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Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), a tick-borne virus of the Orthonairovirus genus, persistently infects tick cells. It has been reported to establish persistent infection in non-human primates, but virological analysis has not yet been performed in human cells. Here, we investigated whether and how nairoviruses persistently infect human cells using Hazara orthonairovirus (HAZV), a surrogate model for CCHFV. We established a human cell line that was persistently infected with HAZV. Surprisingly, virions of persistently infected HAZV (HAZVpi) were not observed in the culture supernatants. There were five mutations (mut1, mut2, mut3, mut4, and mut5) in L protein of HAZVpi. Mutations in L protein of HAZVpi contribute to non-detection of virion in the supernatants. Lmut4 was found to cause low viral growth rate, despite its high polymerase activity. The low growth rate was restored by Lmut2, Lmut3, and Lmut5. The polymerase activity of Lmut1 was extremely low, and recombinant HAZV carrying Lmut1 (rHAZV/Lmut1) was not released into the supernatants. However, genomes of rHAZV/Lmut1 were retained in the infected cells. All mutations (Lmut1-5) found in L protein of HAZVpi were required for experimental reproduction of HAZVpi, and only Lmut1 and Lmut4 were insufficient. We demonstrated that point mutations in viral polymerase contribute to the establishment of persistent HAZV infection. Furthermore, innate immunity was found to be suppressed in HAZVpi-infected cells, which also potentially contributes to viral persistence. This is the first presentation of a possible mechanism behind how nairoviruses establish persistent infection in human cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracellular iron concentration is tightly controlled for cell viability. It is known to affect the growth of several viruses, but the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. We found that iron chelators inhibit growth of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV-2). Furthermore, infection with hPIV-2 alters ferritin localization from granules to a homogenous distribution within cytoplasm of iron-stimulated cells. The V protein of hPIV-2 interacts with ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1), a ferritin subunit. It also binds to nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), which mediates autophagic degradation of ferritin, so-called ferritinophagy. V protein consequently interferes with interaction between FTH1 and NCOA4. hPIV-2 growth is inhibited in FTH1 knockdown cell line where severe hPIV-2-induced apoptosis is shown. In contrast, NCOA4 knockdown results in the promotion of hPIV-2 growth and limited apoptosis. Our data collectively suggest that hPIV-2 V protein inhibits FTH1-NCOA4 interaction and subsequent ferritinophagy. This iron homeostasis modulation allows infected cells to avoid apoptotic cell death, resulting in effective growth of hPIV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazara Nairovirus (HAZV) is a tri-segmented RNA virus most closely related to Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, in the order Bunyavirales. The terminal roughly 20 nt of their genome ends are highly complementary, similar to those of other segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSV), and act as promoters for RNA synthesis. These promoters contain two elements; the very termini of both strands (promoter element 1 (PE1)) are conserved and virus-specific, and are found bound to separate sites on the polymerase surface in crystal structures of promoter-polymerase complexes. The following sequences (PE2) are segment-specific with the potential to form dsRNA, and this latter aspect is also important for promoter activity. Nairovirus genome promoters differ from those of peribunya and arenaviruses in that they contain a short ss-region between the two regions of complementarity. Using a HAZV mini-genome system, we find the single-stranded nature of this region, as well as the potential of the following sequence to form dsRNA, are essential for reporter gene expression. Most unexpectedly, the sequence of the PE2 dsRNA appears to be equally important for promoter activity. These differences in sNSV PE2 promoter elements are discussed in the light of our current understanding of the initiation of RNA synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome RNA of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2) that acts as the template for the polymerase complex is entirely encapsidated by the nucleoprotein (NP). Recently, the crystal structure of NP of PIV5, a virus closely related to hPIV2, was resolved in association with RNA. Ten amino acids that contact the bound RNA were identified and are strictly conserved between PIV5 and hPIV2 NP. Mutation of hPIV2 NP Q202 (which contacts a base rather than the RNA backbone) to various amino acids resulted in an over 30-fold increase of polymerase activity as evidenced by a minireplicon assay, even though the RNA-binding affinity was unaltered. Using various modified minireplicons, we found that the enhanced reporter gene expression could be accounted for by increased minigenome replication, whereas mRNA synthesis itself was not affected by Q202 mutation. Moreover, the enhanced activities were still observed in minigenomes partially lacking the leader sequence and which were not of hexamer genome length. Unexpectedly, recombinant hPIV2 possessing the NP Q202A mutation could not be recovered from cDNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rho GTPases are involved in a variety of cellular activities and are regulated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). We found that the activation of Rho GTPases by lysophosphatidic acid promotes the growth of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV-2). Furthermore, hPIV-2 infection causes activation of RhoA, a Rho GTPase. We hypothesized that Graf1 (also known as ARHGAP26), a GAP, regulates hPIV-2 growth by controlling RhoA signaling. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that hPIV-2 infection altered Graf1 localization from a homogenous distribution within the cytoplasm to granules. Graf1 colocalized with hPIV-2 P, NP, and L proteins. Graf1 interacts with P and V proteins via their N-terminal common region, and the C-terminal Src homology 3 domain-containing region of Graf1 is important for these interactions. In HEK293 cells constitutively expressing Graf1, hPIV-2 growth was inhibited, and RhoA activation was not observed during hPIV-2 infection. In contrast, Graf1 knockdown restored hPIV-2 growth and RhoA activation. Overexpression of hPIV-2 P and V proteins enhanced hPIV-2-induced RhoA activation. These results collectively suggested that hPIV-2 P and V proteins enhanced hPIV-2 growth by binding to Graf1 and that Graf1 inhibits hPIV-2 growth through RhoA inactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Receptor destruction has been considered one of the mechanisms of homologous Sendai virus (SeV) interference. However, direct evidence of receptor destruction upon virus infection and its relevance to interference is missing. To investigate a precise mechanism of homologous interference, we established SeV persistently infected cells. The persistently infected cells inhibited superinfection by homologous SeV but supported replication of human parainfluenza virus 2 (hPIV2) and influenza A virus (IAV). We confirmed that SeV particles could not attach to or penetrate the infected cells and that the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of SeV was involved in the interference. Lectin blot assays showed that the 2,3-linked sialic acids were specifically reduced in the SeV-infected cells, but the level of α2,6-linked sialic acids had not changed. As infection with IAV removed both α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids, especially α2,3-linked sialic acids, IAV-infected cells inhibited superinfection of SeV. These results provide concrete evidence that destruction of the specific SeV receptor, α2,3-linked sialic acids, is relevant to homologous interference by SeV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Residual shunt after closure of an inferior sinus venosus defect (ISVD) is a rare complication with a high rate of reintervention. Case Presentation: Here, we report a rare case of a recurrent defect identified 22 years after closure of an ISVD. The defect (25 × 10 mm) was located at the inferior vena cava-right atrial junction and was closed directly when the patient was 5 years of age. No residual shunt was detected and follow-up was discontinued at age 12 years. However, a residual atrial septal defect shunt was detected incidentally at age 27 years. During the second surgery, the lower end of the original defect was opened and then closed with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene patch. Conclusions: Because of the high rate of reintervention for residual shunt after ISVD closure, patch closure was selected as a better option to reduce tension at the inferior-posterior border. Patients with this profile should be followed closely, at least during childhood, including by echocardiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paramyxovirus genomes, like that of human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2), have lengths of precisely multiples-of-six nucleotides ("rule of six"), where each nucleoprotein subunit (NP) binds exactly six nucleotides. Ten residues of its RNA binding groove contact the genome RNA; but only one, Q202, directly contacts a nucleotide base. The mutation of NPQ202 leads to two phenotypes: the ability of the viral polymerase to replicate minigenomes with defective bipartite promoters where NPwt is inactive, and the inability to rescue rPIV2 carrying this point mutation by standard means. The absence of an rPIV2 NPQ202A prevented further study of the latter phenotype. By extensive and repeated cocultivation of transfected cells, an rPIV2 carrying this mutation was finally recovered, and this virus was apparently viable due to the presence of an additional NP mutation (I35L). Our results suggest that these two phenotypes are due to separate effects of the Q202 mutation, and that the problematic rescue phenotype may be due to the inability of the transfected cell to incorporate viral nucleocapsids during virus budding. IMPORTANCE Paramyxovirus genomes are contained within a noncovalent homopolymer of its nucleoprotein (NP) and form helical nucleocapsids (NC) whose 39 ends contain the promoters for the initiation of viral RNA synthesis. This work suggests that these NC 39 ends may play another role in the virus life cycle via their specific interaction with virus-modified cell membranes needed for the incorporation of viral NCs into budding virions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the histological architecture of the insertion after a rotator cuff repair is completely different from that of normal tendon-bone insertions. Analysis of normal insertions by electron microscopy may enhance the understanding of the pathophysiology of tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff repair. The present study examined the normal supraspinatus insertion in rats using a new three-dimensional (3D) electron microscopic method, focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) tomography. Methods: normal supraspinatus insertion of adult Sprague-Dawley rats was analyzed. FIB/SEM tomography was performed on the entire insertion. The obtained serial images were reconstructed, and the 3D cellular morphology and organization of collagen bundles was observed. Results: the cellular shapes between the tendoncartilage interface were successfully reconstructed. The cells in the cartilage region were spherical without any cellular processes, while the cells in the intermediate region had some cellular processes oriented longitudinally along the collagen bundles. In addition, these 2 regions were smoothly transferred under ultrastructural resolution. Conclusions: structures at the normal insertion gradually changed from the fibrous cartilage to the tendon midsubstance, which may contribute to the biomechanical strength of the site. These novel cell characteristics may provide necessary knowledge for better regeneration of tendon-to-bone insertions after rotator cuff repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: the histological architecture of the insertion after a rotator cuff repair is completely different from that of normal tendon-bone insertions. Analysis of normal insertions by electron microscopy may enhance the understanding of the pathophysiology of tendon-to-bone healing after rotator cuff repair. The present study examined the normal supraspinatus insertion in rats using a new three-dimensional (3D) electron microscopic method, focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope (FIB/SEM) tomography. Methods: normal supraspinatus insertion of adult Sprague-Dawley rats was analyzed. FIB/SEM tomography was performed on the entire insertion. The obtained serial images were reconstructed, and the 3D cellular morphology and organization of collagen bundles was observed. Results: the cellular shapes between the tendoncartilage interface were successfully reconstructed. The cells in the cartilage region were spherical without any cellular processes, while the cells in the intermediate region had some cellular processes oriented longitudinally along the collagen bundles. In addition, these 2 regions were smoothly transferred under ultrastructural resolution. Conclusions: structures at the normal insertion gradually changed from the fibrous cartilage to the tendon midsubstance, which may contribute to the biomechanical strength of the site. These novel cell characteristics may provide necessary knowledge for better regeneration of tendon-to-bone insertions after rotator cuff repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper based on a presentation at the 14th International Symposium on Organometallic Chemistry Directed Towards Organic Synthesis (OMCOS-14), 2-6 August 2007, Nara, Japan. Other presentations are published in this issue, pp. 807-1194A new type of catalytic hydrosilylation of arylalkynes was induced by a 16-electron ruthenium bis(silyl) phosphine complex, resulting in ortho-silylation of the aryl group as well as a hydrogenation of the alkyne CC bond to give an (E)-form of alkene selectively. On the other hand, the same reaction using a related bis(silyl) complex having an η6-toluene ligand instead of the phosphine ligand as a catalyst led to a normal hydrosilylation reaction to afford silylalkene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the presynaptic active zone (AZ), the related cytomatrix proteins CAST and ELKS organize the presynaptic release machinery. While CAST is known to regulate AZ size and neurotransmitter release, the role of ELKS and the integral system of CAST/ELKS together is poorly understood. Here, we show that CAST and ELKS have both redundant and unique roles in coordinating synaptic development, function, and maintenance of retinal photoreceptor ribbon synapses. A CAST/ELKS double knockout (dKO) mouse showed high levels of ectopic synapses and reduced responses to visual stimulation. Ectopic formation was not observed in ELKS conditional KO but progressively increased with age in CAST KO mice with higher rates in the dKO. Presynaptic calcium influx was strongly reduced in rod photoreceptors of CAST KO and dKO mice. Three-dimensional scanning EM reconstructions showed structural abnormalities in rod triads of CAST KO and dKO. Remarkably, AAV-mediated acute ELKS deletion after synapse maturation induced neurodegeneration and loss of ribbon synapses. These results suggest that CAST and ELKS work in concert to promote retinal synapse formation, transmission, and maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruthenium complexes bearing a xanthene-based bis(silyl) chelate ligand, "xantsil" ((9,9-dimethylxanthene-4,5-diyl)bis(dimethylsilyl)), Ru{κ³(Si,O,Si)-xantsil}(CO)(PR3) (1-Cy: R = Cy (cyclohexyl), 1-Cyp: R = Cyp (cyclopentyl)), were found to catalyze the reactions of internal arylalkynes with tertiary silanes (1-1.3 equiv) at a moderate temperature (room temperature to 70 °C) to give (E)-alkenes having an ortho-silylated aryl group, i.e., (E)-R¹C(H)=C(H)(C6H3-o-SiR³3-p-R²). These catalytic reactions involve a unique ortho-selective C-H silylation of an aryl group in arylalkynes accompanied by hydrogenation of their C-C triple bonds (ortho-C-H silylation/hydrogenation). Importantly, in these reactions, the alkynyl moiety of arylalkynes serves as both a directing group and a hydrogen acceptor. The substrate scope of this ortho-C-H silylation/hydrogenation was explored by use of eight combinations of arylalkynes and tertiary silanes. In cases using bulky substrates, the catalytic performance of 1-Cyp with a relatively less bulky phosphine ligand (PCyp3) was shown to be superior to that of the PCy3 analogue 1-Cy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]