Biology subjects

Cameron, C. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Cameron, C. E..

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Treponema pallidum periplasmic and membrane proteins are recognized by circulating and skin CD4+ T cells

BackgroundHistologic and serologic studies suggest the induction of local and systemic Treponema pallidum (Tp)-specific CD4+ T cell responses to Tp infection. We hypothesized that Tp-specific CD4+ T cells are detectable in blood and in the skin rash of secondary syphilis and persist in both compartments after treatment. MethodsPBMC collected from 67 participants were screened by IFN{gamma} ELISPOT response to Tp sonicate. Tp-reactive T cell lines from blood and skin were probed for responses to 88 recombinant Tp antigens. Peptide epitopes and HLA class II restriction were defined for selected antigens. ResultsWe detected CD4+ T cell responses to Tp sonicate ex vivo. Using Tp-reactive T cell lines we observed recognition of 14 discrete proteins, 13 of which localize to bacterial membranes or the periplasmic space. After therapy, Tp-specific T cells persisted for at least 6 months in skin and 10 years in blood. ConclusionsTp infection elicits an antigen-specific CD4+ T cell response in blood and skin. Tp-specific CD4+ T cells persist as memory in both compartments long after curative therapy. The Tp antigenic targets we identified may be high priority vaccine candidates.

immunology↗

bioRxiv2022

Enteroviral 2C protein is an RNA-stimulated ATPase and uses a two-step mechanism for binding to RNA and ATP

The enteroviral 2C protein is a therapeutic target, but the absence of a mechanistic framework for this enzyme limits our understanding of inhibitor mechanisms. Here we use poliovirus 2C and a derivative thereof to elucidate the first biochemical mechanism for this enzyme and confirm the applicability of this mechanism to other members of the enterovirus genus. Our biochemical data are consistent with a dimer forming in solution, binding to RNA, which stimulates ATPase activity by increasing the rate of hydrolysis without impacting affinity for ATP substantially. Both RNA and DNA bind to the same or overlapping site on 2C, driven by the phosphodiester backbone, but only RNA stimulates ATP hydrolysis. We propose that RNA binds to 2C driven by the backbone, with reorientation of the ribose hydroxyls occurring in a second step to form the catalytically competent state. 2C also uses a two-step mechanism for binding to ATP. Initial binding is driven by the and {beta} phosphates of ATP. In the second step, the adenine base and other substituents of ATP are used to organize the active site for catalysis. These studies provide the first biochemical description of determinants driving specificity and catalytic efficiency of a picornaviral 2C ATPase.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

Interfering with nucleotide excision by the coronavirus 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease

Some of the most efficacious antiviral therapeutics are ribonucleos(t)ide analogs. The presence of a 3-to-5 proofreading exoribonuclease (ExoN) in coronaviruses diminishes the potency of many ribonucleotide analogs. The ability to interfere with ExoN activity will create new possibilities for control of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ExoN is formed by a 1:1 complex of nsp14 and nsp10 proteins. We have purified and characterized ExoN using a robust, quantitative system that reveals determinants of specificity and efficiency of hydrolysis. Double-stranded RNA is preferred over single-stranded RNA. Nucleotide excision is distributive, with only one or two nucleotides hydrolyzed in a single binding event. The composition of the terminal basepair modulates excision. A stalled SARS-CoV-2 replicase in complex with either correctly or incorrectly terminated products prevents excision, suggesting that a mispaired end is insufficient to displace the replicase. Finally, we have discovered several modifications to the 3-RNA terminus that interfere with or block ExoN-catalyzed excision. While a 3-OH facilitates hydrolysis of a nucleotide with a normal ribose configuration, this substituent is not required for a nucleotide with a planar ribose configuration such as that present in the antiviral nucleotide produced by viperin. Design of ExoN-resistant, antiviral ribonucleotides should be feasible.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2022

IRES-independent, eIF2A/eIF2D-dependent translation of the enterovirus genome

RNA recombination in positive-strand RNA viruses is a molecular-genetic process, which permits the greatest evolution of the genome and may be essential to stabilizing the genome from the deleterious consequences of accumulated mutations. Enteroviruses represent a useful system to elucidate the details of this process. On the biochemical level, it is known that RNA recombination is catalyzed by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase using a template-switching mechanism. For this mechanism to function in cells, the recombining genomes must be located in the same subcellular compartment. How a viral genome is trafficked to the site of genome replication and recombination, which is membrane associated and isolated from the cytoplasm, is not known. We hypothesized that genome translation was essential for co-localization of genomes for recombination. We show that complete inactivation of internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation of a donor enteroviral genome enhanced recombination instead of impairing it. Recombination did not occur by a non-replicative mechanism. Rather, sufficient translation of the non-structural region of the genome occurred to support subsequent steps required for recombination. The non-canonical translation initiation factors, eIF2A and eIF2D, were required for IRES-independent translation. Our results support an eIF2A/eIF2D-dependent mechanism under conditions in which the eIF2-dependent mechanism is inactive. Detection of an IRES-independent mechanism for translation of the enterovirus genome provides an explanation for a variety of debated observations, including non-replicative recombination and persistence of enteroviral RNA lacking an IRES. The existence of an eIF2A/eIF2D-dependent mechanism in enteroviruses predicts the existence of similar mechanisms in other viruses.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

The nucleotide addition cycle of the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase

Coronaviruses have evolved elaborate multisubunit machines to replicate and transcribe their genomes. Central to these machines are the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit (nsp12) and its intimately associated cofactors (nsp7 and nsp8). We have used a high-throughput magnetic-tweezers approach to develop a mechanochemical description of this core polymerase. The core polymerase exists in at least three catalytically distinct conformations, one being kinetically consistent with incorporation of incorrect nucleotides. We provide the first evidence that an RdRp uses a thermal ratchet instead of a power stroke to transition from the pre- to post-translocated state. Ultra-stable magnetic tweezers enables the direct observation of coronavirus polymerase deep and long-lived backtrack that are strongly stimulated by secondary structure in the template. The framework presented here elucidates one of the most important structure-dynamics-function relationships in human health today, and will form the grounds for understanding the regulation of this complex.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2020

Signatures and mechanisms of efficacious therapeutic ribonucleotides against SARS-CoV-2 revealed by analysis of its replicase using magnetic tweezers

The nucleotide analog Remdesivir (RDV) is the only FDA-approved antiviral therapy to treat infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The physical basis for efficient utilization of RDV by SARS-CoV-2 polymerase is unknown. Here, we characterize the impact of RDV and other nucleotide analogs on RNA synthesis by the polymerase using a high-throughput, single-molecule, magnetic-tweezers platform. The location of the modification in the ribose or in the base dictates the catalytic pathway(s) used for its incorporation. We reveal that RDV incorporation does not terminate viral RNA synthesis, but leads the polymerase into deep backtrack, which may appear as termination in traditional ensemble assays. SARS-CoV-2 is able to evade the endogenously synthesized product of the viperin antiviral protein, ddhCTP, though the polymerase incorporates this nucleotide analog well. This experimental paradigm is essential to the discovery and development of therapeutics targeting viral polymerases. TeaserWe revise Remdesivirs mechanism of action and reveal SARS-CoV-2 ability to evade interferon-induced antiviral ddhCTP

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2020

AMPlify: attentive deep learning model for discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides effective against WHO priority pathogens

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern prompting researchers to seek alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are emerging therapeutic agents with promising utility in this domain and using in silico methods to discover novel AMPs is a strategy that is gaining interest. Such methods can filter through large volumes of candidate sequences and reduce lab screening costs. Here we introduce AMPlify, an attentive deep learning model for AMP prediction, and demonstrate its utility in prioritizing peptide sequences derived from the Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana (bullfrog) genome. We tested the bioactivity of our predicted peptides against a panel of bacterial species, including representatives from the World Health Organizations "priority pathogens" list. Four of our novel AMPs were active against multiple species of bacteria, including a multi-drug resistant isolate of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli, demonstrating the utility of tools like AMPlify in our fight against antibiotic resistance.

bioinformatics↗

bioRxiv2020

Induced copy-back RNA synthesis as a novel therapeutic mechanism against RNA viruses

The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a well-established target for development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics. Incorporation of ribonucleotide analogues by the RdRp will either cause termination of RNA synthesis or mutagenesis of the RNA product. We demonstrated recently that incorporation of a pyrazine-carboxamide ribonucleotide into nascent RNA leads to pausing and backtracking of the elongating RdRp. Here, we provide evidence for the single-stranded RNA product of backtracking serving as an intermediate in RdRp-catalyzed, template-switching reactions. This intermediate is used for both intramolecular template-switching (copy-back RNA synthesis) and intermolecular template-switching (homologous RNA recombination). The use of a magnetic-tweezers platform to monitor RdRp elongation dynamics permitted direct observation of copy-back synthesis and illuminated properties of the RdRp that promote copy-back synthesis, including stability of the RdRp-nascent-RNA complex and the dimensions of the RdRp nucleic-acid-binding channel. In cells, recombination was stimulated by the presence of a pyrazine-carboxamide ribonucleotide. The effect of the drug on recombination was diminished for a recombination-defective virus, but this virus was not resistant to the drug. The discovery that a ribonucleotide analogue can induce copy-back RNA synthesis suggests that this third mechanistic class of compounds may function by promoting formation of defective viral genomes. This study identifies RdRp-catalyzed intra- and intermolecular template switching as a viable new mechanistic target with potentially broad-spectrum appeal.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2020

Temperature controlled high-throughput magnetic tweezers show striking difference in activation energies of replicating viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases.

RNA virus survival depends on efficient viral genome replication, which is performed by the viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The recent development of high throughput magnetic tweezers has enabled the simultaneous observation of dozens of viral RdRp elongation traces on kilobases long templates, and this has shown that RdRp nucleotide addition kinetics is stochastically interrupted by rare pauses of 1-1000 s duration, of which the short-lived ones (1-10 s) are the temporal signature of a low fidelity catalytic pathway. We present a simple and precise temperature controlled system for magnetic tweezers to characterize the replication kinetics temperature dependence between 25{degrees}C and 45{degrees}C of RdRps from three RNA viruses, i.e. the double-stranded RNA bacteriophage {Phi}6, and the positive-sense single-stranded RNA poliovirus (PV) and human rhinovirus C (HRV-C). We found that {Phi}6 RdRp is largely temperature insensitive, while PV and HRV-C RdRps replication kinetics are activated by temperature. Furthermore, the activation energies we measured for PV RdRp catalytic state corroborate previous estimations from ensemble pre-steady state kinetic studies, further confirming the catalytic origin of the short pauses and their link to temperature independent RdRp fidelity. This work will enable future temperature controlled study of biomolecular complex at the single molecule level.

biophysics↗

bioRxiv2019

More than efficacy revealed by single-cell analysis of antiviral therapeutics

Development of antiviral therapeutics emphasizes minimization of the effective dose and maximization of the toxic dose, first in cell culture and later in animal models. Long-term success of an antiviral therapeutic is determined not only by its efficacy but also by the duration of time required for drug-resistance to evolve. We have developed a microfluidic device comprised of ~6000 wells, with each well containing a microstructure to capture single cells. We have used this device to characterize enterovirus inhibitors with distinct mechanisms of action. In contrast to population methods, single-cell analysis reveals that each class of inhibitor interferes with the viral infection cycle in a manner that can be distinguished by principal component analysis. Single-cell analysis of antiviral candidates reveals not only efficacy but also properties of the members of the viral population most sensitive to the drug, the stage of the lifecycle most affected by the drug, and perhaps even if the drug targets an interaction of the virus with its host.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Predicting Intra- and Intertypic Recombination in Enterovirus 71

Enteroviruses are well known for their ability to cause neurological damage and paralysis. The model enterovirus is poliovirus (PV), the causative agent of poliomyelitis, a condition characterized by acute flaccid paralysis. A related virus, enterovirus 71 (EV-A71), causes similar clinical outcomes in recurrent outbreaks throughout Asia. Retrospective phylogenetic analysis has shown that recombination between circulating strains of EV-A71 produces the outbreak-associated strains which exhibit increased virulence and/or transmissibility. While studies on the mechanism(s) of recombination in PV are ongoing in several laboratories, little is known about factors that influence recombination in EV-A71. We have developed a cell-based assay to study recombination of EV-A71 based upon previously reported assays for poliovirus recombination. Our results show that: (1) EV-A71 strain-type and RNA sequence diversity impacts recombination frequency in a predictable manner that mimics the observations found in nature; (2) recombination is primarily a replicative process mediated by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp); (3) a mutation shown to reduce recombination in PV (L420A) similarly reduces EV-A71 recombination suggesting conservation in mechanism(s); and (4) sequencing of intertypic recombinant genomes indicates that template-switching is by a mechanism that requires some sequence homology at the recombination junction and that the triggers for template-switching may be sequence independent. The development of this recombination assay will permit further investigation on the interplay between replication, recombination and disease.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

A speed-fidelity trade-off determines the mutation rate and virulence of an RNA virus

Mutation rates can evolve through genetic drift, indirect selection due to genetic hitchhiking, or direct selection on the physicochemical cost of high fidelity. However, for many systems, it has been difficult to disentangle the relative impact of these forces empirically. In RNA viruses, an observed correlation between mutation rate and virulence has led many to argue that their extremely high mutation rates are advantageous, because they may allow for increased adaptability. This argument has profound implications, as it suggests that pathogenesis in many viral infections depends on rare or de novo mutations. Here we present data for an alternative model whereby RNA viruses evolve high mutation rates as a byproduct of selection for increased replicative speed. We find that a poliovirus antimutator, 3DG64S, has a significant replication defect and that wild type and 3DG64S populations have similar adaptability in two distinct cellular environments. Experimental evolution of 3DG64S under r-selection led to reversion and compensation of the fidelity phenotype. Mice infected with 3DG64S exhibited delayed morbidity at doses well above the LD50, consistent with attenuation by slower growth as opposed to reduced mutational supply. Furthermore, compensation of the 3DG64S growth defect restored virulence, while compensation of the fidelity phenotype did not. Our data are consistent with the kinetic proofreading model for biosynthetic reactions and suggest that speed is more important than accuracy. In contrast to what has been suggested for many RNA viruses, we find that within host spread is associated with viral replicative speed and not standing genetic diversity.\n\nAuthor SummaryMutation rate evolution has long been a fundamental problem in evolutionary biology. The polymerases of RNA viruses generally lack proofreading activity and exhibit extremely high mutation rates. Since most mutations are deleterious and mutation rates are tuned by natural selection, we asked why hasnt the virus evolved to have a lower mutation rate? We used experimental evolution and a murine infection model to show that RNA virus mutation rates may actually be too high and are not necessarily adaptive. Rather, our data indicate that viral mutation rates are driven higher as a result of selection for viruses with faster replication kinetics. We suggest that viruses have high mutation rates, not because they facilitate adaption, but because it is hard to be both fast and accurate.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2018

Genetic recombination of poliovirus facilitates subversion of host barriers to infection

The contribution of RNA recombination to viral fitness and pathogenesis is poorly defined. Here, we isolate a recombination-deficient, poliovirus variant and find that, while recombination is detrimental to virus replication in tissue culture, recombination is important for pathogenesis in infected animals. Notably, recombination-defective virus exhibits severe attenuation following intravenous inoculation that is associated with a significant reduction in population size during intra-host spread. Because the impact of high mutational loads manifests most strongly at small population sizes, our data suggest that the repair of mutagenized genomes is an essential function of recombination and that this function may drive the long-term maintenance of recombination in viral species despite its associated fitness costs.\n\nSignificance StatementRNA recombination is a widespread but poorly understood feature of RNA virus replication. For poliovirus, recombination is involved in the emergence of neurovirulent circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, which has hampered global poliovirus eradication efforts. This emergence illustrates the power of recombination to drive major adaptive change; however, it remains unclear if these adaptive events represent the primary role of recombination in virus survival. Here, we identify a viral mutant with a reduced rate of recombination and find that recombination also plays a central role in the spread of virus within animal hosts. These results highlight a novel approach for improving the safety of live attenuated vaccines and further our understanding of the role of recombination in virus pathogenesis and evolution.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2017

Hijacking of Multiple Phospholipid Biosynthetic Pathways and Induction of Membrane Biogenesis by a Picornaviral 3CD Protein

RNA viruses induce specialized membranous structures for use in genome replication. These structures are often referred to as replication organelles (ROs). ROs exhibit distinct lipid composition relative to other cellular membranes. In many picornaviruses, phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) is a marker of the RO. Studies to date indicate that the viral 3A protein hijacks a PI4 kinase to induce PI4P by a mechanism unrelated to the cellular pathway, which requires Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1, GBF1, and ADP ribosylation factor 1, Arf1. Here we show that a picornaviral 3CD protein is sufficient to induce synthesis of not only PI4P but also phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylcholine (PC). Synthesis of PI4P requires GBF1 and Arf1. We identified 3CD derivatives: 3CDm and 3CmD, that we used to show that distinct domains of 3CD function upstream of GBF1 and downstream of Arf1 activation. These same 3CD derivatives still supported induction of PIP2 and PC, suggesting that pathways and corresponding mechanisms used to induce these phospholipids are distinct. Phospholipid induction by 3CD is localized to the perinuclear membrane, the outcome of which is the proliferation of membranes in this area of the cell. We conclude that a single viral protein can serve as a master regulator of cellular phospholipid and membrane biogenesis, likely by commandeering normal cellular pathways.\n\nAUTHOR SUMMARYPicornaviruses replicate their genomes in association with host membranes. Early during infection, existing membranes are used but remodeled to contain a repertoire of lipids best suited for virus multiplication. Later, new membrane synthesis occurs, which requires biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine in addition to the other more specialized lipids. We have learned that a single picornaviral protein is able to induce membrane biogenesis and decorate these membranes with some of the specialized lipids induced by the virus. A detailed mechanism of induction has been elucidated for one of these lipids. The ability of a single viral protein to commandeer host pathways that lead to membrane biogenesis was unexpected. This discovery reveals a new target for antiviral therapy with the potential to completely derail all aspects of the viral lifecycle requiring membrane biogenesis.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

The RNA-binding site of poliovirus 3C protein doubles as a phosphoinositide-binding domain

Some viruses use phosphatidylinositol phosphate (PIP) to mark membranes used for genome replication or virion assembly. PIP-binding motifs of cellular proteins do not exist in viral proteins. Molecular-docking simulations revealed a putative site of PIP binding to poliovirus (PV) 3C protein that was validated using NMR spectroscopy. The PIP-binding site was located on a highly dynamic -helix that also functions in RNA binding. Broad PIP-binding activity was observed in solution using a fluorescence polarization assay or in the context of a lipid bilayer using an on-chip, fluorescence assay. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of the 3C protein-membrane interface revealed PIP clustering and perhaps PIP-dependent conformations. PIP clustering was mediated by interaction with residues that interact with the RNA phosphodiester backbone. We conclude that 3C binding to membranes will be determined by PIP abundance. We suggest that the duality of function observed for 3C may extend to RNA-binding proteins of other viruses.

biochemistry↗

bioRxiv2017

Multiple Poliovirus-Induced Organelles Suggested By Comparison Of Spatiotemporal Dynamics Of Membranous Structures And Phosphoinositides

Poliovirus (PV) infection induces membranes with elevated levels of phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P) and invaginated, tubular structures that appear as vesicular clusters in cross section. Here, we characterize PV mutants, termed EG and GG, which exhibit aberrant proteolytic processing of the P3 precursor that can delay the onset of genome replication and/or impair virus assembly. For WT PV, changes to the PI4P pool were observed as early as 30 min post-infection. PI4P remodeling occurred even in the presence of guanidine hydrochloride, a replication inhibitor. Vesicular clusters were not apparent until 3 h post-infection, a time too slow for these structures to be responsible for genome replication. Delays in the onset of genome replication observed for EG and GG PVs were explained completely by the reduced kinetics of virus-induced remodeling of PI4P pools, consistent with PI4P serving as a marker of the genome-replication organelle. Infectious virus produced by GG PV is known to be reduced nearly 5 logs. We show that GG PV was unable to make virus-induced vesicular clusters. Instead, GG PV-infected cells accumulated elongated tubules. Our results are consistent with the existence of distinct organelles for genome-replication and virus assembly. We suggest that the pace of formation and spatiotemporal dynamics of PV induced organelles may be set by the rate of P3 precursor processing to form 3AB and/or 3CD proteins.\n\nAUTHOR SUMMARYAll positive-strand RNA viruses replicate their genomes in association with host cell membranes. PV does not just remodel existing membranes, but induces membranes with unique structure and lipid composition. There has been some suggestion that the functions of the PV induced structures observed during infection may not be those that perform genome-replication. This study uses kinetic analysis of virus-induced membrane formation and PI4P induction by two PV mutants to provide evidence for the existence of a virus-induced genome-replication organelle distinct from a second organelle, the absence of which impairs virus assembly. In addition, our studies suggest that formation of both organelles may require participation of viral proteins, 3AB and/or 3CD. Therefore, this study provides a new perspective on the cell biology of PV infection and should inspire a fresh look at picornavirus-induced organelles, their functions and the role of P3 proteins in their formation.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Unexpected sequences and structures of mtDNA required for efficient transcription from the first heavy-strand promoter

Human mtDNA contains three promoters, suggesting a need for differential expression of the mitochondrial genome. Studies of mitochondrial transcription have used a reductionist approach, perhaps masking differential regulation. Here we evaluate transcription from light-strand (LSP) and heavy-strand (HSP1) promoters using templates that mimic their natural context. These studies reveal sequences upstream, hypervariable in the human population (HVR3), and downstream of the HSP1 transcription start site required for maximal yield. The carboxy-terminal tail of TFAM is essential for activation of HSP1 but not LSP. Images of the template obtained by atomic force microscopy show that TFAM creates loops in a discrete region, the formation of which correlates with activation of HSP1; looping is lost in tail-deleted TFAM. Identification of HVR3 as a transcriptional regulatory element may contribute to between-individual variability in mitochondrial gene expression. The unique requirement of HSP1 for the TFAM tail may enable its regulation by post-translational modifications.

biochemistry↗