Involvement In DNA Replication Research Articles

RFC3 serves as a novel prognostic biomarker and target for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer that originates from the squamous cells. The role of the replication factor C subunit 3 (RFC3) in HNSCC progression remains elusive. The aim of this study was to uncover RFC3 significance in HNSCC. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-HNSCC) dataset was initially used to assess RFC3 expression and its association with HNSCC clinical features. Subsequently, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed RFC3 mRNA expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a primary HNSCC type. Survival rates were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier plot, while the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database probed RFC3-immune cell interaction. Additionally, in silico tools were used to examine the RFC3 protein network and engagement in HNSCC pathways. RFC3 expression is significantly upregulated in HNSCC, including OSCC. Upregulated RFC3 expression was significantly correlated with the clinicopathological features of HNSCC, including tumor stage, grade, metastasis, and patient survival. RFC3 is also associated with immune cell infiltration. Functional analysis has highlighted its involvement in DNA replication, mismatch repair, and cell cycle pathways. Interestingly, RFC3 high expression is linked to well-known oncogenic signaling pathways, such as MYC/MYCN, HIPPO, and mTOR. In conclusion, RFC3 can be considered a novel prognostic biomarker for HNSCC, and further studies on its functional mechanisms may help to use RFC3 as a therapeutic target for HNSCC. The clinical relevance of this study lies in identifying RFC3 as a novel biomarker and prognostic indicator for HNSCC, offering insights that could impact future clinical approaches.

Discovery of small molecule degraders for modulating cell cycle.

The cell cycle is a complex process that involves DNA replication, protein expression, and cell division. Dysregulation of the cell cycle is associated with various diseases. Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and their corresponding cyclins are major proteins that regulate the cell cycle. In contrast to inhibition, a new approach called proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues can eliminate both enzymatic and scaffold functions of CDKs and cyclins, achieving targeted degradation. The field of PROTACs and molecular glues has developed rapidly in recent years. In this article, we aim to summarize the latest developments of CDKs and cyclin protein degraders. The selectivity, application, validation and the current state of each CDK degrader will be overviewed. Additionally, possible methods are discussed for the development of degraders for CDK members that still lack them. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in CDK and cyclin protein degraders, which will be helpful for researchers working on this topic.

LIM protein Ajuba promotes liver cell proliferation through its involvement in DNA replication and DNA damage control.

The LIM-domain protein Ajuba is associated with cell proliferation, a fundamental process of tissue regeneration and cancer. We report that in the liver, Ajuba expression is increased during regeneration and in tumour cells and tissues. Knockout of Ajuba using CRISPR/Cas9 is embryonic lethal in mice. shRNA targeting of Ajuba reduces cell proliferation, delays cell entry into S-phase, reduces cell survival and tumour growth in vivo and increases expression of the DNA damage marker γH2AX. Ajuba binding partners include proteins involved in DNA replication and damage, such as SKP2, MCM2, MCM7 and RPA70. Taken together, our data support that Ajuba promotes liver cell proliferation associated with development, regeneration and tumour growth and is involved in DNA replication and damage repair.

ZWINT is a Promising Therapeutic Biomarker Associated with the Immune Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

BackgroundThe prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still poor, effective therapeutic targets are needed. ZW10 interacting kinetochore protein (Zwint) is an essential component of the mitotic spindle checkpoint and is upregulated in cancers. Disappointing, the role of ZWINT in HCC has not been fully illuminated.MethodsMultiple tools, including TIMER2.0, Oncomine, GEPIA2, UALCAN, LinkedOmics, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, and MethSurv, etc. were applied to comprehensively analyze the expression, genetic alternations, clinicopathological relevance, prognostic value, and DNA methylation of ZWINT, along with its correlations with immune infiltration in HCC. Besides, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed for the correlated genes of ZWINT, closely interconnected clusters and hub proteins in the PPI network were discovered to learn the underlying biological mechanisms.ResultsWe found ZWINT was significantly upregulated in diverse cancers including HCC, compared with the corresponding normal controls. ZWINT upregulation was significantly associated with unfavorable clinicopathological features and survivals of HCC patients. Genetic alternations of ZWINT frequently occurred, which were linked to worse outcomes of HCC patients. The results of GSEA displayed ZWINT and its correlated genes might be components of condensed chromosomes and spindles, which participated in biological processes and signaling pathways involving DNA replication, cytokinesis, and cell cycle checkpoint, etc. Three highly interconnected clusters and 10 hub proteins were identified from the PPI network constructed with the correlated genes of ZWINT. Moreover, ZWINT expression was found positively correlated with infiltration levels of various immune cells, especially myeloid-derived suppressor cells.ConclusionThis study demonstrated ZWINT might be a promising unfavorable prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target of HCC, which could regulate HCC progression through cell division and immunosuppression.

Recombinant production of Thermus aquaticus single-strand binding protein for usage as PCR enhancer

Single-stranded DNA-binding (SSB) proteins play an important role in DNA metabolism involving DNA replication, recombination, and repair in all living beings. In molecular biology, SSB proteins are used as enhancers to increase the efficiency and specificity of PCR. Thermostable SSB protein eliminates secondary structure or dimer formation and significantly increase the effectiveness of amplification of DNA fragments. In this study, it was ensured that the SSB gene of thermophilic bacteria Thermus aquaticus (T. aquaticus) was cloned into the pET28b vector and expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) PLysE cells. Then, the purification of the SSB protein produced in E. coli BL21 (DE3) PLysE cells was performed. 20 mg SSB protein was obtained from 1L bacterial culture, and its purity was more than 90%. It was shown by the PCR experiment that the SSB protein produced in this study could increase the amplification efficiency.

Plasmodium transcription repressor AP2-O3 regulates sex-specific identity of gene expression in female gametocytes.

Male and female gametocytes are sexual precursor cells essential for mosquito transmission of malaria parasite. Differentiation of gametocytes into fertile gametes (known as gametogenesis) relies on the gender‐specific transcription program. How the parasites establish distinct repertoires of transcription in the male and female gametocytes remains largely unknown. Here, we report that an Apetala2 family transcription factor AP2‐O3 operates as a transcription repressor in the female gametocytes. AP2‐O3 is specifically expressed in the female gametocytes. AP2‐O3‐deficient parasites produce apparently normal female gametocytes. Nevertheless, these gametocytes fail to differentiate into fully fertile female gametes, leading to developmental arrest in fertilization and early development post‐fertilization. AP2‐O3 disruption causes massive upregulation of transcriptionally dormant male genes and simultaneously downregulation of highly transcribed female genes in the female gametocytes. AP2‐O3 targets a substantial proportion of the male genes by recognizing an 8‐base DNA motif. In addition, the maternal AP2‐O3 is removed after fertilization, which is required for the zygote to ookinete development. Therefore, the global transcriptional repression of the male genes in the female gametocytes is required for safeguarding female‐specific transcriptome and essential for the mosquito transmission of Plasmodium.

Structure and function of the poxvirus transcription machinery.

Members of the Poxviridae family are large double-stranded DNA viruses that replicate exclusively in the cytoplasm of their hosts. This goes in hand with a high level of independence from the host cell, which supports transcription and replication events only in the nucleus or in DNA-containing organelles. Consequently, virus specific, rather than cellular enzymes mediate most processes involving DNA replication and mRNA synthesis. Recent technological advances allowed a detailed functional and structural investigation of the transcription machinery of the prototypic poxvirus vaccinia. The DNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RNAP) at its core displays distinct similarities to eukaryotic RNAPs. Strong idiosyncrasies, however, are apparent for viral factors that are associated with the viral RNAP during mRNA production. We expect that future studies will unravel more key aspects of poxvirus gene expression, helping also the understanding of nuclear transcription mechanisms.

Structures and functions of multi-tRNA synthetase complexes.

Human body is a finely-tuned machine that requires homeostatic balance based on systemically controlled biological processes involving DNA replication, transcription, translation, and energy metabolism. Ubiquitously expressed aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases have been investigated for many decades, and they act as cross-over mediators of important biological processes. In particular, a cytoplasmic multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) appears to be a central machinery controlling the complexity of biological systems. The structural integrity of MSC determined by the associated components is correlated with increasing biological complexity that links to system development in higher organisms. Although the role of the MSCs is still unclear, this chapter describes the current knowledge on MSC components that are associated with and regulate functions beyond their catalytic activities with focus on human MSC.

HMGB2 is a negative regulator of telomerase activity in human embryonic stem and progenitor cells.

High-mobility group box (HMGB)1 and HMGB2 proteins are the subject of intensive research because of their involvement in DNA replication, repair, transcription, differentiation, proliferation, cell signaling, inflammation, and tumor migration. Using inducible, stably transfected human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) capable of the short hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown (KD) of HMGB1 and HMGB2, we provide evidence that deregulation of HMGB1 or HMGB2 expression in hESCs and their differentiated derivatives (neuroectodermal cells) results in distinct modulation of telomere homeostasis. Whereas HMGB1 enhances telomerase activity, HMGB2 acts as a negative regulator of telomerase activity in the cell. Stimulation of telomerase activity in the HMGB2-deficient cells may be related to activation of the PI3K/protein kinase B/ glycogen synthase kinase-3β/β-catenin signaling pathways by HMGB1, augmented TERT/telomerase RNA subunit transcription, and possibly also because of changes in telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) and TERRA-polyA+ transcription. The impact of HMGB1/2 KD on telomerase transcriptional regulation observed in neuroectodermal cells is partially masked in hESCs by their pluripotent state. Our findings on differential roles of HMGB1 and HMGB2 proteins in regulation of telomerase activity may suggest another possible outcome of HMGB1 targeting in cells, which is currently a promising approach aiming at increasing the anticancer activity of cytotoxic agents.-Kučírek, M., Bagherpoor, A. J., Jaroš, J., Hampl, A., Štros, M. HMGB2 is a negative regulator of telomerase activity in human embryonic stem and progenitor cells.

Post-Translational Modifications of the Mini-Chromosome Maintenance Proteins in DNA Replication.

The eukaryotic mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) complex, composed of MCM proteins 2–7, is the core component of the replisome that acts as the DNA replicative helicase to unwind duplex DNA and initiate DNA replication. MCM10 tightly binds the cell division control protein 45 homolog (CDC45)/MCM2–7/ DNA replication complex Go-Ichi-Ni-San (GINS) (CMG) complex that stimulates CMG helicase activity. The MCM8–MCM9 complex may have a non-essential role in activating the pre-replicative complex in the gap 1 (G1) phase by recruiting cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) to the origin recognition complex (ORC). Each MCM subunit has a distinct function achieved by differential post-translational modifications (PTMs) in both DNA replication process and response to replication stress. Such PTMs include phosphorylation, ubiquitination, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO)ylation, O-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc)ylation, and acetylation. These PTMs have an important role in controlling replication progress and genome stability. Because MCM proteins are associated with various human diseases, they are regarded as potential targets for therapeutic development. In this review, we summarize the different PTMs of the MCM proteins, their involvement in DNA replication and disease development, and the potential therapeutic implications.

<p>CDKN3 promotes tumor progression and confers cisplatin resistance via RAD51 in esophageal cancer</p>

Purpose: Esophageal cancer (ESCA) progression and chemoresistance are critical factors that impact the survival of patients with esophageal cancer. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) is an important regulator of the cell cycle that has received little attention, therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate CDKN3 involvement in ESCA.Methods: We first explored the public database in addition to our cohort to evaluate the expression of CDKN3 in ESCA patients. We performed bioinformative analysis on specific processes regulated by CDKN3, then we investigated the role of CDKN3 in ESCA progression and chemoresistance in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we sought to elucidate the mechanism of CDKN3 regulation of chemoresistance in ESCA.Results: We discovered that CDKN3 was highly expressed in ESCA and serves as an independent prognostic factor of this disease. Bioinformatic analysis showed CDKN3 involvement in DNA replication, the cell cycle G2/M phase transition, DNA damage repair (DDR) signaling pathways, et al Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that CDKN3 promoted ESCA progression and enhanced cisplatin resistance. Furthermore, CDKN3 inhibition resulted in reduced expression of RAD51, which plays a pivotal role in DDR. Overexpression of RAD51 reversed cisplatin-induced DNA damage and chemosensitivity in CDKN3 inhibited ESCA cell lines.Conclusion: The present research indicated that CDKN3 promoted ESCA progression and enhanced cisplatin resistance via RAD51, thereby influencing overall patient survival.

Prokaryotic primases - structure and function

Primases are responsible for the synthesis of a short oligo RNA, which serves as primer for DNA polymerase. Primases play an essential role in the initiation of DNA replication at the origins, in the synthesis of Okazaki fragments and in the restart of stalled replication forks. Prokaryotic primases based on their structure and sequence alignments are classified as a family of DnaG proteins. Primases from this family contain three distinct domains: an amino terminal domain with a zinc ribbon motif involved in binding template DNA, a middle RNA polymerase domain, and a carboxyl-terminal region that either interacts with a helicase or is itself a DNA helicase. In this review, we are presenting the comparison of the representative primases from bacteria and bacteriophages, their mode of action and their involvement in DNA replication at the replication fork.

Cooperation between non-essential DNA polymerases contributes to genome stability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

DNA polymerases influence genome stability through their involvement in DNA replication, response to DNA damage, and DNA repair processes. Saccharomyces cerevisiae possess four non-essential DNA polymerases, Pol λ, Pol η, Pol ζ, and Rev1, which have varying roles in genome stability. In order to assess the contribution of the non-essential DNA polymerases in genome stability, we analyzed the pol4Δ rev1Δ rev3Δ rad30Δ quadruple mutant in microhomology mediated repair, due to recent studies linking some of these DNA polymerases to this repair pathway. Our results suggest that the length and quality of microhomology influence both the overall efficiency of repair and the involvement of DNA polymerases. Furthermore, the non-essential DNA polymerases demonstrate overlapping and redundant functions when repairing double-strand breaks using short microhomologies containing mismatches. Then, we examined genome-wide mutation accumulation in the pol4Δ rev1Δ rev3Δ rad30Δ quadruple mutant compared to wild type cells. We found a significant decrease in the overall rate of mutation accumulation in the quadruple mutant cells compared to wildtype, but an increase in frameshift mutations and a shift towards transversion base-substitution with a preference for G:C to T:A or C:G. Thus, the non-essential DNA polymerases have an impact on the nature of the mutational spectrum. The sequence and functional homology shared between human and S. cerevisiae non-essential DNA polymerases suggest these DNA polymerases may have a similar role in human cells.

Abstract 1372: Novel role of the actin-binding factor Profilin-1 in DNA replication

Abstract Introduction: Proper control of DNA replication is important for genome stability of all mitotic cells, and its deregulation leads to many forms of cancer. While the basic replication machinery and core regulatory factors have been thoroughly studied, new functional regulators continue to emerge. Here we present evidence for a novel function of the actin-binding protein profilin-1 (Pfn1) in DNA replication under both normal and stressed conditions. Pfn1 is essential for actin assembly, cell proliferation and survival, yet showing paradoxical antitumor activities for various types of cancer (breast, bladder, pancreatic, liver). It contains a unique binding site for poly-L-proline (PLP) motifs (XP≥5; X=A, L, I, G, S). Though predominantly cytoplasmic, it is also present in the cellular nucleus with poorly understood functions. Results: We find by chromatin fractionation that Pfn1 knockdown in the untransformed breast epithelial MCF-10A cells significantly inhibits the DNA-binding of many proteins in the replisome complex (e.g. PCNA, MCM-7, RFC, RPA, and DNA polymerase δ and ε) without affecting their cellular level. The knockdown specificity is confirmed by the phenotypic rescue via a Pfn1 construct containing RNAi-resistant silent mutations. In contrast, Pfn1 overexpression increases the DNA-binding of these proteins, and this requires its ability to bind PLPs since a PLP-binding defective Pfn1 mutant (S137D) shows no effect. Interestingly, Pfn1 undergoes robust nuclear translocation upon hydroxyurea (HU)-induced replication stress, and this occurs in various cell lines including MCF-10A and the breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Consistent with a role of Pfn1 in cellular response to stalled replication forks, its knockdown in HU-treated MCF-10A cells decreases ATR-dependent signaling (p-ATR, p-CHK1, p-P53, p-CDC2, p-RPA) but increases cellular survival, suggesting possible cell cycle checkpoint bypass and evasion of apoptotic cell death in the absence of Pfn1. Conclusions: By uncovering the effects of Pfn1 on DNA replication factors and cellular response to replication stress, we provide for the first time the compelling evidence for a “moonlighting” nuclear function of this well-known actin-binding protein that has been implicated in many forms of cancer. Our data suggest that nuclear Pfn1 is required for normal DNA replication, at least partially through its ability to secure the replisome complex at replication forks. Upon replication stress, more Pfn1 is translocated into the nucleus to facilitate ATR activation and proper DNA damage response (checkpoint activation, DNA repair, and apoptosis) which likely results from Pfn1's ability to stabilize the replication forks and the various associated proteins. Future work will be directed towards understanding the mechanistic details of Pfn1 involvement in DNA replication and translating this novel knowledge into anticancer treatments. Citation Format: Cuige Zhu, Sun-Joong Kim, Sean Holohan, Anna Rogers, Jieya Shao. Novel role of the actin-binding factor Profilin-1 in DNA replication [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1372.

PO-020 Functional characterisation of variant of unknown significate in familial breast cancer

IntroductionGlioblastoma (GBM), the common and aggressive human primary brain tumour (WHO grade IV), is highly resistant to standard radio- and chemotherapy. This is partly due to numerous genetic alterations in oncogenes and DNA damage repair systems. Despite progress in understanding the molecular background of GBM and advances in treatment modalities, survival of GMB patients is only 14 months post-diagnosis. RECQL4 belongs to RecQ family of ATP-dependent DNA helicases and plays an important role in genomic integrity and stability maintenance via involvement in DNA replication, repair, recombination, transcription and telomere maintenance. Mutations in the human RecQ genes are linked with cancer predisposition and/or premature ageing. Of all five human helicases, only RECQL4 is found in mitochondria. We explored if alterations of RECQL4 expression or functions contribute to pathogenesis of human GBM.Material and methodsWe determined the RECQL4 expression in various tumour specimens (tumour samples, human primary and established glioma cell cultures) by qPCR and Western Blotting. We determined the effect of RECQL4 depletion on cell viability, proliferation and GBM sphere formation using MTT metabolism, BrdU incorporation and tumour sphere forming assays, respectively.Results and discussionsWe found the upregulated expression of RECQL4 in GBM at mRNA and protein levels when compared to non-transformed human astrocytes. This finding was corroborated by TCGA data analysis. Fractionation of mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions from human glioma cells revealed the presence of RECQL4 in mitochondria. Downregulation (by siRNA) or genetic depletion of RECQL4 (by CRISPRCas9 knockout) in human glioma LN18 and U87-MG cells impaired cell viability and proliferation. We found upregulation of RECQL4 expression in GBM sphere cultures, enriched in glioma stem cells. Transient knock-down of RECQL4 significantly affected tumour sphere formation as evidenced by decreased numbers and sizes of cultured spheres.ConclusionThese data indicate that deregulation of RECQL4 expression or function may play an important role in GBM pathobiology. Our results provide a rationale for further studies of RECQL4 role in gliomagenesis.Supported by National Science Centre grants 2015/19/N/NZ3/02374 (SKK) and 2016/22/M/NZ3/00679 (BK) and the Foundation for Polish Science TEAM-TECH Core Facility project „NGS platform for comprehensive diagnostics and personalised therapy in neuro-oncology’ (AK).

Differentially Expressed miRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Target Genes in the Genetic Information Processing and Metabolism Pathways.

To date, studies of the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have either focused on specific individual miRNAs and a small number of suspected targets or simply reported a list of differentially expressed miRNAs based on expression profiling. Here, we seek a more in-depth understanding of the roles of miRNAs and their targets in HCC by integrating the miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles of tumorous and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues of 100 HCC patients. We assessed the levels of 829 mature miRNAs, of which 32 were significantly differentially expressed. Statistical analysis indicates that six of these miRNAs regulate a significant proportion of their in silico predicted target mRNAs. Three of these miRNAs (miR-26a, miR-122, and miR-130a) were down-regulated in HCC, and their up-regulated gene targets are primarily associated with aberrant cell proliferation that involves DNA replication, transcription and nucleotide metabolism. The other three miRNAs (miR-21, miR-93, and miR-221) were up-regulated in HCC, and their down-regulated gene targets are primarily involved in metabolism and immune system processes. We further found evidence for a coordinated miRNA-induced regulation of important cellular processes, a finding to be considered when designing therapeutic applications based on miRNAs.

USP7 Is a Suppressor of PCNA Ubiquitination and Oxidative-Stress-Induced Mutagenesis in Human Cells.

Mono-ubiquitinated PCNA activates error-prone DNA polymerases; therefore, strict regulation of PCNA mono-ubiquitination is crucial in avoiding undesired mutagenesis. In this study, we used an in vitro assay system to identify USP7 as a deubiquitinating enzyme of mono-ubiquitinated PCNA. Suppression of USP1, a previously identified PCNA deubiquitinase, or USP7 increased UV- and H2O2-induced PCNA mono-ubiquitination in a distinct and additive manner, suggesting that USP1 and USP7 make different contributions to PCNA deubiquitination in human cells. Cell-cycle-synchronization analyses revealed that USP7 suppression increased H2O2-induced PCNA ubiquitination throughout interphase, whereas USP1 suppression specifically increased ubiquitination in S-phase cells. UV-induced mutagenesis was elevated in USP1-suppressed cells, whereas H2O2-induced mutagenesis was elevated in USP7-suppressed cells. These results suggest that USP1 suppresses UV-induced mutations produced in a manner involving DNA replication, whereas USP7 suppresses H2O2-induced mutagenesis involving cell-cycle-independent processes such as DNA repair.

Functional dissection of proliferating-cell nuclear antigens (1 and 2) in human malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum: possible involvement in DNA replication and DNA damage response.

Eukaryotic PCNAs (proliferating-cell nuclear antigens) play diverse roles in nucleic acid metabolism in addition to DNA replication. Plasmodium falciparum, which causes human malaria, harbours two PCNA homologues: PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2. The functional role of two distinct PCNAs in the parasite still eludes us. In the present study, we show that, whereas both PfPCNAs share structural and biochemical properties, only PfPCNA1 functionally complements the ScPCNA mutant and forms distinct replication foci in the parasite, which PfPCNA2 fails to do. Although PfPCNA1 appears to be the primary replicative PCNA, both PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2 participate in an active DDR (DNA-damage-response) pathway with significant accumulation in the parasite upon DNA damage induction. Interestingly, PfPCNA genes were found to be regulated not at the transcription level, but presumably at the protein stability level upon DNA damage. Such regulation of PCNA has not been shown in eukaryotes before. Moreover, overexpression of PfPCNA1 and PfPCNA2in the parasite confers a survival edge on the parasite in a genotoxic environment. This is the first evidence of a PfPCNA-mediated DDR in the parasite and gives new insights and rationale for the presence of two PCNAs as a parasite survival strategy and its probable success.

Characterizing the Molecular Basis of Attenuation of Marek's Disease Virus via In Vitro Serial Passage Identifies De Novo Mutations in the Helicase-Primase Subunit Gene UL5 and Other Candidates Associated with Reduced Virulence

Marek's disease (MD) is a lymphoproliferative disease of chickens caused by the oncogenic Gallid herpesvirus 2, commonly known as Marek's disease virus (MDV). MD vaccines, the primary control method, are often generated by repeated in vitro serial passage of this highly cell-associated virus to attenuate virulent MDV strains. To understand the genetic basis of attenuation, we used experimental evolution by serially passing three virulent MDV replicates generated from an infectious bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone. All replicates became completely or highly attenuated, indicating that de novo mutation, and not selection among quasispecies existing in a strain, is the primary driving force for the reduction in virulence. Sequence analysis of the attenuated replicates revealed 41 to 95 single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) at 2% or higher frequency in each population and several candidate genes containing high-frequency, nonsynonymous mutations. Five candidate mutations were incorporated into recombinant viruses to determine their in vivo effect. SNVs within UL42 (DNA polymerase auxiliary subunit) and UL46 (tegument) had no measurable influence, while two independent mutations in LORF2 (a gene of unknown function) improved survival time of birds but did not alter disease incidence. A fifth SNV located within UL5 (helicase-primase subunit) greatly reduced in vivo viral replication, increased survival time of birds, and resulted in only 0 to 11% disease incidence. This study shows that multiple genes, often within pathways involving DNA replication and transcriptional regulation, are involved in de novo attenuation of MDV and provides targets for the rational design of future MD vaccines. Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a very important pathogen in chickens that costs the worldwide poultry industry $1 billion to $2 billion annually. Marek's disease (MD) vaccines, the primary control method, are often produced by passing virulent strains in cell culture until attenuated. To understand this process, we identified all the changes in the viral genome that occurred during repeated cell passage. We find that a single mutation in the UL5 gene, which encodes a viral protein necessary for DNA replication, reduces disease incidence by 90% or more. In addition, other candidate genes were identified. This information should lead to the development of more effective and rationally designed MD vaccines leading to improved animal health and welfare and lower costs to consumers.

Targeting tumour-supportive cellular machineries in anticancer drug development

Traditional anticancer chemotherapeutics targeting DNA replication and cell division have severe side effects, but they have proved to be highly successful in treating some cancers. Drugs targeting signalling oncoproteins that have gained tumour-driving functions through mutations or overexpression were subsequently developed to increase specificity and thus reduce side effects, but have limitations such as the development of resistance. Now, a new wave of small-molecule anticancer agents is emerging, targeting complex multicomponent cellular machineries - including chromatin modifiers, heat shock protein chaperones and the proteasome - which thus interfere with those support systems that are more essential for cancer cells than for normal cells. Here, we provide our perspective on the advantages and limitations of agents that target tumour-supportive cellular machineries (other than those involving DNA replication), comparing them with agents that target signalling intermediates.