Country：Japan

Country：Japan

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Many mononegaviruses form inclusion bodies (IBs) in infected cells. However, little is known about nuclear IBs formed by mononegaviruses, since only a few lineages of animal-derived mononegaviruses replicate in the nucleus. In this study, we characterized the IBs formed by Nyamanini virus (NYMV), a unique tick-borne mononegavirus undergoing replication in the nucleus. We discovered that NYMV forms IBs, consisting of condensates and puncta of various sizes and morphologies, in the host nucleus. Likewise, we found that the expressions of NYMV nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P) alone induce the formation of condensates and puncta in the nucleus, respectively, even though their morphologies are somewhat different from the IBs observed in the actual NYMV-infected cells. In addition, IB-like structures can be reconstructed by co-expressions of NYMV N and P, and localization analyses using a series of truncated mutants of P revealed that the C-terminal 27 amino acid residues of P are important for recruiting P to the condensates formed by N. Furthermore, we found that nuclear speckles, cellular biomolecular condensates, are reorganized and recruited to the IB-like structures formed by the co-expressions of N and P, as well as IBs formed in NYMV-infected cells. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and our study has contributed to elucidating the replication mechanisms of nuclear-replicating mononegaviruses and the virus–host interactions.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms24076550

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

The isolation of the Koala retrovirus-like virus from Australian megabats and the identification of endogenous retroviruses in the bat genome have raised questions on bat susceptibility to retroviruses in general. To answer this, we studied the susceptibility of 12 cell lines from 11 bat species to four well-studied retroviruses (human and simian immunodeficiency viruses [HIV and SIV] and murine leukemia viruses [B- and N-MLV]). Systematic comparison of retroviral susceptibility among bats revealed that megabat cell lines were overall less susceptible to the four retroviruses than microbat cell lines, particularly to HIV-1 infection, whereas lineage-specific differences were observed for MLV susceptibility. Quantitative PCR of reverse transcription (RT) products, infection in heterokaryon cells, and point mutation analysis of the capsid (CA) revealed that (i) HIV-1 and MLV replication were blocked at the nuclear transport of the pre-integration complexes and before and/or during RT, respectively, and (ii) the observed lineage-specific restriction can be attributed to a dominant cellular factor constrained by specific positions in CA. Investigation of bat homologs of the three previously reported post-entry restriction factors constrained by the same residues in CA, tripartite motif-protein 5α (TRIM5α), myxovirus resistance 2/B (Mx2/MxB), and carboxy terminus-truncated cleavage and polyadenylation factor 6 (CPSF6-358), demonstrated poor anti-HIV-1 activity in megabat cells, whereas megabat TRIM5α restricted MLV infection, suggesting that the major known CA-dependent restriction factors were not dominant in the observed lineage-specific susceptibility to HIV-1 in bat cells. Therefore, HIV-1 susceptibility of megabat cells may be determined in a manner distinct from that of primate cells. IMPORTANCE Recent studies have demonstrated the circulation of gammaretroviruses among megabats in Australia and the bats' resistance to HIV-1 infection; however, the origins of these viruses in megabats and the contribution of bats to retrovirus spread to other mammalian species remains unclear. To determine the intrinsic susceptibility of bat cells to HIV-1 infection, we investigated 12 cell lines isolated from 11 bat species. We report that lineage-specific retrovirus restriction in the bat cell lines can be attributed to CA-dependent factors. However, in the megabat cell lines examined, factors known to bind capsid and block infection in primate cell culture, including homologs of TRIM5α, Mx2/MxB, and CPSF6, failed to exhibit significant anti-HIV-1 activities. These results suggested that the HIV-1 susceptibility of megabat cells occurs in a manner distinct from that of primate cells, where cellular factors, other than major known CA-dependent restriction factors, with lineage-specific functions could recognize retroviral proteins in megabats.

DOI： 10.1128/jvi.01803-22

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Zoonotic diseases considerably impact public health and socioeconomics. RNA viruses reportedly caused approximately 94% of zoonotic diseases documented from 1990 to 2010, emphasizing the importance of investigating RNA viruses in animals. Furthermore, it has been estimated that hundreds of thousands of animal viruses capable of infecting humans are yet to be discovered, warning against the inadequacy of our understanding of viral diversity. High-throughput sequencing (HTS) has enabled the identification of viral infections with relatively little bias. Viral searches using both symptomatic and asymptomatic animal samples by HTS have revealed hidden viral infections. This review introduces the history of viral searches using HTS, current analytical limitations, and future potentials. We primarily summarize recent research on large-scale investigations on viral infections reusing HTS data from public databases. Furthermore, considering the accumulation of uncultivated viruses, we discuss current studies and challenges for connecting viral sequences to their phenotypes using various approaches: performing data analysis, developing predictive modeling, or implementing high-throughput platforms of virological experiments. We believe that this article provides a future direction in large-scale investigations of potential zoonotic viruses using the HTS technology.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.13033

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Endogenous bornavirus-like elements (EBLs) are heritable sequences derived from bornaviruses in vertebrate genomes that originate from transcripts of ancient bornaviruses. EBLs have been detected using sequence similarity searches such as tBLASTn, whose technical limitations may hinder the detection of EBLs derived from small and/or rapidly evolving viral X and P genes. Indeed, no EBLs derived from the X and P genes of orthobornaviruses have been detected to date in vertebrate genomes. Here, we aimed to develop a novel strategy to detect such 'hidden' EBLs. To this aim, we focused on the 1.9-kb read-through transcript of orthobornaviruses, which encodes a well-conserved N gene and small and rapidly evolving X and P genes. We show a series of evidence supporting the existence of EBLs derived from orthobornaviral X and P genes (EBLX/Ps) in mammalian genomes. Furthermore, we found that an EBLX/P is expressed as a fusion transcript with the cellular gene, ZNF451, which potentially encodes the ZNF451/EBLP fusion protein in miniopterid bat cells. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of ancient bornaviruses and co-evolution between bornaviruses and their hosts. Furthermore, our data suggest that endogenous viral elements are more abundant than those previously appreciated using BLAST searches alone, and further studies are required to understand ancient viruses more accurately.

DOI： 10.1093/ve/vead038

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In March 2022, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by two new families (bunyaviral Discoviridae and Tulasviridae), 41 new genera, and 98 new species. Three hundred forty-nine species were renamed and/or moved. The accidentally misspelled names of seven species were corrected. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-022-05546-z

PubMed

Other URL： https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00705-022-05546-z/fulltext.html

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Determining the structural organisation of viral replication complexes and unravelling the impact of infection on cellular homeostasis represent important challenges in virology. This may prove particularly useful when confronted with viruses that pose a significant threat to human health, that appear unique within their family, or for which knowledge is scarce. Among Mononegavirales, bornaviruses (family Bornaviridae) stand out due to their compact genomes and their nuclear localisation for replication. The recent recognition of the zoonotic potential of several orthobornaviruses has sparked a surge of interest in improving our knowledge on this viral family. In this work, we provide a complete analysis of the structural organisation of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) phosphoprotein (P), an important cofactor for polymerase activity. Using X-ray diffusion and diffraction experiments, we revealed that BoDV-1 P adopts a long coiled-coil α-helical structure split into two parts by an original β-strand twist motif, which is highly conserved across the members of whole Orthobornavirus genus and may regulate viral replication. In parallel, we used BioID to determine the proximal interactome of P in living cells. We confirmed previously known interactors and identified novel proteins linked to several biological processes such as DNA repair or mRNA metabolism. Altogether, our study provides important structure/function cues, which may improve our understanding of BoDV-1 pathogenesis.

DOI： 10.3390/v14112358

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Adenoviruses have been reported to infect a variety of birds. Here, we isolated a novel adenovirus from the liver of a dead owl chick (Bengal eagle owl; Bubo bengalensis) at a raptor-breeding facility in Japan and determined the complete genome sequence of the virus. We performed necropsies on the dead owl chicks and found that they had enlarged livers, pericardial edema, and focal necrosis of the liver tissue. Transmission electron microscopy of the liver tissue revealed a virus-like structure, appearing as paracrystalline arrays in the nucleus, and immunohistochemical staining with anti-adenovirus antibodies showed positive reactions in hepatocytes and other cells. Attempts to isolate the virus from homogenized liver tissue of a dead owl chick showed a cytopathic effect on chicken-derived cultured cells after multiple blind passages. Further, we determined the complete genome sequence of this virus and performed phylogenetic analysis, revealing that this adenovirus belongs to the genus Aviadenovirus, forming a cluster with fowl and turkey aviadenoviruses. The amino acid sequence divergence between the DNA polymerase of this virus and its closest known adenovirus relative is approximately 29%, implying that this virus can be assigned to a new species in the genus Aviadenovirus. Based on our data, this novel owl adenovirus is a likely cause of fatal infections in owls, which may threaten wild and captive owl populations. Further, this virus is unique among raptor adenoviruses in that it infects chicken-derived cultured cells, raising the importance of further investigations to evaluate interspecies transmission of this virus.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-022-05380-3

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein elements (EBLNs) are sequences derived from bornaviral N genes in vertebrate genomes. Some EBLNs have been suggested to encode functional proteins in host cells; however, little is known about their evolution and functional relationship to the viral genes from which EBLNs originate. Here, we predicted functionality of EBLNs based on the properties of N as an RNA-binding protein. We showed an EBLN in miniopterid bats (miEBLN-1) has evolved under purifying selection and encodes an RNA-binding protein (miEBLN-1p) with biochemical properties similar to bornaviral N. Furthermore, we revealed miEBLN-1p interacts with host RNA-binding proteins, such as MOV10. These data suggest that miEBLN-1p has been exapted as an RNA-binding protein with similar properties to exogenous bornaviral N in miniopterid bats.

DOI： 10.1002/1873-3468.14290

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

The taxon Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) contains one of the long-established evolutionary lineages of vertebrates with a tantalizing collection of species occupying critical aquatic habitats. To overcome the current limitation in molecular resources, we launched the Squalomix Consortium in 2020 to promote a genome-wide array of molecular approaches, specifically targeting shark and ray species. Among the various bottlenecks in working with elasmobranchs are their elusiveness and low fecundity as well as the large and highly repetitive genomes. Their peculiar body fluid composition has also hindered the establishment of methods to perform routine cell culturing required for their karyotyping. In the Squalomix consortium, these obstacles are expected to be solved through a combination of in-house cytological techniques including karyotyping of cultured cells, chromatin preparation for Hi-C data acquisition, and high fidelity long-read sequencing. The resources and products obtained in this consortium, including genome and transcriptome sequences, a genome browser powered by JBrowse2 to visualize sequence alignments, and comprehensive matrices of gene expression profiles for selected species are accessible through https://github.com/Squalomix/info.

DOI： 10.12688/f1000research.123591.1

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Inclusion bodies (IBs) are characteristic biomolecular condensates organized by the non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the order Mononegavirales. Although recent studies have revealed the characteristics of IBs formed by cytoplasmic mononegaviruses, that of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a unique mononegavirus that forms IBs in the cell nucleus and establishes persistent infection remains elusive. Here, we characterize the IBs of BoDV-1 in terms of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The BoDV-1 phosphoprotein (P) alone induces LLPS and the nucleoprotein (N) is incorporated into the P droplets in vitro. In contrast, co-expression of N and P is required for the formation of IB-like structure in cells. Furthermore, while BoDV-1 P binds to RNA, an excess amount of RNA dissolves the liquid droplets formed by N and P in vitro. Notably, the intrinsically disordered N-terminal region of BoDV-1 P is essential to drive LLPS and to bind to RNA, suggesting that both abilities could compete with one another. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and thus this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of LLPS-driven organization and RNA-mediated regulation of biomolecular condensates.

DOI： 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.153

PubMed

Authorship：Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Bats (Order: Chiroptera), including those of the genus Eptesicus, have been reported to serve as reservoirs of several zoonotic viruses. Notably, bats have been reported to lack obvious symptoms of infection with such viruses and are thought to have unique immune system responses. However, the responses of their innate immune system, the first line of immunity, remain largely unclear. Here, we comprehensively analyzed the expression profiles in two Eptesicus bat cell lines to investigate their innate immune responses. The gene expression profiles after polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] induction were similar between the two bat cell lines, but uniquely upregulated differentially expressed genes were also identified. We also revealed that the upregulated genes of Eptesicus bat cells were distinct from those of human epithelial cells in response to induction. Moreover, the basal expression levels of several immune-related genes were higher in bat cells than in human cells. We also identified unannotated novel transcripts that were upregulated after induction and novel microRNAs expressed in bat cells, some of which were upregulated by poly (I:C) treatment. This is the first report to illustrate the innate immune response in Eptesicus bat cells; therefore, this study provides basic and novel insights into bat innate immunity. Our data represent a valuable resource for future studies into bat immunity and the biology of Eptesicus bats.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12952

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In March 2021, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. The phylum was expanded by four families (Aliusviridae, Crepuscuviridae, Myriaviridae, and Natareviridae), three subfamilies (Alpharhabdovirinae, Betarhabdovirinae, and Gammarhabdovirinae), 42 genera, and 200 species. Thirty-nine species were renamed and/or moved and seven species were abolished. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-021-05143-6

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

An RNA virus-based episomal vector (REVec) based on Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1) is a promising viral vector that achieves stable and long-term gene expression in transduced cells. However, the onerous procedure of reverse genetics used to generate an REVec is one of the challenges that must be overcome to make REVec technologies practical for use. In this study, to resolve the problems posed by reverse genetics, we focused on BoDV-2, a conspecific virus of BoDV-1 in the Mammalian 1 orthobornavirus. We synthesized the BoDV-2 nucleoprotein (N) and phosphoprotein (P) according to the reference sequences and evaluated their effects on the RNA polymerase activity of the BoDV-1 large protein (L) and viral replication. In the minireplicon assay, we found that BoDV-2 N significantly enhanced BoDV-1 polymerase activity and that BoDV-2 P supported further enhancement of this activity by N. A single amino acid substitution assay identified serine at position 30 of BoDV-2 N and alanine at position 24 of BoDV-2 P as critical amino acid residues for the enhancement of BoDV-1 polymerase activity. In reverse genetics, conversely, BoDV-2 N alone was sufficient to increase the rescue efficiency of the REVec. We showed that the REVec can be rescued directly from transfected 293T cells by using BoDV-2 N as a helper plasmid without cocultivation with Vero cells and following several weeks of passage. In addition, a chimeric REVec harboring the BoDV-2 N produced much higher levels of transgene mRNA and genomic RNA than the wild-type REVec in transduced cells. Our results contribute to not only improvements to the REVec system but also to understanding of the molecular regulation of orthobornavirus polymerase activity. IMPORTANCE Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a prototype virus of the species Mammalian 1 orthobornavirus, is a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA virus that persists in the host nucleus. The nucleoprotein (N) of BoDV-1 encapsidates genomic and antigenomic viral RNA, playing important roles in viral transcription and replication. In this study, we demonstrated that the N of BoDV-2, another genotype in the species Mammalian 1 orthobornavirus, can participate in the viral ribonucleoprotein complex of BoDV-1 and enhance the activity of BoDV-1 polymerase (L) in both the BoDV-1 minireplicon assay and reverse genetics system. Chimeric recombinant BoDV-1 expressing BoDV-2 N but not BoDV-1 N showed higher transcription and replication levels, whereas the propagation and infectious particle production of the chimeric virus were comparable to those of wild-type BoDV-1, suggesting that the level of viral replication in the nucleus is not directly involved in the progeny virion production of BoDVs. Our results demonstrate a molecular mechanism of bornaviral polymerase activity, which will contribute to further development of vector systems using orthobornaviruses.

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.00936-21

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

RNA viruses cause numerous emerging diseases, mostly due to transmission from mammalian and avian reservoirs. Large-scale surveillance of RNA viral infections in these animals is a fundamental step for controlling viral infectious diseases. Metagenomic analysis is a powerful method for virus identification with low bias and has contributed substantially to the discovery of novel viruses. Deep-sequencing data have been collected from diverse animals and accumulated in public databases, which can be valuable resources for identifying unknown viral sequences. Here, we screened for infections of 33 RNA viral families in publicly available mammalian and avian sequencing data and found approximately 900 hidden viral infections. We also discovered six nearly complete viral genomes in livestock, wild, and experimental animals: hepatovirus in a goat, hepeviruses in blind mole-rats and a galago, astrovirus in macaque monkeys, parechovirus in a cow, and pegivirus in tree shrews. Some of these viruses were phylogenetically close to human-pathogenic viruses, suggesting the potential risk of causing disease in humans upon infection. Furthermore, infections of five novel viruses were identified in several different individuals, indicating that their infections may have already spread in the natural host population. Our findings demonstrate the reusability of public sequencing data for surveying viral infections and identifying novel viral sequences, presenting a warning about a new threat of viral infectious disease to public health. IMPORTANCE Monitoring the spread of viral infections and identifying novel viruses capable of infecting humans through animal reservoirs are necessary to control emerging viral diseases. Massive amounts of sequencing data collected from various animals are publicly available, and these data may contain sequences originating from a wide variety of viruses. Here, we analyzed more than 46,000 public sequencing data and identified approximately 900 hidden RNA viral infections in mammalian and avian samples. Some viruses discovered in this study were genetically similar to pathogens that cause hepatitis, diarrhea, or encephalitis in humans, suggesting the presence of new threats to public health. Our study demonstrates the effectiveness of reusing public sequencing data to identify known and unknown viral infections, indicating that future continuous monitoring of public sequencing data by metagenomic analyses would help prepare and mitigate future viral pandemics.

DOI： 10.1128/mBio.01638-21

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Persistent intranuclear infection is an uncommon infection strategy among RNA viruses. However, Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA virus, maintains viral infection in the cell nucleus by forming structured aggregates of viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs), and by tethering these vRNPs onto the host chromosomes. To better understand the nuclear infection strategy of BoDV-1, we determined the host protein interactors of the BoDV-1 large (L) protein. By proximity-dependent biotinylation, we identified several nuclear host proteins interacting with BoDV-1 L, one of which is TRMT112, a partner of several RNA methyltransferases (MTase). TRMT112 binds with BoDV-1 L at the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain, together with BUD23, an 18S rRNA MTase and 40S ribosomal maturation factor. We then discovered that BUD23-TRMT112 mediates the chromosomal tethering of BoDV-1 vRNPs, and that the MTase activity is necessary in the tethering process. These findings provide us a better understanding on how nuclear host proteins assist the chromosomal tethering of BoDV-1, as well as new prospects of host-viral interactions for intranuclear infection strategy of orthobornaviruses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12934

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Members of the family Bornaviridae produce enveloped virions containing a linear negative-sense non-segmented RNA genome of about 9 kb. Bornaviruses are found in mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. The most-studied viruses with public health and veterinary impact are Borna disease virus 1 and variegated squirrel bornavirus 1, both of which cause fatal encephalitis in humans. Several orthobornaviruses cause neurological and intestinal disorders in birds, mostly parrots. Endogenous bornavirus-like sequences occur in the genomes of various animals. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Bornaviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/bornaviridae.

DOI： 10.1099/jgv.0.001613

PubMed

Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author  

<title>Abstract</title>Inclusion bodies (IBs) are characteristic biomolecular condensates organized by mononegaviruses. Here, we characterize the IBs of Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a unique mononegavirus that forms IBs in the nucleus, in terms of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The BoDV-1 phosphoprotein (P) alone induces LLPS and the nucleoprotein (N) is incorporated into the P droplet <italic>in vitro</italic>. In contrast, co-expression of N and P is required for the formation of IB-like structure in cells. Furthermore, while BoDV-1 P binds to RNA, an excess amount of RNA dissolves the liquid droplets formed by N and P. Notably, the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region of BoDV-1 P is essential to drive LLPS and bind to RNA, suggesting that both abilities could compete with one another. These features are unique among mononegaviruses, and thus this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of LLPS-driven organization and RNA-mediated regulation of biomolecular condensates.

DOI： 10.1101/2021.05.24.445377

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Although viruses have threatened our ancestors for millions of years, prehistoric epidemics of viruses are largely unknown. Endogenous bornavirus-like elements (EBLs) are ancient bornavirus sequences derived from the viral messenger RNAs that were reverse transcribed and inserted into animal genomes, most likely by retrotransposons. These elements can be used as molecular fossil records to trace past bornaviral infections. In this study, we systematically identified EBLs in vertebrate genomes and revealed the history of bornavirus infections over nearly 100 My. We confirmed that ancient bornaviral infections have occurred in diverse vertebrate lineages, especially in primate ancestors. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that primate ancestors were infected with various bornaviral lineages during evolution. EBLs in primate genomes formed clades according to their integration ages, suggesting that bornavirus lineages infected with primate ancestors had changed chronologically. However, some bornaviral lineages may have coexisted with primate ancestors and underwent repeated endogenizations for tens of millions of years. Moreover, a bornaviral lineage that coexisted with primate ancestors also endogenized in the genomes of some ancestral bats. The habitats of these bat ancestors have been reported to overlap with the migration route of primate ancestors. These results suggest that long-term virus-host coexistence expanded the geographic distributions of the bornaviral lineage along with primate migration and may have spread their infections to these bat ancestors. Our findings provide insight into the history of bornavirus infections over geological timescales that cannot be deduced from research using extant viruses alone, thus broadening our perspective on virus-host coevolution.

DOI： 10.1073/pnas.2026235118

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are sequences in animal genomes that originated from ancient retrovirus infections; they provide genetic novelty in hosts by being co-opted as functional genes or elements during evolution. Recently, we demonstrated that endogenous elements from not only retroviruses but also from non-retroviral RNA viruses are a possible source of functional genes in host animals. The remnants of ancient bornavirus infections, called endogenous bornavirus-like elements (EBLs), are present in the genomes of a wide variety of vertebrate species, and some express functional products in host cells. Previous studies have predicted that the human EBL locus derived from bornavirus nucleoprotein, termed hsEBLN-2, expresses mRNA encoding a protein, suggesting that hsEBLN-2 have acquired a cellular function during the evolution. However, the detailed function of the hsEBLN-2-derived product remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show that the hsEBLN-2-derived protein, E2, encodes a mitochondrial protein that interacts with mitochondrial host factors associated with apoptosis, such as HAX-1. We also demonstrate that knockdown of hsEBLN-2-derived RNA increased the levels of PARP and caspase-3 cleavage and markedly decreased the cell viability. In contrast, overexpression of E2 enhanced the cell viability, as well as the intracellular stability of HAX-1, under stress conditions. Our results suggest that hsEBLN-2 has been co-opted as a host gene, the product of which is involved in cell viability by interacting with mitochondrial proteins.ImportanceOur genomes contain molecular fossils of ancient viruses, called endogenous virus elements (EVEs). Mounting evidence suggests that EVEs derived from non-retroviral RNA viruses have acquired functions in host cells during evolution. Previous studies have revealed that a locus encoding a bornavirus-derived EVE, hsEBLN-2, which was generated approximately 43 million years ago in a human ancestor, may be linked to the development of some tumors. However, the function of hsEBLN-2 has not been determined. In this study, we found that the E2 protein, an expression product of hsEBLN-2, interacts with apoptosis-related host proteins as a mitochondrial protein and affects cell viability. This study suggests that non-retroviral RNA viral EVEs have been co-opted by hosts with more diverse functions than previously thought, showing a pivotal role for RNA virus infection in evolution.

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.02030-20

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Understanding the genetics and taxonomy of ancient viruses will give us great insights into not only the origin and evolution of viruses but also how viral infections played roles in our evolution. Endogenous viruses are remnants of ancient viral infections and are thought to retain the genetic characteristics of viruses from ancient times. In this study, we used machine learning of endogenous RNA virus sequence signatures to identify viruses in the human genome that have not been detected or are already extinct. Here, we show that the k-mer occurrence of ancient RNA viral sequences remains similar to that of extant RNA viral sequences and can be differentiated from that of other human genome sequences. Furthermore, using this characteristic, we screened RNA viral insertions in the human reference genome and found virus-like insertions with phylogenetic and evolutionary features indicative of an exogenous origin but lacking homology to previously identified sequences. Our analysis indicates that animal genomes still contain unknown virus-derived sequences and provides a glimpse into the diversity of the ancient virosphere.

DOI： 10.1073/pnas.2010758118

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Lyssaviruses (genus Lyssavirus) are negative-strand RNA viruses belonging to the family Rhabdoviridae. Although a lyssa-like virus (frog lyssa-like virus 1 [FLLV-1]), which is distantly related to lyssaviruses, was recently identified in frogs, a large phylogenetic gap exists between those viruses, and thus the evolution of lyssaviruses is unclear. In this study, we detected a lyssa-like virus from publicly available RNA-seq data obtained using the brain and skin of Anolis allogus (Spanish flag anole), which was designated anole lyssa-like virus 1 (ALLV-1), and determined its complete coding sequence. Via mapping analysis, we demonstrated that ALLV-1 was actively replicating in the original brain and skin samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that ALLV-1 is more closely related to lyssaviruses than FLLV-1. Overall, the topology of the tree is compatible with that of hosts, suggesting the long-term co-divergence of lyssa-like and lyssaviruses and vertebrates. The ψ region, which is a long 3' untranslated region of unknown origin present in the G mRNA of lyssaviruses (approximately 400-700 nucleotides), is also present in the genome of ALLV-1, but it is much shorter (approximately 180 nucleotides) than those of lyssaviruses. Interestingly, FLLV-1 lacks the ψ region, suggesting that the ψ region was acquired after the divergence of the FLLV-1 and ALLV-1/lyssavirus lineages. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to identify a lyssa-like virus in reptiles, and thus, our findings provide novel insights into the evolution of lyssaviruses.

DOI： 10.1007/s11262-020-01803-y

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that requires hepadnavirus envelope proteins for its transmission. Although recent studies identified HDV-related deltaviruses in certain animals, the evolution of deltaviruses, such as the origin of HDV and the mechanism of its coevolution with its helper viruses, is unknown, mainly because of the phylogenetic gaps among deltaviruses. Here, we identified novel deltaviruses of passerine birds, woodchucks, and white-tailed deer by extensive database searches and molecular surveillance. Phylogenetic and molecular epidemiological analyses suggest that HDV originated from mammalian deltaviruses and the past interspecies transmission of mammalian and passerine deltaviruses. Further, metaviromic and experimental analyses suggest that the satellite-helper relationship between HDV and hepadnavirus was established after the divergence of the HDV lineage from non-HDV mammalian deltaviruses. Our findings enhance our understanding of deltavirus evolution, diversity, and transmission, indicating the importance of further surveillance for deltaviruses.

DOI： 10.1093/ve/veab003

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：Domestic journal  

Fragmented and primer ligated dsRNA sequencing (FLDS) is a sequencing method applicable to long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that enables the complete genome sequencing of both double- and single-stranded RNA viruses. However, the application of this method on a low amount of dsRNA has been hindered by adaptor dimer formation during cDNA amplification and sequence library preparation. We herein developed FLDS ver. 3 by optimizing the terminal modification of an oligonucleotide adaptor and the conditions of adaptor ligation. We also examined the concentration of Mg2+ in the PCR reaction for cDNA amplification and the purification method of amplified cDNA. Fine sequence reads were successfully obtained from metagenomic shotgun sequencing libraries constructed from 10 and 100 pg dsRNA, and these libraries exhibited weaker detection sensitivity for low-abundance dsRNAs (viral genomes and genome segments) than that constructed from 1‍ ‍ng of dsRNA. We also report the utility of capillary electrophoresis for dsRNA quantification. The FLDS ver. 3 package expands the frontiers of our knowledge in RNA virus diversity and evolution.

DOI： 10.1264/jsme2.ME20152

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1292/jvms.21-0285

International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In March 2020, following the annual International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) ratification vote on newly proposed taxa, the phylum Negarnaviricota was amended and emended. At the genus rank, 20 new genera were added, two were deleted, one was moved, and three were renamed. At the species rank, 160 species were added, four were deleted, ten were moved and renamed, and 30 species were renamed. This article presents the updated taxonomy of Negarnaviricota as now accepted by the ICTV.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-020-04731-2

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Adaptation of the viral life cycle to host cells is necessary for efficient viral infection and replication. This evolutionary process has contributed to the mechanism for determining the host range of viruses. Orthobornaviruses, members of the family Bornaviridae, are non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses, and several genotypes have been isolated from different vertebrate species. Previous studies revealed that some genotypes isolated from avian species can replicate in mammalian cell lines, suggesting the zoonotic potential of avian orthobornaviruses. However, the mechanism by which the host specificity of orthobornaviruses is determined has not yet been identified. In this study, we found that the infectivity of orthobornaviruses is not determined at the viral entry step, mediated by the viral glycoprotein and matrix protein. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence in the viral nucleoprotein (N) has evolved under natural selection and determines the host-specific viral polymerase activity. A chimeric mammalian orthobornavirus, which has the NLS sequence of avian orthobornavirus N, exhibited a reduced propagation efficiency in mammalian cells. Our findings indicated that nuclear transport of the viral N is a determinant of the host range of orthobornaviruses, providing insights into the evolution and host adaptation of orthobornaviruses.

DOI： 10.3390/v12111291

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Viruses are believed to be ubiquitous; however, the diversity of viruses is largely unknown because of the bias of previous research toward pathogenic viruses. Deep sequencing is a promising and unbiased approach to detect viruses from animal-derived materials. Although cranes are known to be infected by several viruses such as influenza A viruses, previous studies targeted limited species of viruses, and thus viruses that infect cranes have not been extensively studied. In this study, we collected crane fecal samples in the Izumi plain in Japan, which is an overwintering site for cranes, and performed metagenomic shotgun sequencing analyses. We detected aviadenovirus-like sequences in the fecal samples and tentatively named the discovered virus crane-associated adenovirus 1 (CrAdV-1). We determined that our sequence accounted for approximately three-fourths of the estimated CrAdV-1 genome size (33,245 bp). The GC content of CrAdV-1 genome is 34.1%, which is considerably lower than that of other aviadenoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that CrAdV-1 clusters with members of the genus Aviadenovirus, but is distantly related to the previously identified aviadenoviruses. The protein sequence divergence between the DNA polymerase of CrAdV-1 and those of other aviadenoviruses is 45.2-46.8%. Based on these results and the species demarcation for the family Adenoviridae, we propose that CrAdV-1 be classified as a new species in the genus Aviadenovirus. Results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the diversity and evolution of viruses and provide additional information on viruses that infect cranes, which might lead to protection of the endangered species of cranes.

DOI： 10.1007/s11262-019-01703-w

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) induces an often fatal gastrointestinal disease in piglets. In this study, we performed a PEDV infection experiment with the Microminipig, the smallest of experimental minipigs, as a novel small animal model. We orally inoculated a neonatal Microminipig with an intestinal homogenate of a PEDV-infected pig and housed it in a small cage originally designed for rats in an animal biosafety level 2 facility. The infected Microminipig showed the typical signs of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), such as watery diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss. We also recognized a high amount of excreted PEDV in its rectal swabs and villus atrophy of the small intestine. These results suggest that the Microminipig is a good small animal model for PED, which may contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PEDV.

DOI： 10.1177/0300985819839236

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In February 2019, following the annual taxon ratification vote, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the addition of four new subfamilies and 12 new genera and the creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-019-04247-4

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

DOI： 10.1266/ggs.18-00049

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In October 2018, the order Mononegavirales was amended by the establishment of three new families and three new genera, abolishment of two genera, and creation of 28 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-018-04126-4

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1136/vr.l1089

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Targeting of viral proteins to specific subcellular compartments is a fundamental step for viruses to achieve successful replication in infected cells. Borna disease virus 1 (BoDV-1), a nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA virus, uniquely replicates and persists in the cell nucleus. Here, it is demonstrated that BoDV nucleoprotein (N) transcripts undergo mRNA splicing to generate truncated isoforms. In combination with alternative usage of translation initiation sites, the N gene potentially expresses at least six different isoforms, which exhibit diverse intracellular localizations, including the nucleoplasm, cytoplasm, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as intranuclear viral replication sites. Interestingly, the ER-targeting signal peptide in N is exposed by removing the intron by mRNA splicing. Furthermore, the spliced isoforms inhibit viral polymerase activity. Consistently, recombinant BoDVs lacking the N-splicing signals acquire the ability to replicate faster than wild-type virus in cultured cells, suggesting that N isoforms created by mRNA splicing negatively regulate BoDV replication. These results provided not only the mechanism of how mRNA splicing generates viral proteins that have distinct functions but also a novel strategy for replication control of RNA viruses using isoforms with different subcellular localizations.IMPORTANCE Borna disease virus (BoDV) is a highly neurotropic RNA virus that belongs to the orthobornavirus genus. A zoonotic orthobornavirus that is genetically related to BoDV has recently been identified in squirrels, thus increasing the importance of understanding the replication and pathogenesis of orthobornaviruses. BoDV replicates in the nucleus and uses alternative mRNA splicing to express viral proteins. However, it is unknown whether the virus uses splicing to create protein isoforms with different functions. The present study demonstrated that the nucleoprotein transcript undergoes splicing and produces four new isoforms in coordination with alternative usage of translation initiation codons. The spliced isoforms showed a distinct intracellular localization, including in the endoplasmic reticulum, and recombinant viruses lacking the splicing signals replicated more efficiently than the wild type. The results provided not only a new regulation of BoDV replication but also insights into how RNA viruses produce protein isoforms from small genomes.

DOI： 10.1128/jvi.01621-18

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.01621-18

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

During the 2016-2017 winter season, we isolated 33 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of H5N6 subtype and three low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) from debilitated or dead wild birds, duck faeces, and environmental water samples collected in the Izumi plain, an overwintering site for migratory birds in Japan. Genetic analyses of the H5N6 HPAIV isolates revealed previously unreported phylogenetic variations in the PB2, PB1, PA, and NS gene segments and allowed us to propose two novel genotypes for the contemporary H5N6 HPAIVs. In addition, analysis of the four gene segments identified close phylogenetic relationships between our three LPAIV isolates and the contemporary H5N6 HPAIV isolates. Our results implied the co-circulation and co-evolution of HPAIVs and LPAIVs within the same wild bird populations, thereby highlighting the importance of avian influenza surveillance targeting not only for HPAIVs but also for LPAIVs.

DOI： 10.1111/tbed.13087

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   International / domestic magazine：International journal  

In 2018, the order Mononegavirales was expanded by inclusion of 1 new genus and 12 novel species. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) and summarizes additional taxonomic proposals that may affect the order in the near future.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-018-3814-x

PubMed

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1292/jvms.18-0211

PubMed

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Endogenous viral elements (EVEs) are virus-derived sequences embedded in eukaryotic genomes formed by germline integration of viral sequences. As many EVEs were integrated into eukaryotic genomes millions of years ago, EVEs are considered molecular fossils of viruses. EVEs can be valuable informational sources about ancient viruses, including their time scale, geographical distribution, genetic information, and hosts. Although integration of viral sequences is not required for replications of viruses other than retroviruses, many non-retroviral EVEs have been reported to exist in eukaryotes. Investigation of these EVEs has expanded our knowledge regarding virus–host interactions, as well as provided information on ancient viruses. Among them, EVEs derived from bornaviruses, non-retroviral RNA viruses, have been relatively well studied. Bornavirus-derived EVEs are widely distributed in animal genomes, including the human genome, and the history of bornaviruses can be dated back to more than 65 million years. Although there are several reports focusing on the biological significance of bornavirus-derived sequences in mammals, paleovirology of bornaviruses has not yet been well described and summarized. In this paper, we describe what can be learned about bornaviruses from endogenous bornavirus-like elements from the view of paleovirology using published results and our novel data.

DOI： 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.04.006

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

An influenza A virus of H4N6 subtype was isolated from the Izumi plain, Japan, in 2013. Genetic analyses revealed that two viral genes (M and NS gene segments) of this isolate were genetically distinct from those of the H4N6 virus isolated from the same place in 2012. Furthermore, three viral genes (PB2, PB1 and M gene segments) of this isolate share high similarity with those of the North American isolates of 2014. These results suggest a high frequency of genetic reassortment of avian influenza viruses in Asian waterfowl and intercontinental movements of avian influenza viruses via migratory waterfowl.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12545

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bocaparvoviruses have been studied extensively owing to their ability to cause respiratory illness or gastroenteritis in humans. Some bocaparvoviruses have been detected in non-human primates (gorillas and chimpanzees), but the diversity and evolution of these viruses are not fully understood. In this study, we collected 107 fecal samples from wild western lowland gorillas in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park in Gabon to investigate the presence of bocaparvoviruses. Using a combination of pan-bocaparvovirus PCR and individual identification by microsatellite genotyping, we found that two samples from two apparently healthy infant gorillas were positive for bocaparvovirus. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed that the two gorilla bocaparvovirus strains are nearly identical and are closely related to viruses in the species Primate bocaparvovirus 2 (with 86.0% nucleotide identity to a human bocavirus 2 isolate). To our knowledge, this is the first report showing the presence of a non-human primate bocaparovirus within Primate bocaparvovirus 2. Our findings provide novel insights into the diversity and evolution of bocaparvoviruses and highlight the importance of surveying these viruses for the safe management of gorilla-based ecotourism. (c) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.05.004

PubMed

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The discoveries of sequences derived from non-retroviral viruses in eukaryotic genomes have significantly expanded our knowledge about virus evolution as well as the co-evolution between viruses and eukaryotes. However, the biological functions of such sequences in the host are largely unknown. Endogenous bornavirus-like elements (EBLs) have been relatively well studied by molecular biological methods, which have provided evidence that some EBLs have been co-opted by their hosts. This review highlights the current knowledge on the biological significance of EBLs, and discusses possible functions of EBLs. Further, we highlight the importance of extensive surveillance of exogenous viruses for a better understanding of endogenous viral sequences as well as the co-evolution of viruses and eukaryotes.

DOI： 10.1016/j.coviro.2017.06.004

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In 2017, the order Mononegavirales was expanded by the inclusion of a total of 69 novel species. Five new rhabdovirus genera and one new nyamivirus genus were established to harbor 41 of these species, whereas the remaining new species were assigned to already established genera. Furthermore, non-Latinized binomial species names replaced all paramyxovirus and pneumovirus species names, thereby accomplishing application of binomial species names throughout the entire order. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-017-3311-7

PubMed

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Botanical, mycological, zoological, and prokaryotic species names follow the Linnaean format, consisting of an italicized Latinized binomen with a capitalized genus name and a lower case species epithet (e.g., Homo sapiens). Virus species names, however, do not follow a uniform format, and, even when binomial, are not Linnaean in style. In this thought exercise, we attempted to convert all currently official names of species included in the virus family Arenaviridae and the virus order Mononegavirales to Linnaean binomials, and to identify and address associated challenges and concerns. Surprisingly, this endeavor was not as complicated or time-consuming as even the authors of this article expected when conceiving the experiment.

DOI： 10.1093/sysbio/syw096

PubMed

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bats of the genus Eptesicus have several non-retroviral RNA virus-derived sequences in their genomes, among which an endogenous bornavirus-like L element, named eEBLL-1, was suggested to encode functional proteins in the hosts. However, the function of eEBLL-1 remains unclear due to a lack of appropriate investigation tools, such as cultured cells expressing eEBLL-1. Here, we established a continuous cell line, named HAMOI-EnK cells, from kidney of Eptesicus nilssonii. HAMOI-EnK cells are robust and could be passaged for at least 10 months. eEBLL-1 in the genomes of HAMOI-EnK cells retains an intact open reading frame. Additionally, eEBLL-1 is transcribed in the sense-orientation in cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate that eEBLL-1 is transcribed in cultured cells.

DOI： 10.1292/jvms.16-0274

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Adenoviruses are widespread in human population as well as in great apes, although the data about the naturally occurring adenovirus infections remain rare. We conducted the surveillance of adenovirus infection in wild western lowland gorillas in Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (Gabon), in order to investigate naturally occurring adenovirus in target gorillas and tested specifically a possible zoonotic transmission with local people inhabiting the vicinity of the park. Fecal samples were collected from western lowland gorillas and humans, and analyzed by PCR. We detected adenoviral genes in samples from both gorillas and the local people living around the national park, respectively: the overall prevalence rates of adenovirus were 24.1 and 35.0 % in gorillas and humans, respectively. Sequencing revealed that the adenoviruses detected in the gorillas were members of Human mastadenovirus B (HAdV-B), HAdV-C, or HAdV-E, and those in the humans belonged to HAdV-C or HAdV-D. Although HAdV-C members were detected in both gorillas and humans, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus detected in gorillas are genetically distinct from those detected in humans. The HAdV-C constitutes a single host lineage which is compatible with the host-pathogen divergence. However, HAdV-B and HAdV-E are constituted by multiple host lineages. Moreover, there is no evidence of zoonotic transmission thus far. Since the gorilla-to-human transmission of adenovirus has been shown before, the current monitoring should be continued in a broader scale for getting more insights in the natural history of naturally occurring adenoviruses and for the safe management of gorillas' populations.

DOI： 10.1007/s11262-016-1360-8

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Avian bornaviruses are the causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a widely distributed and often fatal disease in captive psittacines. Because neither specific prevention measures nor therapies against PDD and bornavirus infections are currently available, new antiviral strategies are required to improve animal health. We show here that the nucleoside analogue ribavirin inhibited bornavirus activity in a polymerase reconstitution assay and reduced viral load in avian cell lines infected with two different parrot bornaviruses. Furthermore, we observed that ribavirin enhanced type I IFN signalling in avian cells. Combined treatment of avian bornavirus-infected cells with ribavirin and recombinant IFN-alpha strongly enhanced the antiviral efficiency compared to either drug alone. The combined use of ribavirin and type I IFN might represent a promising new strategy for therapeutic treatment of captive parrots persistently infected with avian bornaviruses.

DOI： 10.1099/jgv.0.000555

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In 2016, the order Mononegavirales was emended through the addition of two new families (Mymonaviridae and Sunviridae), the elevation of the paramyxoviral subfamily Pneumovirinae to family status (Pneumoviridae), the addition of five free-floating genera (Anphevirus, Arlivirus, Chengtivirus, Crustavirus, and Wastrivirus), and several other changes at the genus and species levels. This article presents the updated taxonomy of the order Mononegavirales as now accepted by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-016-2880-1

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein elements (EBLNs), the nucleotide sequence elements derived from the nucleoprotein gene of ancient bornavirus-like viruses, have been identified in many animal genomes. Here we show evidence that EBLNs encode functional proteins in their host. Some afrotherian EBLNs were observed to have been maintained for more than 83.3 million years under negative selection. Splice variants were expressed from the genomic loci of EBLNs in elephant, and some were translated into proteins. The EBLN proteins appeared to be localized to the rough endoplasmic reticulum in African elephant cells, in contrast to the nuclear localization of bornavirus N. These observations suggest that afrotherian EBLNs have acquired a novel function in their host. Interestingly, genomic sequences of the first exon and its flanking regions in these EBLN loci were homologous to those of transmembrane protein 106B (TMEM106B). The upstream region of the first exon in the EBLN loci exhibited a promoter activity, suggesting that the ability of these EBLNs to be transcribed in the host cell was gained through capturing a partial duplicate of TMEM106B. In conclusion, our results strongly support for exaptation of EBLNs to encode host proteins in afrotherians.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005785

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is the etiological agent of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), which is threatening the swine industry all over the world. In Japan, although there were no reported PED cases from 2007 to 2012, a large-scale PED outbreak started in 2013, causing severe economic losses. Although several PEDV studies have been conducted in Japan, more PEDV isolates and sequence information are needed to understand the molecular biology and epidemiology of PEDV. Here, we isolated seven Japanese PEDV strains from intestinal tissue samples collected in 2014 and determined the spike gene sequences of 13 Japanese PEDV strains, including the above seven isolates. Phylogenetic analysis shows that all of the strains are genetically distinct from classical Japanese PEDV strains isolated prior to 2013 and can be classified into two different genotypes: 12 strains belong to the North American clade composed of recent highly pathogenic PEDV strains, and the remaining one strain belongs to the so-called insertion deletion (INDEL) clade. These data suggest multiple PEDV invasions from abroad to Japan. Notably, compared to classical Japanese strains, all of the recent Japanese strains have two amino acid substitutions in a known neutralizing epitope. In addition, one of the strains acquired an additional mutation in another neutralizing epitope that is highly conserved among PEDVs, including the classical and recent isolates. Our isolates and findings will be useful for future investigations aimed at understanding, controlling, and preventing PED.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-016-2900-1

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In this study, the genome sequence of a new parrot bornavirus-5 (PaBV-5) detected in Eclectus roratus was determined. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genus Bornavirus is divided into three major clades and that PaBV-5 belongs to clade 2, which contains avian viruses that exhibit infectivity to mammalian cells. Sequence comparisons of the regions known to interact with host factors indicated that the clade 2 avian viruses possess sequences intermediate between the clade 1 mammalian viruses and the clade 3 avian viruses, suggesting that the identified regions might contribute to the differences in virological properties between the three clades.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12385

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Endogenous bornavirus-like L (EBLL) elements are inheritable sequences derived from ancient bornavirus L genes that encode a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in many eukaryotic genomes. Here, we demonstrate that bats of the genus Eptesicus have preserved for more than 11.8 million years an EBLL element named eEBLL-1, which has an intact open reading frame of 1,718 codons. The eEBLL-1 coding sequence revealed that functional motifs essential for mononegaviral RdRp activity are well conserved in the EBLL-1 genes. Genetic analyses showed that natural selection operated on eEBLL-1 during the evolution of Eptesicus. Notably, we detected efficient transcription of eEBLL-1 in tissues from Eptesicus bats. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report showing that the eukaryotic genome has gained a riboviral polymerase gene from an ancient virus that has the potential to encode a functional RdRp.

DOI： 10.1038/srep25873

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The identification of influenza A-like genomic sequences in bats suggests the existence of distinct lineages of chiropteran influenza viruses in South and Central America. These viruses share similarities with conventional influenza A viruses but lack the canonical receptor-binding property and neuraminidase function. The inability to isolate infectious bat influenza viruses impeded further studies, however, reverse genetic analysis provided new insights into the molecular biology of these viruses. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in the field of the newly discovered bat-derived influenza A-like viruses. We also discuss whether bats are a neglected natural reservoir of influenza viruses, the risk associated with bat influenza viruses for humans and whether these viruses originate from the pool of avian IAV or vice versa.

DOI： 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.02.003

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The P protein of rabies virus (RABV) is known to interfere with the phosphorylation of the host IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) and to consequently inhibit type I IFN induction. Previous studies, however, have only tested P proteins from laboratory-adapted fixed virus strains, and to the best of our knowledge there is no report about the effect of P proteins from street RABV strains or other lyssaviruses on the IRF-3-mediated type I IFN induction system. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of P proteins from several RABV strains, including fixed and street virus strains and other lyssaviruses (Lagos bat, Mokola and Duvenhage viruses), on IRF-3 signalling. All P proteins tested inhibited retinoic acid-inducible gene-1 (RIG-I)- and TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-mediated IRF-3-dependent IFN-beta promoter activities. On the other hand, the P proteins from the RABV street strains 1088 and HCM-9, but not from fixed strains Nishigahara (Ni) and CVS-11 and other lyssaviruses tested, significantly inhibited I-kappa B kinase epsilon (IKK epsilon)-inducible IRF-3-dependent IFN-beta promoter activity. Importantly, we revealed that the P proteins from the 1088 and HCM-9 strains, but not from the remaining viruses, interacted with IKK epsilon. By using expression plasmids encoding chimeric P proteins from the 1088 strain and Ni strain, we found that the C-terminal region of the P protein is important for the interaction with IKK epsilon. These findings suggest that the P protein of RABV street strains may contribute to efficient evasion of host innate immunity.

DOI： 10.1099/jgv.0.000362

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Influenza A virus (IAV) affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts and rapidly induces the expression of mucins, which are common O-glycosylated proteins, on the epithelial surfaces of the respiratory tract. Although mucin production is associated with the inhibition of virus transmission as well as characteristic clinical symptoms, little is known regarding how mucins are produced on the surfaces of respiratory epithelial cells and how they affect IAV replication. In this study, we found that two microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-17-3p and miR-221, which target GalNAc transferase 3 (GALNT3) mRNA, are rapidly downregulated in human alveolar basal epithelial cells during the early stage of IAV infection. We demonstrated that the expression of GALNT3 mRNA is upregulated in an IAV replication-dependent fashion and leads to mucin production in bronchial epithelial cells. A lectin microarray analysis revealed that the stable expression of GALNT3 by human alveolar basal epithelial cells induces mucin-type O-glycosylation modifications similar to those present in IAV-infected cells, suggesting that GALNT3 promotes mucin-type O-linked glycosylation in IAV-infected cells. Notably, analyses using short interfering RNAs and miRNA mimics showed that GALNT3 knockdown significantly reduces IAV replication. Furthermore, IAV replication was markedly decreased in embryonic fibroblast cells obtained from galnt3-knockout mice. Interestingly, IAV-infected galnt3-knockout mice exhibited high mortality and severe pathological alterations in the lungs compared to those of wild-type mice. Our results demonstrate not only the molecular mechanism underlying rapid mucin production during IAV infection but also the contribution of O-linked glycosylation to the replication and propagation of IAV in lung cells.

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.02246-15

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Avian bornaviruses (ABVs) were recently discovered as the causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease (PDD). Although molecular epidemiological studies revealed that ABVs exist in Japan, no Japanese isolate has been reported thus far. In this study, we isolated four strains of Psittaciform I bornavirus from psittacine birds affected by PDD using QT6 quail cells. To our knowledge, this is the first report to isolate ABVs in Japan and to show that QT6 cells are available for ABV isolation. These isolates and QT6 cells would be powerful tools for elucidating the fundamental biology and pathogenicity of ABVs.

DOI： 10.1292/jvms.15-0372

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bornaviruses (family Bornaviridae) are non-segmented negative-strand RNA viruses. Avian bornaviruses (ABVs), which are causative agents of proventricular dilatation disease, are a genetically diverse group with at least 15 genotypes, including parrot bornaviruses (PaBVs) and aquatic bird bornavirus 1(ABBV-1). Borna disease virus 1(BoDV-1), which infects mammals and causes neurological diseases, has also been reported to infect avian species, although the numbers of the cases have been markedly fewer than those of ABVs. In this study, we conducted genetic surveillance to detect ABVs (PaBV-1 to -5 and ABBV-1) and BoDV-1 in wild birds in Japan. A total of 2078 fecal or cloacal swab samples were collected from wild birds in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2011, in two regions of Japan. The results demonstrated the presence of PaBV-2 and -4 RNA, while no positive results for other PaBVs, ABBV-1, and BoDV-1 were obtained. PaBV-2 and -4 RNA were detected in 18 samples (0.9 %) of the genera Anas, Grus, Larus, Calidris, Haliaeetus, and Emberiza, in which either PaBV-2 RNA or PaBV-4 RNA, or both PaBV-2 and -4 RNA were detected in 15 (0.7 %), 5 (0.2 %), and 2 (0.1 %) samples, respectively. The nucleotide sequences of PaBV-2 and -4 detected in these samples from wild birds are phylogenetically close to those found in samples from pet birds in Japan, with identities ranging from 99.8 to 100 % and from 98.2 to 99.4 %, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of PaBV-2 and -4 RNA detected in samples from wild birds.

DOI： 10.1007/s11262-015-1240-7

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Non-primate hepacivirus (NPHV) is a recently discovered homolog of the hepatitis C virus in horses. The frequency and distribution of NPHV infections among horses in Japan is unknown. In this study, serum samples from 453 horses across Japan were screened for NPHV RNA using real-time RT-PCR and anti-nonstructural 3 protein (NS3) antibodies using the Gaussia luciferase immunoprecipitation system assay. In order to monitor the course of NPHV infection in horses, we examined 31 stored samples (9 adult horses and 22 young horses) obtained one year ago and compared the results to the recent data. Stored sera from 7 mare-foal pairs were also examined. The NS3 region sequences of 14 NPHV strains from NPHV RNA positive serum samples were determined and analyzed phylogenically. Of the 453 serum samples tested, 33.55% were positive for anti-NS3 antibody and 13.68% were positive for NPHV RNA. We found a higher rate of NPHV RNA detection in serum obtained from young horses (1-2 years of age) than that of adults, in two geographically distinct areas. We observed higher variation in the course of infection over one year in young horses than in adult horses. The foals were infected with NPHV after the weaning period. Phylogenic analysis revealed that while NPHV NS3 genes isolated in Japan clustered with sequences previously classified as NPHV, but the genetic diversity of the Japanese NPHV strains we detected was not correlated with their geographic origin. In conclusion, Japanese horses exhibit a high prevalence of NPHV. Young age appears to be a risk factor for such viral infection in Japan, although the infectious route was not determined. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.vetmic.2015.05.028

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Culex tritaeniorhynchus rhabdovirus (CTRV) is a mosquito virus that establishes persistent infection without any obvious cell death. Therefore, occult infection by CTRV can be present in mosquito cell lines. In this study, it is shown that NIID-CTR cells, which were derived from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, are persistently infected with a novel strain of CTRV. Complete genome sequencing of the infecting strain revealed that it is genetically similar but distinct from the previously isolated CTRV strain, excluding the possibility of contamination. These findings raise the importance of further CTRV studies, such as screening of CTRV in other mosquito cell lines.

DOI： 10.1111/1348-0421.12279

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

We isolated eight highly pathogenic H5N8 avian influenza viruses (H5N8 HPAIVs) in the 2014/15 winter season at an overwintering site of migratory birds in Japan. Genetic analyses revealed that these isolates were divided into three groups, indicating the co-circulation of three genetic groups of H5N8 HPAIV among these migratory birds. These results also imply the possibility of global redistribution of the H5N8 HPAIVs via the migration of these birds next winter.

DOI： 10.2807/1560-7917.ES2015.20.20.21132

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Animal genomes contain endogenous viral sequences, such as endogenous retroviruses and retrotransposons. Recently, we and others discovered that nonretroviral viruses also have been endogenized in many vertebrate genomes. Bornaviruses belong to the Mononegavirales and have left endogenous fragments, called "endogenous bornavirus-like elements" (EBLs), in the genomes of many mammals. The striking features of EBLs are that they contain relatively long ORFs which have high sequence homology to the extant bornavirus proteins. Furthermore, some EBLs derived from bornavirus nucleoprotein (EBLNs) have been shown to be transcribed as mRNA and probably are translated into proteins. These features lead us to speculate that EBLs may function as cellular coopted genes. An EBLN element in the genome of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), itEBLN, encodes an ORF with 77% amino acid sequence identity to the current bornavirus nucleoprotein. In this study, we cloned itEBLN from the ground squirrel genome and investigated its involvement in Borna disease virus (BDV) replication. Interestingly, itEBLN, but not a human EBLN, colocalized with the viral factory in the nucleus and appeared to affect BDV polymerase activity by being incorporated into the viral ribonucleoprotein. Our data show that, as do certain endogenous retroviruses, itEBLN potentially may inhibit infection by related exogenous viruses in vivo.

DOI： 10.1073/pnas.1407046111

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein (EBLN) elements are nucleotide sequences homologous to the bornavirus N gene that have been identified in animal genomes. EBLN elements are considered to have been generated through reverse transcription of bornavirus N mRNA, mainly with the aid of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1). The genome of thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) contains an EBLN element, itEBLN, which is thought to have been integrated less than 8.5 million years ago (MYA). However, it was also reported that the LINE-1 activity on this lineage was lost 4-5 MYA. Here, molecular evolutionary analyses were conducted to gain insights into the integration time of itEBLN. In a phylogenetic analysis of bornavirus N and itEBLN, using an EBLN element from cape golden moles (Chrysochloris asiatica) (caEBLN) as the outgroup, the integration time of itEBLN appeared to be close to the time of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) for bornavirus N. From an analysis of genomic sequences for bornavirus strains isolated at different time points, the time of the MRCA for bornavirus N was estimated to be &lt; 0.3 MYA. These results suggest that the integration time of itEBLN was much later than the loss of LINE-1 activity, supporting the non-LINE-1-mediated integration of itEBLN.

DOI： 10.1266/ggs.89.143

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Bornaviruses are the only animal RNA viruses that establish a persistent infection in their host cell nucleus. Studies of bornaviruses have provided unique information about viral replication strategies and virus- host interactions. Although bornaviruses do not integrate into the host genome during their replication cycle, we and others have recently reported that there are DNA sequences derived from the mRNAs of ancient bornaviruses in the genomes of vertebrates, including humans, and these have been designated endogenous borna- like ( EBL) elements. Therefore, bornaviruses have been interacting with their hosts as driving forces in the evolution of host genomes in a previously unexpected way. Studies of EBL elements have provided new models for virology, evolutionary biology and general cell biology. In this review, we summarize the data on EBL elements including what we have newly identified in eukaryotes genomes, and discuss the biological significance of EBL elements, with a focus on EBL nucleoprotein elements in mammalian genomes. Surprisingly, EBL elements were detected in the genomes of invertebrates, suggesting that the host range of bornaviruses may be much wider than previously thought. We also review our new data on non- retroviral integration of Borna disease virus.

DOI： 10.1098/rstb.2012.0499

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1016/j.vetmic.2013.03.024

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Recently, Avian bornavirus (ABV) was detected in proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) affected-birds and feather picking diseases affected-birds. However, the pathogenicity of ABV has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we surveyed ABV in pet birds in Japan. We found four ABV-infected birds among 93 pet birds using RT-PCR, and genotypes of the ABV were determined as ABV-2 and -4. Two of the birds positive for ABV-4 showed proventricular dilatation typically found in PDD, and chronic stomach disturbance, whereas two of the birds positive for ABV-2 showed unexplained behavioral problems that are tapping, autophagia, and cloaca prolapse.

DOI： 10.1007/s11262-013-0913-3

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bornavirus, a non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses, is currently classified into several genetically distinct genotypes, such as Borna disease virus (BDV) and avian bornaviruses (ABVs). Recent studies revealed that bornavirus genotypes show unique sequence variability in the putative 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) of X/P mRNA, a bicistronic mRNA for the X protein and phosphoprotein (P). In this study, to understand the evolutionary relationship among the bornavirus genotypes, we investigated the functional interaction between the X and P proteins of four bornavirus genotypes, BDV, ABV genotype 4 and 5 and reptile bornavirus (RBV), the putative 5' UTRs of which exhibit variation in the length. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation analyses using mammalian and avian cell lines revealed that the X proteins of bornaviruses conserve the ability to facilitate the export of P from the nucleus to the cytoplasm via interaction with P. Furthermore, we showed that inter-genotypic interactions may occur between X and P among the genotypes, except for X of RBV. In addition, a BDV minireplicon assay demonstrated that the X and P proteins of ABVs, but not RBV, can affect the polymerase activity of BDV. This study demonstrates that bornaviruses may have conserved the fundamental function of a regulatory protein during their evolution, whereas RBV has evolved distinctly from the other bornavirus genotypes.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0051161

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

As a tool to understand the role of mucins in the infection of respiratory viruses, we established cell lines stably expressing inactive mutants of UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3), which initiates O-glycosylation of mucins. We introduced single amino acid mutation into the regions essential for the enzyme activity of GALNT3 using the expression plasmid of human GALNT3 and transfected the mutant constructs into a human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B. We showed that although the mutants of GALNT3 exhibit an authentic localization at the Golgi apparatus, the glycosylation pattern of the expressing cell lines appeared to be different from that of the cells expressing wild-type GALNT3. These results suggested that the established cell lines express inactive forms of GALNT3 and might be useful in investigation of the significance of O-glycosylation of mucins in respiratory virus infections.

DOI： 10.1292/jvms.12-0199

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Bornaviruses are nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses that establish a persistent infection in the nucleus and occasionally integrate a DNA genome copy into the host chromosomal DNA. However, how these viruses achieve intranuclear infection remains unclear. We show that Borna disease virus (BDV), a mammalian bornavirus, closely associates with the cellular chromosome to ensure intranuclear infection. BDV generates viral factories within the nucleus using host chromatin as a scaffold. In addition, the viral ribonucleoprotein (RNP) interacts directly with the host chromosome throughout the cell cycle, using core histones as a docking platform. HMGB1, a host chromatin-remodeling DNA architectural protein, is required to stabilize RNP on chromosomes and for efficient BDV RNA transcription in the nucleus. During metaphase, the association of RNP with mitotic chromosomes allows the viral RNA to segregate into daughter cells and ensure persistent infection. Thus, bornaviruses likely evolved a chromosome-dependent life cycle to achieve stable intranuclear infection.

DOI： 10.1016/j.chom.2012.04.009

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Avian bornavirus (ABV) was discovered recently in parrots with proventricular dilatation disease (PDD), a fatal neurological disease. Although ABV has been shown to be a causative agent of PDD, its virological characteristics are largely unknown. Here we report the detection of ABV genotype 5 RNA in an Eclectus roratus with feather picking disorder (FPD). Interestingly, although the bird was persistently infected with ABV5 for at least 8 months, it had no clinical signs of PDD. Although it remains unclear whether ABV5 is associated with FPD, these findings raise the importance of epidemiological studies of birds with diseases other than PDD.

DOI： 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2012.00436.x

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Although no physical fossils of viruses have been found, retroviruses are known to leave their molecular fossils in the genomes of their hosts, the so-called endogenous retroviral elements. These have provided us with important information about retroviruses in the past and their co-evolution with their hosts. On the other hand, because non-retroviral viruses were considered not to leave such fossils, even the existence of prehistoric non-retroviral viruses has been enigmatic. Recently, we discovered that elements derived from ancient bornaviruses, non-segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, are found in the genomes of several mammalian species, including humans. In addition, at approximately the same time, several endogenous elements of RNA viruses, DNA viruses and reverse-transcribing DNA viruses have been independently reported, which revealed that non-retroviral viruses have played significant roles in the evolution of their hosts and provided novel insights into virology and cell biology. Here we review non-retroviral virus-like elements in vertebrate genomes, non-retroviral integration and the knowledge obtained from these endogenous non-retroviral virus-like elements.

DOI： 10.3390/v3101836

PubMed

J-GLOBAL

Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Endogenous Borna-like nucleoprotein (EBLNs) elements were recently discovered as non-retroviral RNA virus elements derived from bornavirus in the genomes of various animals. Most of EBLNs appeared to be defective, but some of primate EBLN-1 to -4, which appeared to be originated from four independent integrations of bornavirus nucleoprotein (N) gene, have retained an open reading frame (ORF) for more than 40 million years. It was therefore possible that primate EBLNs have encoded functional proteins during evolution. To examine this possibility, natural selection operating on all ORFs of primate EBLN-1 to -4 was examined by comparing the rates of synonymous and nonsynonymous substitutions. The expected number of premature termination codons in EBLN-1 generated after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys under the selective neutrality was also examined by the Monte Carlo simulation. As a result, natural selection was not identified for the entire region as well as parts of ORFs in the pairwise analysis of primate EBLN-1 to -4 and for any branch of the phylogenetic trees for EBLN-1 to -4 after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys. Computer simulation also indicated that the absence of premature termination codon in the present-day EBLN-1 does not necessarily support the maintenance of function after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys. These results suggest that EBLNs have not generally encoded functional proteins after the divergence of Old World and New World monkeys.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0024403

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In a previous study, we demonstrated that transgenic mice that express Borna disease virus (BDV) phosphoprotein (P) in astrocytes show striking neurobehavioral abnormalities resembling those in BDV-infected animals. To understand the molecular disturbances induced by the expression of P in astrocytes, we performed microarray analysis with cultured astroglial cells transiently expressing P. We showed that expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 mRNA increases not only in P-expressing cultured cells but also in astrocytes from the cerebella of P transgenic mice (P-Tg). Furthermore, we demonstrated that insulin-like growth factor signaling is disturbed in the P-Tg cerebellum, a factor that might be involved in the increased vulnerability of Purkinje cell neurons in the brain.

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.01817-10

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Retroviruses are the only group of viruses known to have left a fossil record, in the form of endogenous proviruses, and approximately 8% of the human genome is made up of these elements(1,2). Although many other viruses, including non-retroviral RNA viruses, are known to generate DNA forms of their own genomes during replication(3-5), none has been found as DNA in the germline of animals. Bornaviruses, a genus of non-segmented, negative-sense RNA virus, are unique among RNA viruses in that they establish persistent infection in the cell nucleus(6-8). Here we show that elements homologous to the nucleoprotein (N) gene of bornavirus exist in the genomes of several mammalian species, including humans, non-human primates, rodents and elephants. These sequences have been designated endogenous Borna-like N (EBLN) elements. Some of the primate EBLNs contain an intact open reading frame (ORF) and are expressed as mRNA. Phylogenetic analyses showed that EBLNs seem to have been generated by different insertional events in each specific animal family. Furthermore, the EBLN of a ground squirrel was formed by a recent integration event, whereas those in primates must have been formed more than 40 million years ago. We also show that the N mRNA of a current mammalian bornavirus, Borna disease virus (BDV), can form EBLN-like elements in the genomes of persistently infected cultured cells. Our results provide the first evidence for endogenization of non-retroviral virus-derived elements in mammalian genomes and give novel insights not only into generation of endogenous elements, but also into a role of bornavirus as a source of genetic novelty in its host.

DOI： 10.1038/nature08695

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Borna disease virus (BDV) is characterized by highly neurotropic infection. BDV enters its target cells using virus surface glycoprotein (G), but the cellular molecules mediating this process remain to be elucidated. We demonstrate here that the N-terminal product of G, GP1, interacts with the 78-kDa chaperone protein BiP. BiP was found at the surface of BDV-permissive cells, and anti-BiP antibody reduced BDV infection as well as GP1 binding to the cell surface. We also reveal that BiP localizes at the synapse of neurons. These results indicate that BiP may participate in the cell surface association of BDV.

DOI： 10.1128/JVI.01201-09

PubMed

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

A latex agglutination test (LAT) was developed for detecting antibodies against avian influenza virus. The recombinant avian influenza virus nucleoprotein expressed in Escherichia coli was purified, coupled with latex beads, and used as an antigen for the LAT. The LAT was capable of detecting anti-avian influenza virus antibodies irrespective of the avian-influenza subtype, and in most cases, the results correlated with the results of an agar gel precipitation test (AGPT). However, in comparison with the AGPT the LAT could detect the anti-avian influenza virus antibodies for a longer period of time after the infection. The nonspecific agglutination observed in uninfected chicken sera was resolved by pretreating the sera with dried chicken-liver powder for I h. The LAT is easy to perform, and even after considering the time required for pretreatment of the serum, the total time required for obtaining the results is reduced in comparison to the time required in the case of the AGPT. This easy and rapid LAT is considered to be useful for monitoring avian influenza virus infection in the field. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jviromet.2009.06.021

PubMed

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a non-segmented, negative-sense RNA virus and has the property of persistently infecting the cell nucleus. BDV encodes a 10-kDa non-structural protein, X, which is a negative regulator of viral polymerase activity but is essential for virus propagation. Recently, we have demonstrated that interaction of X with the viral polymerase cofactor, phosphoprotein (P), facilitates translocation of P from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. However, the mechanism by which the intracellular localization of X is controlled remains unclear. In this report, we demonstrate that BDV X interacts with the 71 kDa molecular chaperon protein, Hsc70. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Hsc70 associates with the same region of X as P and, interestingly, that expression of P interferes competitively with the interaction between X and Hsc70. A heat shock experiment revealed that BDV X translocates into the nucleus, dependent upon the nuclear accumulation of Hsc70. Furthermore, we show that knockdown of Hsc70 by short interfering RNA decreases the nuclear localization of both X and P and markedly reduces the expression of viral genomic RNA in persistently infected cells. These data indicate that Hsc70 may be involved in viral replication by regulating the intracellular distribution of X. (C) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.micinf.2009.01.006

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The infectivity of the H9N2 virus to MDCK cells was time-dependently inhibited by Cu(2+) at concentrations of 2.5-250 mu M. In 25 mu M Cu(2+) solution, the virus titer decreased by approximately 3 and 4 log within 3 and 6 h, respectively. Compared to Cu(2+), Zn(2+) was much less effective in virus inactivation. The H9N2 virus hemagglutinin activity was not affected by 2.5-250 mu M Cu(2+). The H9N2 virus neuraminidase (NA) activity was drastically reduced by 25 mM Cu(2+), marginally reduced by 250 mu M Cu(2+), and not affected by 25 mu M Cu(2+). Thus, we found that copper ions suppress the infectivity of influenza virus at lower concentrations at which neither NA nor hemagglutination inhibition occurs. Electron microscopic analysis revealed morphological abnormalities of the Cu(2+)-treated H9N2 virus. Additional studies should be undertaken to clarify the mechanism underlying the antiviral effect of copper ions on influenza virus.

DOI： 10.1007/s00705-008-0154-2

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Other URL： http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4682-7698

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Venue：大阪  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Venue：大阪  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

Venue：東京  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

Venue：札幌  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

Venue：湯河原  

Presentation type：Public lecture, seminar, tutorial, course, or other speech  

Venue：Zoom  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Oral presentation (invited, special)  

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Presentation type：Poster presentation