Tetherin is a HIV restriction factor that prevents release of enveloped viruses by mechanically linking the virus to the host cell membrane. This requires membrane insertion of tetherin's transmembrane domain and GPI anchor, as well as dimerization of tetherin's cytoplasmic ectodomains. The precise geometric arrangement of tetherin molecules and tetherin domains at sites of HIV-1 restriction are not well understood. Tetherin is recruited to discrete sites on the plasma membrane that correspond to regions of HIV-1 assembly and budding. The goal of this research proposal is to elucidate the three-dimensional (3D) structure of tethered HIV-1 virions and virus like particles (VLPs) and the tetherin microdomain.
Specific Aim 1 - characterize the 3D structure of HIV-1 VLPs tethered to the plasma membrane of a mammalian cell by cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
Specific Aim 2 - characterize the 3D structure of the tetherin microdomain in HIV-1 permissive cells by correlative light electron microscopy (CLEM).

Public Health Relevance

This project addresses several questions of critical importance to the success of viruses that are pathogens of humans and other animals. Tetherin is a HIV restriction factor that prevents release of enveloped viruses by mechanically linking the virus to the host cell membrane. Several fundamental questions regarding tetherin structure and function remain unanswered. The structural studies I have proposed will enable me to determine the native structure of tetherin and its proximity to tethered HIV-1 virions and virus like particles. The second set of studies will provide us with a model system from which to explore viral host-pathogen interactions in human cells unprecedented detail. The knowledge gained in the proposed study may be translated into the development of therapeutics and vaccines to improve public health.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32GM112517-02
Application #
8916413
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-AARR-C (22))
Program Officer
Sakalian, Michael
Project Start
2014-09-01
Project End
2016-08-31
Budget Start
2015-09-01
Budget End
2016-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2015
Total Cost
$54,194
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Pediatrics
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
066469933
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
Ke, Zunlong; Strauss, Joshua D; Hampton, Cheri M et al. (2018) Promotion of virus assembly and organization by the measles virus matrix protein. Nat Commun 9:1736
Dillard, Rebecca S; Hampton, Cheri M; Strauss, Joshua D et al. (2018) Biological Applications at the Cutting Edge of Cryo-Electron Microscopy. Microsc Microanal 24:406-419
Ke, Zunlong; Dillard, Rebecca S; Chirkova, Tatiana et al. (2018) The Morphology and Assembly of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Revealed by Cryo-Electron Tomography. Viruses 10:
Hampton, Cheri M; Strauss, Joshua D; Ke, Zunlong et al. (2017) Correlated fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography of virus-infected or transfected mammalian cells. Nat Protoc 12:150-167
Strauss, Joshua D; Hammonds, Jason E; Yi, Hong et al. (2016) Three-Dimensional Structural Characterization of HIV-1 Tethered to Human Cells. J Virol 90:1507-21
Yi, Hong; Strauss, Joshua D; Ke, Zunlong et al. (2015) Native immunogold labeling of cell surface proteins and viral glycoproteins for cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography applications. J Histochem Cytochem 63:780-92