Rhesus monkey TRIM5α SPRY domain recognizes multiple epitopes that span several capsid monomers on the surface of the HIV-1 mature viral core.

The restriction factor TRIM5α binds to the capsid protein of the retroviral core and blocks retroviral replication. The affinity of TRIM5α for the capsid is a major host tropism determinant of HIV and other primate immunodeficiency viruses, but the molecular interface involved in this host-pathogen interaction remains poorly characterized. Here we use NMR spectroscopy to investigate binding of the rhesus TRIM5α SPRY domain to a selection of HIV capsid constructs. The data are consistent with a model in which one SPRY domain interacts with more than one capsid monomer within the assembled retroviral core. The highly mobile SPRY v1 loop appears to span the gap between neighboring capsid hexamers making interhexamer contacts critical for restriction. The interaction interface is extensive, involves mobile loops and multiple epitopes, and lacks interaction hot spots. These properties, which may enhance resistance of TRIM5α to capsid mutations, result in relatively low affinity of the individual SPRY domains for the capsid, and the TRIM5α-mediated restriction depends on the avidity effect arising from the oligomerization of TRIM5α.

Structure of the rhesus monkey TRIM5α PRYSPRY domain, the HIV capsid recognition module.

Tripartite motif protein TRIM5α blocks retroviral replication after cell entry, and species-specific differences in its activity are determined by sequence variations within the C-terminal B30.2/PRYSPRY domain. Here we report a high-resolution structure of a TRIM5α PRYSPRY domain, the PRYSPRY of the rhesus monkey TRIM5α that potently restricts HIV infection, and identify features involved in its interaction with the HIV capsid. The extensive capsid-binding interface maps on the structurally divergent face of the protein formed by hypervariable loop segments, confirming that TRIM5α evolution is largely determined by its binding specificity. Interactions with the capsid are mediated by flexible variable loops via a mechanism that parallels antigen recognition by IgM antibodies, a similarity that may help explain some of the unusual functional properties of TRIM5α. Distinctive features of this pathogen-recognition interface, such as structural plasticity conferred by the mobile v1 segment and interaction with multiple epitopes, may allow restriction of divergent retroviruses and increase resistance to capsid mutations.

Functional and physical interaction between the mismatch repair and FA-BRCA pathways.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bone marrow failure and an increased risk for leukemia and cancer. Fifteen proteins thought to function in the repair of DNA interstrand crosslinks (ICLs) comprise what is known as the FA-BRCA pathway. Activation of this pathway leads to the monoubiquitylation and chromatin localization of FANCD2 and FANCI. It has previously been shown that FANCJ interacts with the mismatch repair (MMR) complex MutLα. Here we show that FANCD2 interacts with the MMR proteins MSH2 and MLH1. FANCD2 monoubiquitylation, foci formation and chromatin loading are greatly diminished in MSH2-deficient cells. Human or mouse cells lacking MSH2 or MLH1 display increased sensitivity and radial formation in response to treatment with DNA crosslinking agents. Studies in human cell lines and Drosophila mutants suggest an epistatic relationship between FANCD2, MSH2 and MLH1 with regard to ICL repair. Surprisingly, the interaction between MSH2 and MLH1 is compromised in multiple FA cell lines, and FA cell lines exhibit deficient MMR. These results suggest a significant role for MMR proteins in the activation of the FA pathway and repair of ICLs. In addition, we provide the first evidence for a defect in MMR in FA cell lines.

Constitutive Wee1 activity in adult brain neurons with M phase-type alterations in Alzheimer neurodegeneration.

The cdc2/cyclin B1 kinase is absent from neurons that are terminally differentiated. However, unscheduled activation of Cdc2/cyclin B and accumulation of mitotic phosphoepitopes have been described in degenerating neurons of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and their appearance precedes hallmark lesion formation. In cycling cells the timing of cdc2 activation and onset of mitosis are determined by the Wee1 tyrosine kinase. We therefore investigated the Wee1 kinase in human brain. Surprisingly, we have found that the enzyme is constitutively active in neurons of normal brain. Consistent with its behavior in M phase, Wee1 in AD has decreased activity, becomes MPM-2 immunoreactive, and is redistributed from its normally nuclear domain to the cytoplasm of affected neurons. These data suggest that Wee1 functions in normal postmitotic neurons, but is altered in AD so as to promote activation of Cdc2/cyclin B1. Thus, Wee1 is yet another mitotic regulator that participates in the AD neurodegenerative process.