CRISPR screens identify novel regulators of cFLIP dependency and ligand-independent, TRAIL-R1-mediated cell death.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). PEL cell lines require expression of the cellular FLICE inhibitory protein (cFLIP) for survival, although KSHV encodes a viral homolog of this protein (vFLIP). Cellular and viral FLIP proteins have several functions, including, most importantly, the inhibition of pro-apoptotic caspase 8 and modulation of NF-κB signaling. To investigate the essential role of cFLIP and its potential redundancy with vFLIP in PEL cells, we first performed rescue experiments with human or viral FLIP proteins known to affect FLIP target pathways differently. The long and short isoforms of cFLIP and molluscum contagiosum virus MC159L, which are all strong caspase 8 inhibitors, efficiently rescued the loss of endogenous cFLIP activity in PEL cells. KSHV vFLIP was unable to fully rescue the loss of endogenous cFLIP and is therefore functionally distinct. Next, we employed genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 synthetic rescue screens to identify loss of function perturbations that can compensate for cFLIP knockout. Results from these screens and our validation experiments implicate the canonical cFLIP target caspase 8 and TRAIL receptor 1 (TRAIL-R1 or TNFRSF10A) in promoting constitutive death signaling in PEL cells. However, this process was independent of TRAIL receptor 2 or TRAIL, the latter of which is not detectable in PEL cell cultures. The requirement for cFLIP is also overcome by inactivation of the ER/Golgi resident chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesis and UFMylation pathways, Jagunal homolog 1 (JAGN1) or CXCR4. UFMylation and JAGN1, but not chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan synthesis or CXCR4, contribute to TRAIL-R1 expression. In sum, our work shows that cFLIP is required in PEL cells to inhibit ligand-independent TRAIL-R1 cell death signaling downstream of a complex set of ER/Golgi-associated processes that have not previously been implicated in cFLIP or TRAIL-R1 function.

Druggable host gene dependencies in primary effusion lymphoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Here, we review what is known about human gene essentiality in PEL-derived cell lines. We provide an updated list of PEL-specific human gene dependencies, based on the improved definition of core essential genes across human cancer types. The requirements of PEL cell lines for interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4), basic leukine zipper ATF-like transcription factor (BATF), G1/S cyclin D2 (CCND2), CASP8 and FADD like apoptosis regulator (CFLAR), MCL1 apoptosis regulator (MCL1), and murine double minute 2 (MDM2) have been confirmed experimentally. KSHV co-opts IRF4 and BATF to drive superenhancer (SE)-mediated expression of IRF4 itself, MYC, and CCND2. IRF4 dependency of SE-mediated gene expression is shared with Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1-transformed adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) cell lines, as well as several B-cell lymphomas of nonviral etiology. LCLs and ATLL cell lines similarly share dependencies on CCND2 and CFLAR with PEL, but also have distinct gene dependencies. Genetic dependencies could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in PEL and other cancers.

Primary effusion lymphoma enhancer connectome links super-enhancers to dependency factors.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) has a very poor prognosis. To evaluate the contributions of enhancers/promoters interactions to PEL cell growth and survival, here we produce H3K27ac HiChIP datasets in PEL cells. This allows us to generate the PEL enhancer connectome, which links enhancers and promoters in PEL genome-wide. We identify more than 8000 genomic interactions in each PEL cell line. By incorporating HiChIP data with H3K27ac ChIP-seq data, we identify interactions between enhancers/enhancers, enhancers/promoters, and promoters/promoters. HiChIP further links PEL super-enhancers to PEL dependency factors MYC, IRF4, MCL1, CCND2, MDM2, and CFLAR. CRISPR knock out of MEF2C and IRF4 significantly reduces MYC and IRF4 super-enhancer H3K27ac signal. Knock out also reduces MYC and IRF4 expression. CRISPRi perturbation of these super-enhancers by tethering transcription repressors to enhancers significantly reduces target gene expression and reduces PEL cell growth. These data provide insights into PEL molecular pathogenesis.

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Drives a Super-Enhancer-Mediated Survival Gene Expression Program in Primary Effusion Lymphoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). The cellular transcription factor (TF) interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is an essential oncogene in PEL, but its specific role in PEL and how KSHV deregulates IRF4 remain unknown. Here, we report that the KSHV latency protein viral interferon regulatory factor 3 (vIRF3) cooperates with IRF4 and cellular BATF (basic leucine zipper ATF-like TF) to drive a super-enhancer (SE)-mediated oncogenic transcriptional program in PEL. Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with next-generation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) experiments demonstrated that IRF4, vIRF3, and BATF cooccupy the SEs of key survival genes, in a pattern that is distinct from those seen with other IRF4-driven malignancies. All three proteins cooperatively drive SE-mediated IRF4 overexpression. Inactivation of vIRF3 and, to a lesser extent, BATF phenocopies the gene expression changes and loss of cellular viability observed upon inactivation of IRF4. In sum, this work suggests that KSHV vIRF3 and cellular IRF4 and BATF cooperate as oncogenic transcription factors on SEs to promote cellular survival and proliferation in KSHV-associated lymphomas.IMPORTANCE Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes the aggressive disease primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). Here, we show that a viral transcription factor (vIRF3) cooperates with the cellular transcription factor IRF4 to control an oncogenic gene expression program in PEL cells. These proteins promote KSHV-mediated B cell transformation by activating the expression of prosurvival genes through super-enhancers. Our report thus demonstrates that this DNA tumor virus encodes a transcription factor that functions with cellular IRF4 to drive oncogenic transcriptional reprogramming.

The Oncogenic Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Encodes a Mimic of the Tumor-Suppressive miR-15/16 miRNA Family.

Many tumor viruses encode oncogenes of cellular origin. Here, we report an oncoviral mimic of a cellular tumor suppressor. The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) microRNA (miRNA) miR-K6-5p shares sequence similarity to the tumor-suppressive cellular miR-15/16 miRNA family. We show that miR-K6-5p inhibits cell cycle progression, a hallmark function of miR-16. miR-K6-5p regulates conserved miR-15/16 family miRNA targets, including many cell cycle regulators. Inhibition of miR-K6-5p in KSHV-transformed B cells confers a significant growth advantage. Altogether, our data show that KSHV encodes a functional mimic of miR-15/16 family miRNAs. While it is exceedingly well established that oncogenic viruses encode oncogenes of cellular origin, this is an unusual example of an oncogenic virus that encodes a viral mimic of a cellular tumor suppressor. Encoding a tumor-suppressive miRNA could help KSHV balance viral oncogene expression and thereby avoid severe pathogenesis in the healthy host.

Genome-wide CRISPR screens reveal genetic mediators of cereblon modulator toxicity in primary effusion lymphoma.

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens represent a powerful approach to studying mechanisms of drug action and resistance. Cereblon modulating agents (CMs) have recently emerged as candidates for therapeutic intervention in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), a highly aggressive cancer caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. CMs bind to cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of the cullin-RING type E3 ubiquitin ligase CRL4CRBN, and thereby trigger the acquisition and proteasomal degradation of neosubstrates. Downstream mechanisms of CM toxicity are incompletely understood, however. To identify novel CM effectors and mechanisms of CM resistance, we performed positive selection CRISPR screens using 3 CMs with increasing toxicity in PEL: lenalidomide (LEN), pomalidomide (POM), and CC-122. Results identified several novel modulators of the activity of CRL4CRBN The number of genes whose inactivation confers resistance decreases with increasing CM efficacy. Only inactivation of CRBN conferred complete resistance to CC-122. Inactivation of the E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme UBE2G1 also conferred robust resistance against LEN and POM. Inactivation of additional genes, including the Nedd8-specific protease SENP8, conferred resistance to only LEN. SENP8 inactivation indirectly increased levels of unneddylated CUL4A/B, which limits CRL4CRBN activity in a dominant negative manner. Accordingly, sensitivity of SENP8-inactivated cells to LEN is restored by overexpression of CRBN. In sum, our screens identify several novel players in CRL4CRBN function and define pathways to CM resistance in PEL. These results provide rationale for increasing CM efficacy on patient relapse from a less-efficient CM. Identified genes could finally be developed as biomarkers to predict CM efficacy in PEL and other cancers.

Gene essentiality landscape and druggable oncogenic dependencies in herpesviral primary effusion lymphoma.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. Our understanding of PEL is poor and therefore treatment strategies are lacking. To address this need, we conducted genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens in eight PEL cell lines. Integration with data from unrelated cancers identifies 210 genes as PEL-specific oncogenic dependencies. Genetic requirements of PEL cell lines are largely independent of Epstein-Barr virus co-infection. Genes of the NF-κB pathway are individually non-essential. Instead, we demonstrate requirements for IRF4 and MDM2. PEL cell lines depend on cellular cyclin D2 and c-FLIP despite expression of viral homologs. Moreover, PEL cell lines are addicted to high levels of MCL1 expression, which are also evident in PEL tumors. Strong dependencies on cyclin D2 and MCL1 render PEL cell lines highly sensitive to palbociclib and S63845. In summary, this work comprehensively identifies genetic dependencies in PEL cell lines and identifies novel strategies for therapeutic intervention.

CK1α and IRF4 are essential and independent effectors of immunomodulatory drugs in primary effusion lymphoma.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is an aggressive cancer with few treatment options. The immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) lenalidomide and pomalidomide have recently been shown to kill PEL cell lines, and lenalidomide is in clinical trials against PEL. IMiDs bind to the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, leading to the acquisition of the Ikaros family zinc finger proteins 1 and 3 (IKZF1 and IKZF3), casein kinase 1 α (CK1α), and zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) as neosubstrates. IMiDs are effective against multiple myeloma because of degradation of IKZF1 and IKZF3 and the consequent loss of interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and MYC expression. Lenalidomide is also effective in chromosome 5q deletion-associated myelodysplastic syndrome as a result of degradation of CK1α. An essential IKZF1-IRF4-MYC axis has recently been proposed to underlie the toxicity of IMiDs in PEL. Here, we further investigate IMiD effectors in PEL cell lines, based on genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screens for essential human genes. These screens and extensive validation experiments show that, of the 4 neosubstrates, only CK1α is essential for the survival of PEL cell lines. In contrast, IKZF1 and IKZF3 are dispensable, individually or in combination. IRF4 was critical in all 8 PEL cell lines tested, and surprisingly, IMiDs triggered downregulation of IRF4 expression independently of both IKZF1 and IKZF3. Reexpression of CK1α and/or IRF4 partially rescued PEL cell lines from IMiD-mediated toxicity. In conclusion, IMiD toxicity in PEL cell lines is independent of IKZF1 and IKZF3 but proceeds through degradation of the neosubstrate CK1α and downregulation of IRF4.

Divergent target recognition by coexpressed 5'-isomiRs of miR-142-3p and selective viral mimicry.

Sequence heterogeneity at the ends of mature microRNAs (miRNAs) is well documented, but its effects on miRNA function are largely unexplored. Here we studied the impact of miRNA 5'-heterogeneity, which affects the seed region critical for target recognition. Using the example of miR-142-3p, an emerging regulator of the hematopoietic lineage in vertebrates, we show that naturally coexpressed 5'-variants (5'-isomiRs) can recognize largely distinct sets of binding sites. Despite this, both miR-142-3p isomiRs regulate exclusive and shared targets involved in actin dynamics. Thus, 5'-heterogeneity can substantially broaden and enhance regulation of one pathway. Other 5'-isomiRs, in contrast, recognize largely overlapping sets of binding sites. This is exemplified by two herpesviral 5'-isomiRs that selectively mimic one of the miR-142-3p 5'-isomiRs. We hypothesize that other cellular and viral 5'-isomiRs can similarly be grouped into those with divergent or convergent target repertoires, based on 5'-sequence features. Taken together, our results provide a detailed characterization of target recognition by miR-142-3p and its 5'-isomiR-specific viral mimic. We furthermore demonstrate that miRNA 5'-end variation leads to differential targeting and can thus broaden the target range of miRNAs.

MicroRNA-mediated transformation by the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus Kaposin locus.

UNLABELLED: The human oncogenic Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) expresses a set of ∼20 viral microRNAs (miRNAs). miR-K10a stands out among these miRNAs because its entire stem-loop precursor overlaps the coding sequence for the Kaposin (Kap) A/C proteins. The ectopic expression of KapA has been reported to lead to transformation of rodent fibroblasts. However, these experiments inadvertently also introduced miR-K10a, which raises the question whether the transforming activity of the locus could in fact be due to miR-K10a expression. To answer this question, we have uncoupled miR-K10a and KapA expression. Our experiments revealed that miR-K10a alone transformed cells with an efficiency similar to that when it was coexpressed with KapA. Maintenance of the transformed phenotype was conditional upon continued miR-K10a but not KapA protein expression, consistent with its dependence on miRNA-mediated changes in gene expression. Importantly, miR-K10a taps into an evolutionarily conserved network of miR-142-3p targets, several of which are expressed in 3T3 cells and are also known inhibitors of cellular transformation. In summary, our studies of miR-K10a serve as an example of an unsuspected function of an mRNA whose precursor is embedded within a coding transcript. In addition, our identification of conserved miR-K10a targets that limit transformation will point the way to a better understanding of the role of this miRNA in KSHV-associated tumors. IMPORTANCE: Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human tumor virus. The viral Kaposin locus has known oncogenic potential, which has previously been attributed to the encoded KapA protein. Here we show that the virally encoded miR-K10a miRNA, whose precursor overlaps the KapA-coding region, may account for the oncogenic properties of this locus. Our data suggest that miR-K10a mimics the cellular miRNA miR-142-3p and thereby represses several known inhibitors of oncogenic transformation. Our work demonstrates that functional properties attributed to a coding region may in fact be carried out by an embedded noncoding element and sheds light on the functions of viral miR-K10a.

Unambiguous identification of miRNA:target site interactions by different types of ligation reactions.

To exert regulatory function, miRNAs guide Argonaute (AGO) proteins to partially complementary sites on target RNAs. Crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) assays are state-of-the-art to map AGO binding sites, but assigning the targeting miRNA to these sites relies on bioinformatics predictions and is therefore indirect. To directly and unambiguously identify miRNA:target site interactions, we modified our CLIP methodology in C. elegans to experimentally ligate miRNAs to their target sites. Unexpectedly, ligation reactions also occurred in the absence of the exogenous ligase. Our in vivo data set and reanalysis of published mammalian AGO-CLIP data for miRNA-chimeras yielded ∼17,000 miRNA:target site interactions. Analysis of interactions and extensive experimental validation of chimera-discovered targets of viral miRNAs suggest that our strategy identifies canonical, noncanonical, and nonconserved miRNA:targets. About 80% of miRNA interactions have perfect or partial seed complementarity. In summary, analysis of miRNA:target chimeras enables the systematic, context-specific, in vivo discovery of miRNA binding.

The PYRIN domain-only protein POP3 inhibits ALR inflammasomes and regulates responses to infection with DNA viruses.

The innate immune system responds to infection and tissue damage by activating cytosolic sensory complexes called 'inflammasomes'. Cytosolic DNA is sensed by AIM2-like receptors (ALRs) during bacterial and viral infections and in autoimmune diseases. Subsequently, recruitment of the inflammasome adaptor ASC links ALRs to the activation of caspase-1. A controlled immune response is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, but the regulation of ALR inflammasomes is poorly understood. Here we identified the PYRIN domain (PYD)-only protein POP3, which competes with ASC for recruitment to ALRs, as an inhibitor of DNA virus-induced activation of ALR inflammasomes in vivo. Data obtained with a mouse model with macrophage-specific POP3 expression emphasize the importance of the regulation of ALR inflammasomes in monocytes and macrophages.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus encodes a mimic of cellular miR-23.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) expresses ∼20 viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in latently infected cells. We have previously shown that two of these miRNAs function as mimics of the cellular miRNAs miR-155 and miR-142-3p. Two additional KSHV miRNAs, miR-K3+1 and miR-K3, share perfect and offset 5' homology with cellular miR-23, respectively. Here, we report a single nucleotide polymorphism that causes miR-K3+1 expression in a subset of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cell lines as a consequence of altered processing of the primary transcript by the Microprocessor complex. We confirm that miR-K3+1 regulates miR-23 targets, which is expected because these miRNAs share the entire seed region (nucleotides 2 to 8). Surprisingly, we found that miR-K3 also regulates miR-23 targets, despite offset seed sequences. In addition, the offset homology of miR-K3 to miR-23 likely allows this viral miRNA to expand its target repertoire beyond the targets of miR-23. Because miR-23 is highly expressed in endothelial cells but expressed at only low levels in B cells, we hypothesize that miR-K3 may function to introduce miR-23-like activities into KSHV-infected B cells. Together, our data demonstrate that KSHV has evolved at least three distinct viral miRNAs to tap into evolutionarily conserved cellular miRNA-regulatory networks. Furthermore, our data allow fundamental insights into the generation and functional impact of miRNA 5' end variation.

Roles of microRNAs in the life cycles of mammalian viruses.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs expressed by plants, animals, and some viruses. miRNAs generally function as part of miRNA-induced silencing complexes to modestly repress mRNAs with imperfect sequence complementarity. Over the last years, many different roles of miRNA mediated regulation in the life cycles of mammalian viruses have been uncovered. In this chapter, I will mainly explore four different examples of how cellular miRNAs interact with viruses: the role of miR-155 in viral oncogenesis, viral strategies to eliminate cellular miR-27, the contribution of miR-122 to the replication of hepatitis C virus, and miRNAs as an experimental tool to control virus replication and vector transgene expression. In the final part of this chapter, I will give a brief overview of virally encoded microRNAs.

Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus microRNAs.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is a human pathogenic γ-herpesvirus strongly associated with the development of Kaposi's Sarcoma and B cell proliferative disorders, including primary effusion lymphoma (PEL). The identification and functional investigation of non-coding RNAs expressed by KSHV is a topic with rapidly emerging importance. KSHV miRNAs derived from 12 stem-loops located in the major latency locus have been the focus of particular attention. Recent studies describing the transcriptome-wide identification of mRNA targets of the KSHV miRNAs suggest that these miRNAs have evolved a highly complex network of interactions with the cellular and viral transcriptomes. Relatively few KSHV miRNA targets, however, have been characterized at a functional level. Here, our current understanding of KSHV miRNA expression, targets, and function will be reviewed.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-induced tumor suppressor microRNA MiR-34a is growth promoting in EBV-infected B cells.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of primary human B cells drives their indefinite proliferation into lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). B cell immortalization depends on expression of viral latency genes, as well as the regulation of host genes. Given the important role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating fundamental cellular processes, in this study, we assayed changes in host miRNA expression during primary B cell infection by EBV. We observed and validated dynamic changes in several miRNAs from early proliferation through immortalization; oncogenic miRNAs were induced, and tumor suppressor miRNAs were largely repressed. However, one miRNA described as a p53-targeted tumor suppressor, miR-34a, was strongly induced by EBV infection and expressed in many EBV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected lymphoma cell lines. EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) was sufficient to induce miR-34a requiring downstream NF-κB activation but independent of functional p53. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-34a was not toxic in several B lymphoma cell lines, and inhibition of miR-34a impaired the growth of EBV-transformed cells. This study identifies a progrowth role for a tumor-suppressive miRNA in oncogenic-virus-mediated transformation, highlighting the importance of studying miRNA function in different cellular contexts.

The viral and cellular microRNA targetome in lymphoblastoid cell lines.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human herpesvirus linked to a number of B cell cancers and lymphoproliferative disorders. During latent infection, EBV expresses 25 viral pre-microRNAs (miRNAs) and induces the expression of specific host miRNAs, such as miR-155 and miR-21, which potentially play a role in viral oncogenesis. To date, only a limited number of EBV miRNA targets have been identified; thus, the role of EBV miRNAs in viral pathogenesis and/or lymphomagenesis is not well defined. Here, we used photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (PAR-CLIP) combined with deep sequencing and computational analysis to comprehensively examine the viral and cellular miRNA targetome in EBV strain B95-8-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). We identified 7,827 miRNA-interaction sites in 3,492 cellular 3'UTRs. 531 of these sites contained seed matches to viral miRNAs. 24 PAR-CLIP-identified miRNA:3'UTR interactions were confirmed by reporter assays. Our results reveal that EBV miRNAs predominantly target cellular transcripts during latent infection, thereby manipulating the host environment. Furthermore, targets of EBV miRNAs are involved in multiple cellular processes that are directly relevant to viral infection, including innate immunity, cell survival, and cell proliferation. Finally, we present evidence that myc-regulated host miRNAs from the miR-17/92 cluster can regulate latent viral gene expression. This comprehensive survey of the miRNA targetome in EBV-infected B cells represents a key step towards defining the functions of EBV-encoded miRNAs, and potentially, identifying novel therapeutic targets for EBV-associated malignancies.

Viral microRNA targetome of KSHV-infected primary effusion lymphoma cell lines.

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and frequently also harbors Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The expression of KSHV- and EBV-encoded microRNAs (miRNAs) in PELs suggests a role for these miRNAs in latency and lymphomagenesis. Using PAR-CLIP, a technology which allows the direct and transcriptome-wide identification of miRNA targets, we delineate the target sites for all viral and cellular miRNAs expressed in PEL cell lines. The resulting data set revealed that KSHV miRNAs directly target more than 2000 cellular mRNAs, including many involved in pathways relevant to KSHV pathogenesis. Moreover, 58% of these mRNAs are also targeted by EBV miRNAs, via distinct binding sites. In addition to a known viral analog of cellular miR-155, we show that KSHV encodes a viral miRNA that mimics cellular miR-142-3p function. In summary, this study identifies an extensive list of KSHV miRNA targets, which are likely to influence viral replication and pathogenesis.

PARalyzer: definition of RNA binding sites from PAR-CLIP short-read sequence data.

Crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (CLIP) protocols have made it possible to identify transcriptome-wide RNA-protein interaction sites. In particular, PAR-CLIP utilizes a photoactivatable nucleoside for more efficient crosslinking. We present an approach, centered on the novel PARalyzer tool, for mapping high-confidence sites from PAR-CLIP deep-sequencing data. We show that PARalyzer delineates sites with a high signal-to-noise ratio. Motif finding identifies the sequence preferences of RNA-binding proteins, as well as seed-matches for highly expressed microRNAs when profiling Argonaute proteins. Our study describes tailored analytical methods and provides guidelines for future efforts to utilize high-throughput sequencing in RNA biology. PARalyzer is available at http://www.genome.duke.edu/labs/ohler/research/PARalyzer/.

Virally induced cellular microRNA miR-155 plays a key role in B-cell immortalization by Epstein-Barr virus.

Infection of resting primary human B cells by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) results in their transformation into indefinitely proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). LCL formation serves as a model for lymphomagenesis, and LCLs are phenotypically similar to EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs), which represent a common AIDS-associated malignancy. B-cell infection by EBV induces the expression of several cellular microRNAs (miRNAs), most notably miR-155, which is overexpressed in many tumors and can induce B-cell lymphomas when overexpressed in animals. Here, we demonstrate that miR-155 is the most highly expressed miRNA in LCLs and that the selective inhibition of miR-155 function specifically inhibits the growth of both LCLs and the DLBCL cell line IBL-1. Cells lacking miR-155 are inefficient in progressing through S phase and spontaneously undergo apoptosis. In contrast, three other B-cell lymphoma lines, including two EBV-positive Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines, grew normally in the absence of miR-155 function. These data identify the induction of cellular miR-155 expression by EBV as critical for the growth of both laboratory-generated LCLs and naturally occurring DLBCLs and suggest that targeted inhibition of miR-155 function could represent a novel approach to the treatment of DLBCL in vivo.