% displacement occurred at 140 pg/100 microliters. There was no cross-reactivity with the structurally and functionally related neutrophil-activating peptides 2 and 3 up to 500 ng/100 microliters. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 4 and 7%, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that human fibroblasts triggered by interleukin-1, double-stranded RNA or virus release immunoreactive and biologically active IL-8 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Monocytes produce immunoreactive IL-8 in the 100 ng/ml range when exposed to plant mitogen, bacterial endotoxin, virus or IL-1. Although the radioimmunoassay was more sensitive than the chemotaxis assay (detection limit 0.6 ng/ml versus 10 ng/ml) a correlation between concentrations of immunoreactive IL-8 and neutrophil chemotactic activity in the supernatants from stimulated monocytes and fibroblasts was observed. In synovial fluids from patients with inflammatory joint disease, IL-8 was clearly demonstrable, but there was no correlation between IL-8 levels and general parameters of disease activity (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum levels of C-reactive protein). Synovial fluids from patients with rheumatoid arthritis, seropositive for rheumatoid factor, contained significantly higher concentrations of IL-8 than synovial fluids from seronegative rheumatoid arthritis patients and patients with non-rheumatoid arthritis joint inflammation. There was a highly significant correlation between IL-8 levels and serum titers of rheumatoid factor. These findings suggest that the molecular mechanisms underlying joint inflammation may be distinct in different types of arthritis.

Adult↗