New structural model of adenoviral cement proteins is not yet concrete

139

Human adenoviruses (Ad) are dsDNA viruses associated with infectious diseases, yet better known as tools for gene delivery and oncolytic anti-cancer therapy. Atomic structures of Ad provide the basis for the development of antivirals and for engineering efforts towards more effective applications. Since 2010, atomic models of human Ad5 have been independently derived from photographic film cryoEM and X-ray crystallography, but discrepancies exist concerning the assignment of cement proteins IIIa, VIII and IX. To clarify these discrepancies, here we have employed the technology of direct electron-counting to obtain a cryoEM structure of human Ad5 at 3.2 Å resolution. Our improved structure unambiguously confirmed our previous cryoEM models of proteins IIIa, VIII and IX and explained the likely cause of conflict in the crystallography models. The improved structure also allows the identification of three new components in the cavities of hexons - the cleaved N-terminus of precursor protein VI (pVIn), the cleaved N-terminus of precursor protein VII (pVIIn2), and mature protein VI. The binding of pVIIn2--by extension that of genome-condensing pVII--to hexons is consistent with the previously proposed dsDNA genome-capsid co-assembly for adenoviruses, which resembles that of ssRNA viruses but differs from the well-established mechanism of pumping dsDNA into a preformed protein capsid, as exemplified by tailed bacteriophages and herpesviruses. Adenovirus is a double-edged sword to humans - as a widespread pathogen and a bioengineering tool for anti-cancer and gene therapy. Atomic structure of the virus provides the basis for antiviral and application developments, but conflicting atomic models from conventional/film cryoEM and X-ray crystallography for important cement proteins IIIa, VIII, and IX have caused confusion. Using the cutting-edge cryoEM technology with electron counting, we improved the structure of human adenovirus type 5 and confirmed our previous models of cement proteins IIIa, VIII, and IX, thus clarifying the inconsistent structures. The improved structure also reveals atomic details of membrane-lytic protein VI and genome-condensing protein VII and supports the previously proposed genome-capsid co-assembly mechanism for adenoviruses.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 67%

Atomic Structures of Minor Proteins VI and VII in Human Adenovirus

Dai

Sun

et al. 2017

139

“…6C and G). Various suggestions for the location of VI have been put forward in recent years (11,34,53,54), and there remains ambiguity in the locations of at least the recently unassigned parts of protein VI (residues 158 to 250) (55,56). The difference density was observed between the location of the previously described protein IIIa (Fig.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 94%

The Amphipathic Helix of Adenovirus Capsid Protein VI Contributes to Penton Release and Postentry Sorting

Martinez

Schellenberger

Vasishtan

et al. 2015

Nuclear delivery of the adenoviral genome requires that the capsid cross the limiting membrane of the endocytic compartment and traverse the cytosol to reach the nucleus. This endosomal escape is initiated upon internalization and involves a highly coordinated process of partial disassembly of the entering capsid to release the membrane lytic internal capsid protein VI. Using wild-type and protein VI-mutated human adenovirus serotype 5 (HAdV-C5), we show that capsid stability and membrane rupture are major determinants of entry-related sorting of incoming adenovirus virions. Furthermore, by using electron cryomicroscopy, as well as penton-and protein VI-specific antibodies, we show that the amphipathic helix of protein VI contributes to capsid stability by preventing premature disassembly and deployment of pentons and protein VI. Thus, the helix has a dual function in maintaining the metastable state of the capsid by preventing premature disassembly and mediating efficient membrane lysis to evade lysosomal targeting. Based on these findings and structural data from cryo-electron microscopy, we suggest a refined disassembly mechanism upon entry. IMPORTANCEIn this study, we show the intricate connection of adenovirus particle stability and the entry-dependent release of the membrane-lytic capsid protein VI required for endosomal escape. We show that the amphipathic helix of the adenovirus internal protein VI is required to stabilize pentons in the particle while coinciding with penton release upon entry and that release of protein VI mediates membrane lysis, thereby preventing lysosomal sorting. We suggest that this dual functionality of protein VI ensures an optimal disassembly process by balancing the metastable state of the mature adenovirus particle.A denoviruses (AdVs) are nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that assemble in the nuclei of productively infected cells and are released at the end of the infection cycle into the extracellular milieu. Productive infection of new cells requires that the capsid follow a stepwise disassembly process upon entry that, if perfectly executed, results in highly efficient genome transfer to the nucleus (1, 2).The AdV virion is composed of 13 different polypeptides that form an icosahedral capsid encompassing the genome-containing viral core. The capsid is mainly composed of trimeric hexons building up the facets of the capsid. Pentons and fibers are located at each of the 12 vertices, where they form a pentameric penton base from which the trimeric fiber molecule elongates (3-5). In addition the capsid is stabilized via the cement proteins IIIa, VI, VIII, and IX. The capsid encloses the viral core, with the viral genome organized into chromatin through association with the major core protein VII and proteins V, X, TP, and IVa2 (3-5). Following (or concomitant with) capsid assembly, several of the virion proteins undergo proteolytic processing by the virion-incorporated adenoviral proteinase (AVP) (6). This process of virus maturation is essential to render ne...

“…HAdV-C5 is the largest structure solved by either of the two techniques. However, even after this tour de force, the location of some of the minor coat proteins is still a subject of debate (11)(12)(13). One issue is the location of polypeptide IIIa.…”

Section: Importancementioning

confidence: 99%

Structures of Adenovirus Incomplete Particles Clarify Capsid Architecture and Show Maturation Changes of Packaging Protein L1 52/55k

Condezo

Marabini

Ayora

et al. 2015

Adenovirus is one of the most complex icosahedral, nonenveloped viruses. Even after its structure was solved at near-atomic resolution by both cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, the location of minor coat proteins is still a subject of debate. The elaborated capsid architecture is the product of a correspondingly complex assembly process, about which many aspects remain unknown. Genome encapsidation involves the concerted action of five virus proteins, and proteolytic processing by the virus protease is needed to prime the virion for sequential uncoating. Protein L1 52/55k is required for packaging, and multiple cleavages by the maturation protease facilitate its release from the nascent virion. Light-density particles are routinely produced in adenovirus infections and are thought to represent assembly intermediates. Here, we present the molecular and structural characterization of two different types of human adenovirus light particles produced by a mutant with delayed packaging. We show that these particles lack core polypeptide V but do not lack the density corresponding to this protein in the X-ray structure, thereby adding support to the adenovirus cryo-electron microscopy model. The two types of light particles present different degrees of proteolytic processing. Their structures provide the first glimpse of the organization of L1 52/55k protein inside the capsid shell and of how this organization changes upon partial maturation. Immature, full-length L1 52/55k is poised beneath the vertices to engage the virus genome. Upon proteolytic processing, L1 52/55k disengages from the capsid shell, facilitating genome release during uncoating. IMPORTANCEAdenoviruses have been extensively characterized as experimental systems in molecular biology, as human pathogens, and as therapeutic vectors. However, a clear picture of many aspects of their basic biology is still lacking. Two of these aspects are the location of minor coat proteins in the capsid and the molecular details of capsid assembly. Here, we provide evidence supporting one of the two current models for capsid architecture. We also show for the first time the location of the packaging protein L1 52/55k in particles lacking the virus genome and how this location changes during maturation. Our results contribute to clarifying standing questions in adenovirus capsid architecture and provide new details on the role of L1 52/55k protein in assembly.A denoviruses (AdVs) (1) are among the most complex nonenveloped, icosahedral viruses. The AdV capsid is an icosahedron with a ϳ950-Å maximum diameter and triangulation number pseudo-Tϭ25. Each capsid facet has 12 trimers of the major coat protein, hexon. A pentamer of penton base protein sits at each vertex, in complex with a trimer of the projecting fiber. In addition, correct assembly requires four different minor coat proteins: IIIa, VI, VIII, and IX (2). The icosahedral shell encloses a nonicosahedral core with a linear, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome (35 kbp in human AdV type 5 [H...