Association of tenofovir diphosphate and lamivudine triphosphate concentrations with HIV and hepatitis B virus viral suppression.

OBJECTIVE: Concentrations of tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) and lamivudine triphosphate (3TC-TP) in cells are correlates of medication adherence and antiviral activity. However, studies have yet to characterize the simultaneous relationship between TFV-DP and 3TC-TP concentrations with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression. METHODS: Individuals with HIV/HBV coinfection on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART) were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dried blood spots (DBS) samples were collected and steady-state TFV-DP and 3TC-TP concentrations quantified using validated methods. The relationship between patient factors, TFV-DP, and 3TC-TP concentrations in PBMCs and DBS with HBV and HIV viral suppression were examined. RESULTS: Of 138 participants on TDF-containing ART for a median duration (range) of 6 (0.75-15) years, the median age was 43 years and 64% were women. Overall, 128 (92.8%) and 129 (93.5%) had suppressed HIV and HBV viral loads, respectively. Of the 128 participants with suppressed HIV, 122 (95.3%) had suppressed HBV. Self-reported ART adherence, recent change to dolutegravir-based ART, TFV-DP, and 3TC-TP concentrations in PBMCs and DBS were associated with HIV RNA suppression, while HBe antigen positivity, HIV suppression, and TFV-DP concentrations in DBS were associated with HBV DNA suppression (including six persons with HBV nonsuppression and HIV suppression). CONCLUSION: Long-term TDF/3TC-conatining ART was highly efficacious in individuals with HIV/HBV coinfection. Higher TFV-DP concentrations were predictive of suppression for both viruses. Persistent HBV viremia on TDF/3TC-containg ART requires additional research, but may represent poor adherence and the need for adherence interventions or novel antivirals.

The novel HLA-A*68:302 allele, identified by Sanger dideoxynucleotide sequencing in a Chinese individual.

HLA-A*68:302 differs from HLA-A*68:01:02:01 by one nucleotide in exon 4.

Human PrimPol Discrimination against Dideoxynucleotides during Primer Synthesis.

PrimPol is required to re-prime DNA replication at both nucleus and mitochondria, thus facilitating fork progression during replicative stress. ddC is a chain-terminating nucleotide that has been widely used to block mitochondrial DNA replication because it is efficiently incorporated by the replicative polymerase Polγ. Here, we show that human PrimPol discriminates against dideoxynucleotides (ddNTP) when elongating a primer across 8oxoG lesions in the template, but also when starting de novo synthesis of DNA primers, and especially when selecting the 3'nucleotide of the initial dimer. PrimPol incorporates ddNTPs with a very low efficiency compared to dNTPs even in the presence of activating manganese ions, and only a 40-fold excess of ddNTP would significantly disturb PrimPol primase activity. This discrimination against ddNTPs prevents premature termination of the primers, warranting their use for elongation. The crystal structure of human PrimPol highlights Arg291 residue as responsible for the strong dNTP/ddNTP selectivity, since it interacts with the 3'-OH group of the incoming deoxynucleotide, absent in ddNTPs. Arg291, shown here to be critical for both primase and polymerase activities of human PrimPol, would contribute to the preferred binding of dNTPs versus ddNTPs at the 3'elongation site, thus avoiding synthesis of abortive primers.

Double-strand breaks induce short-scale DNA replication and damage amplification in the fully grown mouse oocytes.

Break-induced replication (BIR) is essential for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with single ends. DSBs-induced microhomology-mediated BIR (mmBIR) and template-switching can increase the risk of complex genome rearrangement. In addition, DSBs can also induce the multi-invasion-mediated DSB amplification. The mmBIR-induced genomic rearrangement has been identified in cancer cells and patients with rare diseases. However, when and how mmBIR is initiated have not been fully and deeply studied. Furthermore, it is not well understood about the conditions for initiation of multi-invasion-mediated DSB amplification. In the G2 phase oocyte of mouse, we identified a type of short-scale BIR (ssBIR) using the DNA replication indicator 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). These ssBIRs could only be induced in the fully grown oocytes but not the growing oocytes. If the DSB oocytes were treated with Rad51 or Chek1/2 inhibitors, both EdU signals and DSB marker γH2A.X foci would decrease. In addition, the DNA polymerase inhibitor Aphidicolin could inhibit the ssBIR and another inhibitor ddATP could reduce the number of γH2A.X foci in the DSB oocytes. In conclusion, our results showed that DNA DSBs in the fully grown oocytes can initiate ssBIR and be amplified by Rad51 or DNA replication.

[Microassay of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotype Based on R6G-ddATP/SNaPshot-Gel Fluorescence Method].

OBJECTIVE: R6G-ddATP was used as a dideoxy fluorescence substrate to establish the single base end extension (SNaPShot)-gel fluorescence method for the rapid detection of the genotypes of three high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) ( HPV18, HPV33 and HPV35) genotypes. METHODS: HPV quality control products were used as as samples, and R6G-ddATP dideoxy fluorescence reagent was used as substrate. Firstly, HPV was amplified by using universal primers to obtain the first round of amplified products, which were purified and used as templates for subsequent SNaPShot reactions. Then, specific one-step extension primers were used to perform SNaPShot reaction to generate R6G-fluorescence-labeled DNA extension products. The product was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis, the results of which were observed under a Gel Imager, and the HPV genotyping was done with different one-step extension primers. Each sample was tested three times and the results were compared with DNA sequencing results. RESULTS: The preferred annealing temperature for SNaPShot reaction is 55 ℃. Three HPV genotypes were examined by R6G-ddATP/SNaPShot gel fluorescence assay under optimal conditions, and the results were consistent with DNA sequencing results. CONCLUSION: The R6G-ddATP/SNaPShot-gel fluorescence method for the micro-detection methods of three HR-HPV genotypes was successfully established and can be used for rapid detection of HPV genotypes.

Structure of eukaryotic DNA polymerase δ bound to the PCNA clamp while encircling DNA.

The DNA polymerase (Pol) δ of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S.c.) is composed of the catalytic subunit Pol3 along with two regulatory subunits, Pol31 and Pol32. Pol δ binds to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and functions in genome replication, repair, and recombination. Unique among DNA polymerases, the Pol3 catalytic subunit contains a 4Fe-4S cluster that may sense the cellular redox state. Here we report the 3.2-Šcryo-EM structure of S.c. Pol δ in complex with primed DNA, an incoming ddTTP, and the PCNA clamp. Unexpectedly, Pol δ binds only one subunit of the PCNA trimer. This singular yet extensive interaction holds DNA such that the 2-nm-wide DNA threads through the center of the 3-nm interior channel of the clamp without directly contacting the protein. Thus, a water-mediated clamp and DNA interface enables the PCNA clamp to "waterskate" along the duplex with minimum drag. Pol31 and Pol32 are positioned off to the side of the catalytic Pol3-PCNA-DNA axis. We show here that Pol31-Pol32 binds single-stranded DNA that we propose underlies polymerase recycling during lagging strand synthesis, in analogy to Escherichia coli replicase. Interestingly, the 4Fe-4S cluster in the C-terminal CysB domain of Pol3 forms the central interface to Pol31-Pol32, and this strategic location may explain the regulation of the oxidation state on Pol δ activity, possibly useful during cellular oxidative stress. Importantly, human cancer and other disease mutations map to nearly every domain of Pol3, suggesting that all aspects of Pol δ replication are important to human health and disease.

Nucleotide analogues as inhibitors of SARS-CoV Polymerase.

SARS-CoV-2, a member of the coronavirus family, has caused a global public health emergency. Based on our analysis of hepatitis C virus and coronavirus replication, and the molecular structures and activities of viral inhibitors, we previously reasoned that the FDA-approved hepatitis C drug EPCLUSA (Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir) should inhibit coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Here, using model polymerase extension experiments, we demonstrate that the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is incorporated by low-fidelity polymerases and SARS-CoV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and blocks further incorporation by these polymerases; the active triphosphate form of Sofosbuvir is not incorporated by a host-like high-fidelity DNA polymerase. Using the same molecular insight, we selected 3'-fluoro-3'-deoxythymidine triphosphate and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine triphosphate, which are the active forms of two other anti-viral agents, Alovudine and AZT (an FDA-approved HIV/AIDS drug) for evaluation as inhibitors of SARS-CoV RdRp. We demonstrate the ability of two of these HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors to be incorporated by SARS-CoV RdRp where they also terminate further polymerase extension. Given the 98% amino acid similarity of the SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 RdRps, we expect these nucleotide analogues would also inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase. These results offer guidance to further modify these nucleotide analogues to generate more potent broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus agents.

Chemopreventive efficacy of stampidine in a murine breast cancer model.

Background: The purpose of the present study was to examine the chemopreventive effect of stampidine, an aryl phosphate derivative of stavudine, in side by side comparison with the standard anti-breast cancer drug paclitaxel in the well-established 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced murine breast cancer model.Methods: Groups of 20 female mice were challenged with the DMBA. DMBA-challenged mice were assigned to various chemoprevention treatments, including stampidine, paclitaxel, and stampidine plus paclitaxel according to the same treatment schedules for 25 weeks.Results: Stampidine resulted in substantially reduced numbers of tumors, tumor weight as well as tumor size in DMBA-treated mice. Stampidine was as effective as paclitaxel in the model and their combination exhibited greater chemopreventive activity, as measured by reduced tumor incidence and improved tumor-free survival as well as overall survival of DMBA-treated mice. The length of time for the initial tumor to appear in DMBA-challenged mice treated with stampidine was longer than that of mice treated DMBA-challenged control mice. Tumors from mice treated with stampidine or stampidine plus paclitaxel displayed unique changes of a signature protein cassette comprised BRCA1, p21, Bax, and Bcl-2.Conclusion: Stampidine has potent chemopreventive activity and is as effective as the standard chemotherapy drug paclitaxel in the chemical carcinogenesis.

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and the Vaginal Microbiome as Modifiers of Tenofovir Diphosphate and Lamivudine Triphosphate Concentrations in the Female Genital Tract of Ugandan Women: Implications for Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate/Lamivudine in Preexposure Prophylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Effective concentrations of antiretrovirals in the female genital tract (FGT) are critical for suppression of viral shedding or effective preexposure prophylaxis. The disposition of tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC-TP) in the FGT have been previously described. Despite widespread use, however, lamivudine triphosphate (3TC-TP) exposure in the FGT is unknown. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) and vaginal dysbiosis have been implicated in increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition, but whether they alter TFV-DP or 3TC-TP exposure, and therefore compromise prevention efficacy, is unknown. METHODS: Fifty premenopausal women living with HIV in Kampala, Uganda, and receiving daily tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine were recruited. Ectocervical biopsies were obtained for quantification of TFV-DP and 3TC-TP using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on DNA extracted from vaginal swabs. Wilcoxon rank-sum was used to test for differences between contraceptive groups. RESULTS: 3TC-TP concentrations were on average 17-fold greater than TFV-DP concentrations in cervical tissues. TFV-DP concentrations in cervical biopsies were 76% greater in DMPA users compared with women using nonhormonal contraception (n = 23 per group). Abundance of Lactobacillus in vaginal swabs was correlated with 3TC-TP concentrations in cervical tissues. CONCLUSIONS: We found that TFV-DP concentrations were significantly greater in DMPA users compared with women using nonhormonal contraception, suggesting that prevention efficacy is unlikely to be compromised by DMPA use. Similar to reports of FTC-TP, 3TC-TP exposure was significantly greater than TFV-DP in cervical tissue and was correlated with abundance of Lactobacillus. These data support lamivudine as an option for preexposure prophylaxis. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03377608.

Identificación de mutaciones asociadas con resistencia a inhibidores de la transferencia de cadena de integrasa en pacientes VIH-1 positivos naive para tratamiento antirretroviral en Medellín, Colombia / Identification of mutations associated with resistance to Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTI) in ART-naïve HIV- 1 patients in Medellin, Colombia

Objetivo: Estimar las frecuencias de mutaciones y de polimorfismos adicionales asociados con resistencia a los fármacos inhibidores de la integrasa del virus de inmunodeficiencia humana tipo 1 (VIH-1). Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal, en individuos VIH-1 positivos de la ciudad de Medellín, quienes no habían recibido tratamiento antirretroviral. En ellos se determinó, a través del método de 2-dideoxinucleótidos y el sistema ABI3730XL, la secuencia del gen de la integrasa del VIH-1 a partir del ARN viral circulante, la cual fue analizada en la base de datos de resistencia a medicamentos antirretrovirales de la Universidad de Stanford y según reportes de literatura científica. Resultados: Se encontraron las siguientes mutaciones (con sus respectivas frecuencias): una mutación mayor, E138K (1/46), tres mutaciones accesorias G163E (3/46), L74I (3/50) y E157Q (2/48), una mutación no polimórfica A128T (1/49) y otras dos mutaciones potencialmente asociadas con resistencia a inhibidores de integrasa S230N (9/39) y S119P/R/T (4/47, 2/47 y 14/47, respectivamente). Conclusiones: En las secuencias analizadas, llama la atención la presencia de al menos una mutación asociada a resistencia a inhibidores de integrasa en el 14% de los individuos estudiados, sugiriendo una pobre presión selectiva de este tipo de fármacos en la población viral circulante en la zona.

Aim: To estimate the frequencies of major and accessory mutations, as well as additional polymorphisms associated with resistance to human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (VIH-1) integrase strand transfer inhibitors. Materials and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, focused on HIV-1 positive individuals from Medellín, recruited between 2013 and 2015, and that had not received antiretroviral therapy. In these patients, the sequence from HIV-1 integrase was determined from circulating viral RNA through Sanger chain termination method with the ABI3730XL system, and the sequences were analyzed using the HIV Drug Resistance Database from the University of Stanford, together with previous literature reports. Results: The following mutations associated with resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, along with its respective frequencies, were found: one major mutation, E138K (1/46), three accessory mutations, G163E (3/46), L74I (3/50) and E157Q (2/48); one non-polymorphic mutation, A128T (1/49); and two mutations potentially associated with resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors, S230N (9/39) and S119P/R/T (4/47, 2/47 and 14/47, respectively). Conclusions: In the sequences analyzed, it is noteworthy the presence of at least one mutation related with resistance to integrase inhibitors in 14% of the studied patients, suggesting a poor selective pressure of this kind of drugs in the circulating viral population in our region.

A comparison of machine learning techniques for classification of HIV patients with antiretroviral therapy-induced mitochondrial toxicity from those without mitochondrial toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly reduced HIV-related morbidity and mortality. However, therapeutic benefit of ART is often limited by delayed drug-associated toxicity. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are the backbone of ART regimens. NRTIs compete with endogenous deoxyribonucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) in incorporation into elongating DNA chain resulting in their cytotoxic or antiviral effect. Thus, the efficacy of NRTIs could be affected by direct competition with endogenous dNTPs and/or feedback inhibition of their metabolic enzymes. In this paper, we assessed whether the levels of ribonucleotides (RN) and dNTP pool sizes can be used as biomarkers in distinguishing between HIV-infected patients with ART-induced mitochondrial toxicity and HIV-infected patients without toxicity. METHODS: We used data collected through a case-control study from 50 subjects. Cases were defined as HIV-infected individuals with clinical and/or laboratory evidence of mitochondrial toxicity. Each case was age, gender, and race matched with an HIV-positive without evidence of toxicity. We used a range of machine learning procedures to distinguish between patients with and without toxicity. Using resampling methods like Monte Carlo k-fold cross validation, we compared the accuracy of several machine learning algorithms applied to our data. We used the algorithm with highest classification accuracy rate in evaluating the diagnostic performance of 12 RN and 14 dNTP pool sizes as biomarkers of mitochondrial toxicity. RESULTS: We used eight classification algorithms to assess the diagnostic performance of RN and dNTP pool sizes distinguishing HIV patients with and without NRTI-associated mitochondrial toxicity. The algorithms resulted in cross-validated classification rates of 0.65-0.76 for dNTP and 0.72-0.83 for RN, following reduction of the dimensionality of the input data. The reduction of input variables improved the classification performance of the algorithms, with the most pronounced improvement for RN. Complex tree-based methods worked the best for both the deoxyribose dataset (Random Forest) and the ribose dataset (Classification Tree and AdaBoost), but it is worth noting that simple methods such as Linear Discriminant Analysis and Logistic Regression were very competitive in terms of classification performance. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding of changes in RN and dNTP pools in participants with mitochondrial toxicity validates the importance of dNTP pools in mitochondrial function. Hence, levels of RN and dNTP pools can be used as biomarkers of ART-induced mitochondrial toxicity.

Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization and Rehybridization Using Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Probes.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method enables in situ genetic analysis of both metaphase and interphase cells from different types of material, including cell lines, cell smears, and fresh and paraffin-embedded tissue. Despite the growing number of commercially available FISH probes, still for large number of gene loci or chromosomal regions commercial probes are not available. Here we describe a simple method for generating FISH probes using bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC). Due to genome-wide coverage of BAC clones, there are almost unlimited possibilities for the analysis of any genomic regions using BAC FISH probes.

LINE1 Derepression in Aged Wild-Type and SIRT6-Deficient Mice Drives Inflammation.

Mice deficient for SIRT6 exhibit a severely shortened lifespan, growth retardation, and highly elevated LINE1 (L1) activity. Here we report that SIRT6-deficient cells and tissues accumulate abundant cytoplasmic L1 cDNA, which triggers strong type I interferon response via activation of cGAS. Remarkably, nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which inhibit L1 retrotransposition, significantly improved health and lifespan of SIRT6 knockout mice and completely rescued type I interferon response. In tissue culture, inhibition of L1 with siRNA or NRTIs abrogated type I interferon response, in addition to a significant reduction of DNA damage markers. These results indicate that L1 activation contributes to the pathologies of SIRT6 knockout mice. Similarly, L1 transcription, cytoplasmic cDNA copy number, and type I interferons were elevated in the wild-type aged mice. As sterile inflammation is a hallmark of aging, we propose that modulating L1 activity may be an important strategy for attenuating age-related pathologies.

Requirements for RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex formation in vivo.

Transcription by RNA polymerase II requires assembly of a preinitiation complex (PIC) composed of general transcription factors (GTFs) bound at the promoter. In vitro, some GTFs are essential for transcription, whereas others are not required under certain conditions. PICs are stable in the absence of nucleotide triphosphates, and subsets of GTFs can form partial PICs. By depleting individual GTFs in yeast cells, we show that all GTFs are essential for TBP binding and transcription, suggesting that partial PICs do not exist at appreciable levels in vivo. Depletion of FACT, a histone chaperone that travels with elongating Pol II, strongly reduces PIC formation and transcription. In contrast, TBP-associated factors (TAFs) contribute to transcription of most genes, but TAF-independent transcription occurs at substantial levels, preferentially at promoters containing TATA elements. PICs are absent in cells deprived of uracil, and presumably UTP, suggesting that transcriptionally inactive PICs are removed from promoters in vivo.

In Vivo Characterization of Phosphotransferase-Encoding Genes istP and forP as Interchangeable Launchers of the C3',4'-Dideoxygenation Biosynthetic Pathway of 1,4-Diaminocyclitol Antibiotics.

Deactivation of aminoglycosides by their modifying enzymes, including a number of aminoglycoside O-phosphotransferases, is the most ubiquitous resistance mechanism in aminoglycoside-resistant pathogens. Nonetheless, in a couple of biosynthetic pathways for gentamicins, fortimicins, and istamycins, phosphorylation of aminoglycosides seems to be a unique and initial step for the creation of a natural defensive structural feature such as a 3',4'- dideoxy scaffold. Our aim was to elucidate the biochemical details on the beginning of these C3',4'-dideoxygenation biosynthetic steps for aminoglycosides. The biosynthesis of istamycins must surely involve these 3',4'-didehydroxylation steps, but much less has been reported in terms of characterization of istamycin biosynthetic genes, especially about the phosphotransferase-encoding gene. In the disruption and complementation experiments pointing to a putative gene, istP, in the genome of wild-type Streptomyces tenjimariensis, the function of the istP gene was proved here to be a phosphotransferase. Next, an in-frame deletion of a known phosphotransferase-encoding gene forP from the genome of wild-type Micromonospora olivasterospora resulted in the appearance of a hitherto unidentified fortimicin shunt product, namely 3-O-methyl-FOR-KK1, whereas complementation of forP restored the natural fortimicin metabolite profiles. The bilateral complementation of an istP gene (or forP) in the ΔforP mutant ( or ΔistP mutant strain) successfully restored the biosynthesis of 3',4'- dideoxy fortimicins and istamycins , thus clearly indicating that they are interchangeable launchers of the biosynthesis of 3',4'-dideoxy types of 1,4-diaminocyclitol antibiotics.

Targeting PFKFB3 radiosensitizes cancer cells and suppresses homologous recombination.

The glycolytic PFKFB3 enzyme is widely overexpressed in cancer cells and an emerging anti-cancer target. Here, we identify PFKFB3 as a critical factor in homologous recombination (HR) repair of DNA double-strand breaks. PFKFB3 rapidly relocates into ionizing radiation (IR)-induced nuclear foci in an MRN-ATM-γH2AX-MDC1-dependent manner and co-localizes with DNA damage and HR repair proteins. PFKFB3 relocalization is critical for recruitment of HR proteins, HR activity, and cell survival upon IR. We develop KAN0438757, a small molecule inhibitor that potently targets PFKFB3. Pharmacological PFKFB3 inhibition impairs recruitment of ribonucleotide reductase M2 and deoxynucleotide incorporation upon DNA repair, and reduces dNTP levels. Importantly, KAN0438757 induces radiosensitization in transformed cells while leaving non-transformed cells unaffected. In summary, we identify a key role for PFKFB3 enzymatic activity in HR repair and present KAN0438757, a selective PFKFB3 inhibitor that could potentially be used as a strategy for the treatment of cancer.

Flow field-flow fractionation and multi-angle light scattering as a powerful tool for the characterization and stability evaluation of drug-loaded metal-organic framework nanoparticles.

Asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with UV-Vis spectroscopy, multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and refractive index (RI) detection has been applied for the characterization of MIL-100(Fe) nanoMOFs (metal-organic frameworks) loaded with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) drugs for the first time. Empty nanoMOFs and nanoMOFs loaded with azidothymidine derivatives with three different degrees of phosphorylation were examined: azidothymidine (AZT, native drug), azidothymidine monophosphate (AZT-MP), and azidothymidine triphosphate (AZT-TP). The particle size distribution and the stability of the nanoparticles when interacting with drugs have been determined in a time frame of 24 h. Main achievements include detection of aggregate formation in an early stage and monitoring nanoMOF morphological changes as indicators of their interaction with guest molecules. AF4-MALS proved to be a useful methodology to analyze nanoparticles engineered for drug delivery applications and gave fundamental data on their size distribution and stability. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

2',3'-Dideoxyuridine triphosphate conjugated to SiO2 nanoparticles: Synthesis and evaluation of antiproliferative activity.

A conjugate of triphosphorylated 2',3'-dideoxyuridine (ddU) with SiO2 nanoparticles was obtained via the CuAAC click chemistry between a γ-alkynyl ddU triphosphate and azido-modified SiO2 nanoparticles. Assessment of cytotoxicity in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells demonstrated that ddU triphosphate conjugated to SiO2 nanoparticles exhibited a 50% decrease in cancer cell growth at a concentration of 183 ±â€¯57 µg/mL, which corresponds to 22 ±â€¯7 µM of the parent nucleotide, whereas the parent nucleoside, nucleotide and alkynyl triphosphate precursor do not show any cytotoxicity. The data provide an example of remarkable potential of novel conjugates of SiO2 nanoparticles with phosphorylated nucleoside analogues, even those, which have not been used previously as therapeutics, for application as new anticancer agents.

CD81 association with SAMHD1 enhances HIV-1 reverse transcription by increasing dNTP levels.

In this study, we report that the tetraspanin CD81 enhances human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 reverse transcription in HIV-1-infected cells. This is enabled by the direct interaction of CD81 with the deoxynucleoside triphosphate phosphohydrolase SAMHD1. This interaction prevents endosomal accumulation and favours the proteasome-dependent degradation of SAMHD1. Consequently, CD81 depletion results in SAMHD1 increased expression, decreasing the availability of deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTP) and thus HIV-1 reverse transcription. Conversely, CD81 overexpression, but not the expression of a CD81 carboxy (C)-terminal deletion mutant, increases cellular dNTP content and HIV-1 reverse transcription. Our results demonstrate that the interaction of CD81 with SAMHD1 controls the metabolic rate of HIV-1 replication by tuning the availability of building blocks for reverse transcription, namely dNTPs. Together with its role in HIV-1 entry and budding into host cells, the data herein indicate that HIV-1 uses CD81 as a rheostat that controls different stages of the infection.

A CRISPR/Cas9 approach reveals that the polymerase activity of DNA polymerase ß is dispensable for HIV-1 infection in dividing and nondividing cells.

Retrovirus integration into the host genome relies on several host enzymes, potentially including DNA polymerase ß (Pol ß). However, whether human Pol ß is essential for lentivirus replication in human cells is unclear. Here, we abolished DNA polymerase ß (Pol ß) expression by targeting its DNA polymerase domain with CRISPR/Cas9 in human monocytic THP-1 cells to investigate the role of Pol ß in HIV-1 transduction in both dividing and nondividing macrophage stages of THP-1 cells. Pol ß-knock-out was confirmed by enhanced sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate-induced DNA damage. Of note, nuclear extracts from Pol ß-knock-out THP-1 cells prepared from both dividing and nondividing stages displayed significantly reduced capability to repair the gapped HIV-1 integration intermediate DNA substrate in a biochemical simulation. However, nuclear extract from both dividing and nondividing stages of the Pol ß-KO cells had detectable gap repair activity, suggesting that other host DNA polymerases also repair gapped HIV-1 DNA, particularly in dividing cells. Next, when we compared transduction using HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus in control and Pol ß-KO cells, the loss of the Pol ß expression did not affect transduction efficiency of these lentiviruses in both dividing and nondividing stages. Finally, the gap repair assay indicated that limited cellular dNTP pools, but not Pol ß expression, are a primary factor for HIV-1 DNA gap repair, particularly in nondividing cells. These data support the idea that Pol ß polymerase activity is dispensable for HIV-1 infection in both dividing and nondividing stages of human cells targeted by the virus.