Purification and characterisation of a plasmin-sensitive surface protein of Staphylococcus aureus.

Certain methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains contain a 230-kDa cell-wall protein which is not present on the surface of other staphylococci. The presence of this 230-kDa protein is associated with a negative test result in commercial assays designed to detect fibrinogen-binding proteins and/or protein A on the staphylococcal surface. We have purified and partially characterised the 230-kDa protein from a lysostaphin digest of a non-agglutinating methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain. Partial amino acid sequence data obtained from the purified protein did not reveal any significant similarities to known proteins which indicates that the protein is novel. The 230-kDa protein w…

Parvovirus capsid disorders cholesterol-rich membranes.

In this study canine parvovirus, CPV, was found to induce disorder in DPPC:cholesterol membranes in acidic conditions. This acidicity-induced fluidizing effect is suggested to originate from the N-terminus of the viral capsid protein VP1. In accordance with the model membrane studies, a fluidizing effect was seen also in the endosomal membranes during CPV infection implying an important functional role of the fluidization in the endocytic entry of the virus.

Intracellular route of canine parvovirus entry.

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to investigate the endocytic pathway involved in canine parvovirus (CPV) infection. Reduced temperature (18°C) or the microtubule-depolymerizing drug nocodazole was found to inhibit productive infection of canine A72 cells by CPV and caused CPV to be retained in cytoplasmic vesicles as indicated by immunofluorescence microscopy. Consistent with previously published results, these data indicate that CPV enters a host cell via an endocytic route and further suggest that microtubule-dependent delivery of CPV to late endosomes is required for productive infection. Cytoplasmic microinjection of CPV particles was used to circumvent the endocytosis and membr…

Desipramine induces disorder in cholesterol-rich membranes:implications for viral trafficking

In this study, the effect of desipramine (DMI) on phospholipid bilayers and parvoviral entry was elucidated. In atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, DMI was found to introduce disorder in cholesterol-rich phospholipid bilayers. This was manifested by a decrease in the deuterium order parameter S(CD) as well as an increase in the membrane area. Disordering of the membrane suggested DMI to destabilize cholesterol-rich membrane domains (rafts) in cellular conditions. To relate the raft disrupting ability of DMI with novel biological relevance, we studied the intracellular effect of DMI using canine parvovirus (CPV), a virus known to interact with endosomal membranes and sphingomyelin, as …

Molecular and structural characterization of fluorescent human parvovirus B19 virus-like particles

Although sharing a T = 1 icosahedral symmetry with other members of the Parvoviridae family, it has been suggested that the fivefold channel of the human parvovirus B19 VP2 capsids is closed at its outside end. To investigate the possibility of placing a relatively large protein moiety at this site of B19, fluorescent virus-like particles (fVLPs) of B19 were developed. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was inserted at the N-terminus of the structural protein VP2 and assembly of fVLPs from this fusion protein was obtained. Electron microscopy revealed that these fluorescent protein complexes were very similar in size when compared to wild-type B19 virus. Further, fluorescence cor…

Assembly of fluorescent chimeric virus-like particles of canine parvovirus in insect cells

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small non-enveloped ssDNA virus composed of the viral proteins VP1, VP2, and VP3 with a T=1 icosahedral symmetry. VP2 is nested in VP1 and the two proteins are produced by differential splicing of a primary transcript of the right ORF of the viral genome. The VP2 protein can be further proteolytically cleaved to form VP3. Previous studies have shown that VP1 and VP3 are unnecessary for capsid formation and consequently, that VP2 alone is sufficient for assembly. We have hypothesized that insertion of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) at the N-terminus of VP2 could be carried out without altering assembly. To investigate the possibility to develop flu…

Mechanisms of cell death in canine parvovirus-infected cells provide intuitive insights to developing nanotools for medicine

Jonna Nykky, Jenni E Tuusa, Sanna Kirjavainen, Matti Vuento, Leona GilbertNanoscience Center and Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Jyväskylä, FinlandAbstract: Viruses have great potential as nanotools in medicine for gene transfer, targeted gene delivery, and oncolytic cancer virotherapy. Here we have studied cell death mechanisms of canine parvovirus (CPV) to increase the knowledge on the CPV life cycle in order to facilitate the development of better parvovirus vectors. Morphological studies of CPV-infected Norden laboratory feline kidney (NLFK) cells and canine fibroma cells (A72) displayed characteristic apoptotic events. Apoptosis was f…

Expression and subcellular targeting of canine parvovirus capsid proteins in baculovirus-transduced NLFK cells

AbstractA mammalian baculovirus delivery system was developed to study targeting in Norden Laboratories feline kidney (NLFK) cells of the capsid proteins of canine parvovirus (CPV), VP1 and VP2, or corresponding counterparts fused to EGFP. VP1 and VP2, when expressed alone, both had equal nuclear and cytoplasmic distribution. However, assembled form of VP2 had a predominantly cytoplasmic localization. When VP1 and VP2 were simultaneously present in cells, their nuclear localization increased. Thus, confocal immunofluorescence analysis of cells transduced with the different baculovirus constructs or combinations thereof in the absence or presence of infecting CPV revealed that the VP1 protei…

Monitoring human parvovirus B19 virus-like particles and antibody complexes in solution by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

AbstractFluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used in monitoring human parvovirus B19 virus-like particle (VLP) antibody complexes from acute phase and pastimmunity serum samples. The Oregon Green 488-labeled VLPs gave an average diffusion coefficient of 1.7x10exp-7 cm(2)s(-1) with an apparent hydrodynamic radius of 14 nm. After incubation of the fluorescent VLPs with an acute phase serum sample, the mobility information obtained from the fluorescence intensity fluctuation by autocorrelation analysis showed an average diffusion coefficient of 1.5x10exp-8 cm(2)s(-1), corresponding to an average radius of 157 nm. In contrast, incubation of the fluorescent VLPs with a pastimmunity se…

Properties of baculovirus particles displaying GFP analyzed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Abstract Recombinant baculovirus particles displaying green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the major envelope glycoprotein gp64 of the Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) were characterized by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). FCS detected Brownian motion of single, intact recombinant baculovirus display particles with a diffusion coefficient (D) of (2.89±0.74)10 8 cm2s 1 and an apparent hydrodynamic radius of 83.35±21.22 nm. In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, and octylglucoside, the diffusion time was reduced to the 0.2 ms range (D = 7.5710 7 cm2s 1), showing that the fusion proteins were anchored in the viral envelope…

Immunochromatographic Assay for Quantitation of Milk Progesterone.

We describe a rapid immunochromatographic method for the quantitation of progesterone in bovine milk. The method is based on a 'competitive' assay format using the monoclonal antibody to progesterone and a progesterone-protein conjugate labelled with colloidal gold particles. The monoclonal antibody to progesterone is immobilized as a narrow detection zone on a porous membrane. The sample is mixed with colloidal gold particles coated with progesterone-protein conjugate, and the mixture is allowed to migrate past the detection zone. Migration is facilitated by capillary forces. The amount of labelled progesterone-protein conjugate bound to the detection zone, as detected by photometric scann…

Thin-layer affinity chromatography in analysis of protein-ligand affinity.

Exploitation of Microtubule Cytoskeleton and Dynein during Parvoviral Traffic toward the Nucleus

ABSTRACT Canine parvovirus (CPV), a model virus for the study of parvoviral entry, enters host cells by receptor-mediated endocytosis, escapes from endosomal vesicles to the cytosol, and then replicates in the nucleus. We examined the role of the microtubule (MT)-mediated cytoplasmic trafficking of viral particles toward the nucleus. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy showed that capsids were transported through the cytoplasm into the nucleus after cytoplasmic microinjection but that in the presence of MT-depolymerizing agents, viral capsids were unable to reach the nucleus. The nuclear accumulation of capsids was also reduced by microinjection of an anti-dynein antibody. More…

Sphingomyelin induces structural alteration in canine parvovirus capsid.

One of the essential steps in canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, the release from endosomal vesicles, is dominated by interactions between the virus capsid and the endosomal membranes. In this study, the effect of sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl serine on canine parvovirus capsid and on the phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activity of CPV VP1 unique N-terminus was analyzed. Accordingly, a significant (P< or =0.05) shift of tryptophan fluorescence emission peak was detected at pH 5.5 in the presence of sphingomyelin, whereas at pH 7.4 a similar but minor shift was observed. This effect may relate to the exposure of VP1 N-terminus in acidic pH as well as to interactions between sphingomyelin and CP…

Sphingomyelin induces structural alteration in canine parvovirus capsid

One of the essential steps in canine parvovirus (CPV) infection, the release from endosomal vesicles, is dominated by interactions between the virus capsid and the endosomal membranes. In this study, the effect of sphingomyelin and phosphatidyl serine on canine parvovirus capsid and on the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity of CPV VP1 unique N-terminus was analyzed. Accordingly, a significant (P ≤ 0.05) shift of tryptophan fluorescence emission peak was detected at pH 5.5 in the presence of sphingomyelin, whereas at pH 7.4 a similar but minor shift was observed. This effect may relate to the exposure of VP1 N-terminus in acidic pH as well as to interactions between sphingomyelin and CPV. When…

Release of canine parvovirus from endocytic vesicles

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a small nonenveloped virus with a single-stranded DNA genome. CPV enters cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and requires an acidic endosomal step for productive infection. Virion contains a potential nuclear localization signal as well as a phospholipase A(2) like domain in N-terminus of VP1. In this study we characterized the role of PLA(2) activity on CPV entry process. PLA(2) activity of CPV capsids was triggered in vitro by heat or acidic pH. PLA(2) inhibitors inhibited the viral proliferation suggesting that PLA(2) activity is needed for productive infection. The N-terminus of VP1 was exposed during the entry, suggesting that PLA(2) activity might have a …

Disassembly of structurally modified viral nanoparticles: characterization by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

Abstract Analysis of the breakdown products of engineered viral particles can give useful information on the particle structure. We used various methods to breakdown both a recombinant enveloped virus and virus-like particles (VLPs) from two non-enveloped viruses and analysed the resulting subunits by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Analysis of the enveloped baculovirus, Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), displaying the green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to its envelope protein gp64 was performed in the presence and absence of 5 mM SDS and 25 mM DTT. Without treatment, the viral particle showed a diffusion time of 3.3 ms. In the presence of SDS…

Late steps of parvoviral infection induce changes in cell morphology.

Previously, virus-induced non-filopodial extensions have not been encountered in connection with viral infections. Here, we report emergence of long extensions protruding from Norden laboratory feline kidney (NLFK) and A72 (canine fibroma) cells infected with canine parvovirus for 72 h. These extensions significantly differ in length and number from those appearing in control cells. The most striking feature in the extensions is the length, reaching up to 130 microm, almost twice the average length of a healthy NLFK cell. In A72 cells, the extensions were even longer, up to 200 microm. The results presented here also suggest that the events leading to the growth of these extensions start ea…

Phase coexistence in a triolein-phosphatidylcholine system. Implications for lysosomal membrane properties.

The effects of tri- and monoglycerides on phospholipid (POPC) membranes were studied using spectroscopical methods. Triolein was found to form two types of POPC-rich membranes, both with POPC or as a three-component system with monopalmitin. These two membrane types were determined as co-existing phases based on their spontaneous and stable separation and named heavy and light phase according to their sedimentation behaviour. Marked differences were seen in the physical properties of these phases, even though only minor compositional variation was detected. The light, less polar phase was found to be less ordered and more fluid and seemed to allow significantly lower amount of water penetra…

Method and apparatus using selected superparamagnetic labels for rapid quantification of immunochromatographic tests

Mika PA Laitinen1, Jari Salmela2, Leona Gilbert1, Risto Kaivola1, Topi Tikkala2, Christian Oker-Blom1, Jukka Pekola3, Matti Vuento11Department of Biological and Environmental Science; 2Department of Physics, University of Jyv&amp;auml;skyl&amp;auml;, Jyv&amp;auml;skyl&amp;auml;, Finland; 3Low Temperature Laboratory, Helsinki University of Technology, Helsinki, FinlandAbstract: A rapid method and instrumentation for quantification of immunochromatographic tests (ICT) are described. The principle and performance of the method was demonstrated by measuring the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) present in urine. The test format was a sandwich assay using two distinct monoclonal antib…

Mapping antigenic epitopes of potato virus Y with antibodies affinity-purified by using overlapping synthetic peptides

Synthetic, overlapping peptides representing the entire amino acid sequence of potato virus Y (PVY) coat protein were used to affinity-purify antibodies from polyclonal antisera to PVY. In testing the binding of the purified antibodies to PVY particles, antigenic epitopes were identified. The N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the PVY coat protein were found to contain most of the antigenic epitopes. The results will facilitate the development of detection methods for PVY based on synthetic peptides.

Characterization of a nuclear localization signal of canine parvovirus capsid proteins.

We investigated the abilities of synthetic peptides mimicking the potential nuclear localization signal of canine parvovirus (CPV) capsid proteins to translocate a carrier protein to the nucleus following microinjection into the cytoplasm of A72 cells. Possible nuclear localization sequences were chosen for synthesis from CPV capsid protein sequences (VP1, VP2) on the basis of the presence of clustered basic residues, which is a common theme in most of the previously identified targeting peptides. Nuclear targeting activity was found within the N-terminal residues 4-13 (PAKRARRGYK) of the VP1 capsid protein. While replacement of Arg10 with glycine did not affect the activity, replacement of…

Role of mitochondria in parvovirus pathology.

Proper functioning of the mitochondria is crucial for the survival of the cell. Viruses are able to interfere with mitochondrial functions as they infect the host cell. Parvoviruses are known to induce apoptosis in infected cells, but the role of the mitochondria in parvovirus induced cytopathy is only partially known. Here we demonstrate with confocal and electron microscopy that canine parvovirus (CPV) associated with the mitochondrial outer membrane from the onset of infection. During viral entry a transient depolarization of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increase in ROS level was detected. Subsequently, mitochondrial homeostasis was normalized shortly, as detected by rep…

The Putative Metal Coordination Motif in the Endonuclease Domain of Human Parvovirus B19 NS1 Is Critical for NS1 Induced S Phase Arrest and DNA Damage

The non-structural proteins (NS) of the parvovirus family are highly conserved multi-functional molecules that have been extensively characterized and shown to be integral to viral replication. Along with NTP-dependent helicase activity, these proteins carry within their sequences domains that allow them to bind DNA and act as nucleases in order to resolve the concatameric intermediates developed during viral replication. The parvovirus B19 NS1 protein contains sequence domains highly similar to those previously implicated in the above-described functions of NS proteins from adeno-associated virus (AAV), minute virus of mice (MVM) and other non-human parvoviruses. Previous studies have show…

Endosomal escape of canine parvovirus is assisted by membrane fluidization

Characterization of antigenic epitopes of potato virus Y.

Immunochemical analysis of overlapping synthetic hexapeptides covering the entire length of the coat protein of potato virus Y (PVY) revealed immunodominant regions both at the N-terminal and at the C-terminal end of the coat protein. Immunization of rabbits with synthetic peptides representing N- and C-terminal regions of the coat protein resulted in production of antibodies that reacted with PVY. Antigenicity of PVY peptides was found to correlate with predicted beta turns, with hydrophilicity and with predicted chain flexibility. Characterization of the immunochemical properties of PVY will facilitate the development of detection methods for potyviruses.

Role of Recycling Endosomes and Lysosomes in Dynein-Dependent Entry of Canine Parvovirus

ABSTRACT Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a nonenveloped virus with a 5-kb single-stranded DNA genome. Lysosomotropic agents and low temperature are known to prevent CPV infection, indicating that the virus enters its host cells by endocytosis and requires an acidic intracellular compartment for penetration into the cytoplasm. After escape from the endocytotic vesicles, CPV is transported to the nucleus for replication. In the present study the intracellular entry pathway of the canine parvovirus in NLFK (Nordisk Laboratory feline kidney) cells was studied. After clustering in clathrin-coated pits and being taken up in coated vesicles, CPV colocalized with coendocytosed transferrin in endosomes r…

Parvovirus B19 Genotype Specific Amino Acid Substitution in NS1 Reduces the Protein's Cytotoxicity in Culture

A clinical association between idiopathic liver disease and parvovirus B19 infection has been observed. Fulminant liver failure, not associated with other liver-tropic viruses, has been attributed to B19 in numerous reports, suggesting a possible role for B19 components in the extensive hepatocyte cytotoxicity observed in this condition. A recent report by Abe and colleagues (Int J Med Sci. 2007;4:105-9) demonstrated a link between persistent parvovirus B19 genotype I and III infection and fulminant liver failure. The genetic analysis of isolates obtained from these patients demonstrated a conservation of key amino acids in the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of the disease-associated genotyp…