Analysis of nuclear actin by overexpression of wild-type and actin mutant proteins.

Compared to the cytoplasmic F-actin abundance in cells, nuclear F-actin levels are generally quite low. However, nuclear actin is present in certain cell types including oocytes and under certain cellular conditions including stress or serum stimulation. Currently, the architecture and polymerization status of nuclear actin networks has not been analyzed in great detail. In this study, we investigated the architecture and functions of such nuclear actin networks. We generated nuclear actin polymers by overexpression of actin proteins fused to a nuclear localization signal (NLS). Raising nuclear abundance of a NLS wild-type actin, we observed phalloidin- and LifeAct-positive actin bundles forming a nuclear cytoskeletal network consisting of curved F-actin. In contrast, a polymer-stabilizing actin mutant (NLS-G15S-actin) deficient in interacting with the actin-binding protein cofilin generated a nuclear actin network reminiscent of straight stress fiber-like microfilaments in the cytoplasm. We provide a first electron microscopic description of such nuclear actin polymers suggesting bundling of actin filaments. Employing different cell types from various species including neurons, we show that the morphology of and potential to generate nuclear actin are conserved. Finally, we demonstrate that nuclear actin affects cell function including morphology, serum response factor-mediated gene expression, and herpes simplex virus infection. Our data suggest that actin is able to form filamentous structures inside the nucleus, which share architectural and functional similarities with the cytoplasmic F-actin.

Naturally occurring fragments from two distinct regions of the prostatic acid phosphatase form amyloidogenic enhancers of HIV infection.

Semen is the major vector for HIV-1 transmission. We previously isolated C-proximal fragments of the prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) from semen which formed amyloid fibrils that potently enhanced HIV infection. Here, we used the same methodology and identified another amyloidogenic peptide. Surprisingly, this peptide is derived from an N-proximal fragment of PAP (PAP85-120) and forms, similar to the C-proximal fragments, positively charged fibrillar structures that increase virion attachment to cells. Our results provide a first example for amyloid formation by fragments of distinct regions of the same precursor and further emphasize the possible importance of amyloidogenic peptides in HIV transmission.

The 7-transmembrane protein homologue UL78 of the human cytomegalovirus forms oligomers and traffics between the plasma membrane and different intracellular compartments.

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL78 ORF is considered to encode an orphan 7-transmembrane receptor. However, until now, the UL78 protein (pUL78) has not been characterized. Here, we have investigated the expression of pUL78 and found it mainly associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. However, we provide evidence that pUL78 is also localized on the cell surface from where it is quickly endocytosed. Colocalization with adaptin and EEA-1 implies that at least a small amount of pUL78 is transported to the trans Golgi network and early endosomes. Using a bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, we were able to find homomeric and heteromeric structure formations of pUL78 and the US28 protein, respectively. However, the absence of pUL78 had no effect on the accumulation of inositol phosphate triggered by the US28 protein. In summary, our results suggest that the UL78 protein of HCMV traffics between the cell surface and cytoplasm, from where it might be recycled via early endosomes.

Peptide nanofibrils boost retroviral gene transfer and provide a rapid means for concentrating viruses.

Inefficient gene transfer and low virion concentrations are common limitations of retroviral transduction. We and others have previously shown that peptides derived from human semen form amyloid fibrils that boost retroviral gene delivery by promoting virion attachment to the target cells. However, application of these natural fibril-forming peptides is limited by moderate efficiencies, the high costs of peptide synthesis, and variability in fibril size and formation kinetics. Here, we report the development of nanofibrils that self-assemble in aqueous solution from a 12-residue peptide, termed enhancing factor C (EF-C). These artificial nanofibrils enhance retroviral gene transfer substantially more efficiently than semen-derived fibrils or other transduction enhancers. Moreover, EF-C nanofibrils allow the concentration of retroviral vectors by conventional low-speed centrifugation, and are safe and effective, as assessed in an ex vivo gene transfer study. Our results show that EF-C fibrils comprise a highly versatile, convenient and broadly applicable nanomaterial that holds the potential to significantly facilitate retroviral gene transfer in basic research and clinical applications.

Peptides released by physiological cleavage of semen coagulum proteins form amyloids that enhance HIV infection.

Semen serves as a vehicle for HIV and promotes sexual transmission of the virus, which accounts for the majority of new HIV cases. The major component of semen is the coagulum, a viscous structure composed predominantly of spermatozoa and semenogelin proteins. Due to the activity of the semen protease PSA, the coagulum is liquefied and semenogelins are cleaved into smaller fragments. Here, we report that a subset of these semenogelin fragments form amyloid fibrils that greatly enhance HIV infection. Like SEVI, another amyloid fibril previously identified in semen, the semenogelin fibrils exhibit a cationic surface and enhance HIV virion attachment and entry. Whereas semen samples from healthy individuals greatly enhance HIV infection, semenogelin-deficient semen samples from patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction are completely deficient in enhancing activity. Semen thus harbors distinct amyloidogenic peptides derived from different precursor proteins that commonly enhance HIV infection and likely contribute to HIV transmission.