Architecture and Assembly of HIV Integrase Multimers in the Absence of DNA Substrates.
ABSTRACT have applied small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and protein cross-linking coupled with mass spectrometry to determine the architectures of full-length HIV integrase (IN) dimers in solution. By blocking interactions that stabilize either a core-core domain interface or N-terminal domain (NTD) intermolecular contacts, we show that full-length HIV IN can form two dimer types. One is an expected dimer, characterized by interactions between two catalytic core domains. The other dimer is stabilized by interactions of the NTD of one monomer with the C-terminal domain (CTD) and catalytic core domain of the second monomer, as well as direct interactions between the two CTDs. This organization is similar to the "reaching dimer" previously described for wild type ASV apo-IN, and resembles the inner, substrate-binding dimer in the crystal structure of the PFV intasome. Results from our SAXS and modeling studies indicate that in the absence of its DNA substrate, the HIV IN tetramer assembles as two stacked reaching dimers that are stabilized by core-core interactions. These models of full-length HIV IN provide new insight into multimer assembly and suggest additional approaches for enzyme inhibition.
- SourceAvailable from: Meytal Galilee[Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Retroviral DNA integration into the host genome is mediated by nucleoprotein assemblies containing tetramers of viral integrase (IN). Whereas the fully active form of IN comprises a dimer of dimers, the molecular basis of IN multimerization has not been fully characterized. IN has consistently been crystallized in an analogous dimeric form in all crystallographic structures and experimental evidence as to the level of similarity between IN monomeric and dimeric conformations is missing because of the lack of IN monomeric structures. Here we identify Phe187 as a critical dimerization determinant of IN from feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), a nonprimate lentivirus that causes AIDS in the natural host, and report, in addition to a canonical dimeric structure of the FIV IN core-domain, a monomeric structure revealing the preservation of the backbone structure between the two multimeric forms and suggest a role for Phe187 in "hinging" the flexible IN dimer.Structure 10/2014; 22(10). · 6.79 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Employing viruses as nanoscopic lipid-enveloped test tubes allows the miniaturization of protein-protein interaction (PPI) assays while preserving the physiological environment necessary for particular biological processes. Applied to the study of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), viral biology and pathology can also be investigated in novel ways, both in vitro as well as in infected cells. In this work we report on an experimental strategy that makes use of engineered HIV-1 viral particles, to allow for probing PPIs of the HIV-1 integrase (IN) inside viruses with single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) using fluorescent proteins (FP). We show that infectious fluorescently labeled viruses can be obtained and that the quantity of labels can be accurately measured and controlled inside individual viral particles. We demonstrate, with proper control experiments, the formation of IN oligomers in single viral particles and inside viral complexes in infected cells. Finally, we show a clear effect on IN oligomerization, of small molecule inhibitors of interactions of IN with its natural human co-factor LEDGF/p75, corroborating that IN oligomer enhancing drugs are active already at the level of the virus and strongly suggesting the presence of a dynamic, enhanceable equilibrium between the IN dimer and tetramer in viral particles. Although applied to the HIV-1 IN enzyme, our methodology for utilizing HIV virions as nanoscopic test tubes for probing PPIs is generic, i.e. other PPIs targeted into the HIV-1, or PPIs targeted into other viruses, can potentially be studied with a similar strategy.ACS Nano 03/2014; · 12.03 Impact Factor
- [Show abstract] [Hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The N-terminal domain (NTD) of HIV-1 integrase adopts two inter-converting forms (D- and E-) due to their specific coordination of a Zn(2+) ion by an HHCC motif. Mutational studies on NTD have suggested the importance of conformational transition in regulating the functions of tetramers and dimers of HIV-1 integrase. This study explores the stability and dynamics of native NTD forms and the conformational transition between D- and E-forms using molecular dynamics simulations elucidating their role in regulation of viral and host DNA integration. Simulation of native forms of NTD revealed stable dynamics. Transition studies between D- and E-forms using conventional molecular dynamics simulations for 50 ns partially revealed conformational change towards the target during D- to -E simulation (the extension of α1-helix), which failed in the E- to -D simulation. This could be attributed to the existence of the D-form (-1,945.907 kCal/mol) in higher energy than the E-form (-2,002.383 kCal/mol). The conformational transition pathway between these two states was explored using targeted molecular dynamics simulations. Analysis of the targeted molecular dynamics trajectories revealed conformations closer to the experimentally-reported intermediate form of an NTD during the transition phase. The role of Met22 in stabilizing the E-form was studied by simulating the E-form with Met22Ala mutation, revealing a highly dynamic α1-helix as compared to the native form. The present study reveals the significant role of the Zn(2+) ion-coordinated HHCC motif and its interaction with Met22 as the basis for understanding the biological implications of D- and E-forms of the NTD in regulating integration reaction.European Biophysics Journal 08/2014; · 2.47 Impact Factor