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Biochemical characterization of bacteriophage lambda genome packaging in vitro.

Bacteriophage lambda has been extensively studied, and the abundance of genetic and biochemical information available makes this an ideal model system to study virus DNA packaging at the molecular level. Limited in vitro packaging efficiency has hampered progress toward this end, however. It has been suggested that limited packaging efficiency is related to poor activity of purified procapsids. We describe the construction of a vector that expresses lambda procapsids with a yield that is 40-fold greater than existing systems. Consistent with previous studies, packaging of a mature lambda genome is very inefficient in vitro, with only 4% of the input procapsids utilized. Concatemeric DNA is the preferred packaging substrate in vivo, and procapsids interact with a nucleoprotein complex known as complex I to initiate genome packaging. When complex I is used as a packaging substrate in vitro, capsid utilization is extremely efficient, and 40% of the input DNA is packaged. Finally, we provide evidence for a packaging-stimulated ATPase activity, and kinetically characterize this reaction quantifying the energetic cost of DNA packaging in bacteriophage lambda.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗

Cleaving the prohead RNA of bacteriophage phi 29 alters the in vitro packaging of restriction fragments of DNA-gp3.

In vitro packaging of restriction fragments of the bacteriophage phi 29 DNA-gp3 (DNA-gene product 3 complex) in the defined system was dependent on prohead RNA. Truncated prohead RNAs were obtained by in situ RNase A digestion, isolated and sequenced. Proheads having the intact 174 base RNA were compared to proheads having RNAs of 120, 95, 71, 69 or 54 bases for the capacity to package the DNA-gp3 left and right ends and internal (non-end) fragments generated by the restriction enzymes EcoRI, HpaI and BstNI. Proheads with the 174 or 120 base RNAs packaged both left and right ends; internal fragments were packaged more efficiently by proheads with the 120 base RNA. Proheads with the 95 base RNA packaged DNA-gp3 left ends and internal fragments efficiently, but lost the capacity to package right ends. Only internal fragments were packaged by proheads with the 71 base RNA, and proheads having 69 or 54 base RNAs were inactive. RNA-free proheads were effectively reconstituted with purified 174 and 120 base RNAs to produce particles similar in biological activity to the proheads from which the RNAs were isolated. The 95 base RNA was the smallest RNA of the group that could reconstitute the prohead and direct fragment packaging, although packaging was inefficient. Alteration of the specificity of DNA fragment packaging with truncated prohead RNAs has delineated RNA domains that function in DNA-gp3 recognition and prohead binding.

Bacteriophage lambda↗

Transcription dependence of DNA packaging of bacteriophages T3 and T7.

T3 and T7 phages package homologous DNA more efficiently than heterologous DNA and recombinant plasmids carrying DNA sequences necessary for DNA packaging (pac sequence). The pac sequence contains a promoter for phage RNA polymerase and transcription from the promoter is necessary for DNA packaging. T3 and T7 RNA polymerases are stringently specific for their own promoters. To examine the relationship between DNA packaging and transcription, we constructed a cleared in vitro system for packaging T3 or T7 DNA containing an ammonium sulfate fractionate of a high-speed supernatant of phage-infected cells. In the system, DNA packaging required GTP and was inhibited by the 3'-deoxy analog of GTP, ATP, or CTP. The DNA packaging activity paralleled the transcriptional activity, assayed by incorporation of [32P]UTP into acid-insoluble material. In the system, homologous DNA was packaged more efficiently than heterologous DNA, but heterologous DNA was packaged as efficiently as homologous DNA by the addition of heterologous phage RNA polymerase, demonstrating that the transcriptional specificity determines the DNA packaging specificity of T3 and T7.

Bacteriophage T7↗

Optimization of the in vitro packaging efficiency of bacteriophage T7 DNA: effects of neutral polymers.

The in vitro DNA packaging of several DNA bacteriophages is stimulated by the presence of neutral polymers. To optimize bacteriophage T7 DNA packaging and to understand the basis for optimization, the efficiency of T7 DNA packaging has been determined at completion, as a function of the type, molecular mass, and concentration of the polymer added. When the polymer used was polyethylene glycol (PEG) of 0.2, 0.6 or 12.6 kDa, the efficiency of DNA packaging reached maximum at an intermediate concentration of polymer. The osmotic pressure (Pos) at maximum efficiency was either in, or close to, the range of colloid Pos measured for the intact host cell. The optimum Pos increased as the size of the polymer used decreased. PEG-100 (of 0.1 kDa) did not stimulate in vitro T7 DNA packaging. Dextran of 10 kDa also stimulated packaging and produced maximum efficiency at a physiological Pos. The degree of stimulation increases as DNA packaging extract concentration decreases; stimulation by as much as two to three orders of magnitude is observed. The presence of added polymer reduces fluctuations in DNA packaging efficiency caused by variability in the concentration of DNA packaging extracts. For reproducible and high efficiency packaging, the dextran was more reliable than the PEGs, possibly because the Pos of the dextran solutions is less sensitive to polymer concentration than is the Pos of PEG solutions. The optimum concentration of dextran at completion was also the optimum at all times before completion.

Capsid↗

Both the 5' and 3' LTRs of FIV contain minor RNA encapsidation determinants compared to the two core packaging determinants within the 5' untranslated region and gag.

This study was undertaken to address the role of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) long terminal repeats (LTR) as potential packaging determinants. A number of studies in the recent past have clearly demonstrated that the core packaging determinants of FIV reside within at least two distinct regions at the 5' end of the viral genome, from R in the 5' LTR to approximately 150 bp within the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) and within the first 100 bp of gag; however, there have been conflicting observations as to the role of the LTR regions in packaging and whether they contain the principal packaging determinants of FIV. Using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR approach on heterologous non-viral vector RNAs in an in vivo packaging assay, this study demonstrates that the principal packaging determinants of FIV reside within the first 150 bp of 5' UTR and 100 bp of gag (the two core regions) and not the viral 5' LTR. Furthermore, it shows that in addition to the 5' LTR, the 3' LTR also contains packaging determinants, but of a less significant nature compared to the core packaging determinants. This study defines the relative contribution of the various regions implicated in FIV genomic RNA packaging, and reveals that like other primate lentiviruses, the packaging determinants of FIV are multipartite and spread out, an observation that has implications for safer and more streamlined design of FIV-based gene transfer vectors.

3' Untranslated Regions↗

Transduction of cell lines and primary cells by FIV-packaged HIV vectors.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), simian immunodeficiency virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are capable of packaging viral RNA derived from heterologous as well as homologous lentiviruses, a phenomenon referred to as "cross packaging." To remove the possibility of seroconversion to HIV proteins, and to avoid potential problems arising due to targeting of vector or packaging construct by antiviral genes, we investigated the feasibility of using an FIV-based packaging system to deliver human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2)-based vectors bearing anti-HIV-1 RNA expression cassettes to target cells. In the absence of FIV rev, FIV was packaged by HIV-2 at only 3% the efficiency of FIV packaging by FIV, but this was increased to 39% of homologous controls by supplying FIV rev in trans. HIV-2 vectors were packaged by FIV at levels equal to or exceeding the homologous HIV-2 packaging system in the absence of HIV-1 tat and rev, and levels increased approximately four- to fivefold with the addition of tat and rev in trans. HIV-2 vectors bearing a polyribozyme cassette targeting multiple regions of HIV RNA were efficiently packaged by FIV and transferred to target cells. Upon challenge with cell-free HIV-1 (m.o.i. = 0.1) a significant reduction in replication was observed. These findings demonstrate that packaging HIV vectors with FIV is a viable alternative, which avoids use of HIV structural proteins.

Cell Line↗

Translation of Pr55(gag) augments packaging of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 RNA in a cis-acting manner.

The full-length RNA of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) serves both as a messenger (mRNA) to direct the translation of Pr55(gag) proteins and as genomic or viral particle RNA (vpRNA) to be packaged into virions. In this study, we have assessed a putative cis-acting effect of Pr55(gag) translation on HIV-1 RNA packaging. To pursue this subject, we have measured the relative competence of two distinct types of HIV-1 RNA for being packaged by virus particles under conditions in which only one of them is permissive for production of Pr55(gag). Not surprisingly, wild-type BH10 RNA was packaged at far higher efficiency than that associated with mutant viral RNA that was deleted of RNA packaging signals and incapable of Pr55(gag) production. However, when production of Pr55(gag) was eliminated from the wild-type BH10 viral RNA by insertion of stop codons either in matrix (MA) or in capsid (CA) sequences, regardless of retention of wild-type RNA packaging signals, these Pr55(gag)-deficient viral RNAs were packaged at low levels similar to those observed with viral RNA species that lack RNA packaging signals and are capable of Pr55(gag) generation. Moreover, loss of Pr55(gag) production did not affect stability of the relevant viral RNA; this observation rules out the possibility that lowered packaging efficiency associated with Pr55(gag)-deficient HIV-1 RNA is a result of reduced RNA stability. Taken together, our data demonstrate that cis translation of Pr55(gag) is needed for efficient packaging of HIV-1 RNA.

Animals↗

A literature search on pharmacokinetic drug interactions of statins and analysis of how such interactions are reflected in package inserts in Japan.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) are one of the most widely prescribed classes of drugs throughout the world, because of their excellent cholesterol-lowering effect and overall safety profile except for rare but fatal rhabdomyolysis arising either directly or indirectly by pharmacokinetic interactions with certain other drugs. As package inserts in pharmaceuticals are the primary source of information for health care providers, we carried out a literature search to examine how crucial information was provided in package inserts of five statins approved in Japan (simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin and pitavastatin). METHODS: A MEDLINE search from 1996 to June 2004 was carried out to identify studies on clinical pharmacokinetic drug interactions for the five statins. We mainly collected information on area under plasma concentration (AUC) following co-administration of statins with other drugs. The current package inserts used in Japan were obtained from the website of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Agency whereas USA package inserts were obtained from the Food and Drug Administration website. RESULTS: The majority of package inserts listed the drugs that interacted with statins with most describing the risk of rhabdomyolysis because of the possibility of increases in blood concentration. However, quantitative information such as change in AUC was provided in only a few cases. Instructions for dosage adjustment are seldom provided in the Japanese package inserts. USA package inserts list almost identical drug interactions as the Japanese package inserts, although they contain more quantitative data, especially for typical cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitors. CONCLUSION: All pharmacokinetic drug interactions including relevant quantitative data for potential effectors and details on mechanisms of interaction need to be given in package inserts as soon as the information becomes available, to ensure safe and proper use of the drugs concerned. Including such information in the package insert will be an extremely valuable aid for health care providers.

Area Under Curve↗

cis and trans requirements for the selective packaging of adenovirus type 5 DNA.

Polar packaging of adenovirus DNA into virions is dependent on the presence of cis-acting sequences at the left end of the viral genome. Our previous analyses demonstrated that the adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) packaging domain (nucleotides 194 to 358) is composed of at least five elements that are functionally redundant. A repeated sequence, termed the A repeat, was associated with packaging function. Here we report a more detailed analysis of the requirements for the selective packaging of Ad5 DNA. By introducing site-directed point mutations into specific A repeat sequences, we demonstrate that the A repeats represent cis-acting functional components of the packaging signal. Additional elements, located outside the originally defined packaging domain boundaries and that resemble the A repeat consensus sequence, also are capable of promoting the packaging of viral DNA. The cis-acting components of the packaging signal appear to be subject to certain spatial constraints for function, possibly reflecting a necessity for the coordinate binding of packaging proteins to these sites. In agreement with this idea, we present evidence that the interaction of a limiting trans-acting factor(s) with the packaging domain in vivo is required for efficient encapsidation of the Ad5 genome.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Involvement of the matrix and nucleocapsid domains of the bovine leukemia virus Gag polyprotein precursor in viral RNA packaging.

The RNA packaging process for retroviruses involves a recognition event of the genome-length viral RNA by the viral Gag polyprotein precursor (PrGag), an important step in particle morphogenesis. The mechanism underlying this genome recognition event for most retroviruses is thought to involve an interaction between the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of PrGag and stable RNA secondary structures that form the RNA packaging signal. Presently, there is limited information regarding PrGag-RNA interactions involved in RNA packaging for the deltaretroviruses, which include bovine leukemia virus (BLV) and human T-cell leukemia virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV-1 and -2, respectively). To address this, alanine-scanning mutagenesis of BLV PrGag was done with a virus-like particle (VLP) system. As predicted, mutagenesis of conserved basic residues as well as residues of the zinc finger domains in the BLV NC domain of PrGag revealed residues that led to a reduction in viral RNA packaging. Interestingly, when conserved basic residues in the BLV MA domain of PrGag were mutated to alanine or glycine, but not when mutated to another basic residue, reductions in viral RNA packaging were also observed. The ability of PrGag to be targeted to the cell membrane was not affected by these mutations in MA, indicating that PrGag membrane targeting was not associated with the reduction in RNA packaging. These observations indicate that these basic residues in the MA domain of PrGag influence RNA packaging, without influencing Gag membrane localization. It was further observed that (i) a MA/NC double mutant had a more severe RNA packaging defect than either mutant alone, and (ii) RNA packaging was not found to be associated with transient localization of Gag in the nucleus. In summary, this report provides the first direct evidence for the involvement of both the BLV MA and NC domains of PrGag in viral RNA packaging.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif is efficiently packaged into virions during productive but not chronic infection.

Packaging of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif protein into virus particles is mediated through an interaction with viral genomic RNA and results in the association of Vif with the nucleoprotein complex. Despite the specificity of this process, calculations of the amount of Vif packaged have produced vastly different results. Here, we compared the efficiency of packaging of Vif into virions derived from acutely and chronically infected H9 cells. We found that Vif was efficiently packaged into virions from acutely infected cells (60 to 100 copies per virion), while packaging into virions from chronically infected H9 cells was near the limit of detection (four to six copies of Vif per virion). Superinfection by an exogenous Vif-defective virus did not rescue packaging of endogenous Vif expressed in the chronically infected culture. In contrast, exogenous Vif expressed by superinfection of wild-type virus was readily packaged (30 to 40 copies per virion). Biochemical analyses suggest that the differences in the relative packaging efficiencies were not due to gross differences in the steady-state distribution of Vif in chronically or acutely infected cells but are likely due to differences in the relative rates of de novo synthesis of Vif. Despite its low packaging efficiency, endogenously expressed Vif was sufficient to direct the production of viruses with almost wild-type infectivity. The results from our study provide novel insights into the biochemical properties of Vif and offer an explanation for the reported differences regarding Vif packaging.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Nucleocapsid-independent specific viral RNA packaging via viral envelope protein and viral RNA signal.

For any of the enveloped RNA viruses studied to date, recognition of a specific RNA packaging signal by the virus's nucleocapsid (N) protein is the first step described in the process of viral RNA packaging. In the murine coronavirus a selective interaction between the viral transmembrane envelope protein M and the viral ribonucleoprotein complex, composed of N protein and viral RNA containing a short cis-acting RNA element, the packaging signal, determines the selective RNA packaging into virus particles. In this report we show that expressed coronavirus envelope protein M specifically interacted with coexpressed noncoronavirus RNA transcripts containing the short viral packaging signal in the absence of coronavirus N protein. Furthermore, this M protein-packaging signal interaction led to specific packaging of the packaging signal-containing RNA transcripts into coronavirus-like particles in the absence of N protein. These findings not only highlight a novel RNA packaging mechanism for an enveloped virus, where the specific RNA packaging can occur without the core or N protein, but also point to a new, biologically important general model of precise and selective interaction between transmembrane proteins and specific RNA elements.

Animals↗

Redesign of retrovirus packaging cell lines to avoid recombination leading to helper virus production.

Retrovirus vectors can be made in the absence of helper virus by using retrovirus packaging cell lines. Helper-free virus is critical for a variety of gene transfer studies. The most useful packaging cell lines contain helper virus DNA from which the signal required for packaging of the viral RNA genome into virions has been deleted. However, we showed that the ability to package virus is conferred at very low frequency to cells infected with virus from these packaging cell lines, presumably by low-frequency transmission of the deleted virus genome. In addition, these packaging cell lines can interact with some retroviral vectors to yield replication-competent virus. We constructed packaging cell lines containing helper virus DNA that had several alterations in addition to deletion of the packaging signal. The new packaging cells retained the useful features of previously available lines but did not yield helper virus after introduction of any of the vectors tested, and transfer of the packaging function was not detected.

Cell Line↗

Precise packaging of the three genomic segments of the double-stranded-RNA bacteriophage phi6.

Bacteriophage phi6 has a genome of three segments of double-stranded RNA. Each virus particle contains one each of the three segments. Packaging is effected by the acquisition, in a serially dependent manner, of the plus strands of the genomic segments into empty procapsids. The empty procapsids are compressed in shape and expand during packaging. The packaging program involves discrete steps that are determined by the amount of RNA inside the procapsid. The steps involve the exposure and concealment of binding sites on the outer surface of the procapsid for the plus strands of the three genomic segments. The plus strand of segment S can be packaged alone, while packaging of the plus strand of segment M depends upon prior packaging of S. Packaging of the plus strand of L depends upon the prior packaging of M. Minus-strand synthesis begins when the particle has a full complement of plus strands. Plus-strand synthesis commences upon the completion of minus-strand synthesis. All of the reactions of packaging, minus-strand synthesis, and plus-strand synthesis can be accomplished in vitro with isolated procapsids. Live-virus constructions that are in accord with the model have been prepared. Mutant virus with changes in the packaging program have been isolated and analyzed.

Bacteriophage phi 6↗

[The development and operation of a package inserts service system for electronic medical records].

To promote the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals and to prevent side effects, physicians need package inserts on medicinal drugs as soon as possible. A medicinal drug information service system was established for electronic medical records to speed up and increase the efficiency of package insert communications within a medical institution. Development of this system facilitates access to package inserts by, for example, physicians. The time required to maintain files of package inserts was shortened, and the efficiency of the drug information service increased. As a source of package inserts for this system, package inserts using a standard generalized markup language (SGML) form were used, which are accessible to the public on the homepage of the Organization for Pharmaceutical Safety and Research (OPSR). This study found that a delay occurred in communicating revised package inserts from pharmaceutical companies to the OPSR. Therefore a pharmaceutical department page was set up as part of the homepage of the medical institution for electronic medical records to shorten the delay in the revision of package inserts posted on the medicinal drug information service homepage of the OPSR. The usefulness of this package insert service system for electronic medical records is clear. For more effective use of this system based on the OPSR homepage pharmaceutical companies have been requested to provide quicker updating of package inserts.

Clinical Pharmacy Information Systems↗

MuLV packaging systems as models for estimating/measuring retrovirus recombination frequency.

Interaction of retrovirus vectors and endogenous retroviruses present in packaging cell lines and target cells may result in the formation of recombinant viruses. Using sensitive RT-PCR assays, we have investigated human and murine gene therapy packaging cell lines for the incorporation of endogenous retrovirus transcripts into murine leukaemia virus (MLV) vector particles and whether vector genomes are incorporated into human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) particles. VL30 endogenous retrovirus sequences were packaged in particles produced by the murine AM12 packaging system. For every seven MLV-derived -galactosidase beta-Gal vector genomes present in the particles, one copy of VL30 was also packaged. Although human FLY packaging cells expressed HERV transcripts (HERV-K, HuRT, type C, and RTVL-H), none was detectable in the MLV vector particles released from the cells. Non-specific packaging of the MLV gag-pol expression vector transcripts was detected in the FLY virions at a low level (one in 17,000 sequences). In other experiments, gag proteins produced by HERV-K particles present in human teratocarcinoma cells did not appear to package MLV-based vectors that expressed Gal transcripts. These findings indicate that retrovirus vectors interact with human packaging cells to produce retrovirus particles that are far less contaminated by endogenous viral sequences or other types of extraneous particles than murine packaging cells.

Animals↗

Effect on moisture permeability of typewriting on unit dose package surfaces.

The effects of typewriting on labels of two unit dose packages with respect to moisture permeability were examined. Using an electric typewriter, a standard label format was imprinted on two different types of class A unit dose packages: (1) a heat-sealed paper-backed foil and cellofilm strip pouch, and (2) a copolyester and polyethylene multiple-cup blister with a heat-sealed paper-backed foil and cellofilm cover. The labels were typed at various typing-element impact settings. The official USP test for water permeation was then performed on typed packages and untyped control packages. The original untyped packages were confirmed to be USP class A quality. The packages for which successively harder impact settings were used showed a corresponding increase in moisture permeability. This resulted in a lowering of USP package ratings from class A to class B and D, some of which would be unsuitable for use in any unit dose system under current FDA repackaging standards. Typing directly onto the label of a unit dose package before it is sealed will most likely damage the package and possibly make it unfit for use. Pharmacists who must type labels for the unit dose packages studied should use the lowest possible typewriter impact setting and test for damage using the USP moisture-permeation test.

Drug Labeling↗

Translocation of nicked but not gapped DNA by the packaging motor of bacteriophage phi29.

The biomolecular mechanism that the double-stranded DNA viruses employ to insert and package their genomic DNA into a preformed procapsid is still elusive. To better characterize this process, we investigated packaging of bacteriophage phi29 DNA with structural alterations. phi29 DNA was modified in vitro by nicking at random sites with DNase I, or at specific sites with nicking enzyme N.BbvC IA. Single-strand gaps were created by expanding site-specific nicks with T4 DNA polymerase. Packaging of modified phi29 DNA was studied in a completely defined in vitro system. Nicked DNA was packaged at full genome length and with the same efficiency as untreated DNA. Nicks were not repaired during packaging. Gapped DNA was packaged only as a fragment corresponding to the DNA between the genome terminus and gap. Thus the phi29 DNA packaging machinery tolerated nicks, but stopped at gaps. The packaging motor did not require a nick-free DNA backbone, but the presence of both DNA strands, for uninterrupted packaging.

Bacillus Phages↗