Identification of a novel compound with antiviral activity against influenza A virus depending on PA subunit of viral RNA polymerase.

Influenza viruses have developed resistance to current drugs, creating a need for new antiviral targets and new drugs to treat influenza virus infections. In this study, computational and experimental screening of an extensive compound library identified THC19, which was able to suppress influenza virus replication. This compound had no cytotoxic effects and did not disrupt cell cycle progression or induce apoptosis in MDCK cells as confirmed by WST-1 assays, flow cytometry analysis, and caspase-3 assays.

Ribosomal protein L4 positively regulates activity of a c-myb proto-oncogene product.

The c-myb proto-oncogene product (c-Myb) induces transcription of a group of target genes involved in the G1/S transition and in anti-apoptosis. The level of c-Myb is negatively regulated by the Wnt signal, but it remains obscure how c-Myb activity is positively regulated. We have found that ribosomal protein L4 (RPL4) binds to the DNA-binding domain of c-Myb.

Presentation of functional foreign peptides on the surface of SV40 virus-like particles.

Viral capsids of simian virus 40 (SV40) are highly efficient gene delivery vehicles that infect a broad range of cells and tissues. To develop a controlled, cell type-specific delivery system, we sought to display foreign peptides on the capsid surface by genetically manipulating the major capsid protein Vp1. Here we report the identification of two sites within the surface loops of Vp1 that can accommodate foreign peptides in such a way that the foreign peptides are displayed on the surface of the virus-like particles (VLPs) without interfering with VLP assembly or the packaging of viral DNA.

Schnurri-2 controls BMP-dependent adipogenesis via interaction with Smad proteins.

Adipocyte differentiation is an important component of obesity, but how hormonal cues mediate adipocyte differentiation remains elusive. BMP stimulates in vitro adipocyte differentiation, but the role of BMP in adipogenesis in vivo is unknown. Drosophila Schnurri (Shn) is required for the signaling of Decapentaplegic, a Drosophila BMP homolog, via interaction with the Mad/Medea transcription factors.

Rep68 protein of adeno-associated virus type 2 interacts with 14-3-3 proteins depending on phosphorylation at serine 535.

Rep78/68 proteins of adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV-2) are involved in many aspects of the viral life cycle, including replication, gene expression, and site-specific integration. To understand the molecular mechanisms of the actions of Rep proteins, we searched for Rep68-interacting cellular proteins by utilizing a one-step affinity purification technique and identified two members of 14-3-3 proteins (14-3-3 epsilon and gamma). We found that phosphorylation of 535Ser at the carboxy terminus of Rep68 was critical for its association with 14-3-3.

Simian virus 40 VP1 capsid protein forms polymorphic assemblies in vitro.

The simian virus 40 (SV40) capsid is composed of 72 pentamers of VP1, the major protein of SV40. These pentamers are arranged in a T=7d icosahedral surface lattice, which is maintained by three types of appropriately arranged, non-equivalent interactions between the pentamers. However, it remains unclear how these interactions are achieved.