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At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

A viral dsRNA element of the chestnut blight fungus with a distinct genetic organization.

We have sequenced overlapping complementary DNA clones representing the viral double-stranded (ds) RNA from hypovirulent strain NB58 of the chestnut blight fungus Cryphonectria parasitica. Cryphonectria hypovirus 2-NB58 (CHV2-NB58) dsRNA contains 12,507 base pairs, excluding the poly(A) tail at the 3' end of the plus strand, and is organizationally similar to the largest dsRNA from the virus of strain EP713 (CHV1-713; identical to HAV; Shapira et al., (1991), EMBO J. 10, 731-739). CHV2-NB58 and CHV1-713 dsRNAs share approximately 60% nucleotide sequence identity. On the poly(A)-containing strand of CHV2-NB58, a 487-residue nontranslated region precedes two open reading frames, designated ORF A (438 codons) and ORF B (3291 codons). The connecting pentanucleotide sequence UAAUG (1802-1806) terminates ORF A and initiates ORF B. In contrast to the 69-kDa ORF A product of CHV1-713, the 50-kDa CHV2-NB58 ORF A product did not undergo autoproteolysis under the conditions tested, nor were motifs associated with cysteine proteases present in the CHV2-NB58 ORF A sequence. CHV2-NB58 ORF B products appear to be homologous with CHV1-713 ORF B products, and the motifs involved in autoproteolysis of the N-terminal 48 kDa of CHV1-713 ORF B were identified in the CHV2-NB58 ORF B product. Motifs associated with RNA polymerase and helicase activities were highly conserved between CHV2-NB58 and CHV1-713 and were found at similar genomic positions in the C-terminal half of ORF B.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Differentiation between minus- and plus-strand synthesis: polymerase activity of dsRNA bacteriophage phi 6 in an in vitro packaging and replication system.

Empty procapsids of the segmented dsRNA virus phi 6, produced in Escherichia coli from a cloned L genome segment, package plus-strand phi 6 ssRNA genomic segments, synthesize minus strands, and transcribe the newly formed dsRNA templates. Procapsids can be restricted to minus-strand synthesis by high concentrations of CaCl2 or low concentrations of nucleotides, enabling us to separate the viral minus-strand (replication) and plus-strand (transcription) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activities in vitro. Reaction conditions for minus-strand synthesis were optimized. Plus-strand synthesis by procapsids could be activated by binding of purine nucleoside triphosphates to a low-affinity NTP-binding site. The second 5'-terminal nucleotide of the phi 6 plus-sense ssRNA L genomic segment is important for determining the level of transcription of that segment and the generation of infectious procapsids.

Bacteriophage phi 6↗

Isolation and characterization of a new dsRNA virus from Wickerhamia fluorescens.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) were isolated from the yeast Wickerhamia fluorescens strain CCY61-1-1. The VLPs are approximately 42 nm in diameter and contain only one species of dsRNA molecule. The apparent length of the dsRNA determined by native agarose gel electrophoresis was 4.6 kbp. Analysis of protein content of the VLPs showed them to contain one major capsid protein with an apparent molar mass of 74.5 kDa.

Capsid↗

dsRNA associated with virus-like particles in Eimeria spp. of the domestic fowl.

RNA segments, identified as double-stranded, were found in sporozoites of the Guelph strains of Eimeria acervulina, E. brunetti, E. maxima and E. necatrix and in 8 of 11 strains of E. acervulina obtained from poultry houses across the United States. These RNAs were resistant to RNase A digestion in the presence of high salt concentrations (0.3 M NaCl). On agarose-gel electrophoresis, E. acervulina had one obvious band at 1.7 kb and a faint band at 3.5 kb; E. brunetti had two bands at 2.1 and 3.3 kb, respectively; E. maxima had one band at 4.5 kb; and E. necatrix had two major bands at 4.5 and 5.6 kb, respectively. No dsRNA band was seen in the three strains of E. tenella examined. Virus-like particles were purified by cesium chloride density centrifugation of homogenates of E. necatrix sporulated oocysts. The fraction at peak virus concentration had a buoyant density of 1.39 g ml-1. These virus-like particles were icosahedral, had no envelope and measured 42-44 nm in diameter. Only one RNA band at 5.6 kb was observed when nucleic acids from gradient fractions containing virus were subjected to electrophoresis. The 4.5-kb dsRNA segment of E. necatrix was not associated with a virus-like particle.

Animals↗

Tentative identification of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of dsRNA viruses and their relationship to positive strand RNA viral polymerases.

Amino acid sequence stretches similar to the four most conserved segments of positive strand RNA viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases have been identified in proteins of four dsRNA viruses belonging to three families, i.e. P2 protein of bacteriophage phi 6 (Cystoviridae), RNA 2 product of infectious bursa disease virus (Birnaviridae), lambda 3 protein of reovirus, and VP1 of bluetongue virus (Reoviridae). High statistical significance of the observed similarity was demonstrated, allowing identification of these proteins as likely candidates for RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Based on these observations, and on the previously reported sequence similarity between the RNA polymerases of a yeast dsRNA virus and those of positive strand RNA viruses, a possible evolutionary relationship between the two virus classes is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Generation of infectious nucleocapsids by in vitro assembly of the shell protein on to the polymerase complex of the dsRNA bacteriophage phi 6.

A method for the in vitro uncoating of the phi 6 nucleocapsid (NC) was developed. The resulting particle, designated as the NC core, containing the genomic double-stranded (ds) RNA segments and the proteins P1, P2, P4 and P7, was not infectious but had a highly enhanced in vitro transcriptase activity compared to that of the intact NC. The NC shell protein P8 was purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, and it was shown to self-assemble to shell-like structures upon addition of calcium ions. The conditions for the self-assembly of the shell were optimized. Shell reassembly on to the NC cores restored the infectivity but resulted in a decrease of transcriptase activity. No reassembly of the shell on to RNA-less cores (procapsids) produced from a cDNA construction in Escherichia coli was observed. Our results suggest that the intracellular uncoating of the NC is the event activating the phi 6 dsRNA transcriptase and that the NC shell is necessary for infectivity, probably for the passage of the NC through the host cytoplasmic membrane. Packaging of the dsRNA segments into the procapsid appears to be a prerequisite for NC shell assembly.

Bacteriophages↗

A comparison of six different bluetongue virus isolates by cross-hybridization of the dsRNA genome segments.

The relationship between six different isolates of BTV was analyzed by cross-hybridization of genomic dsRNA using blotting and probe techniques (using an alkali fragmented probe made from BTV dsRNA). The viruses compared in this way included BTV serotype 1 from South Africa, serotypes 3 and 4 from Cyprus, serotype 10 from North America, and serotypes 1 and 20 from Australia. Under the hybridization and washing conditions used, which were calculated to allow stable duplex formation between RNA molecules containing greater than 90% sequence homology, two of the genome segments (segments 2 and either 5 or 6, which encode the two major outer capsid proteins VP2 and VP5) appeared to contain serotype-specific RNA sequences. Significant cross-hybridization between these segments from different serotypes was detected only with serotypes 4 and 20, which are known to have a particularly close antigenic relationship. The amounts of homologous sequence that were detected in segments other than 2 and 5 between different viruses indicated some correlation between their geographical origins and a degree of relatedness, which is independent of the virus serotype. High levels of sequence homology were detected between the isolates from Cyprus and Africa and to a slightly lesser extent from North America, suggesting a common ancestry. These results also indicated that within the limited number of viruses studied, the Australian isolates form a separate interrelated group of bluetongue viruses.

Bluetongue virus↗

Nucleotide sequence of the middle dsRNA segment of bacteriophage phi 6: placement of the genes of membrane-associated proteins.

The genome of the lipid-containing bacteriophage phi 6 contains three segments of double-stranded RNA. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of cDNA derived from the middle-size RNA segment. The coding sequences of three proteins on this segment were identified on the basis of size and the correlation of predicted N-terminal amino acid sequences with those found through the analysis of isolated proteins. In contrast to our results with the small phi 6 dsRNA segment, the open reading frames are not tightly clustered. The homologous terminal noncoding regions between the middle and small dsRNA segments are found to be more extensive than RNA sequencing had previously indicated.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The sequences of the S2 genome segments of reovirus serotype 3 and of the dsRNA-negative mutant ts447.

The most temperature-sensitive dsRNA-negative mutant of reovirus serotype 3 is ts447; the amount of dsRNA formed in cells infected with it at 39 degrees is less than 0.1% of that formed in cells with wt virus at 37 degrees. The genome segment in which this mutation is located is S2. We compare here the sequence of the S2 genome segment of wt reovirus serotype 3 with that of mutant ts447. The two sequences differ in three locations, at two of which there are C to U transitions, while at the third there is an A to G transition. All cause amino acid changes (Ala to Val, Ala to Val, and Asn to Asp, respectively). One mutation (at nucleotide position 581, which causes an Ala to Val change) causes the length of an alpha-helix to be significantly reduced and may be that which is responsible for the ts phenotype.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Host control of yeast dsRNA virus propagation and expression.

Yeast controls propagation of the L-A dsRNA virus, and thus pathogenicity, by partially blocking translation of viral mRNA. L-A makes a Gag-Pol fusion protein by a -1 ribosomal frameshift, regulated by the host but critical for satellite RNA propagation. Discovery of the KEX proteases, by their requirement for killer toxin expression from a satellite dsRNA of L-A, led to the identification of mammalian prohormone processing proteases.

DNA-Binding Proteins↗

dsRNA-mediated innate immunity of epidermal keratinocytes.

MIP-1alpha, a CC chemokine, recruits monocytes, natural killer cells, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, and plays a critical role in viral infection. Since, the lesional epidermis of herpes zoster expressed MIP-1alpha, we hypothesized that keratinocytes produce MIP-1alpha in response to virus-associated dsRNA via TLR3. To investigate this, we examined cultured human keratinocytes for MIP-1alpha production induced by poly(I:C), a TLR3 ligand. Poly(I:C) treatment induced MIP-1alpha production, interestingly, poly(I:C)-induced IFN-alpha and -beta production preceded MIP-1alpha production. A neutralizing antibody for IFN-beta significantly inhibited the poly(I:C)-induced MIP-1alpha production indicating that MIP-1alpha production is via IFN-beta. IFN-alpha priming enhanced TLR3 expression and MIP-1alpha production in poly(I:C)-treated keratinocytes. This suggests that IFN-alpha enhanced the TLR3 expression and reinforced the response of keratinocytes to poly(I:C), which resulted in an increase in MIP-1alpha production. In conclusion, normal human keratinocytes produce MIP-1alpha in response to dsRNA via TLR3, and this production is regulated by IFN-alpha/beta.

Cells, Cultured↗

Dynamics of dsRNA mycoviruses in black Aspergillus populations.

Approximately 10% of all examined 668 representatives of black Aspergillus species, independent of worldwide location, were infected with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mycoviruses. These isometric viruses (25-40 nm diameter) contained a variety of often multiple segments of different dsRNA sizes ranging from 0.8 to 4.4 kb in size. In one strain the virus shows clear visible effects on its host with non-sporulating sectors. We quantified the fitness costs of these and more 'cryptic' virus infections on mycelial growth rate and spore production, and on competitive ability with respect to other strains under different growth conditions. Mycovirus infection proved detrimental in all these measures. The reduced success in interference competition due to mycovirus infection belies co-evolution of mycovirus and host to a mutually beneficial symbiosis, like in killer virus systems in yeast and smut and agrees more to recent infections. For a stable virus infection frequency in the black Aspergillus population, fitness costs and spontaneous loss should be balanced with new infections. Implications of even small viral fitness effects combined with the observed transmission limits for host and mycovirus are discussed.

Aspergillus↗

Discovery of a dsRNA virus infecting the marine photosynthetic protist Micromonas pusilla.

We report the isolation of the first double-stranded (ds) RNA virus in the family Reoviridae that infects a protist (microalga Micromonas pusilla, Prasinophyceae). The dsRNA genome was composed of 11 segments ranging between 0.8 and 5.8 kb, with a total size of approximately 25.5 kb. The virus (MpRNAV-01B) could not be assigned to the genus level because host type, genome size, and number of segments smaller than 2 kb did not correspond to either of the two existing 11-segmented dsRNA genera Rotavirus and Aquareovirus. MpRNAV-01B has a particle size of 65-80 nm, a narrow host range, a latent period of 36 h, and contains five major proteins (120, 95, 67, 53, and 32 kDa). MpRNAV-01B was stable to freeze-thawing, resistant to chloroform, ether, nonionic detergents, chelating and reducing agents. The virus was inactivated at temperatures above 35 degrees C and by ionic detergent, ethanol, acetone, and acidic conditions (pH 2-5).

Chelating Agents↗

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of dsRNA bacteriophages.

Genome replication and transcription of riboviruses are catalyzed by an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). RdRPs are normally associated with other virus- or/and host-encoded proteins that modulate RNA polymerization activity and template specificity. The polymerase complex of double-stranded dsRNA viruses is a large icosahedral particle (inner core) containing RdRP as a minor constituent. In phi6 and other dsRNA bacteriophages from the Cystoviridae family, the inner core is composed of four virus-specific proteins. Of these, protein P2, or Pol subunit, has been tentatively identified as RdRP by sequence comparisons, but the role of this protein in viral RNA synthesis has not been studied until recently. Here, we overview the work on the Pol subunits of phi6 and related viruses from the standpoints of function, structure and evolution.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Viral dsRNA activates mucin transcription in airway epithelial cells.

Double-stranded (ds) RNA is a biologically active component of many viruses including rhinoviruses infecting the upper respiratory tract. Mucus production is a common symptom of such infections. Here, we show that mucin, the glycoprotein subunit of mucus gels, is transcriptionally upregulated in an NF-kappaB- and p38-dependent manner when homogeneous cultures of epithelial cells are exposed to dsRNA. Furthermore, upstream of p38 in this system, dsRNA stimulates the extracellular release of ATP and activation of cell surface ATP receptors, which are G protein-coupled. This results in the stimulation of phospholipase C and protein kinase C. These findings suggest that ATP receptor antagonists could be used to modulate mucus production induced by virus.

Cell Line↗

Use of dsRNA-mediated genetic interference to demonstrate that frizzled and frizzled 2 act in the wingless pathway.

We investigated the potential of double-stranded RNA to interfere with the function of genes in Drosophila. Injection of dsRNA into embryos resulted in potent and specific interference of several genes that were tested. In contrast, single-stranded RNA weakly interfered with gene activity. The method was used to determine the reception mechanism of the morphogen Wingless. Interference of the frizzled and Drosophila frizzled 2 genes together produced defects in embryonic patterning that mimic loss of wingless function. Interference of either gene alone had no effect on patterning. Epistasis analysis indicates that frizzled and Drosophila frizzled 2 act downstream of wingless and upstream of zeste-white3 in the Wingless pathway. Our results demonstrate that dsRNA interference can be used to analyze many aspects of gene function.

Animals↗

A small modulatory dsRNA specifies the fate of adult neural stem cells.

Discovering the molecular mechanisms that regulate neuron-specific gene expression remains a central challenge for CNS research. Here, we report that small, noncoding double-stranded (ds) RNAs play a critical role in mediating neuronal differentiation. The sequence defined by this dsRNA is NRSE/RE1, which is recognized by NRSF/REST, known primarily as a negative transcriptional regulator that restricts neuronal gene expression to neurons. The NRSE dsRNA can trigger gene expression of neuron-specific genes through interaction with NRSF/REST transcriptional machinery, resulting in the transition from neural stem cells with neuron-specific genes silenced by NRSF/REST into cells with neuronal identity that can express neuronal genes. The mechanism of action appears to be mediated through a dsRNA/protein interaction, rather than through siRNA or miRNA. The discovery of small modulatory dsRNAs (smRNAs) extends the important contribution of noncoding RNAs as key regulators of cell behavior at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.

Animals↗

Sequence-independent amplification and cloning of large dsRNA virus genome segments by poly(dA)-oligonucleotide ligation.

A strategy was developed for sequence-independent synthesis and amplification of full-length cDNA of 3-4 kb genes of dsRNA viruses. The method of single primer amplification (Lambden et al., 1992) was adapted by the inclusion of a 3' poly(A) tail to an oligonucleotide ligated to dsRNA genome segments as a template for oligo(dT)-primed cDNA synthesis. Full-length copies of the largest genome segments, 1 (4 kb) and 2 (3 kb), of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) have been cloned, terminally sequenced and expressed in vitro.

African Horse Sickness Virus↗