Glutathionylation of chikungunya nsP2 protein affects protease activity

BackgroundChikungunya fever is an emerging disease caused by the chikungunya virus and is now being spread worldwide by the mosquito Aedes albopictus. The infection can cause a persistent severe joint pain and recent reports link high levels of viremia to neuropathologies and fatalities. The viral protein nsP2 is a multifunctional enzyme that plays several critical roles in virus replication. Virus infection induces oxidative stress in host cells which the virus utilizes to aid viral propagation. Cellular oxidative stress also triggers glutathionylation which is a post-translational protein modification that can modulate physiological roles of affected proteins.MethodsThe nsP2 protease is necessary for processing of the virus nonstructural polyprotein generated during replication. We use the recombinant nsP2 protein to measure protease activity before and after glutathionylation. Mass spectrometry allowed the identification of the glutathione-modified cysteines. Using immunoblots, we show that the glutathionylation of nsP2 occurs in virus-infected cells.ResultsWe show that in virus-infected cells, the chikungunya nsP2 can be glutathionylated and we show this modification can impact on the protease activity. We also identify 6 cysteine residues that are glutathionylated of the 20 cysteines in the protein.ConclusionsThe virus-induced oxidative stress causes modification of viral proteins which appears to modulate virus protein function.General significanceViruses generate oxidative stress to regulate and hijack host cell systems and this environment also appears to modulate virus protein function. This may be a general target for intervention in viral pathogenesis.     

A theory for the proton transport of the influenza virus M2 protein: extensive test against conductance data

A theory for calculating the proton flux through the influenza virus M2 channel is tested here against an extensive set of conductance data. The flux is determined by the rate constants for binding to the His³⁷ tetrad from the two sides of the membrane and the corresponding unbinding rate constants. The rate constants are calculated by explicitly treating the structure and dynamics of the protein. Important features revealed by previous studies, such as a gating role for Val²⁷ at the entrance to the channel pore, and channel activation by viral exterior pH, are incorporated in this theory. This study demonstrates that the conductance function of the M2 proton channel can now be quantitatively rationalized by the structure and dynamics of the protein.     

15. Investigations of Poliomyelitis Antigens

ABSTRACT

The complex nature of the antigens in suckling mouse-adapted MEFi virus was indicated by Selzer and Poison¹, who found that the infectivity was associated with two components of approximate sedimentation coefficients 100 and 173 S respectively. In addition to these components a “soluble antigen” was found which had a sedimentation coefficient of about 22 S. These results, which were obtained by using a Spinco preparative centrifuge (Poison and Linder²), have now been confirmed in the Spinco analytical ultracentrifuge of the Nobel Institute, Stockholm, and other types of poliomyelitis virus have been studied in both instruments.     

Delivery of Foreign Substances to Cells Mediated by Fusion-Active Reconstituted Influenza Virus Envelopes (Virosomes)

Abstract

This paper presents a survey of the properties and applications of reconstituted influenza virus envelopes (virosomes). Influenza virosomes can be reconstituted from the original viral membrane lipids and spike glycoproteins, after solubilization of intact virus with octaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C₁₂E₈) and removal of this detergent with a hydrophobic resin (BioBeads SM-2). These virosomes are functionally active, i.e their membrane fusion activity closely mimics the well-defined low-pH-dependent membrane fusion activity of the intact virus, which is solely mediated by the viral hemagglutinin (HA). By virtue of their fusion activity, virosomes represent a powerful carrier system for cellular delivery of foreign substances, encapsulated in their aqueous interior or co-reconstituted in their membranes. Delivery of an encapsulated, water-soluble, compound is illustrated with data on the toxin gelonin. Protein synthesis in BHK-21 cells in culture is efficiently inhibited when gelonin-containing virosomes fuse from within endosomes, after internalization via receptor-mediated endocytosis, or are induced to fuse with the plasma membrane by a transient lowering of the pH in the medium. The results indicate that delivery is quite efficient; as much as 6 × 10³ molecules of gelonin can readily be delivered to the cytoplasm of a single cell by fusion with gelonin-containing virosomes.     

Plasma Membrane Enzymes in BALB/C Lymphomas with Either T or B Cell Properties I. 5′-Nucleotidase

Abstract

Comparison of membrane bound 5′-nucleotidase activity has been made in crude extracts and plasma membrane fractions from Abelson virus transformed lymphomas, IgM, IgG and IgA producing plasmacytomas and from thymomas with different surface antigen markers. 5′-Nucleotidase activity was characterised by the following criteria: 1) optimal pH for enzyme activity, 2) specificity of 5′AMP as a substrate at the optimal pH, 3) specific inhibition of the enzyme by α β methylene ADP, 4) inhibition by EDTA.

5′-Nucleotidase was found to be present on the following B cells: Abelson virus transformed lymphomas, plasmacytomas and LPS-stimulated blasts from nu/nu spleens. The enzyme was also found in one thymoma Lut 13, but it was absent from all the other thymomas studied. A possible relationship between 5′-Nucleotidase and purine metabolism in lymphocyte subpopulations is suggested by the results.     

Rational Methods of DNA Synthesis,Exemplified for the Preparation of Parts of the Human Proopiomelanocortin Gene

Abstract

Complete genes can now be prepared in single-batch procedures a) as one long oligonucleotide strand, b) as a number of simultaneously synthesized fragments. For further increase of overall efficiency DNA fragments terminated by a 3′-ribonucleoside can be joined by solid-phase single strand ligation using RNA ligase. This paper describes the application of these techniques to the preparation of parts of the human proopiomelanocortin gene.     

Novel Phytotoxins Produced by the Causal Fungus of the Shoot Blight of Larches

Theaspirane has been found as a naturally occurring substance in raspberry, yellow passion fruit and tea.¹⁾ The synthesis of theaspirane has been reported by some investigators.²⁾ We now report a new synthesis of theaspirane from β-ionone through dihydro-β-ionol.

When two equivalents of aluminium chloride hexahyd-rate (A1C1₃-6H₂0) is present in sodium-ammonia reduction, β-ionone (1) can be efficiently reduced to dihydro-β-iaonol (2). The bromination of 2 using cupric bromide, followed by dehydrobromination in the presence of calcium carbonate, affords a mixture of (E)-theaspirane and (Z)-theaspirane. The process of synthesis is outlined in Scheme 1.     

Clinical,Virological and Immunological Features from Patients Infected with Re-Emergent Avian-Origin Human H7N9 Influenza Disease of Varying Severity in Guangdong Province

BackgroundThe second wave of avian influenza H7N9 virus outbreak in humans spread to the Guangdong province of China by August of 2013 and this virus is now endemic in poultry in this region.MethodsFive patients with H7N9 virus infection admitted to our hospital during August 2013 to February 2014 were intensively investigated. Viral load in the respiratory tract was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and cytokine levels were measured by bead-based flow cytometery.ResultsFour patients survived and one died. Viral load in different clinical specimens was correlated with cytokine levels in plasma and broncho-alveolar fluid (BALF), therapeutic modalities used and clinical outcome. Intravenous zanamivir appeared to be better than peramivir as salvage therapy in patients who failed to respond to oseltamivir. Higher and more prolonged viral load was found in the sputum or endotracheal aspirates compared to throat swabs. Upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines IP-10, MCP-1, MIG, MIP-1α/β, IL-1β and IL-8 was found in the plasma and BALF samples. The levels of cytokines in the plasma and viral load were correlated with disease severity. Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1(HSV-1) was found in three out of five patients (60%).ConclusionExpectorated sputum or endotracheal aspirate specimens are preferable to throat swabs for detecting and monitoring H7N9 virus. Severity of the disease was correlated to the viral load in the respiratory tract as well as the extents of cytokinemia. Reactivation of HSV-1 may contribute to clinical outcome.     

High Plains wheat mosaic virus: An enigmatic disease of wheat and corn causing the High Plains disease

Brief historyIn 1993, severe mosaic and necrosis symptoms were observed on corn (maize) and wheat from several Great Plains states of the USA. Based on the geographical location of infections, the disease was named High Plains disease and the causal agent was tentatively named High Plains virus. Subsequently, researchers renamed this virus as maize red stripe virus and wheat mosaic virus to represent the host and symptom phenotype of the virus. After sequencing the genome of the pathogen, the causal agent of High Plains disease was officially named as High Plains wheat mosaic virus. Hence, High Plains virus, maize red stripe virus, wheat mosaic virus, and High Plains wheat mosaic virus (HPWMoV) are synonyms for the causal agent of High Plains disease.TaxonomyHigh Plains wheat mosaic virus is one of the 21 definitive species in the genus Emaravirus in the family Fimoviridae.VirionThe genomic RNAs are encapsidated in thread‐like nucleocapsids in double‐membrane 80–200 nm spherical or ovoid virions.Genome characterizationThe HPWMoV genome consists of eight single‐stranded negative‐sense RNA segments encoding a single open reading frame (ORF) in each genomic RNA segment. RNA 1 is 6,981‐nucleotide (nt) long, coding for a 2,272 amino acid protein of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase. RNA 2 is 2,211‐nt long and codes for a 667 amino acid glycoprotein precursor. RNA 3 has two variants of 1,439‐ and 1,441‐nt length that code for 286 and 289 amino acid nucleocapsid proteins, respectively. RNA 4 is 1,682‐nt long, coding for a 364 amino acid protein. RNA 5 and RNA 6 are 1,715‐ and 1,752‐nt long, respectively, and code for 478 and 492 amino acid proteins, respectively. RNA 7 and RNA 8 are 1,434‐ and 1,339‐nt long, code for 305 and 176 amino acid proteins, respectively.Biological propertiesHPWMoV can infect wheat, corn (maize), barley, rye brome, oat, rye, green foxtail, yellow foxtail, and foxtail barley. HPWMoV is transmitted by the wheat curl mite and through corn seed.Disease managementGenetic resistance against HPWMoV in wheat is not available, but most commercial corn hybrids are resistant while sweet corn varieties remain susceptible. Even though corn hybrids are resistant to virus, it still serves as a green bridge host that enables mites to carry the virus from corn to new crop wheat in the autumn. The main management strategy for High Plains disease in wheat relies on the management of green bridge hosts. Cultural practices such as avoiding early planting can be used to avoid mite buildup and virus infections.     

人冠状病毒OC43感染性克隆的构建

摘要 目的：构建携带绿色荧光报告基因的人冠状病毒OC43感染性克隆。方法：设计带有绿色荧光蛋白的人冠状病毒OC43感染性克隆基因组序列,分段合成后利用融合聚合酶链式反应等方法得到8个亚基因组片段,通过酵母转化关联重组技术获得重组质粒,转染HEK-293T细胞进行病毒拯救,收获转染细胞培养上清感染靶细胞分析病毒拯救情况。结果：获得人冠状病毒OC43感染性克隆重组质粒,将该质粒转染细胞后成功获得携带绿色荧光蛋白报告基因的人冠状病毒OC43重组病毒。结论：成功构建了人冠状病毒OC43感染性克隆并获得重组病毒,为针对冠状病毒的基础和应用研究提供了有效工具。     

儿童副流感病毒、肺炎支原体感染情况研究

摘要 目的：通过检测及分析住院患儿血清中副流感病毒、肺炎支原体IgM抗体,探讨两种病原体感染的流行病学特征。方法：应用酶联免疫分析的方法定性检测患儿血清中的副流感病毒、肺炎支原体IgM抗体,采用卡方检验对不同年份、性别、年龄及季节的数据进行分析。结果：副流感病毒、肺炎支原体阳性率分别为3.6%、22.4%,混合感染的阳性率为1.3%。PIV每年女性患儿比男性患儿阳性率高,每一年中6-14岁感染阳性率最高;MP每年女性患儿比男性患儿阳性率高,随着年龄增长感染的阳性率也升高,6-14岁阳性率最高。PIV与MP在每年的四季中,感染的阳性率各不相同,并且没有相对的规律可循,但是在冬季阳性率还是较高,其次是春季、秋季,最低的是夏季。结论：掌握儿童副流感病毒和肺炎支原体感染流行病学特点,有助于了解疾病感染特点,从而在疾病的不同时期及时快速地采取相应措施。     

Genetic Characterization of Spondweni and Zika Viruses and Susceptibility of Geographically Distinct Strains of Aedes aegypti,Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) to Spondweni Virus

BackgroundZika virus (ZIKV) has extended its known geographic distribution to the New World and is now responsible for severe clinical complications in a subset of patients. While substantial genetic and vector susceptibility data exist for ZIKV, less is known for the closest related flavivirus, Spondweni virus (SPONV). Both ZIKV and SPONV have been known to circulate in Africa since the mid-1900s, but neither has been genetically characterized by gene and compared in parallel. Furthermore, the susceptibility of peridomestic mosquito species incriminated or suspected in the transmission of ZIKV to SPONV was unknown.Conclusions/SignificanceSPONV and ZIKV nucleotide and amino acid divergence coupled with differences in geographic distribution, ecology and vector species support previous reports that these viruses are separate species. Furthermore, the low degree of SPONV infection or dissemination in Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus following exposure to two geographically and genetically distinct virus strains suggest a low potential for these species to serve as vectors.     

Enzyme kinetics: the use of methylene blue

Abstract

Methylene blue as a hydrogen acceptor can be used as a tool for determining the effects of pH, temperature, inhibitors, and substrate concentration on enzymic reactions. Competitive and non-competitive inhibitors can be identified and the relative affinities of enzyme for substrate, as well as reaction velocities, can be measured.

This paper briefly reviews enzyme kinetic theory with specific application to the metabolism of sucrose by yeast, and its inhibition by iodoacetate and isopropyl alcohol (propan-2-ol). Other applications to the succinate/fumarate system are suggested.     

1H and 13C NMR spectroscopic studies of the ferriheme resonances of three low-spin complexes of wild-type nitrophorin 2 and nitrophorin 2(V24E) as a function of pH

The ferriheme resonances of the low-spin (S = 1/2) complexes of wild-type (wt) nitrophorin 2 (NP2) and its heme pocket mutant NP2(V24E) with imidazole (ImH), histamine (Hm), and cyanide (CN⁻) as the sixth ligand have been investigated by NMR spectroscopy as a function of pH (4.0–7.5). For the three wt NP2 complexes, the ratio of the two possible heme orientational isomers, A and B, remains almost unchanged (ratio of A:B approximately 1:6 to 1:5) over this wide pH range. However, strong chemical exchange cross peaks appear in the nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy/exchange spectroscopy (NOESY/EXSY) spectra for the heme methyl resonances at low pH (pH* 4.0–5.5), which indicate chemical exchange between two species. We have shown these to be two different exogenous ImH or Hm orientations that are denoted B and B′, with the ImH plane nearly parallel and perpendicular to the ImH plane of the protein-provided His57, respectively. The wt NP2–CN complex also shows EXSY cross peaks due to chemical exchange, which is shown to be a result of interchange between two ruffling distortions of the heme. The same ruffling distortion interchange is also responsible for the ImH and Hm chemical exchange. For the three NP2(V24E) ligand complexes, no EXSY cross peaks are observed, but the A:B ratios change dramatically with pH. The fact that heme favors the A orientation highly for NP2(V24E) at low pH as compared with wt NP2 is believed to be due to the steric effect of the V24E mutation. The existence of the B′ species at lower pH for wt NP2 complexes and the increase in A heme orientation at lower pH for NP2(V24E) are believed to be a result of a change in structure near Glu53 when it is protonated at low pH. ¹H{¹³C} heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) spectra are very helpful for the assignment of heme and nearby protein side chain resonances.     

An anti-HBV anthraquinone from aciduric fungus Penicillium sp. OUCMDZ-4736 under low pH stress

To obtain new bioactive natural products, the effect of acidic stress on the metabolites of an aciduric fungus was investigated. This fungus, Penicillium sp. OUCMDZ-4736, which was isolated from the sediment around roots of mangrove (Acanthus ilicifolius), produced different compounds and higher yields under pH 2.5 than under neutral conditions. Using spectroscopic analyses and calculations, three new anthraquinone derivatives (1–3) were isolated and identified from the acidic fermentation broth (pH 2.5) of OUCMDZ-4736. Compound 1 showed much stronger anti-hepatitis B virus activity than that of the positive control, lamivudine, strongly inhibiting HBsAg and HBeAg secretion from HepG2.2.15 cells. These results show that extremophiles are a valuable resource of bioactive compounds, and that pH regulation is an effective strategy to induce metabolite production in aciduric fungi.

     

以pH为扰动因子探究电化学厌氧消化产甲烷代谢通量与微生物的关系

【背景】电化学厌氧消化(electrochemical anaerobic digestion,EAD)系统的代谢途径由具备不同功能的微生物所主导,其代谢通量与功能微生物丰度、活性及群落结构相关。【目的】探究EAD产甲烷代谢通量与微生物的关系。【方法】采用代谢通量分析(metabolic flux analysis,MFA)方法,以pH为扰动因子得到微生物群落与产甲烷通量的响应关系。【结果】pH 7.5扰动时产甲烷通量最大为0.398 4±0.029 3,较对照组(pH 6.9)的0.297 4±0.012 7和扰动组(pH 6.3)的0.136 5±0.012 0分别提高了25%和65%。另外,平均有33.8%±3.1%的氢气(通量)用于还原二氧化碳产甲烷和乙酸,平均有21.0%±2.6%的乙酸(通量)转化为甲烷。此外,产甲烷通量与Mariniphaga、Methanosaeta和Desulfomicrobium的丰度呈正相关,与Sedimentibacter的丰度呈负相关且影响显著。【结论】在EAD产甲烷体系中产甲烷菌和产酸菌共存时,pH值略大于7.0的环境有利于甲烷的生成,改变E...     

Estimating chikungunya virus transmission parameters and vector control effectiveness highlights key factors to mitigate arboviral disease outbreaks

BackgroundViruses transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes have greatly expanded their geographic range in recent decades. They are considered emerging public health threats throughout the world, including Europe. Therefore, public health authorities must be prepared by quantifying the potential magnitude of virus transmission and the effectiveness of interventions.MethodologyWe developed a mathematical model with a vector-host structure for chikungunya virus transmission and estimated model parameters from epidemiological data of the two main autochthonous chikungunya virus transmission events that occurred in Southern France, in Montpellier (2014) and in Le Cannet-des-Maures (2017). We then performed simulations of the model using these estimates to forecast the magnitude of the foci of transmission as a function of the response delay and the moment of virus introduction.ConclusionsThe results of the different simulations underline the relative importance of each variable and can be useful to stakeholders when designing context-based intervention strategies. The findings emphasize the importance of, and advocate for early detection of imported cases and timely biological confirmation of autochthonous cases to ensure timely vector control measures, supporting the implementation and the maintenance of sustainable surveillance systems.     

Effects of solution conditions on virus retention by the Viresolve® NFP filter

Virus filtration can provide a robust method for removal of adventitious parvoviruses in the production of biotherapeutics. Although virus filtration is typically thought to function by a purely size‐based removal mechanism, there is limited data in the literature indicating that virus retention is a function of solution conditions. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of solution pH and ionic strength on virus retention by the Viresolve^® NFP membrane. Data were obtained using the bacteriophage ?X174 as a model virus, with retention data complemented by the use of confocal microscopy to directly visualize capture of fluorescently labeled ?X174 within the filter. Virus retention was greatest at low pH and low ionic strength, conditions under which there was an attractive electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged membrane and the positively charged phage. In addition, the transient increase in virus transmission seen in response to a pressure disruption at pH 7.8 and 10 was completely absent at pH 4.9, suggesting that the trapped virus are unable to overcome the electrostatic attraction and diffuse out of the pores when the pressure is released. Further confirmation of this physical picture was provided by confocal microscopy. Images obtained at pH 10 showed the migration of previously captured phage; this phenomenon was absent at pH 4.9. These results provide important new insights into the factors governing virus retention using virus filtration membranes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1280–1286, 2015