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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) (SC-22); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) (SC-23); National Inst. of Health; National Inst. of General Medical Sciences
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515
OSTI ID:
1330269
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1360205
Journal Information:
Nature Structural & Molecular Biology, Journal Name: Nature Structural & Molecular Biology Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 23; ISSN 1545-9993
Publisher:
Nature Publishing GroupCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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Cited By (15)

CRL4Mahj E3 ubiquitin ligase promotes neural stem cell reactivation journal June 2019
Proteasomal Degradation Machinery: Favorite Target of HIV-1 Proteins journal November 2018
Vpr and Its Cellular Interaction Partners: R We There Yet? journal October 2019
The HIV-1 Vpr Protein: A Multifaceted Target for Therapeutic Intervention journal January 2017
HIV-1 Integrase-Targeted Short Peptides Derived from a Viral Protein R Sequence journal July 2018
A Role for the Host DNA Damage Response in Hepatitis B Virus cccDNA Formation—and Beyond? journal May 2017
Hijacking of the Ubiquitin/Proteasome Pathway by the HIV Auxiliary Proteins journal October 2017
Mannose receptor is an HIV restriction factor counteracted by Vpr in macrophages journal March 2020
New paradigm of functional regulation by DNA mimic proteins: Recent updates journal December 2018
WD40 repeat domain proteins: a novel target class? journal October 2017
Structural basis of indisulam-mediated RBM39 recruitment to DCAF15 E3 ligase complex journal December 2019
Mannose receptor is a restriction factor of HIV in macrophages and is counteracted by the accessory protein Vpr posted_content August 2019
Is Uracil-DNA Glycosylase UNG2 a New Cellular Weapon Against HIV-1? journal October 2019
Illuminating the Role of Vpr in HIV Infection of Myeloid Cells journal July 2019
Distinct MCM10 Proteasomal Degradation Profiles by Primate Lentiviruses Vpr Proteins journal January 2020

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