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CCHCR1 interacts specifically with the E2 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 on a surface overlapping BRD4 binding.

ABSTRACT: The Human Papillomavirus E2 proteins are key regulators of the viral life cycle, whose functions are commonly mediated through protein-protein interactions with the host cell proteome. We identified an interaction between E2 and a cellular protein called CCHCR1, which proved highly specific for the HPV16 genotype, the most prevalent in HPV-associated cancers. Further characterization of the interaction revealed that CCHCR1 binds the N-terminal alpha helices of HPV16 E2 N-terminal domain. On this domain, the CCHCR1 binding interface overlaps that of BRD4, a key mediator of E2 transcriptional activity. Consequently a physical competition occurs between the two proteins for the binding to HPV16 E2, and CCHCR1 interferes with BRD4-mediated enhancement of E2-dependent transcription. In addition, we showed that the interaction with CCHCR1 induced a massive redistribution of HPV16 E2, from a predominantly nuclear to a cytoplasmic localization in dot-like structures, where E2 perfectly co-localizes with CCHCR1. Such a cytoplasmic docking likely interferes with the nuclear functions of HPV16 E2. Upon co-expression of BRD4 and CCHCR1, E2 accumulates both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm, indicating that for HPV16, both sub-cellular localization and transcriptional functions of E2 may depend on the proportion of both factors within the cell. We provided evidence of a strong induction of the keratinocyte differentiation marker K10 by HPV16 E2, and showed that this activation is compromised by the interaction with CCHCR1. The specific interaction described here could thus impact on the pathogenesis of HPV16. We propose that it could underlie some specific traits of HPV16 infection, such as an enhanced propensity to give rise to lesions evolving toward cancer.

SUBMITTER: Muller M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3963918 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:To replicate the double-stranded human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) DNA genome, viral proteins E1 and E2 associate with the viral origin of replication, and E2 can also regulate transcription from adjacent promoters. E2 interacts with host proteins in order to regulate both transcription and replication; TopBP1 and Brd4 are cellular proteins that interact with HPV16 E2. Previous work with E2 mutants demonstrated the Brd4 requirement for the transactivation properties of E2, while TopBP1 is required for DNA replication induced by E2 from the viral origin of replication in association with E1. More-recent studies have also implicated Brd4 in the regulation of DNA replication by E2 and E1. Here, we demonstrate that both TopBP1 and Brd4 are present at the viral origin of replication and that interaction with E2 is required for optimal initiation of DNA replication. Both cellular proteins are present in E1-E2-containing nuclear foci, and the viral origin of replication is required for the efficient formation of these foci. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) against either TopBP1 or Brd4 destroys the E1-E2 nuclear bodies but has no effect on E1-E2-mediated levels of DNA replication. An E2 mutation in the context of the complete HPV16 genome that compromises Brd4 interaction fails to efficiently establish episomes in primary human keratinocytes. Overall, the results suggest that interactions between TopBP1 and E2 and between Brd4 and E2 are required to correctly initiate DNA replication but are not required for continuing DNA replication, which may be mediated by alternative processes such as rolling circle amplification and/or homologous recombination.Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is causative in many human cancers, including cervical and head and neck cancers, and is responsible for the annual deaths of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. The current vaccine will save lives in future generations, but antivirals targeting HPV16 are required for the alleviation of disease burden on the current, and future, generations. Targeting viral DNA replication that is mediated by two viral proteins, E1 and E2, in association with cellular proteins such as TopBP1 and Brd4 would have therapeutic benefits. This report suggests a role for these cellular proteins in the initiation of viral DNA replication by HPV16 E1-E2 but not for continuing replication. This is important if viral replication is to be effectively targeted; we need to understand the viral and cellular proteins required at each phase of viral DNA replication so that it can be effectively disrupted.

Project description:During the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) life cycle, the E2 protein binds simultaneously to the viral genome and host chromatin throughout mitosis, ensuring viral genomes reside in daughter cell nuclei following cell division. Previously, we demonstrated that CK2 phosphorylation of E2 on serine 23 promotes interaction with TopBP1, and that this interaction is required for optimum E2 mitotic chromatin association and plasmid segregation function. Others have implicated BRD4 in mediating the plasmid segregation function of E2 and we have demonstrated that there is a TopBP1-BRD4 complex in the cell. We therefore further investigated the role of the E2-BRD4 interaction in mediating E2 association with mitotic chromatin and plasmid segregation function. Using a combination of immunofluorescence and our novel plasmid segregation assay in U2OS and N/Tert-1 cells stably expressing a variety of E2 mutants, we report that direct interaction with the BRD4 carboxyl-terminal motif (CTM) and TopBP1 is required for E2 association with mitotic chromatin and plasmid segregation. We also identify a novel TopBP1-mediated interaction between E2 and the BRD4 extra-terminal domain in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate for the first time that E2 plasmid segregation function occurs in human foreskin keratinocytes immortalized by HPV16. Overall, the results demonstrate that direct interaction with TopBP1 and the BRD4 CTM is required for E2 mitotic chromatin association and plasmid segregation function. Disruption of this complex offers therapeutic options for targeting segregation of viral genomes into daughter cells, potentially combating HPV16 infections and cancers that retain episomal genomes. IMPORTANCE Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is a causative agent in around 3%-4% of all human cancers, and currently, there are no anti-viral therapeutics available for combating this disease burden. In order to identify new therapeutic targets, we must increase our understanding of the HPV16 life cycle. Previously, we demonstrated that an interaction between E2 and the cellular protein TopBP1 mediates the plasmid segregation function of E2, allowing distribution of viral genomes into daughter nuclei following cell division. Here, we demonstrate that E2 interaction with an additional host protein, BRD4, is also essential for E2 segregation function, and that BRD4 exists in a complex with TopBP1. Overall, these results enhance our understanding of a critical part of the HPV16 life cycle and presents several therapeutic targets for disruption of the viral life cycle.

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CCHCR1 interacts specifically with the E2 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 on a surface overlapping BRD4 binding.

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