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Title: The DDB1–DCAF1–Vpr–UNG2 crystal structure reveals how HIV-1 Vpr steers human UNG2 toward destruction

Journal Article · · Nature Structural & Molecular Biology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/nsmb.3284· OSTI ID:1330269

The HIV-1 accessory protein Vpr is required for efficient viral infection of macrophages and promotion of viral replication in T cells. Vpr's biological activities are closely linked to the interaction with human DCAF1, a cellular substrate receptor of the Cullin4–RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL4) of the host ubiquitin–proteasome-mediated protein degradation pathway. The molecular details of how Vpr usurps the protein degradation pathway have not been delineated. Here we present the crystal structure of the DDB1–DCAF1–HIV-1–Vpr–uracil-DNA glycosylase (UNG2) complex. The structure reveals how Vpr engages with DCAF1, creating a binding interface for UNG2 recruitment in a manner distinct from the recruitment of SAMHD1 by Vpx proteins. Vpr and Vpx use similar N-terminal and helical regions to bind the substrate receptor, whereas different regions target the specific cellular substrates. In conclusion, Vpr uses molecular mimicry of DNA by a variable loop for specific recruitment of the UNG2 substrate.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER); National Inst. of Health; National Inst. of General Medical Sciences
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515; P41GM103393; P50GM082251
OSTI ID:
1330269
Journal Information:
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Vol. 23, Issue 10; ISSN 1545-9993
Publisher:
Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 59 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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Is Uracil-DNA Glycosylase UNG2 a New Cellular Weapon Against HIV-1? journal October 2019
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The HIV-1 Vpr Protein: A Multifaceted Target for Therapeutic Intervention journal January 2017
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Mannose receptor is an HIV restriction factor counteracted by Vpr in macrophages journal March 2020
Proteasomal Degradation Machinery: Favorite Target of HIV-1 Proteins journal November 2018
New paradigm of functional regulation by DNA mimic proteins: Recent updates journal December 2018
Hijacking of the Ubiquitin/Proteasome Pathway by the HIV Auxiliary Proteins journal October 2017
Vpr and Its Cellular Interaction Partners: R We There Yet? journal October 2019
Structural basis of indisulam-mediated RBM39 recruitment to DCAF15 E3 ligase complex journal December 2019
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