Myoclonus-dystonia: significance of large SGCE deletions.

Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is an autosomal-dominant movement disorder caused by mutations in SGCE. We investigated the frequency and type of SGCE mutations with emphasis on gene dosage alterations and explored the associated phenotypes. We tested 35 M-D index patients by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and genomic sequencing. Mutations were found in 26% (9/35) of the cases, all but three with definite M-D. Two heterozygous deletions of the entire SGCE gene and flanking DNA and a heterozygous deletion of exon 2 only were detected, accounting for 33% (3/9) of the mutations found. Both large deletions contained COL1A2 and were additionally associated with joint problems. Further, we discovered one novel small deletion (c.771_772delAT, p.C258X) and four recurrent point mutations (c.289C>T, p.R97X; c.304C>T, p.R102X; c.709C>T, p.R237X; c.1114C>T, p.R372X). A Medline search identified 22 articles on SGCE mutational screening. Sixty-four unrelated M-D patients were described with 41 different mutations. No genotype-phenotype association was found, except in patients with deletions encompassing additional genes. In conclusion, a rigorous clinical preselection of patients and careful accounting for non-motor signs should precede mutational tests. Gene dosage studies should be included in routine SGCE genetic testing.

Exon deletions in the GCHI gene in two of four Turkish families with dopa-responsive dystonia.

Most cases of dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD) are thought to be caused by mutations in the GCHI gene; however, by sequencing, mutations are found in only 40% to 60%. Recently, a single report identified, via Southern blot analysis, a large genomic GCHI deletion in a "mutation-negative" case. This report describes four families with DRD, two of which carry large deletions, thus confirming that deletions are an important subtype of GCHI mutations. These deletions were detected by quantitative duplex PCR that is amenable to DNA diagnostics.

High mutation rate in dopa-responsive dystonia: detection with comprehensive GCHI screening.

Mutations in GTP cyclohydrolase I (GCHI) are found in 50 to 60% of cases with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD). Heterozygous GCHI exon deletions, undetectable by sequencing, have recently been described in three DRD families. We tested 23 individuals with DRD for the different mutation types by conventional and quantitative PCR analyses and found mutations, including two large exon deletions, in 87%. The authors attribute this high mutation rate to rigorous inclusion criteria and comprehensive mutational analysis.

Mapping of antigenic domains in poliovirus VP1 involved in structural rearrangements during virus morphogenesis and antigenic alterations of the virion.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against linear epitopes of the structural polypeptide VP1 of poliovirus type 1, Mahoney (PV1M), were used as sensitive tools to evaluate the accessibility of certain amino acid residues, both during virus morphogenesis and after conformational transitions of the capsid resulting from heat treatment (H- or 80S particles) and cell-receptor interaction (A- or 135S particles). Antibody binding sites were mapped by immunoblotting of VP1 fragments after procaryotic expression and by introduction of nested sets of deletions into recombinant VP1. The binding sites clustered at the amino- and carboxy-termini of the polypeptide, respectively. In 14S particles the amino-terminal sites were accessible for our mAbs, most likely from the inner surface of the particle. The carboxy-terminal sites became inaccessible during formation of pentamers from protomers. As shown by differential reaction of the mAbs, the amino-terminus of VP1 becomes externalized up to residues 41-55, whereas residues 56-67 remain buried during transition to both 80S and 135S particles. Carboxy-terminal residues 280-286 also become accessible to antibody binding on the surface of the altered particles. Since these residues are part of the canyon cleft of VP1, a structural rearrangement indicated by these mAbs is apparently associated with the loss of binding ability of 135S particles to the cellular receptor, which could explain the loss of infectivity of these particles.

Molecular basis of antigenic structures of poliovirus: implications for their evolution during morphogenesis.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against poliovirus type 1 were obtained after conventional immunization or combined in vivo-in vitro immunization. Antibody binding sites were determined by sequence analysis of neutralization-resistant mutants. Site 3 variants had several amino acid substitutions in previously unidentified positions for neutralization resistance. Evidence for a linkage of subsites 3a and 3b is presented. Some site 3b antibodies as defined previously precipitated 14S subunits, although with reduced titers.

Evidence for a complex structure of neutralization antigenic site I of poliovirus type 1 Mahoney.

We have selected neutralization escape mutants by using a monoclonal antibody (nt-MAb) against a sequential epitope between amino acids 93 through 104 (neutralization antigenic site I) of poliovirus type 1 Mahoney. The majority of mutants were also resistant against five strain-specific nt-MAbs which recognized conformation-dependent epitopes, suggesting that the neutralization antigenic site I must be involved in the formation of such epitopes. An analysis of all mutants by the binding of nt-MAbs and by isoelectric focusing of VP1 allowed discrimination of five classes of mutants. Sequence analysis of mutant RNAs revealed point mutations and deletions in the antibody-binding site.

Poliovirus-specific polypeptides in infected HeLa cells analysed by isoelectric focusing and 2D-analysis.

Analysis of poliovirus-infected cells by isoelectric focusing in urea resolves at least 25 bands. Combination of isoelectric focusing and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in a two-dimensional analysis (2D-analysis) revealed a much better resolution than each method separately. By 2D-analysis most of the bands could be correlated with the known poliovirus-specific polypeptides generated in the infected cell. With this technique it was possible to determine the apparent isoelectric point (pI) of the identified poliovirus polypeptides. They are in the range from pH 5.6 for polypeptide 7d to pH 8.8 for polypeptide X, which is the most basic found so far.

Binding site of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies obtained after in vivo priming with purified VP1 of poliovirus type 1 is located between amino acid residues 93 and 104 of VP1.

Three hybridomas obtained after in vitro stimulation of spleen cells of mice primed in vivo with purified VP1 of poliovirus type 1 (Mahoney) with the homologous virus produced antibodies which reacted with VP1 and immunoprecipitated and neutralized only the homologous virus. Evidence for the location of their binding sites was obtained by inhibition of virus neutralization and virus binding by a synthetic peptide comprising the amino acid sequence 93-104 of VP1 of poliovirus type 1 (Mahoney).

Evidence for conformational changes of poliovirus precursor particles during virus morphogenesis.

Antisera raised against isolated structural polypeptides VP1, VP2 and VP3 of poliovirus type 1, strain Mahoney, reveal a differential reaction against mature virus and its precursor particles. During virus morphogenesis antigenic sites recognized by VP1 and VP2 antisera are lost stepwise from the surface of precursor particles. These sites are cross-reacting between serotypes and are also lost from precursor particles of type 2 (MEF-1) and type 3 (Saukett). They are absent on the surface of mature virus of all three serotypes. In contrast, the VP3 antiserum recognizes sites expressed maximally on the surface of infectious virus of type 1 (Mahoney). This antiserum did not show significant intertypic cross-reactions with virus particles, empty capsids or 14S particles of poliovirus types 2 and 3. However, it does recognize intertypic cross-reacting sites, like the VP1 and VP2 antisera, on denatured polypeptides and 5S particles of each serotype.

A new antigenic site of poliovirus recognized by an intertypic cross-neutralizing monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody (mAb 7J6) neutralizing poliovirus type 2 (PV2) and poliovirus type 1 (PV1) was obtained after immunization of BALB/c mice with infectious PV2, strain MEF-1. Preincubation of mAb 7J6 with PV1 inhibited its binding to PV2 and vice versa. Neutralization-resistant variants of PV2 and PV1 were selected. Nucleotide sequencing of the RNAs of some variants revealed mutations in the loop of amino acid residues 239 to 245 in VP2 and in the loop of amino acid residues 195 to 207 in VP3. This is the first evidence that these two loops contribute to a neutralization antigenic site (N-Ag) for poliovirus. Moreover, this new site on PV2 induced intertypic cross-neutralizing antibodies.

N-AgIB of poliovirus type 1: a discontinuous epitope formed by two loops of VP1 comprising residues 96-104 and 141-152.

Analysis of resistant mutants to neutralizing monoclonal antibodies revealed a discontinuous neutralization epitope on VP1 of poliovirus type 1, Mahoney. The epitope has the unique property of being also part of a sequential epitope within neutralization antigenic site I (N-AgI). It is formed by residues in the loop 96-104 connecting the B and C strand and in the loop 141-152 connecting the D and E strand of VP1. Because of strong analogy to neutralization immunogen IB (NImIB) of human rhinovirus 14 (HRV-14) we have called this site N-AgIB of poliovirus type 1.

Revertants of poliovirus escape mutants: new insights into antigenic structures.

Poliovirus variants that escape neutralization by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have previously been selected and characterized in order to determine antigenic sites on the surface of the virion. Phenotypic revertants of poliovirus type 1 escape mutants were selected within all three antigenic sites (sites 1, 2, and 3) on the basis of their reactivity with the selecting mAb. The phenotypic and genotypic properties of these revertants were determined by binding and neutralization assays. Sequencing of the viral RNA revealed different types of reversions. Besides reversion to wild-type genotype, we found phenotypic revertants which had amino acid substitutions differing from wild type, thus revealing amino acids that are also tolerated by the antibody. In another type of revertant, alterations in other parts of the epitope were found, providing a refined resolution of a particular antibody recognition site. Most of the revertants regained the property to be neutralized by the mAb. However, in one case they remained resistant to neutralization despite the fact that binding to the selecting antibody was reestablished. These results indicate that virus neutralization might be achieved by different mechanisms depending on the particular mAb.

Monospecific antisera against capsid polypeptides of poliovirus type 1 distinguish antigenic structures of poliovirus proteins.

Pure poliovirus polypeptides, namely VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4, have been isolated by isoelectric focusing after dissociation of poliovirus by urea. When injected into rabbits, all four polypeptides produced monospecific antisera which were used for the characterization of poliovirus particles and poliovirus-infected cells. The specificity of these antisera was determined by immunoprecipitation of polypeptides obtained by dissociation of poliovirus with SDS, followed by characterization by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The antisera revealed differences in the antigenic sites of native poliovirus particles, heated poliovirus particles and naturally occurring empty capsids. Only VP3 antiserum reacted with native poliovirus and showed some neutralization, whereas all antisera precipitated heated virus and empty capsids. These antisera reacted also with the appropriate precursors of the capsid polypeptides demonstrating their usefulness for an analysis of the cleavage pathway by monospecific antibodies and revealed a second protomer (90 kilodalton) polypeptide for the capsid proteins of poliovirus particles.

Preparative isoelectric focusing of poliovirus polypeptides in urea-sucrose gradients.

Isoelectric focusing in urea using small density gradient columns for dissociated poliovirus resulted in a complete separation of the four virus polypeptides. Identification and purity of VP1, 2, 3 and 4 was shown by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The isoelectric points were determined and compared with the values obtained in gels. The recovery of the individual polypeptides was about 80%. Up to 500 microgram of poliovirus per tube could thus be separated in a one-step procedure giving pure and SDS-free poliovirus polypeptides.

Molecular basis for linkage of a continuous and discontinuous neutralization epitope on the structural polypeptide VP2 of poliovirus type 1.

We obtained neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against a continuous neutralization epitope on VP2 of poliovirus type 1 strain Mahoney by using a combined in vivo-in vitro immunization procedure. The antibody-binding site was mapped to amino acid residues within the peptide segment (residues 164 through 170) of VP2 by competition with synthetic peptide and sequencing of resistant mutants. Cross-neutralization of these mutants with another neutralizing monoclonal antibody revealed a linkage of the continuous epitope and a discontinuous neutralization epitope involving both loops of the double-loop structure of VP2 at the twofold axis on the surface of the virion.

Differences in the physical properties of dense and standard poliovirus particles.

Dense poliovirus particles (DP) differ in buoyant density, sedimentation coefficient and lability from standard poliovirus particles. Dense particles band at a density of 1-44 g/ml in isopycnic CsCl gradients and sediment in sucrose gradients at 220S. However, when DP are centrifuged in sucrose gradients containing 1-5 M-KCl, NaCl or LiCl, two types of particles are observed, one sedimenting at 220S and the other at 160S. Particles sedimenting at 220S are converted into particles sedimenting at 160S by incubation at 37 degrees C in 1-5 M-KCl. The high buoyant density seems to be correlated with the high lability of DP. Dense particles are extremely labile in isotonic phosphate-buffered saline. Their degradation proceeds through an RNA-containing particle lacking polypeptide VP4, to RNA and empty capsids.

Dissociation and reassociation of poliovirus. II. Protein components obtained by urea treatment of the virus particle.

Dissociation of poliovirus by 9 M urea in 0.015 M NaCl at 25 degrees C resulted in the liberation of 35S RNA and of polypeptides sedimenting at 2S in sucrose gradients containing 9 M urea. However, a ribonucleopolypeptide (RNPP) complex sedimenting at 45S and oligomers of the viral polypeptides sedimenting at 7--8S were found in addition to the monomers sedimenting at 2S when the urea concentration was lowered to 5 M after the dissociation procedure. Ribonuclease treatment prevents the appearance of the RNPP-complex. The amount of the RNPP-complex decreased, when the dissociation was performed at higher ionic strength. Under these conditions small amounts of empty capsids were detected. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that the RNPP-complex contained the polypeptide VP1. The oligomers (7--8S) contained the polypeptide VP3 and small amounts of VP2. The bulk of VP2 and some VP3 were found in the 2S position together with VP4. The molecular weight of the dissociation products in urea and phosphate buffer was determined by gel filtration to be about 30,000 for the monomeric polypeptides containing predominantly VP2 and about 70,000 for the oligomeric polypeptides containing predominantly VP3. Our results demonstrate that the oligomers and the RNPP-complex are not primary products obtained by dissociation of the virus particle by urea but are due to a reassociation of the polypeptides or of VP1 and RNA.

Effect of DEAE-dextran on protein synthesis in HeLa cells.

Concentrations of DEAE-dextran which are currently used to stimulate the interaction between animal cells and natural or synthetic polynucleotides, inhibit protein synthesis in HeLa cells. This inhibition results from the blocking of more than one of the steps in protein synthesis, including transport of amino acids. The results support the hypothesis that enhancement of cellular competence for infection by viral RNA involves interference with initiation of cellular protein synthesis.

Isolation and characterization of 'dense particles' from poliovirus-infected HeLa cells.

Dense poliovirus particles (buoyant density 1.44 g/ml in CsCl) isolated from infected HeLa cells contain the normal four structural polypeptides VP1 to VP4, and 35S poliovirus RNA. In addition, small amounts of VPo and single-stranded RNA sedimenting slower than the poliovirus genome are present. Dense particles have a low specific infectivity, are neutralized by type-specific poliovirus antisera, and are detected during growth as early as normal virus but disappear when virus production stops. They appear to represent a different, more open, conformation of the normal virus capsid.

[The virus inactivating efficacy of peracids and peracidous disinfectants (author's transl)]. / Die virusinaktivierende Wirkung von Persäuren und Persauren Desinfektionsmitteln.

It has always been an aim to develop chemicals able to kill a broad spectrum of microorganisms. Research in this field led to peracids inactivating vegetative bacterial forms, spores, fungi and viruses. Since liquid peracids are very unstable, powders were developed which dissolved in water, formed peracids. In this paper the inactivating efficacy of peracids derived from powders as well as of pure peracids is presented. It is shown that both inactivate the following viruses: poliomyelitisvirus type 1, coxsackievirus B3, adenovirus type 5 and SV40. The most resistant viruses were the picornaviruses, especially coxsackievirus B3. But in all cases, inactivation is in accordance with the guidelines of the Deutsche Vereinigung zur Bekämpfung der Viruskrankheiten (DVV) (15). Furthermore, it is shown that pure peracids are more reactive than peracids formed from powders. But with all peracids there remains residual infectivity, which may be due to inhomogenic virus populations.