Sam68 and HIV-1 replication control in astrocytes

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): HIV-1 replication is a combined result of host-virus interactions occurring at multiple steps of the virus life cycle including entry, gene expression, assembly, and budding. It is our long-term goal to understand regulation of HIV-1 gene expression and replication by host factors, thereby develop strategies for treating AIDS patients and ultimately preventing and eliminating HIV-1 infection. Unlike primary CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophages/momocytes, CD4- astrocytes are less susceptible to HIV-1 infection and do not support post- entry productive HIV-1 replication. Therefore, astrocytes have been regarded as an ideal natural platform to define the host factors that are essential for HIV-1 entry, gene expression and replication. Using a retrovirus- based expression cDNA library, we have revealed that HIV-1 gains access to astrocytes through human mannose receptor in a relatively inefficient CD4-independent and endocytosis-dependent manner. In addition, using the subtractive cloning strategy, we have identified Sam68 to be, at least in part, responsible for post- entry non-productive HIV-1 replication in astrocytes. The overall goal of this proposal is to characterize the molecular mechanisms of Sam68 function in HIV-1 replication in astrocytes as well as other HIV-1 natural target cells. This proposal is based on our three major findings (1) Sam68 is an essential cellular co-factor for HIV-1 Rev nuclear export; (2) Inhibition of HIV-1 replication by Sam68 mutants lacking a nuclear localization signal correlates with the cytoplasmic localization of constitutive Sam68; (3) Sam68 regulates translation of HIV-1 mRNAs in cytoplasm. The underlying hypothesis for this proposal is that Sam68 regulates HIV-1 replication at multiple steps of viral life cycle in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In other words, Sam68 is an important cellular co-factor for HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we propose three interrelated specific aims: (1) To determine the relationship between Sam68 expression and HIV-1 replication; (2) To characterize Sam68 function in HIV-1 Rev nuclear export; and (3) To define the cytoplasmic function of Sam68 in HIV-1 replication. We will use a variety of state-of-art biochemical, cellular, and molecular approaches throughout the studies. The answers sought have fundamental significance for understanding of this critical and pervasive protein Sam68 in HIV-1 replication. They should also aid in the development of anti- HIV therapeutic strategies.