Induction of G2 arrest and binding to cyclophilin A are independent phenotypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vpr.
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is a member of a family of cellular proteins that share a peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity. CypA was previously reported to be required for the biochemical stability and function (specifically, induction of G2 arrest) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protein R (Vpr). In the present study, we examine the role of the Vpr-CypA interaction on Vpr-induced G2 arrest. We find that Vpr coimmunoprecipitates with CypA and that this interaction is disrupted by substitution of proline-35 of Vpr as well as incubation with the CypA inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). Surprisingly, the presence of CypA or its binding to Vpr is dispensable for the ability of Vpr to induce G2 arrest. Vpr expression in CypA-/- cells leads to induction of G2 arrest in a manner that is indistinguishable from that in CypA+ cells. CsA abolished CypA-Vpr binding but had no effect on induction of G2 arrest or Vpr steady-state levels. In view of these results, we propose that the interaction with CypA is independent of the ability of Vpr to induce cell cycle arrest. The interaction between Vpr and CypA is intriguing, and further studies should examine its potential effects on other functions of Vpr.
Ardon
Orly
O
Division of Cellular Biology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, 30 N 1900 East, SOM 5C210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.
Zimmerman
Erik S
ES
Andersen
Joshua L
JL
DeHart
Jason L
JL
Blackett
Jana
J
Planelles
Vicente
V
D002460:Cell Line; D021984:Cyclophilin A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D016195:G2 Phase; D016336:Gene Products, vpr / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype
D016336:Gene Products, vpr; D021984:Cyclophilin A