Biology subjects

Mansky, L. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Mansky, L. M..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Determinants in the HTLV-1 capsid major homology region that are critical for virus particle assembly

The Gag protein of retroviruses is the primary driver of virus particle assembly. Particle morphologies among retroviral genera are distinct, with intriguing differences observed relative to HIV-1, particularly that of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1). In contrast to HIV-1 and other retroviruses where the capsid (CA) carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) possesses the key amino acid determinants involved in driving Gag-Gag interactions, we have previously demonstrated that the amino-terminal domain (NTD) encodes the key residues crucial for Gag multimerization and immature particle production. Here in this study, we sought to thoroughly interrogate the conserved HTLV-1 major homology region (MHR) of the CACTD to determine whether this region harbors residues important for particle assembly. In particular, site-directed mutagenesis of the HTLV-1 MHR was conducted, and mutants were analyzed for their ability to impact Gag subcellular distribution, particle production and morphology, as well as the CA-CA assembly kinetics. Several key residues (i.e., Q138, E142, Y144, F147 and R150), were found to significantly impact Gag multimerization and particle assembly. Taken together, these observations imply that while the HTLV-1 CANTD acts as the major region involved in CA-CA interactions, residues in the MHR can impact Gag multimerization, particle assembly and morphology, and likely play an important role in the conformation the CACTD that is required for CA-CA interactions.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2023

Unconventional stabilization of the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 immature Gag lattice

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has an atypical immature particle morphology compared to other retroviruses. This indicates that these particles are formed in a way that is unique. Here we report the results of cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) studies of HTLV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) assembled in vitro, as well as derived from cells. This work shows that HTLV-1 employs an unconventional mechanism of Gag-Gag interactions to form the immature viral lattice. Analysis of high-resolution structural information from immature CA tubular arrays reveals that the primary stabilizing component in HTLV-1 is CA-NTD. Mutagenesis and biophysical analysis support this observation. This distinguishes HTLV-1 from other retroviruses, in which the stabilization is provided primarily by the CA-CTD. These results are the first to provide structural details of the quaternary arrangement of Gag for an immature deltaretrovirus, and this helps explain why HTLV-1 particles are morphologically distinct.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2022

HIV-2 Immature Particle Morphology Provides Insights into Gag Lattice Stability and Virus Maturation

Retrovirus immature particle morphology consists of a membrane enclosed, pleomorphic, spherical and incomplete lattice of Gag hexamers. Previously, we demonstrated that human immunodeficiency virus type 2 (HIV-2) immature particles possess a distinct and extensive Gag lattice morphology. To better understand the nature of the continuously curved hexagonal Gag lattice, we have used single particle cryo-electron microscopy with a retrovirus to determine the HIV-2 Gag lattice structure for immature virions. The reconstruction map at 5.5 [A] resolution revealed a stable, wineglass-shaped Gag hexamer structure with structural features consistent with other lentiviral immature Gag structures. Cryo-electron tomography provided evidence for nearly complete ordered Gag lattice structures in HIV-2 immature particles. We also solved a 1.98 [A] resolution crystal structure of the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of the HIV-2 capsid (CA) protein that identified a structured helix 12 supported via an interaction of helix 10 in the absence of the SP1 region of Gag. Residues at the helix 10-12 interface proved critical in maintaining HIV-2 particle release and infectivity. Taken together, our findings provide the first 3D organization of HIV-2 immature Gag lattice and important insights into both HIV Gag lattice stabilization and virus maturation.

microbiology↗

bioRxiv2021

Structural basis for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Gag targeting to the plasma membrane for assembly

During the late phase of retroviral replication, the virally encoded Gag polyprotein is targeted to the plasma membrane (PM) for assembly. Gag-PM binding is mediated by the N-terminal matrix (MA) domain of Gag. For many retroviruses, Gag binding to the PM was found to be dependent on phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. However, it was shown that for human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Gag binding to membranes is less dependent on PI(4,5)P2, suggesting that other factors may modulate Gag assembly. To elucidate the mechanism by which HTLV-1 Gag binds to the PM, we employed NMR techniques to solve the structure of unmyristoylated MA (myr(-)MA) and to characterize its interactions with lipids and liposomes. The MA structure consists of four -helices and unstructured N- and C-termini. We show that myr(-)MA binds to PI(4,5)P2 via the polar head and that myr(-)MA binding to inositol phosphates (IPs) is significantly enhanced by increasing the number of phosphate groups on the inositol ring, indicating that the MA-IP binding is governed by charge-charge interactions. The IP binding site was mapped to a well-defined basic patch formed by lysine and arginine residues. Using a sensitive NMR-based liposome binding assay, we show that myr(-)MA binding to membranes is significantly enhanced by phosphatidylserine (PS). Confocal microscopy data show that Gag is localized to the inner leaflet of the PM of infected cells, while the Gag G2A mutant, lacking myristoylation, is diffuse and cytoplasmic. These findings advance our understanding of a key mechanism in retroviral assembly.

microbiology↗