Human cytomegalovirus UL97 open reading frame encodes a protein that phosphorylates the antiviral nucleoside analogue ganciclovir.

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV, a betaherpes virus) is the cause of serious disease in immunologically compromised individuals, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. One of the compounds used in the chemotherapy of HCMV infections is the nucleoside analogue 9-(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxymethyl)-guanine (ganciclovir). The mechanism of action of this drug is dependent on the formation of the nucleoside triphosphate, which is a strong inhibitor of the viral DNA polymerase. Thymidine kinase, which is encoded by many of the herpesviruses, catalyses the initial phosphorylation of ganciclovir. But there is no evidence for the coding of this enzyme by HCMV, and DNA sequence analysis of the HCMV genome has shown that there is no open reading frame characteristic of a herpesvirus thymidine kinase. Here we present biochemical and immunological evidence that the HCMV UL97 open reading frame codes for a protein capable of phosphorylating ganciclovir. This protein seems to be responsible for the selectivity of ganciclovir and will be useful tool in the understanding and refinement of the antiviral activity of new selective anti-HCMV compounds.     

核酶M1GS-T6对HCMV UL97基因RNA片段体外切割作用

目的:研究M1GS核酶对HCMV UL97mRNA的体外切割作用.方法:针对HCMV UL97 mRNA T6位点设计与之互补的引导序列(Guide Sequence,GS),将其共价结合至大肠杆菌核酶P催化亚基(M1 RNA)的3'末端,构建M1GS-T6核酶,并用其对UL97基因亚克隆片段转录产物进行体外靶向切割实验.结果:核酶M1GS-T6具备特异性切割靶分子UL97 mRNA的能力.结论:核酶M1GS-T6具备特异性切割活性,为进一步研究HCMV病毒基因功能和治疗提供了新的途径.     

人巨细胞病毒临床低传代病毒株UL97 基因的克隆与分析

分离人巨细胞病毒（HCMV）临床低传代GZ02病毒株,并根据GenBank提供的实验室标准病毒株HCMV AD169磷酸转移酶基因UL97 DNA序列及有关文献设计引物,从HCMV GZ02病毒株基因组DNA中通过PCR扩增UL97基因,并克隆至pGEM3Z质粒载体．重组质粒经测序鉴定,发现HCM VGZ02病毒株UL97基因序列保守区域与HCMV AD169 UL97长度完全一致,但发生G205A、G761A、T823C、T1173C、T1282C、T1334C、T2106C等7个位点的碱基突变,涉及到编码氨基酸E69K,S275P,C428R和F445S位点发生改变。     

Platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor activation is required for human cytomegalovirus infection

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus that can cause life-threatening disease in the fetus and the immunocompromised host. Upon attachment to the cell, the virus induces robust inflammatory, interferon- and growth-factor-like signalling. The mechanisms facilitating viral entry and gene expression are not clearly understood. Here we show that platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor (PDGFR-alpha) is specifically phosphorylated by both laboratory and clinical isolates of HCMV in various human cell types, resulting in activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI(3)K) signalling pathway. Upon stimulation by HCMV, tyrosine-phosphorylated PDGFR-alpha associated with the p85 regulatory subunit of PI(3)K and induced protein kinase B (also known as Akt) phosphorylation, similar to the genuine ligand, PDGF-AA. Cells in which PDGFR-alpha was genetically deleted or functionally blocked were non-permissive to HCMV entry, viral gene expression or infectious virus production. Re-introducing human PDGFRA gene into knockout cells restored susceptibility to viral entry and essential viral gene expression. Blockade of receptor function with a humanized PDGFR-alpha blocking antibody (IMC-3G3) or targeted inhibition of its kinase activity with a small molecule (Gleevec) completely inhibited HCMV viral internalization and gene expression in human epithelial, endothelial and fibroblast cells. Viral entry in cells harbouring endogenous PDGFR-alpha was competitively inhibited by pretreatment with PDGF-AA. We further demonstrate that HCMV glycoprotein B directly interacts with PDGFR-alpha, resulting in receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, and that glycoprotein B neutralizing antibodies inhibit HCMV-induced PDGFR-alpha phosphorylation. Taken together, these data indicate that PDGFR-alpha is a critical receptor required for HCMV infection, and thus a target for novel anti-viral therapies.     

Polymorphism of human cytomegalovirus （HCMV） UL144 gene in low passage clinical isolates

To explore the impact of gene polymorphism of human cytomegalovirus （HCMV） on virus virulence, the full-length UL144 gene and partial sequence of glycoprotein B （UL55） gene were sequenced and analyzed for 23 clinical strains of HCMV isolated from urine samples of pediatric patients with congenital or postnatal HCMV infection. Among the 23 isolates, 13 （57 %） were UL144 genotype 1A, 3（13 %） were UL144 genotypes 2 and 7（30 %） were UL144 genotype 3; geographic differences in geno- type distribution were found for both UL144 and gB gene. No UL144 genotypes 1B and 1C were found in this study while these two genotypes were common in HCMV strains isolated in the US. Our results also demonstrated that for all clinical strains of gB genotypes I, III and UL144 genotypes 1A, 2, and 3 found in this study, mother-to-fetus vertical transmission was possible.     

酵母双杂交系统筛选与HCMV pUL23蛋白相互作用的蛋白质

将UL23基因的ORF序列克隆到酵母表达载体pGBKT7构建诱饵质粒pGBKT7-UL23,用酵母双杂交技术筛选人胚肾cDNA文库中与人巨细胞病毒pUL23相互作用的宿主蛋白分子,再通过回复酵母双杂交再次确认两者之间的相互作用.结果表明:酵母双杂交,回复酵母双杂交试验证明宿主蛋白分子elF3e(eukaryotic trans-lation initiation factor 3,subunit E interacting protein)能够与人巨细胞病毒UL23蛋白相互作用.宿主蛋白分子elF3e能够与人巨细胞病毒UL23蛋白相互作用,这为进一步研究pUL23蛋白在HCMV生活周期中的作用机制提供依据.     

A complex between the MHC class I homologue encoded by human cytomegalovirus and beta 2 microglobulin

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a ubiquitous pathogen that persists in the host and can cause severe disease in the immunocompromised individual or in the fetus. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the virus genome has revealed the presence of an open reading frame whose predicted translation product has homology with the heavy chain of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecule of higher eukaryotes, and the observed sequence homology was given additional significance by the independent observation that HCMV virions can bind beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m), the light chain of the MHC class I molecule. We expressed both the HCMV class I homologue and the human beta 2m gene in recombinant vaccinia viruses. We show that the coexpressed gene products associate, that the transport of beta 2m to the cell surface is dependent on coexpression of the class I homologue and that the viral gene product is therefore functionally related to its cellular counterpart. We observe also that, in HCMV-infected cells, no synthesis of mature cellular class I molecules occurs, while messenger RNA levels remain unaltered, and we speculate that one function of the viral homologue may be to sequester beta 2m, thus preventing the maturation of cellular class I molecules and rendering the infected cell unrecognizable by cytotoxic T cells.     

A phosphatase cascade by which rewarding stimuli control nucleosomal response

Dopamine orchestrates motor behaviour and reward-driven learning. Perturbations of dopamine signalling have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, and in drug addiction. The actions of dopamine are mediated in part by the regulation of gene expression in the striatum, through mechanisms that are not fully understood. Here we show that drugs of abuse, as well as food reinforcement learning, promote the nuclear accumulation of 32-kDa dopamine-regulated and cyclic-AMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32). This accumulation is mediated through a signalling cascade involving dopamine D1 receptors, cAMP-dependent activation of protein phosphatase-2A, dephosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Ser 97 and inhibition of its nuclear export. The nuclear accumulation of DARPP-32, a potent inhibitor of protein phosphatase-1, increases the phosphorylation of histone H3, an important component of nucleosomal response. Mutation of Ser 97 profoundly alters behavioural effects of drugs of abuse and decreases motivation for food, underlining the functional importance of this signalling cascade.     

Cloning and Characterization of UL34 Gene of Pseudorabies Virus HB Isolate

In this study, China isolate HB of pseudorabies virus(PRV) was confirmed and genotypically characterized by amplifying and sequencing of partial UL34, a conservative gene involved in the egress of nucleocapsids from the nucleus, for phylogenetic analysis. The open reading frame(orf) of UL34 of PRV HB isolate is composed of 786 nucleotides, which encoded 262 amino acids. In addition, a potential transmembrane domain(241-260 aa) and 11 potential phosphorylation sites were also found in the UL34 of PRV HB isolate. Multiple amino acids alignment indicated that UL34 proteins of PRV strains derived from different geographic origins were highly conservative, but some mutations were also found. Phylogenetic analysis based on UL34 protein indicated that PRV HB strain was evolutionarily distinct from other recent China strains sequenced so far, forming a single clade within the phylogeny. Moreover, PRV HB isolate had close evolutionary relationship with Bo HV-1 and Bo HV-5 within the Alphaherpesvirinae. Taken together, these results indicated that PRV strains were in the progress of evolution. This study has expanded the knowledge of genetic profiles of PRV strains.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor is a cellular receptor for human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread opportunistic herpesvirus that causes severe and fatal diseases in immune-compromised individuals, including organ transplant recipients and individuals with AIDS. It is also a leading cause of virus-associated birth defects and is associated with atherosclerosis and coronary restenosis. HCMV initiates infection and intracellular signalling by binding to its cognate cellular receptors and by activating several signalling pathways including those mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase, interferons, and G proteins. But a cellular receptor responsible for viral entry and HCMV-induced signalling has yet to be identified. Here we show that HCMV infects cells by interacting with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and inducing signalling. Transfecting EGFR-negative cells with an EGFR complementary DNA renders non-susceptible cells susceptible to HCMV. Ligand displacement and crosslinking analyses show that HCMV interacts with EGFR through gB, its principal envelope glycoprotein. gB preferentially binds EGFR and EGFR-ErbB3 oligomeric molecules in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with erbB family cDNAs. Taken together, these data indicate that EGFR is a necessary component for HCMV-triggered signalling and viral entry.     

Cloning and characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">UL</Emphasis>34 gene of pseudorabies virus HB isolate

In this study, China isolate HB of pseudorabies virus (PRV) was confirmed and genotypically characterized by amplifying and sequencing of partial UL34, a conservative gene involved in the egress of nucleocapsids from the nucleus, for phylogenetic analysis. The open reading frame (orf) of UL34 of PRV HB isolate is composed of 786 nucleotides, which encoded 262 amino acids. In addition, a potential transmembrane domain (241-260 aa) and 11 potential phosphorylation sites were also found in the UL34 of PRV HB isolate. Multiple amino acids alignment indicated that UL34 proteins of PRV strains derived from different geographic origins were highly conservative, but some mutations were also found. Phylogenetic analysis based on UL34 protein indicated that PRV HB strain was evolutionarily distinct from other recent China strains sequenced so far, forming a single clade within the phylogeny. Moreover, PRV HB isolate had close evolutionary relationship with BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 within the Alphaherpesvirinae. Taken together, these results indicated that PRV strains were in the progress of evolution. This study has expanded the knowledge of genetic profiles of PRV strains.     

Human cytomegalovirus encodes a glycoprotein homologous to MHC class-I antigens

Primary infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is persistent and widespread, with symptoms that are mostly subclinical but can cause serious illness or death, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. Recently, proteins from HCMV were shown to bind beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) a protein that is normally found associated with the class-I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, which are essential for self-non-self recognition in the immune response. These findings led to the proposal that the virus may use beta 2-m binding as an infection mechanism. Here we present evidence from DNA sequence analysis that HCMV encodes a molecule similar to the MHC class-I antigens of higher eucaryotes, and propose that this protein is responsible for the observed beta 2-m binding. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the HCMV class-I-like protein reveals conservation of typical features of class-I structure, but we predict that the gene is not spliced, in contrast to the cellular genes.     

A restricted cell population propagates glioblastoma growth after chemotherapy

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, with a median survival of about one year. This poor prognosis is due to therapeutic resistance and tumour recurrence after surgical removal. Precisely how recurrence occurs is unknown. Using a genetically engineered mouse model of glioma, here we identify a subset of endogenous tumour cells that are the source of new tumour cells after the drug temozolomide (TMZ) is administered to transiently arrest tumour growth. A nestin-ΔTK-IRES-GFP (Nes-ΔTK-GFP) transgene that labels quiescent subventricular zone adult neural stem cells also labels a subset of endogenous glioma tumour cells. On arrest of tumour cell proliferation with TMZ, pulse-chase experiments demonstrate a tumour re-growth cell hierarchy originating with the Nes-ΔTK-GFP transgene subpopulation. Ablation of the GFP+ cells with chronic ganciclovir administration significantly arrested tumour growth, and combined TMZ and ganciclovir treatment impeded tumour development. Thus, a relatively quiescent subset of endogenous glioma cells, with properties similar to those proposed for cancer stem cells, is responsible for sustaining long-term tumour growth through the production of transient populations of highly proliferative cells.     

Human cytomegalovirus encodes three G protein-coupled receptor homologues

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus with a genome of 230 kilobases (Kb) encoding about 200 genes. Although infection is generally innocuous, HCMV causes serious congenital and neonatal disease, and is a dangerous opportunistic pathogen in immune-deficient individuals. We have identified a family of three HCMV genes which encode polypeptides containing seven putative membrane-spanning domains, and a series of well-defined motifs characteristic of the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors (GCRs). By these criteria all three of the HCMV sequences are homologous to cellular GCRs. Members of this receptor family function in visual signal transduction, regulation of homeostasis, and development, and include known and potential oncogenes. These receptors are activated by photons or small molecules such as neurotransmitters, and glycoprotein hormones. The finding of viral-encoded GCR homologues implies a further level of complexity in the interactions between HCMV and its host, and may provide a potential pathway for virally transformed cell proliferation. Their identification could permit the development of a novel class of antiviral drugs analogous to beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists.     

用PCR法检测人巨细胞病毒DNA

用聚合酶链式反应（ＰＣＲ）法检测患者尿液中人巨细胞病毒（ＨＣＭＶ）ＤＮＡ．结果表明，自行设计合成的引物位于ＨＣＭＶ基因组早期蛋白基因区，经ＰＣＲ仪扩增一段长４３０ｂｐ的特异序列片段，对正常人基因组ＤＮＡ或其它疱疹病毒ＤＮＡ无交叉反应．此法可检测出少至１０－１６ｇ（０．１ｆｇ）的病毒ＤＮＡ．通过对３５份尿液标本的检测，比较ＰＣＲ法和组织培养法的检测结果完全一致     

Calcium-dependent phosphorylation of histone H3 in butyrate-treated HeLa cells

Ca2+ is prominant in the control of cell proliferation and function. However, the biochemical mechanism(s) mediating its effects on nuclear events is unknown. We report here that Ca2+, at physiological concentrations, stimulates the phosphorylation of histone H3 by an endogenous protein kinase in HeLa cell nuclei. Also, pretreatment of cells with Na butyrate, which increases histone acetylation, selectively increases the susceptability of histone H3 to phosphorylation by the protein kinase. Our results reveal a potential link between histone H3 acetylation and phosphorylation, modifications which are thought to have important effects on chromatin structure and function and suggest a possible mechanism whereby stimuli at the cell surface (such as hormones, mitogens and drugs) may influence biochemical events at the nuclear level; changes in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration may influence the phosphorylation of chromosomal proteins, mediated by Ca2+ -dependent kinases in th nucleus.     

High brain densities of the immunophilin FKBP colocalized with calcineurin.

The immunophilins cyclophilin and FK506 binding protein (FKBP) are small, predominantly soluble proteins that bind the immunosuppressant drugs cyclosporin A and FK506, respectively, with high affinity, and which seem to mediate their pharmacological actions. The Ca(2+)-dependent protein phosphatase, calcineurin, binds the cyclophilin-cyclosporin A and FKBP-FK506 complexes, indicating that calcineurin might mediate the actions of these drugs. A physiological role for the immunophilins in the nervous system is implied by a close homology between the structure of NINA A, a protein in the neural retina of Drosophila, and cyclophilin, as well as by the high density of FKBP messenger RNA in brain tissue. Here we report that the levels of FKBP and mRNA in rat brain are extraordinarily high and that their regional localization is virtually identical to that of calcineurin, indicating that there may be a physiological link between calcineurin and the immunophilins. We also show that at low concentrations FK506 and cyclosporin A enhance the phosphorylation of endogenous protein substrates in brain tissue and in intact PC12 cells, indicating that these drugs may inhibit phosphatase activity by interacting with the immunophilin-calcineurin complexes.     

Expression of human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase in insect cells using baculovirus expression system: Purification and biochemical characterizations

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase gene was overexpressed in insect cells using the baculovirus transfer system. A6. 2 kb HCMV Rsr II-EcoRI DNA fragment with intact HCMV pol gene coding sequence was engineered into NheI site of vector pBlueBac under the control of polyhedrin promoter of Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV). Recombinant AcNPV carried HCMV pol gene was generated by cotransfection of Spodoptera frugiperta cell (SF21) with AcNPV DNA and baculovirus transfer vector with HCMV pol gene. Infection of SF21 cell with recombinant virus lead to the expression of 140 kD peptide of HCMV specific DNA polymerase at the level approximately 2 mg per 10⁸ cells. The polypeptide was purified from the infected SF21 cells by a series of column chromatography to homogeneity. The purified enzyme had a molecular weight of 140 kD and reacted with antiserum specific for HCMV DNA polymerase. It exhibited both 3′–5′ and 5′–3′ exonuclease activities. This enzyme is also sensitive to phosphono acetate. Ye Linbai: born in Feb. 1948. Professor. Current research interest is in Vitology and Molecular Biology Supported by Public Health Service Grants CA21773, CA15036 and AI12717 from the National Institutes of Health     

Pseudo Rabies Virus Protein UL34 Interacted with UL31 to Disrupt the Human Lamin A

Pseudo rabies virus (PRV) egresses from the nucleus by budding from the inner nuclear membrane (INM). The nuclear lamina forms a rigid meshwork of intermediate filaments underlying the INM. It remains unknown whether PRV infection induces the disruption of lamina. In this paper, it can be observed that nuclear Lamin A became fractured during PRV infection. UL34 was localized at the nuclear rim, but UL31 was accumulated in the nucleus as distinct patches. Interestingly, a part of UL31 was localized at the INM in the presence of UL34. Immunoprecipitation (IP) assay confirmed that PRV UL31 and UL34 interacted in the transfected cells. Importantly, the co-expression of UL31 and UL34 directly disrupted Lamin A, resembling that observed during PRV infection. In conclusion, PRV infection induces the disruption of Lamin A, and UL34 and UL31 play a critical role in the disruption of Lamin A.