Targeting the RNA helicase, UAP56: understanding KSHV RNA processing mechanisms to novel antiviral approaches
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Sch of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic virus required for the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and is also associated with two lymphoproliferative disorders; primary effusion lymphoma and multicentric Castleman's disease. At present, there are no specific KSHV antivirals or vaccines and current treatments for KSHV-associated diseases are not targeted relying on rebuilding the immune system and using cytotoxic agents. As KS is an AIDS-defining disease, controlling HIV/AIDS using regulated immune reconstitution has been investigated as a possible treatment for KS. Although, even with effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and well-controlled HIV infection, many patients still develop progressive KS. Consequently, specific, efficacious anti-KS therapies are still urgently needed. These antivirals would significantly enhance current treatments by (a) working in combination with ART, (b) inhibiting KSHV replication associated with transplant immunosuppression or (c) clearing the latently-infected reservoir by reactivating the virus and simultaneously blocking lytic infection.
Like all herpesviruses KSHV has two distinct life cycles, a persistence life-long infection (latency) and infectious productive cycle (lytic replication). KSHV lytic replication plays an important part in the pathogenesis of KSHV infection. Therefore, it is essential to study the molecular mechanisms which regulate lytic replication to fully understand KSHV pathogenesis. Moreover, inhibiting KSHV lytic replication may provide an opportunity to develop novel antiviral strategies to inhibit KS formation. We have exciting data demonstrating a novel approach to inhibit KSHV lytic replication. We have identified a small molecule which disrupts an essential virus-host cell interaction, the KSHV ORF57-cellular hTREX interaction, required for the correct processing of viral mRNAs.
The ability to specifically disrupt the ORF57-hTREX interaction using this small molecule now presents a novel opportunity to investigate other roles of the ORF57-hTREX interaction in KSHV lytic replication, in particular determining the role of the ORF57-hTREX interaction in enhancing the correct processing of a subset of cellular RNAs, which are also bound by the viral ORF57 protein, and are thought to enhance virus replication. Therefore, we will assess the global changes in cellular mRNA abundance and protein production, using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, during KSHV latent versus lytic replication in the absence or presence of the small molecule. This will identify cellular transcripts which are stabilised and processed by the ORF57-hTREX interaction. Further analysis will then be performed to examine how ORF57 recognises and binds this subset of cellular transcripts and determine if these cellular transcripts are essential for virus replication.
In addition, we wish to further investigate the antiviral potential of the small molecule which disrupts the ORF57-hTREX interaction. We have shown that the small molecule termed, CCT018159, can inhibit KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production in a cell culture system. The next stage will to be to explore the inhibitory activity of CCT018159 in an appropriate small animal model for human gamma-herpesvirus infection. However, although CCT018159 can be used in this setting, the small molecule has a relatively high metabolic turnover which may reduce its efficacy. Therefore, we will modify the small molecule to enhance its antiviral activity and pharmacokinetic properties using medicinal chemistry approaches. The small molecule and derivatives will then be tested for their ability to inhibit the replication of the murine gamma-2 herpesvirus, murine Gammaherpesvirus 68, in an in vivo setting.
Like all herpesviruses KSHV has two distinct life cycles, a persistence life-long infection (latency) and infectious productive cycle (lytic replication). KSHV lytic replication plays an important part in the pathogenesis of KSHV infection. Therefore, it is essential to study the molecular mechanisms which regulate lytic replication to fully understand KSHV pathogenesis. Moreover, inhibiting KSHV lytic replication may provide an opportunity to develop novel antiviral strategies to inhibit KS formation. We have exciting data demonstrating a novel approach to inhibit KSHV lytic replication. We have identified a small molecule which disrupts an essential virus-host cell interaction, the KSHV ORF57-cellular hTREX interaction, required for the correct processing of viral mRNAs.
The ability to specifically disrupt the ORF57-hTREX interaction using this small molecule now presents a novel opportunity to investigate other roles of the ORF57-hTREX interaction in KSHV lytic replication, in particular determining the role of the ORF57-hTREX interaction in enhancing the correct processing of a subset of cellular RNAs, which are also bound by the viral ORF57 protein, and are thought to enhance virus replication. Therefore, we will assess the global changes in cellular mRNA abundance and protein production, using transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, during KSHV latent versus lytic replication in the absence or presence of the small molecule. This will identify cellular transcripts which are stabilised and processed by the ORF57-hTREX interaction. Further analysis will then be performed to examine how ORF57 recognises and binds this subset of cellular transcripts and determine if these cellular transcripts are essential for virus replication.
In addition, we wish to further investigate the antiviral potential of the small molecule which disrupts the ORF57-hTREX interaction. We have shown that the small molecule termed, CCT018159, can inhibit KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production in a cell culture system. The next stage will to be to explore the inhibitory activity of CCT018159 in an appropriate small animal model for human gamma-herpesvirus infection. However, although CCT018159 can be used in this setting, the small molecule has a relatively high metabolic turnover which may reduce its efficacy. Therefore, we will modify the small molecule to enhance its antiviral activity and pharmacokinetic properties using medicinal chemistry approaches. The small molecule and derivatives will then be tested for their ability to inhibit the replication of the murine gamma-2 herpesvirus, murine Gammaherpesvirus 68, in an in vivo setting.
Technical Summary
The KSHV ORF57 protein orchestrates the formation of vRNPs by recruiting the cellular hTREX complex onto viral mRNAs. We now demonstrate that vRNP formation is driven by an ATP-cycle-dependent remodelling event of hTREX, required for ORF57 binding. Excitingly, this ATP-dependent formation of vRNPs can be prevented by a small molecule, CCT018159, which inhibits the ATPase activity of the hTREX component, UAP56. Further results have demonstrated the effective CCT018159-mediated inhibition of KSHV vRNP formation, lytic replication and infectious virion production.
The ability of CCT018159 to specifically disrupt the ORF57-hTREX interaction now presents an ideal opportunity to firstly investigate how KSHV ORF57 manipulates cellular mRNA processing. We present data showing that ORF57 sequestration of hTREX drastically inhibits bulk cellular mRNA nuclear export. However, ORF57 has also been reported to associate with a subset of cellular transcripts, as well as viral mRNAs. We therefore hypothesize that KSHV ORF57 binds this subset of cellular transcripts, enabling hTREX recruitment, to form ORF57-induced cellular RNPs, overriding virus-induced host cell shutoff mechanisms. In turn, we believe these ORF57-processed cellular transcripts probably enhance KSHV replication. As such, our small molecule inhibitor is an ideal tool to test this hypothesis and identify which ORF57-dependent cellular mRNAs are essential for KSHV lytic replication. Secondly, as the ORF57-hTREX interaction is essential for KSHV lytic replication, CCT018159 is a potentially exciting therapeutic reagent for KSHV infection. We have demonstrated the ability of CCT018159 to inhibit KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production in cell culture-based experiments. We now aim to further develop CCT018159 to enhance its antiviral activity and pharmacokinetic properties prior to assessing its antiviral potential in an appropriate small animal model for human gamma-herpesvirus infection.
The ability of CCT018159 to specifically disrupt the ORF57-hTREX interaction now presents an ideal opportunity to firstly investigate how KSHV ORF57 manipulates cellular mRNA processing. We present data showing that ORF57 sequestration of hTREX drastically inhibits bulk cellular mRNA nuclear export. However, ORF57 has also been reported to associate with a subset of cellular transcripts, as well as viral mRNAs. We therefore hypothesize that KSHV ORF57 binds this subset of cellular transcripts, enabling hTREX recruitment, to form ORF57-induced cellular RNPs, overriding virus-induced host cell shutoff mechanisms. In turn, we believe these ORF57-processed cellular transcripts probably enhance KSHV replication. As such, our small molecule inhibitor is an ideal tool to test this hypothesis and identify which ORF57-dependent cellular mRNAs are essential for KSHV lytic replication. Secondly, as the ORF57-hTREX interaction is essential for KSHV lytic replication, CCT018159 is a potentially exciting therapeutic reagent for KSHV infection. We have demonstrated the ability of CCT018159 to inhibit KSHV lytic replication and infectious virion production in cell culture-based experiments. We now aim to further develop CCT018159 to enhance its antiviral activity and pharmacokinetic properties prior to assessing its antiviral potential in an appropriate small animal model for human gamma-herpesvirus infection.
Planned Impact
Herpesviruses are responsible for a range of debilitating acute and recurrent diseases, including a number of malignancies. Current treatments are limited to targeting herpesvirus DNA polymerases, but with emerging viral resistance and little efficacy against the oncogenic herpesviruses, there is an urgent need for new antiviral strategies. The research outlined in this interdisciplinary proposal therefore has the potential to benefit multiple different sectors.
Academic scientists: As outlined in the academic beneficiaries section, this project has the potential to increase our fundamental knowledge into virus-mediated mechanisms of RNA processing events which are essential for herpesvirus replication. In addition it will provide new impetus to investigate the role of dynamic RNA modifications in virus infection.
Industry: The work conducted in this project will be of direct interest to companies engaged in drug development. Research findings may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for herpesvirus infection. Moreover, by studying how to inhibit virus infection this project may also facilitate the new development of bio-pharmaceuticals for herpesviruses and other virus infections.
General public and clinicians: Engagement activities will increase the understanding of a range of herpesvirus-associated diseases by the general public and promote the need for research into these common worldwide infections. In the longer term, the development of new therapeutics for herpesvirus infections, which are urgently needed, will benefit the general public and the medical sector.
Young and future scientists: The training of PDRAs and a technician in interdisciplinary science will produce highly skilled scientists. Younger scientists, working as summer students, will also benefit from working in cutting edge science laboratories. Moreover, virus infections and related diseases are fascinating topics for public engagement activities to promote science and scientific careers to school children.
Academic scientists: As outlined in the academic beneficiaries section, this project has the potential to increase our fundamental knowledge into virus-mediated mechanisms of RNA processing events which are essential for herpesvirus replication. In addition it will provide new impetus to investigate the role of dynamic RNA modifications in virus infection.
Industry: The work conducted in this project will be of direct interest to companies engaged in drug development. Research findings may lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for herpesvirus infection. Moreover, by studying how to inhibit virus infection this project may also facilitate the new development of bio-pharmaceuticals for herpesviruses and other virus infections.
General public and clinicians: Engagement activities will increase the understanding of a range of herpesvirus-associated diseases by the general public and promote the need for research into these common worldwide infections. In the longer term, the development of new therapeutics for herpesvirus infections, which are urgently needed, will benefit the general public and the medical sector.
Young and future scientists: The training of PDRAs and a technician in interdisciplinary science will produce highly skilled scientists. Younger scientists, working as summer students, will also benefit from working in cutting edge science laboratories. Moreover, virus infections and related diseases are fascinating topics for public engagement activities to promote science and scientific careers to school children.
Publications
Box HJ
(2023)
Lack of antiviral activity of probenecid in vitro and in Syrian golden hamsters.
in The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
Manners O
(2023)
m6A Regulates the Stability of Cellular Transcripts Required for Efficient KSHV Lytic Replication.
in Viruses
Neary M
(2023)
Evaluation of Nafamostat as Chemoprophylaxis for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Hamsters.
in Viruses
Röder K
(2022)
Investigating the structural changes due to adenosine methylation of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus ORF50 transcript.
in PLoS computational biology
Hiscox JA
(2021)
Shutting the gate before the horse has bolted: is it time for a conversation about SARS-CoV-2 and antiviral drug resistance?
in The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
Manners O
(2019)
m6A: Widespread regulatory control in virus replication.
in Biochimica et biophysica acta. Gene regulatory mechanisms
Baquero-Perez B
(2019)
The Tudor SND1 protein is an m6A RNA reader essential for replication of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.
in eLife
Manners O
(2018)
Contribution of the KSHV and EBV lytic cycles to tumourigenesis.
in Current opinion in virology
Description | International collaboration whitehouse Pasqual |
Organisation | University of Paris |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Prof. Pasqual, Paris - molecular modeller. Collaboration has allowed us to investigate how m6A methylation affects the structure of viral mRNAs |
Collaborator Contribution | Generated in silico 3D structures of the KSHV ORF50 RNA stem loop in its native 'N' or m6A-modified 'M' forms detailed in our recent BioRxiv preprint. Results using free energy landscapes and secondary structure representations show that m6A modification allows structural transitions that are highly distinct from the Native form in viral mRNAs |
Impact | Multi-disiplinary bringing together virology and molecular modellers. Röder, K. et al. bioRxiv (2021) |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Be curious Leeds Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Be Curious is the University's annual, family-friendly, research open day, an event which is usually held on campus, but in 2020 we went virtual. Over 100 of our brilliant researchers were involved in creating lots of fantastic content - from 2 minute demonstrations to try at home activities, research-related digital jigsaws and cartoon strips - to help you explore just some of the exciting things we get up to at the University of Leeds. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021,2022,2023,2024 |
URL | http://www.leeds.ac.uk/info/4000/around_campus/460/be_curious_festival-about_leeds_and_yorkshire |
Description | Invited plenary talk to celebrate 20 years of the Astbury Centre, University of Leeds |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Plenary talks to publicise the Astbury Centre at University of leeds |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.astbury.leeds.ac.uk/ |
Description | Leeds Discovery Zone |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Discovery zone is large exhibition of biological science related activities to get children interested in sceince. My lab runs a stall on extracting DNA from fruit and explaining what DNA is. School participants are varied from affulent or very poor areas of Leeds. The children really enjoy this activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023,2024 |
URL | http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/outreach/schools/lfos.php |
Description | Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society Public Lecture |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Open public lecture hosted by the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www.leedsphilandlit.org.uk/ |
Description | Presentation at Beaver camp |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Talk and experiment to extract DNA from fruit as local scout and beavers group in Leeds |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017,2018,2019,2020,2022,2024 |
Description | Presentation at CRUK fund raising event |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presenation at awareness/funding raising event for Leeds Cancer centre |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-cancer-research-uk-tickets-20752693866 |
Description | School visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I do a talk about DNA and viruses and run an practical (extraction of DNA from fruit) and imaging of cheek cells to KS1 and KS2 (years 3,4,5,6) pupils at Bramhope primary school. Once a year as part of science week |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2022,2023,2024 |