The battle for the 5' end: dissecting a novel virus-specific translation mechanism driven by eIF3
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Surrey
Department Name: Microbial & Cellular Sciences
Abstract
Our aim is to understand a new mechanism of protein production by viruses of clinical and economical importance and examine how it contributes to escaping detection from the host.
Cells within the body respond to external stimuli in many ways, the most common of which is via the regulation of gene expression. In response to external stresses such as infection, cells can pause protein synthesis, or translation, and thus the decoding of genetic information. This defense mechanism allows cells to survive by limiting the use of energy and nutrients that protein synthesis requires until the stress is resolved. It also blocks the spread of viruses as viruses are dependent on host cell resources to produce viral proteins and replicate. Because of this, viruses have developed strategies to produce their proteins using alternative mechanisms.
Using different viruses as models, we have previously made significant advances in identifying new mechanisms that viruses use to manipulate the host cell by regulating translation. Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes represent a major burden on human and animal health. Among these, dengue virus is a prominent human health threat causing millions of infections every year worldwide, with no broadly effective or specific treatment. We previously showed that dengue virus infection results in a block in host protein synthesis, yet it remains a mystery how viral proteins are translated to support viral propagation. This is important because understanding how viruses hijack host resources can reveal a new Achilles' heel in the viral armour.
Based on our results, we propose that dengue virus proteins are translated via a novel mechanism that uses a known cellular translation factor, eIF3, in a non-conventional manner to mediate translation. We also propose that this mechanism could help dengue virus escape detection by the host. Therefore, our objectives are to 1- characterize how eIF3 interacts with the viral RNA; 2- elucidate how this contributes to a new mechanism of translation and 3- establish how this mechanism competes with non-self detection of the viral RNA by the host.
From this work we expect to advance our knowledge of how viruses take control of host resources to ensure viral proteins are made. This mechanism is novel, and we think it represents a new line of counterdefence evolved by viruses. Therefore, it can help identify new ways to inhibit virus replication and develop novel antiviral therapies for an important group of viruses. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation is important for virologists, but also for broader academic communities. It may also help us to appreciate better a basis of several pathologies, such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, that are linked to alternative translation mechanisms.
Cells within the body respond to external stimuli in many ways, the most common of which is via the regulation of gene expression. In response to external stresses such as infection, cells can pause protein synthesis, or translation, and thus the decoding of genetic information. This defense mechanism allows cells to survive by limiting the use of energy and nutrients that protein synthesis requires until the stress is resolved. It also blocks the spread of viruses as viruses are dependent on host cell resources to produce viral proteins and replicate. Because of this, viruses have developed strategies to produce their proteins using alternative mechanisms.
Using different viruses as models, we have previously made significant advances in identifying new mechanisms that viruses use to manipulate the host cell by regulating translation. Viruses transmitted by mosquitoes represent a major burden on human and animal health. Among these, dengue virus is a prominent human health threat causing millions of infections every year worldwide, with no broadly effective or specific treatment. We previously showed that dengue virus infection results in a block in host protein synthesis, yet it remains a mystery how viral proteins are translated to support viral propagation. This is important because understanding how viruses hijack host resources can reveal a new Achilles' heel in the viral armour.
Based on our results, we propose that dengue virus proteins are translated via a novel mechanism that uses a known cellular translation factor, eIF3, in a non-conventional manner to mediate translation. We also propose that this mechanism could help dengue virus escape detection by the host. Therefore, our objectives are to 1- characterize how eIF3 interacts with the viral RNA; 2- elucidate how this contributes to a new mechanism of translation and 3- establish how this mechanism competes with non-self detection of the viral RNA by the host.
From this work we expect to advance our knowledge of how viruses take control of host resources to ensure viral proteins are made. This mechanism is novel, and we think it represents a new line of counterdefence evolved by viruses. Therefore, it can help identify new ways to inhibit virus replication and develop novel antiviral therapies for an important group of viruses. Understanding the fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation is important for virologists, but also for broader academic communities. It may also help us to appreciate better a basis of several pathologies, such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases, that are linked to alternative translation mechanisms.
Technical Summary
This work will provide a novel understanding of strategies evolved by viruses to commandeer the translation machinery and how these compete with other regulatory processes. It may enable new antiviral therapies for the control of viral infection.
Dengue virus (DENV), and related mosquito-borne flaviviruses, are important pathogens of humans and animals. They induce global shut-off of host translation during infection, yet they maintain translation of their own proteins via a previously uncharacterized translation pathway that we recently began investigating. We now present robust preliminary evidence that DENV translation may be driven by novel interactions between the viral RNA 5' end and the cellular protein eIF3, suggesting a new specialized role for this translation factor. Importantly, the virus 5' end is a prime regulatory site targeted by the host for non-self detection and also acts in the switch from translation to replication.
Our aim is to understand the molecular basis for this novel eIF3-driven mechanism of viral translation and how it competes with other regulatory processes. First, we will characterize how DENV motifs in the 5' UTR coordinate the recruitment of eIF3, positioning it in direct contact with the 5' end using biochemical methods. We will also establish the importance of this interaction for DENV replication and its conservation across flaviviruses. Next, we will elucidate how this contributes to the DENV translation pathway by investigating translation initiation complex composition at different time points during infection, reconstituting initiation in vitro from purified components, and by revealing the structure of initiation complexes using cryoEM. Finally, we will dissect the competition for the 5' end between eIF3 and other host proteins that regulate DENV replication and non-self sensing.
Dengue virus (DENV), and related mosquito-borne flaviviruses, are important pathogens of humans and animals. They induce global shut-off of host translation during infection, yet they maintain translation of their own proteins via a previously uncharacterized translation pathway that we recently began investigating. We now present robust preliminary evidence that DENV translation may be driven by novel interactions between the viral RNA 5' end and the cellular protein eIF3, suggesting a new specialized role for this translation factor. Importantly, the virus 5' end is a prime regulatory site targeted by the host for non-self detection and also acts in the switch from translation to replication.
Our aim is to understand the molecular basis for this novel eIF3-driven mechanism of viral translation and how it competes with other regulatory processes. First, we will characterize how DENV motifs in the 5' UTR coordinate the recruitment of eIF3, positioning it in direct contact with the 5' end using biochemical methods. We will also establish the importance of this interaction for DENV replication and its conservation across flaviviruses. Next, we will elucidate how this contributes to the DENV translation pathway by investigating translation initiation complex composition at different time points during infection, reconstituting initiation in vitro from purified components, and by revealing the structure of initiation complexes using cryoEM. Finally, we will dissect the competition for the 5' end between eIF3 and other host proteins that regulate DENV replication and non-self sensing.
Planned Impact
The preliminary data presented in this application, and the experiments planned to build on our findings, will lead to a step change in our understanding of the regulation of translation by viruses and the host response to infection. This research will have a direct scientific impact in the fields of virology, translational control and virus-host interactions. As mosquito-borne flaviviruses are important human and animal pathogens, our work may identify new targets for treatment of these economically important infections and therefore has the potential to impact on UK health, society and economy.
Industrial and Economic Impact
Understanding the mechanistic details by which microbial pathogens interact with the translation machinery has long been a source of antimicrobial drugs. It has led to the development of highly successful broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting the bacterial ribosome (i.e neomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline). Likewise, we will emulate new avenues to develop antivirals that specifically block viral translation for a group of viruses lacking efficient control strategies. Importantly, and beyond viral systems, specialized translation mechanisms relying on canonical factors, carrying out novel regulatory function are increasingly associated with diseases such as cancer. Therefore our work may have broad significance for human health.
In addition, understanding how viruses commandeer the translation machinery has previously enabled for repurposing of viral elements for the design of expression vectors. Gene therapy or protein expression vectors rely on virus-derived IRES to drive gene expression, while polycistronic constructs often include self-cleaving viral protein elements (i.e FMDV 2A). Therefore, identifying a novel mechanism that confers viruses a translational advantage over the host cell will expand the tool set of regulatory elements used in the design of expression or gene therapy vectors.
Public sector and Societal Impact
The flavivirus DENV is the most significant mosquito-borne virus with nearly half the world's population at risk. It is responsible for 390 million infections annually in humans, including 96 million cases of dengue fever and up to 500,000 cases of the potentially fatal haemorrhagic fever. Related flaviviruses are also important pathogens of humans and animals, such as the re-emerged Zika virus associated with developmental disorders or West Nile virus responsible for encephalitis in horses. Our research has the potential to deliver impact by better understanding of these important pathogens of both humans and animals. The findings from our work will be publicised via the University press office and outreach activities to raise awareness in the general public. The PI already has good relationships with TV and radio channels through multiple appearances locally, nationally and internationally during coverage of the Zika and Ebola outbreaks.
Training of skilled researchers
Two PDRAs will be recruited and will receive extensive training in modern biochemical and structural techniques to dissect translation. PDRA1 will be trained in molecular biology techniques to study RNA-protein interactions, and virology reverse genetics systems for flaviviruses, including manipulating Schedule 5 pathogens in BSL3 containment facilities (in high UK demand). PDRA2 will be equipped the unique skillset of reconstituting translation in vitro from native factors (few laboratories worldwide can do this, including NL/TS). S/he will also master challenging structural methodologies to dissect biological complexes through collaborating with a leading expert in cryoEM. This holistic set of skills will prepare the PDRAs for challenges relevant to a wide range of careers both in academia or industry, increasing their career prospects. In addition, our laboratories regularly host both undergraduate and post-graduate students, who will also benefit from exposure to the BBSRC funded research.
Industrial and Economic Impact
Understanding the mechanistic details by which microbial pathogens interact with the translation machinery has long been a source of antimicrobial drugs. It has led to the development of highly successful broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting the bacterial ribosome (i.e neomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline). Likewise, we will emulate new avenues to develop antivirals that specifically block viral translation for a group of viruses lacking efficient control strategies. Importantly, and beyond viral systems, specialized translation mechanisms relying on canonical factors, carrying out novel regulatory function are increasingly associated with diseases such as cancer. Therefore our work may have broad significance for human health.
In addition, understanding how viruses commandeer the translation machinery has previously enabled for repurposing of viral elements for the design of expression vectors. Gene therapy or protein expression vectors rely on virus-derived IRES to drive gene expression, while polycistronic constructs often include self-cleaving viral protein elements (i.e FMDV 2A). Therefore, identifying a novel mechanism that confers viruses a translational advantage over the host cell will expand the tool set of regulatory elements used in the design of expression or gene therapy vectors.
Public sector and Societal Impact
The flavivirus DENV is the most significant mosquito-borne virus with nearly half the world's population at risk. It is responsible for 390 million infections annually in humans, including 96 million cases of dengue fever and up to 500,000 cases of the potentially fatal haemorrhagic fever. Related flaviviruses are also important pathogens of humans and animals, such as the re-emerged Zika virus associated with developmental disorders or West Nile virus responsible for encephalitis in horses. Our research has the potential to deliver impact by better understanding of these important pathogens of both humans and animals. The findings from our work will be publicised via the University press office and outreach activities to raise awareness in the general public. The PI already has good relationships with TV and radio channels through multiple appearances locally, nationally and internationally during coverage of the Zika and Ebola outbreaks.
Training of skilled researchers
Two PDRAs will be recruited and will receive extensive training in modern biochemical and structural techniques to dissect translation. PDRA1 will be trained in molecular biology techniques to study RNA-protein interactions, and virology reverse genetics systems for flaviviruses, including manipulating Schedule 5 pathogens in BSL3 containment facilities (in high UK demand). PDRA2 will be equipped the unique skillset of reconstituting translation in vitro from native factors (few laboratories worldwide can do this, including NL/TS). S/he will also master challenging structural methodologies to dissect biological complexes through collaborating with a leading expert in cryoEM. This holistic set of skills will prepare the PDRAs for challenges relevant to a wide range of careers both in academia or industry, increasing their career prospects. In addition, our laboratories regularly host both undergraduate and post-graduate students, who will also benefit from exposure to the BBSRC funded research.
Organisations
Publications
Sanford TJ
(2019)
Circularization of flavivirus genomic RNA inhibits de novo translation initiation.
in Nucleic acids research
Magg V
(2024)
Turnover of PPP1R15A mRNA encoding GADD34 controls responsiveness and adaptation to cellular stress.
in Cell reports
Chang J
(2023)
An interaction between eIF4A3 and eIF3g drives the internal initiation of translation.
in Nucleic acids research
Brownsword MJ
(2023)
A little less aggregation a little more replication: Viral manipulation of stress granules.
in Wiley interdisciplinary reviews. RNA
Description | Members of the Flaviviridae family, including dengue virus (DENV) and yellow fever virus, cause serious disease in humans, whilst maternal infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) can induce microcephaly in newborns. Following infection, flaviviral RNA genomes are translated to produce the viral replication machinery but must then serve as a template for the transcription of new genomes. However, the ribosome and viral polymerase proceed in opposite directions along the RNA, risking collisions and abortive replication. Whilst generally linear, flavivirus genomes can adopt a circular conformation facilitated by long-range RNA-RNA interactions, shown to be essential for replication. Using an in vitro reconstitution approach, we have demonstrated that the circularization inhibits de novo translation initiation on ZIKV and DENV RNA, whilst the linear conformation is translation-competent. This provide a mechanism to clear the viral RNA of ribosomes in order to promote efficient replication and, therefore, define opposing roles for linear and circular conformations of the flavivirus genome. We are also currently finalising our analysis of the novel mechanism responsible for protein synthesis during DENV infection and how DENV specifically hijacks cellular proteins to drive viral translation. This both provides novel fundamental advances in our understanding of protein synthesis regulation but also highlights novel therapeutic targets in the DENV - and other flaviviruses - replication cycle. Importantly, some of the techniques and tools generated during this award period have now been applied to other model systems including Hepatitis C virus broadening the reach of our research and will contribute to further outputs (currently in revision) that are highlighting the role of non-canonical translation during viral infection (in particular the role of signalling pathways including p38 signalling). This work also informed further work to dissect how RNA structure can provide a platform for ribosome loading and internal translation initiation in recently discovered circular RNAs (circRNAs) We identified eIF3g, a subunit of eIF3 complex, as a binding partner of eIF4A3, a core component of the exon-junction complex (EJC) that is deposited onto spliced mRNAs and plays multiple roles in the regulation of gene expression. The direct interaction between eIF4A3-eIF3g serves as a molecular linker between the eIF4A3 and eIF3 complex, thereby facilitating internal ribosomal entry. Protein synthesis from in vitro-synthesized circRNA demonstrates eIF4A3-driven internal translation, which relies on the eIF4A3-eIF3g interaction. Furthermore, a transcriptome-wide analysis shows that efficient polysomal association of endogenous circRNAs requires eIF4A3. Notably, a subset of endogenous circRNAs can express a full-length intact protein, such as ß-catenin, in an eIF4A3-dependent manner. Collectively, our results expand the understanding of the protein-coding potential of the human transcriptome, including circRNAs. |
Exploitation Route | The outcome from our work are providing novel leads to better understand how the process of viral translation and replication are regulated temporally and spatially in infected cells. This is of broad relevance to virologist on (+) sense RNA viruses. In addition identifying viral structures and sequences fundamental to replication has resulted to underlining novel therapeutic that are currently followed up in collaboration with the drug target company EditForces, with the ultimate goal of generate translation-inhibiting, flavivirus-targeting antivirals. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
Description | Based on preliminary data highlighting key regulatory elements within the DENV 5'UTR we have initiated a collaboration with the company EditForce to develop synthetic proteins with potential ability to target these sequences and block viral replication for this important human pathogens. This was initiated at the start of 2020 and has been put on long hold during the UK and Japanese lockdowns but is now resuming. |
First Year Of Impact | 2020 |
Sector | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |