Leveraging the replication-competent avian-like sarcoma virus/tumor virus receptor-A system for modeling human gliomas.

Gliomas are the most common primary intrinsic brain tumors occurring in adults. Of all malignant gliomas, glioblastoma (GBM) is considered the deadliest tumor type due to diffuse brain invasion, immune evasion, cellular, and molecular heterogeneity, and resistance to treatments resulting in high rates of recurrence. An extensive understanding of the genomic and microenvironmental landscape of gliomas gathered over the past decade has renewed interest in pursuing novel therapeutics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAMs) modulators, and others. In light of this, predictive animal models that closely recreate the conditions and findings found in human gliomas will serve an increasingly important role in identifying new, effective therapeutic strategies. Although numerous syngeneic, xenograft, and transgenic rodent models have been developed, few include the full complement of pathobiological features found in human tumors, and therefore few accurately predict bench-to-bedside success. This review provides an update on how genetically engineered rodent models based on the replication-competent avian-like sarcoma (RCAS) virus/tumor virus receptor-A (tv-a) system have been used to recapitulate key elements of human gliomas in an immunologically intact host microenvironment and highlights new approaches using this model system as a predictive tool for advancing translational glioma research.

Antiviral Activity and Adaptive Evolution of Avian Tetherins.

Tetherin/BST-2 is an antiviral protein that blocks the release of enveloped viral particles by linking them to the membrane of producing cells. At first, BST-2 genes were described only in humans and other mammals. Recent work identified BST-2 orthologs in nonmammalian vertebrates, including birds. Here, we identify the BST-2 sequence in domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) for the first time and demonstrate its activity against avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV). We generated a BST-2 knockout in chicken cells and showed that BST-2 is a major determinant of an interferon-induced block of ASLV release. Ectopic expression of chicken BST-2 blocks the release of ASLV in chicken cells and of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in human cells. Using metabolic labeling and pulse-chase analysis of HIV-1 Gag proteins, we verified that chicken BST-2 blocks the virus at the release stage. Furthermore, we describe BST-2 orthologs in multiple avian species from 12 avian orders. Previously, some of these species were reported to lack BST-2, highlighting the difficulty of identifying sequences of this extremely variable gene. We analyzed BST-2 genes in the avian orders Galliformes and Passeriformes and showed that they evolve under positive selection. This indicates that avian BST-2 is involved in host-virus evolutionary arms races and suggests that BST-2 antagonists exist in some avian viruses. In summary, we show that chicken BST-2 has the potential to act as a restriction factor against ASLV. Characterizing the interaction of avian BST-2 with avian viruses is important in understanding innate antiviral defenses in birds.IMPORTANCE Birds are important hosts of viruses that have the potential to cause zoonotic infections in humans. However, only a few antiviral genes (called viral restriction factors) have been described in birds, mostly because birds lack counterparts of highly studied mammalian restriction factors. Tetherin/BST-2 is a restriction factor, originally described in humans, that blocks the release of newly formed virus particles from infected cells. Recent work identified BST-2 in nonmammalian vertebrate species, including birds. Here, we report the BST-2 sequence in domestic chicken and describe its antiviral activity against a prototypical avian retrovirus, avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV). We also identify BST-2 genes in multiple avian species and show that they evolve rapidly in birds, which is an important indication of their relevance for antiviral defense. Analysis of avian BST-2 genes will shed light on defense mechanisms against avian viral pathogens.

Reverse Engineering Provides Insights on the Evolution of Subgroups A to E Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus Receptor Specificity.

The initial step of retrovirus entry-the interaction between the virus envelope glycoprotein trimer and a cellular receptor-is complex, involving multiple, noncontiguous determinants in both proteins that specify receptor choice, binding affinity and the ability to trigger conformational changes in the viral glycoproteins. Despite the complexity of this interaction, retroviruses have the ability to evolve the structure of their envelope glycoproteins to use a different cellular protein as receptors. The highly homologous subgroup A to E Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus (ASLV) glycoproteins belong to the group of class 1 viral fusion proteins with a two-step triggering mechanism that allows experimental access to intermediate structures during the fusion process. We and others have taken advantage of replication-competent ASLVs and exploited genetic selection strategies to force the ASLVs to naturally evolve and acquire envelope glycoprotein mutations to escape the pressure on virus entry and still yield a functional replicating virus. This approach allows for the simultaneous selection of multiple mutations in multiple functional domains of the envelope glycoprotein that may be required to yield a functional virus. Here, we review the ASLV family and experimental system and the reverse engineering approaches used to understand the evolution of ASLV receptor usage.

Mutations in Both the Surface and Transmembrane Envelope Glycoproteins of the RAV-2 Subgroup B Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus Are Required to Escape the Antiviral Effect of a Secreted Form of the TvbS3 Receptor †.

The subgroup A through E avian sarcoma and leukosis viruses ASLV(A) through ASLV(E) are a group of highly related alpharetroviruses that have evolved to use very different host protein families as receptors. We have exploited genetic selection strategies to force the replication-competent ASLVs to naturally evolve and acquire mutations to escape the pressure on virus entry and yield a functional replicating virus. In this study, evolutionary pressure was exerted on ASLV(B) virus entry and replication using a secreted for of its Tvb receptor. As expected, mutations in the ASLV(B) surface glycoprotein hypervariable regions were selected that knocked out the ability for the mutant glycoprotein to bind the sTvbS3-IgG inhibitor. However, the subgroup B Rous associated virus 2 (RAV-2) also required additional mutations in the C-terminal end of the SU glycoprotein and multiple regions of TM highlighting the importance of the entire viral envelope glycoprotein trimer structure to mediate the entry process efficiently. These mutations altered the normal two-step ASLV membrane fusion process to enable infection.

Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus Envelope Glycoproteins Evolve to Broaden Receptor Usage Under Pressure from Entry Competitors †.

The subgroup A through E avian sarcoma and leukosis viruses (ASLV(A) through ASLV(E)) are a group of highly related alpharetroviruses that have evolved their envelope glycoproteins to use different receptors to enable efficient virus entry due to host resistance and/or to expand host range. Previously, we demonstrated that ASLV(A) in the presence of a competitor to the subgroup A Tva receptor, SUA-rIgG immunoadhesin, evolved to use other receptor options. The selected mutant virus, RCASBP(A)Δ155-160, modestly expanded its use of the Tvb and Tvc receptors and possibly other cell surface proteins while maintaining the binding affinity to Tva. In this study, we further evolved the Δ155-160 virus with the genetic selection pressure of a soluble form of the Tva receptor that should force the loss of Tva binding affinity in the presence of the Δ155-160 mutation. Viable ASLVs were selected that acquired additional mutations in the Δ155-160 Env hypervariable regions that significantly broadened receptor usage to include Tvb and Tvc as well as retaining the use of Tva as a receptor determined by receptor interference assays. A similar deletion in the hr1 hypervariable region of the subgroup C ASLV glycoproteins evolved to broaden receptor usage when selected on Tvc-negative cells.

The Importance of Being Non-Defective: A Mini Review Dedicated to the Memory of Jan Svoboda.

Jan Svoboda triggered investigations on non-defective avian sarcoma viruses. These viruses were a critical factor in the genetic understanding of retroviruses. They provided the single and unique access to the field and facilitated the discovery of the first oncogene src and of the cellular origin of retroviral oncogenes. They continue to be of importance as singularly effective expression vectors that have provided insights into the molecular functions of numerous oncogenes. Combined with the contributions to the validation of the provirus hypothesis, Jan Svoboda's investigations of non-defective avian sarcoma viruses have shaped a large and important part of retrovirology.

The matrix domain of the Gag protein from avian sarcoma virus contains a PI(4,5)P2-binding site that targets Gag to the cell periphery.

The Gag protein of avian sarcoma virus (ASV) lacks an N-myristoyl (myr) group, but contains structural domains similar to those of HIV-1 Gag. Similarly to HIV-1, ASV Gag accumulates on the plasma membrane (PM) before egress; however, it is unclear whether the phospholipid PI(4,5)P2 binds directly to the matrix (MA) domain of ASV Gag, as is the case for HIV-1 Gag. Moreover, the role of PI(4,5)P2 in ASV Gag localization and budding has been controversial. Here, we report that substitution of residues that define the PI(4,5)P2-binding site in the ASV MA domain (reported in an accompanying paper) interfere with Gag localization to the cell periphery and inhibit the production of virus-like particles (VLPs). We show that co-expression of Sprouty2 (Spry2) or the pleckstrin homology domain of phospholipase Cδ (PH-PLC), two proteins that bind PI(4,5)P2, affects ASV Gag trafficking to the PM and budding. Replacement of the N-terminal 32 residues of HIV-1 MA, which encode its N-terminal myr signal and its PI(4,5)P2-binding site, with the structurally equivalent N-terminal 24 residues of ASV MA created a chimera that localized at the PM and produced VLPs. In contrast, the homologous PI(4,5)P2-binding signal in ASV MA could target HIV-1 Gag to the PM when substituted, but did not support budding. Collectively, these findings reveal a basic patch in both ASV and HIV-1 Gag capable of mediating PM binding and budding for ASV but not for HIV-1 Gag. We conclude that PI(4,5)P2 is a strong determinant of ASV Gag targeting to the PM and budding.

Structural basis for targeting avian sarcoma virus Gag polyprotein to the plasma membrane for virus assembly.

For most retroviruses, including HIV-1, binding of the Gag polyprotein to the plasma membrane (PM) is mediated by interactions between Gag's N-terminal myristoylated matrix (MA) domain and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) in the PM. The Gag protein of avian sarcoma virus (ASV) lacks the N-myristoylation signal but contains structural domains having functions similar to those of HIV-1 Gag. The molecular mechanism by which ASV Gag binds to the PM is incompletely understood. Here, we employed NMR techniques to elucidate the molecular determinants of the membrane-binding domain of ASV MA (MA87) to lipids and liposomes. We report that MA87 binds to the polar head of phosphoinositides such as PI(4,5)P2 We found that MA87 binding to inositol phosphates (IPs) is significantly enhanced by increasing the number of phosphate groups, indicating that the MA87-IP binding is governed by charge-charge interactions. Using a sensitive NMR-based liposome-binding assay, we show that binding of MA87 to liposomes is enhanced by incorporation of PI(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylserine. We also show that membrane binding is mediated by a basic surface formed by Lys-6, Lys-13, Lys-23, and Lys-24. Substitution of these residues to glutamate abolished binding of MA87 to both IPs and liposomes. In an accompanying paper, we further report that mutation of these lysine residues diminishes Gag assembly on the PM and inhibits ASV particle release. These findings provide a molecular basis for ASV Gag binding to the inner leaflet of the PM and advance our understanding of the basic mechanisms of retroviral assembly.

Genetically engineered rat gliomas: PDGF-driven tumor initiation and progression in tv-a transgenic rats recreate key features of human brain cancer.

Previously rodent preclinical research in gliomas frequently involved implantation of cell lines such as C6 and 9L into the rat brain. More recently, mouse models have taken over, the genetic manipulability of the mouse allowing the creation of genetically accurate models outweighed the disadvantage of its smaller brain size that limited time allowed for tumor progression. Here we illustrate a method that allows glioma formation in the rat using the replication competent avian-like sarcoma (RCAS) virus / tumor virus receptor-A (tv-a) transgenic system of post-natal cell type-specific gene transfer. The RCAS/tv-a model has emerged as a particularly versatile and accurate modeling technology by enabling spatial, temporal, and cell type-specific control of individual gene transformations and providing de novo formed glial tumors with distinct molecular subtypes mirroring human GBM. Nestin promoter-driven tv-a (Ntv-a) transgenic Sprague-Dawley rat founder lines were created and RCAS PDGFA and p53 shRNA constructs were used to initiate intracranial brain tumor formation. Tumor formation and progression were confirmed and visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy. The tumors were analyzed using histopathological and immunofluorescent techniques. All experimental animals developed large, heterogeneous brain tumors that closely resembled human GBM. Median survival was 92 days from tumor initiation and 62 days from the first point of tumor visualization on MRI. Each tumor-bearing animal showed time dependent evidence of malignant progression to high-grade glioma by MRI and neurological examination. Post-mortem tumor analysis demonstrated the presence of several key characteristics of human GBM, including high levels of tumor cell proliferation, pseudopalisading necrosis, microvascular proliferation, invasion of tumor cells into surrounding tissues, peri-tumoral reactive astrogliosis, lymphocyte infiltration, presence of numerous tumor-associated microglia- and bone marrow-derived macrophages, and the formation of stem-like cell niches within the tumor. This transgenic rat model may enable detailed interspecies comparisons of fundamental cancer pathways and clinically relevant experimental imaging procedures and interventions that are limited by the smaller size of the mouse brain.

pH regulation in early endosomes and interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins control avian retrovirus fusion.

Enveloped viruses infect host cells by fusing their membranes with those of the host cell, a process mediated by viral glycoproteins upon binding to cognate host receptors or entering into acidic intracellular compartments. Whereas the effect of receptor density on viral infection has been well studied, the role of cell type-specific factors/processes, such as pH regulation, has not been characterized in sufficient detail. Here, we examined the effects of cell-extrinsic factors (buffer environment) and cell-intrinsic factors (interferon-inducible transmembrane proteins, IFITMs), on the pH regulation in early endosomes and on the efficiency of acid-dependent fusion of the avian sarcoma and leukosis virus (ASLV), with endosomes. First, we found that a modest elevation of external pH can raise the pH in early endosomes in a cell type-dependent manner and thereby delay the acid-induced fusion of endocytosed ASLV. Second, we observed a cell type-dependent delay between the low pH-dependent and temperature-dependent steps of viral fusion, consistent with the delayed enlargement of the fusion pore. Third, ectopic expression of IFITMs, known to potently block influenza virus fusion with late compartments, was found to only partially inhibit ASLV fusion with early endosomes. Interestingly, IFITM expression promoted virus uptake and the acidification of endosomal compartments, resulting in an accelerated fusion rate when driven by the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored, but not by the transmembrane isoform of the ASLV receptor. Collectively, these results highlight the role of cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic factors in regulating the efficiency and kinetics of virus entry and fusion with target cells.

The conformational feasibility for the formation of reaching dimer in ASV and HIV integrase: a molecular dynamics study.

Retroviral integrases are reported to form alternate dimer assemblies like the core-core dimer and reaching dimer. The core-core dimer is stabilized predominantly by an extensive interface between two catalytic core domains. The reaching dimer is stabilized by N-terminal domains that reach to form intermolecular interfaces with the other subunit's core and C-terminal domains (CTD), as well as CTD-CTD interactions. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD), Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations, and free energy analyses, were performed to elucidate determinants for the stability of the reaching dimer forms of full-length Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) IN, and to examine the role of the C-tails (the last ~16-18 residues at the C-termini) in their structural dynamics. The dynamics of an HIV reaching dimer derived from small angle X-ray scattering and protein crosslinking data, was compared with the dynamics of a core-core dimer model derived from combining the crystal structures of two-domain fragments. The results showed that the core domains in the ASV reaching dimer express free dynamics, whereas those in the HIV reaching dimer are highly stable. BD simulations suggest a higher rate of association for the HIV core-core dimer than the reaching dimer. The predicted stability of these dimers was therefore ranked in the following order: ASV reaching dimer < HIV reaching dimer < composite core-core dimer. Analyses of MD trajectories have suggested residues that are critical for intermolecular contacts in each reaching dimer. Tests of these predictions and insights gained from these analyses could reveal a potential pathway for the association and dissociation of full-length IN multimers.

Pleiotrophin enhances PDGFB-induced gliomagenesis through increased proliferation of neural progenitor cells.

Pleiotrophin (PTN) augments tumor growth by increasing proliferation of tumor cells and promoting vascular abnormalization, but its role in early gliomagenesis has not been evaluated. Through analysis of publically available datasets, we demonstrate that increased PTN mRNA expression is associated with amplification of chromosome 7, identified as one of the earliest steps in glioblastoma development. To elucidate the role of PTN in tumor initiation we employed the RCAS/tv-a model that allows glioma induction by RCAS-virus mediated expression of oncogenes in neural progenitor cells. Intracranial injection of RCAS-PTN did not induce glioma formation when administrated alone, but significantly enhanced RCAS-platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)B-induced gliomagenesis. PTN co-treatment augmented PDGFB-induced Akt activation in neural progenitor cells in vitro, and enhanced neural sphere size associated with increased proliferation. Our data indicates that PTN expression is associated with chromosome 7 gain, and that PTN enhances PDGFB-induced gliomagenesis by stimulating proliferation of neural progenitor cells.

Identification of ALV-J associated acutely transforming virus Fu-J carrying complete v-fps oncogene.

Transduction of oncogenes by ALVs and generation of acute transforming viruses is common in natural viral infections. In order to understand the molecular basis for the rapid oncogenicity of Fu-J, an acutely transforming avian leukosis virus isolated from fibrosarcomas in crossbreed broilers infected with subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) in China, complete genomic structure of Fu-J virus was determined by PCR amplification and compared with those of Fu-J1, Fu-J2, Fu-J3, Fu-J4, and Fu-J5 reported previously. The results showed that the genome of Fu-J was defective, with parts of gag gene replaced by the complete v-fps oncogene and encoded a 137 kDa Gag-fps fusion protein. Sequence analysis revealed that Fu-J and Fu-J1 to Fu-J5 were related quasi-species variants carrying different lengths of v-fps oncogenes generated from recombination between helper virus and c-fps gene. Comparison of virus carrying v-fps oncogene also gave us a glimpse of the molecular characterization and evolution process of the acutely transforming ALV.

Selective cell targeting and lineage tracing of human induced pluripotent stem cells using recombinant avian retroviruses.

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) differentiate into multiple cell types. Selective cell targeting is often needed for analyzing gene function by overexpressing proteins in a distinct population of hiPSC-derived cell types and for monitoring cell fate in response to stimuli. However, to date, this has not been possible, as commonly used viruses enter the hiPSC via ubiquitously expressed receptors. Here, we report for the first time the application of a heterologous avian receptor, the tumor virus receptor A (TVA), to selectively transduce TVA(+) cells in a mixed cell population. Expression of the TVA surface receptor via genetic engineering renders cells susceptible for infection by avian leucosis virus (ALV). We generated hiPSC lines with this stably integrated, ectopic TVA receptor gene that expressed the receptor while retaining pluripotency. The undifferentiated hiPSC(TVA+) as well as their differentiating progeny could be infected by recombinant ALV (so-called RCAS virus) with high efficiency. Due to incomplete receptor blocking, even sequential infection of differentiating or undifferentiated TVA(+) cells was possible. In conclusion, the TVA/RCAS system provides an efficient and gentle gene transfer system for hiPSC and extends our possibilities for selective cell targeting and lineage tracing studies.

Avian sarcoma leukosis virus receptor-envelope system for simultaneous dissection of multiple neural circuits in mammalian brain.

Pathway-specific gene delivery is requisite for understanding complex neuronal systems in which neurons that project to different target regions are locally intermingled. However, conventional genetic tools cannot achieve simultaneous, independent gene delivery into multiple target cells with high efficiency and low cross-reactivity. In this study, we systematically screened all receptor-envelope pairs resulting from the combination of four avian sarcoma leukosis virus (ASLV) envelopes (EnvA, EnvB, EnvC, and EnvE) and five engineered avian-derived receptors (TVA950, TVB(S3), TVC, TVB(T), and DR-46TVB) in vitro. Four of the 20 pairs exhibited both high infection rates (TVA-EnvA, 99.6%; TVB(S3)-EnvB, 97.7%; TVC-EnvC, 98.2%; and DR-46TVB-EnvE, 98.8%) and low cross-reactivity (<2.5%). Next, we tested these four receptor-envelope pairs in vivo in a pathway-specific gene-transfer method. Neurons projecting into a limited somatosensory area were labeled with each receptor by retrograde gene transfer. Three of the four pairs exhibited selective transduction into thalamocortical neurons expressing the paired receptor (>98%), with no observed cross-reaction. Finally, by expressing three receptor types in a single animal, we achieved pathway-specific, differential fluorescent labeling of three thalamic neuronal populations, each projecting into different somatosensory areas. Thus, we identified three orthogonal pairs from the list of ASLV subgroups and established a new vector system that provides a simultaneous, independent, and highly specific genetic tool for transferring genes into multiple target cells in vivo. Our approach is broadly applicable to pathway-specific labeling and functional analysis of diverse neuronal systems.

Model of the TVA receptor determinants required for efficient infection by subgroup A avian sarcoma and leukosis viruses.

UNLABELLED: The study of the interactions of subgroup A avian sarcoma and leucosis viruses [ASLV(A)] with the TVA receptor required to infect cells offers a powerful experimental model of retroviral entry. Several regions and specific residues in the TVA receptor have previously been identified to be critical determinants of the binding affinity with ASLV(A) envelope glycoproteins and to mediate efficient infection. Two homologs of the TVA receptor have been cloned: the original quail TVA receptor, which has been the basis for most of the initial characterization of the ASLV(A) TVA, and the chicken TVA receptor, which is 65% identical to the quail receptor overall but identical in the region thought to be critical for infection. Our previous work characterized three mutant ASLV(A) isolates that could efficiently bind and infect cells using the chicken TVA receptor homolog but not using the quail TVA receptor homolog, with the infectivity of one mutant virus being >500-fold less with the quail TVA receptor. The mutant viruses contained mutations in the hr1 region of the surface glycoprotein. Using chimeras of the quail and chicken TVA receptors, we have identified new residues of TVA critical for the binding affinity and entry of ASLV(A) using the mutant glycoproteins and viruses to probe the function of those residues. The quail TVA receptor required changes at residues 10, 14, and 31 of the corresponding chicken TVA residues to bind wild-type and mutant ASLV(A) glycoproteins with a high affinity and recover the ability to mediate efficient infection of cells. A model of the TVA determinants critical for interacting with ASLV(A) glycoproteins is proposed. IMPORTANCE: A detailed understanding of how retroviruses enter cells, evolve to use new receptors, and maintain efficient entry is crucial for identifying new targets for combating retrovirus infection and pathogenesis, as well as for developing new approaches for targeted gene delivery. Since all retroviruses share an envelope glycoprotein organization, they likely share a mechanism of receptor triggering to begin the entry process. Multiple, noncontiguous interaction determinants located in the receptor and the surface (SU) glycoprotein hypervariable domains are required for binding affinity and to restrict or broaden receptor usage. In this study, further mechanistic details of the entry process were elucidated by characterizing the ASLV(A) glycoprotein interactions with the TVA receptor required for entry. The ASLV(A) envelope glycoproteins are organized into functional domains that allow changes in receptor choice to occur by mutation and/or recombination while maintaining a critical level of receptor binding affinity and an ability to trigger glycoprotein conformational changes.

Development of a Sox2 reporter system modeling cellular heterogeneity in glioma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant gliomas are complex systems containing a number of factors that drive tumor initiation and progression, including genetic aberrations that lead to extensive cellular heterogeneity within the neoplastic compartment. Mouse models recapitulate these genetic aberrations, but readily observable heterogeneity remains challenging. METHODS: To interrogate cellular heterogeneity in mouse glioma models, we utilized a replication-competent avian sarcoma-leukosis virus long terminal repeat with splice acceptor/tumor virus A (RCAS-tva) system to generate spontaneous mouse gliomas that contained a Sox2-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-tva mice were crossed with Sox2-EGFP mice, and tumors were initiated that contained a subpopulation of Sox2-EGFP-high cells enriched for tumor-initiating cell properties such as self-renewal, multilineage differentiation potential, and perivascular localization. RESULTS: Following implantation into recipient mice, Sox2-EGFP-high cells generated tumors containing Sox2-EGFP-high and Sox2-EGFP-low cells. Kinomic analysis of Sox2-EGFP-high cells revealed activation of known glioma signaling pathways that are strongly correlated with patient survival including platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta, phosphoinositide-3 kinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Our functional analysis identified active feline sarcoma (Fes) signaling in Sox2-EGFP-high cells. Fes negatively correlated with glioma patient survival and was coexpressed with Sox2-positive cells in glioma xenografts and primary patient-derived tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Our RCAS-tva/Sox2-EGFP model will empower closer examination of cellular heterogeneity and will be useful for identifying novel glioma pathways as well as testing preclinical treatment efficacy.

In vivo delivery of RCAS virus to mice.

Injection of RCAS viruses is highly customizable to the desired target tissue. RCAS viruses can be delivered into mice in vivo by injection of virus-producing cells or by injection of concentrated virus. When cells are injected, they persist for several days, continuously producing virus. Typically the decision of whether to inject virus-producing cells or concentrated virus is determined by the volume that can be reliably injected into a given tissue and the age of the animal when the virus delivery is performed. This general protocol describes the intraperitoneal injection of RCAS-expressing cells into mice and discusses the circumstances in which the injection of concentrated virus is preferred.

Generation of high-titer RCAS virus from DF1 chicken fibroblasts.

RCAS viruses are replication-competent in avian cells, but are replication-deficient in mammalian cells. Therefore, high-titer RCAS virus stocks can be generated only in avian cells. The chicken fibroblast cell line DF1 is well suited for this purpose. Successful infection of target mammalian cells, particularly in vivo, is dependent on the production of high titer viruses by DF1 cells. Moreover, consistency in viral titer helps to ensure uniformity in results produced following the use of independent lots of virus producer cells. Therefore, it is critical to determine the viral titer before initiating these experiments. Because several factors, including insert size and the effect of the inserted gene product on the viability of DF1 cells, influence viral titer, the production of high virus titers cannot be assumed. For RCASBP-A-based viruses, a titer of >1 × 10(7) IU/mL is considered appropriate. Importantly, the virus reverse transcriptase is error prone; errors will accumulate in the virus produced over time. Therefore, virus producer cells should not be cultured for >4-6 wk before being replaced with fresh producer cells. Low passage virus producer cells may be frozen and stored at -80°C; thawed cells will not display a reduction in virus titer. Virus can be collected regularly, concentrated, and stored at -80°C for long-term use; thawed viral stocks typically show a 10-fold decrease in titer.

Using the RCAS-TVA system to model human cancer in mice.

For successful infection, avian sarcoma leukosis virus subgroup A (ASLV-A) requires its receptor, tumor virus A (TVA), to be present on the surface of target cells. This is the basis of the RCAS-TVA gene delivery system: Mammalian cells lack the gene encoding TVA and are normally resistant to infection by ASLV; however, transgenic targeting of TVA to specific cell types or tissues in the mouse renders these cells uniquely susceptible to infection by ASLV-A-based RCAS viruses. The RCAS-TVA system is a powerful tool for effectively modeling human tumors, including pancreatic, ovarian, and breast cancers, gliomas, and melanomas. RCAS viruses can deliver cDNAs (≤2.8 kb), as well as short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and other noncoding RNAs. Compared with traditional transgenic and knockout mice, the RCAS-TVA system has several strengths. First, virus delivery is generally performed postnatally and results in a relatively low infection rate of target cells; the sporadic postnatal expression of the gene of interest mimics the situation in developing human tumors. Second, a single transgenic mouse line can be used to compare the consequences of specific genes on tumor development, with viruses encoding oncogenes or shRNAs targeting specific tumor suppressor genes. TVA mouse strains can also be easily combined with transgenic, knock-in, and knockout mouse models to study cooperating genetic events.