Ion Channel Activity of Vpu Proteins Is Conserved throughout Evolution of HIV-1 and SIV

Greiner T, Bolduan S, Hertel B, Gro C, Hamacher K, Schubert U, Moroni A, Thiel G (2016)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2016

Journal

Viruses MDPI

Book Volume: 8

Journal Issue: 12

DOI: 10.3390/v8120325

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) protein Vpu is encoded exclusively by HIV-1 and related simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). The transmembrane domain of the protein has dual functions: it counteracts the human restriction factor tetherin and forms a cation channel. Since these two functions are causally unrelated it remains unclear whether the channel activity has any relevance for viral release and replication. Here we examine structure and function correlates of different Vpu homologs from HIV-1 and SIV to understand if ion channel activity is an evolutionary conserved property of Vpu proteins. An electrophysiological testing of Vpus from different HIV-1 groups (N and P) and SIVs from chimpanzees (SIVcpz), and greater spot-nosed monkeys (SIVgsn) showed that they all generate channel activity in HEK293T cells. This implies a robust and evolutionary conserved channel activity and suggests that cation conductance may also have a conserved functional significance.

Authors with CRIS profile

Ulrich Schubert Professur für Virologie

Additional Organisation(s)

Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Klinische Forschung

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Darmstadt DE Germany (DE) Helmholtz Zentrum München - Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (HMGU) / Helmholtz Munich DE Germany (DE) Università degli studi di Milano IT Italy (IT)

How to cite

APA:

Greiner, T., Bolduan, S., Hertel, B., Gro, C., Hamacher, K., Schubert, U.,... Thiel, G. (2016). Ion Channel Activity of Vpu Proteins Is Conserved throughout Evolution of HIV-1 and SIV. Viruses, 8(12). https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/v8120325

MLA:

Greiner, Timo, et al. "Ion Channel Activity of Vpu Proteins Is Conserved throughout Evolution of HIV-1 and SIV." Viruses 8.12 (2016).

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