Michel Perron

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA

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Publications (11)60.7 Total impact

  • Article: A human TRIM5alpha B30.2/SPRY domain mutant gains the ability to restrict and prematurely uncoat B-tropic murine leukemia virus.
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    ABSTRACT: Human TRIM5alpha restricts N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV) but not B-tropic MLV (B-MLV) infection. Here we study B30.2/SPRY domain mutants of human TRIM5alpha that acquire the ability to inhibit B-MLV infection prior to reverse transcription without losing the ability to restrict N-MLV infection. Remarkably, these mutants gain the ability to decrease the amount of particulate B-MLV capsids in the cytosol of infected cells. In addition, these mutants gain the ability to restrict SIV(mac) and HIV-2 infection. B-MLV and SIV(mac) infections were blocked by the mutant TRIM5alpha proteins prior to reverse transcription. Thus, the range of retroviruses restricted by human TRIM5alpha can be increased by changes in the B30.2/SPRY domain, which also result in the ability to cause premature uncoating of the restricted retroviral capsid.
    Virology 07/2008; 378(2):233-42. · 3.35 Impact Factor
  • Article: Modulation of retroviral restriction and proteasome inhibitor-resistant turnover by changes in the TRIM5alpha B-box 2 domain.
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    ABSTRACT: An intact B-box 2 domain is essential for the antiretroviral activity of TRIM5alpha. We modeled the structure of the B-box 2 domain of TRIM5alpha based on the existing three-dimensional structure of the B-box 2 domain of human TRIM29. Using this model, we altered the residues predicted to be exposed on the surface of this globular structure. Most of the alanine substitutions in these residues exerted little effect on the antiretroviral activity of human TRIM5alphahu or rhesus monkey TRIM5alpharh. However, alteration of arginine 119 of TRIM5alphahu or the corresponding arginine 121 of TRIM5alpharh diminished the abilities of the proteins to restrict retroviral infection without affecting trimerization or recognition of the viral capsid. The abilities of these functionally defective TRIM5alpha proteins to accelerate the uncoating of the targeted retroviral capsid were abolished. Removal of the positively charged side chain from B-box 2 arginines 119/120/121 resulted in diminished proteasome-independent turnover of TRIM5alpha and the related restriction factor TRIMCyp. However, testing of an array of mutants revealed that the rapid turnover and retroviral restriction functions of this B-box 2 region are separable.
    Journal of Virology 11/2007; 81(19):10362-78. · 5.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Complex determinants within the Moloney murine leukemia virus capsid modulate susceptibility of the virus to Fv1 and Ref1-mediated restriction.
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    ABSTRACT: Two of the most well-known genetic mechanisms in mammalian cells which control the susceptibility of cells to productive infection by retroviruses and lentiviruses rely on the cellular Fv1 and Ref1 restriction factors, which act, after viral entry, to prevent productive infection through their interactions with viral capsid (CA) sequences. While previous studies of Fv1 restriction involving N- and B-tropic murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) had demonstrated that the identity of a single amino acid residue at CA110 (arginine vs. glutamic acid) determines whether the resulting virus is N (arg) or B-tropic (glu), analogous studies of dual-tropic MLVs, such as Moloney MLV (Mo-MLV), have shown that additional residues other than CA110 are also involved in the specification of dual-tropic host range. Here we have further studied the CA determinants of Mo-MLV host range, with an emphasis on identifying additional CA residues and unique combinations of CA residues which differentially influence the ability of the resulting virus to infect murine and human cells. First, we show that CA82, a residue previously identified to affect the pattern of Fv1 restriction of different MLV viruses in murine cells, is a particularly strong potentiator of B-tropism in an Mo-MLV background carrying a glutamic acid residue at CA110 (A110E substitution), and that interestingly, different residues at CA82 lead to distinct patterns of restriction in human but not in murine cells. We also identify another CA residue, CA214, as a similarly potent potentiator of B-tropism, in the context of the A110E substitution. While another substitution at CA110, A110R, leads to strong potentiation of N-tropism in murine cells, in the absence of additional mutations, we found that A110R alone was not sufficient to confer appreciable restriction in Ref1-expressing cells, despite the fact that authentic N-MLV shows strong restriction in those cells. In conjunction with the A110R substitution, substitutions at CA82, but not at CA214, do lead to significant restriction in human cells, thus demonstrating a distinction between the interactions between those two determinants of restriction and CA110. Finally, using cell lines engineered to express the TRIM5alpha(hu) gene product, recently identified as the Ref1 restriction factor, and RNAi technology to knock-down expression of TRIM5alpha(hu) in human cells, we directly demonstrate that the unique patterns of restriction observed in human cells with the different mutants are consistent with a TRIM5alpha(hu)-mediated restriction. These studies shed further light on the complex determinants within the viral CA gene product which control the susceptibility of murine and human cells to retroviral infection.
    Virology 08/2007; 363(2):245-55. · 3.35 Impact Factor
  • Article: Functional replacement of the RING, B-box 2, and coiled-coil domains of tripartite motif 5alpha (TRIM5alpha) by heterologous TRIM domains.
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    ABSTRACT: Tripartite motif 5alpha (TRIM5alpha) restricts some retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), from infecting the cells of particular species. TRIM5alpha is a member of the TRIM family of proteins, which contain RING, B-box, coiled-coil (CC), and, in some cases, B30.2(SPRY) domains. Here we investigated the abilities of domains from TRIM proteins (TRIM6, TRIM34, and TRIM21) that do not restrict HIV-1 infection to substitute for the domains of rhesus monkey TRIM5alpha (TRIM5alpha(rh)). The RING, B-box 2, and CC domains of the paralogous TRIM6 and TRIM34 proteins functionally replaced the corresponding TRIM5alpha(rh) domains, allowing HIV-1 restriction. By contrast, similar chimeras containing the components of TRIM21, a slightly more distant relative of TRIM5, did not restrict HIV-1 infection. The TRIM21 B-box 2 domain and its flanking linker regions contributed to the functional defectiveness of these chimeras. All of the chimeric proteins formed trimers. All of the chimeras that restricted HIV-1 infection bound the assembled HIV-1 capsid complexes. These results indicate that heterologous RING, B-box 2, and CC domains from related TRIM proteins can functionally substitute for TRIM5alpha(rh) domains.
    Journal of Virology 08/2006; 80(13):6198-206. · 5.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: Cyclophilin A: an auxiliary but not necessary cofactor for TRIM5alpha restriction of HIV-1.
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    ABSTRACT: Cyclophilin A (Cyp A) binds the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) capsid (CA) protein and contributes to the early events in virus replication in some cells. The retroviral restriction factor TRIM5alpha can inhibit the early, post-entry phase of infection by associating with the incoming viral capsid. Cyp A has been proposed to prevent restriction factor binding in human cells, thus enhancing HIV-1 infectivity, and to potentiate restriction of HIV-1 in monkey cells. Here we show that the positive effects of Cyp A-CA binding on HIV-1 infectivity do not depend on human TRIM5alpha. Disruption of Cyp A binding to CA partially relieved the block to HIV-1 infection imposed by several TRIM5alpha variants, but Cyp A-CA binding was not absolutely required for TRIM5alpha antiviral activity. Inhibition of Cyp A function by cyclosporine significantly decreased the efficiency of TRIM5alpha-mediated restriction only when the restricted virus capsid interacted with Cyp A.
    Virology 08/2006; 351(1):112-20. · 3.35 Impact Factor
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    Article: Evolution of a cytoplasmic tripartite motif (TRIM) protein in cows that restricts retroviral infection.
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    ABSTRACT: Primate tripartite motif 5alpha (TRIM5alpha) proteins mediate innate intracellular resistance to retroviruses. In humans, TRIM5 is located in a paralogous cluster that includes TRIM6, TRIM34, and TRIM22. Although TRIM6 and TRIM34 orthologs are found in other mammals, TRIM5 has to date been identified only in primates. Cow cells exhibit early blocks to infection by several retroviruses. We identify a cytoplasmic TRIM protein encoded by LOC505265 that is responsible for the restriction of infection by several lentiviruses and N-tropic murine leukemia virus in cow cells. Susceptibility of N-tropic murine leukemia virus to 505265-mediated restriction is determined primarily by residue 110 of the viral capsid protein. Phylogenetically, cow LOC505265 segregates with the TRIM5/TRIM6/TRIM34 group, but is not an ortholog of known TRIM genes. The B30.2/SPRY domain of 505265 exhibits long variable regions, a characteristic of the proteins encoded by this paralogous group, and shows evidence of positive selection. Apparently, cows have independently evolved a retroviral restriction factor from the same TRIM family that spawned TRIM5 in primates. Particular features of this subset of cytoplasmic TRIM proteins may be conducive to the convergent evolution of virus-restricting factors.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 06/2006; 103(19):7454-9. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Specific recognition and accelerated uncoating of retroviral capsids by the TRIM5alpha restriction factor.
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    ABSTRACT: The host restriction factor TRIM5alpha mediates species-specific, early blocks to retrovirus infection; susceptibility to these blocks is determined by viral capsid sequences. Here we demonstrate that TRIM5alpha variants from Old World monkeys specifically associate with the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) capsid and that this interaction depends on the TRIM5alpha B30.2 domain. Human and New World monkey TRIM5alpha proteins associated less efficiently with the HIV-1 capsid, accounting for the lack of restriction in cells of these species. After infection, the expression of a restricting TRIM5alpha in the target cells correlated with a decrease in the amount of particulate capsid in the cytosol. In some cases, this loss of particulate capsid was accompanied by a detectable increase in soluble capsid protein. Inhibiting the proteasome did not abrogate restriction. Thus, TRIM5alpha restricts retroviral infection by specifically recognizing the capsid and promoting its rapid, premature disassembly.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 05/2006; 103(14):5514-9. · 9.68 Impact Factor
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    Article: Specific recognition and accelerated uncoating of retroviral capsids by the TRIM5α restriction factor
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    ABSTRACT: The host restriction factor TRIM5α mediates species-specific, early blocks to retrovirus infection; susceptibility to these blocks is determined by viral capsid sequences. Here we demonstrate that TRIM5α variants from Old World monkeys specifically associate with the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) capsid and that this interaction depends on the TRIM5α B30.2 domain. Human and New World monkey TRIM5α proteins associated less efficiently with the HIV-1 capsid, accounting for the lack of restriction in cells of these species. After infection, the expression of a restricting TRIM5α in the target cells correlated with a decrease in the amount of particulate capsid in the cytosol. In some cases, this loss of particulate capsid was accompanied by a detectable increase in soluble capsid protein. Inhibiting the proteasome did not abrogate restriction. Thus, TRIM5α restricts retroviral infection by specifically recognizing the capsid and promoting its rapid, premature disassembly.
    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 04/2006; 103(14):5514-5519. · 9.68 Impact Factor
  • Article: Retrovirus restriction by TRIM5alpha variants from Old World and New World primates.
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    ABSTRACT: The TRIM5alpha proteins of humans and some Old World monkeys have been shown to block infection of particular retroviruses following virus entry into the host cell. Infection of most New World monkey cells by the simian immunodeficiency virus of macaques (SIVmac) is restricted at a similar point. Here we examine the antiretroviral activity of TRIM5alpha orthologs from humans, apes, Old World monkeys, and New World monkeys. Chimpanzee and orangutan TRIM5alpha proteins functionally resembled human TRIM5alpha, potently restricting infection by N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV) and moderately restricting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Notably, TRIM5alpha proteins from several New World monkey species restricted infection by SIVmac and the SIV of African green monkeys, SIVagm. Spider monkey TRIM5alpha, which has an expanded B30.2 domain v3 region due to a tandem triplication, potently blocked infection by a range of retroviruses, including SIVmac, SIVagm, HIV-1, and N-MLV. Tandem duplications in the TRIM5alpha B30.2 domain v1 region of African green monkeys are also associated with broader antiretroviral activity. Thus, variation in TRIM5alpha proteins among primate species accounts for the observed patterns of postentry restrictions in cells from these animals. The TRIM5alpha proteins of some monkey species exhibit dramatic lengthening of particular B30.2 variable regions and an expanded range of susceptible retroviruses.
    Journal of Virology 05/2005; 79(7):3930-7. · 5.40 Impact Factor
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    Article: Species-specific variation in the B30.2(SPRY) domain of TRIM5alpha determines the potency of human immunodeficiency virus restriction.
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    ABSTRACT: Retroviruses encounter dominant postentry restrictions in cells of particular species. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is blocked in the cells of Old World monkeys by TRIM5alpha, a tripartite motif (TRIM) protein composed of RING, B-box 2, coiled-coil, and B30.2(SPRY) domains. Rhesus monkey TRIM5alpha (TRIM5alpha(rh)) more potently blocks HIV-1 infection than human TRIM5alpha (TRIM5alpha(hu)). Here, by studying chimeric TRIM5alpha proteins, we demonstrate that the major determinant of anti-HIV-1 potency is the B30.2(SPRY) domain. Analysis of species-specific variation in TRIM5alpha has identified three variable regions (v1, v2, and v3) within the B30.2 domain. The TRIM5alpha proteins of Old World primates exhibit expansion, duplication, and residue variation specifically in the v1 region. Replacement of three amino acids in the N terminus of the TRIM5alpha(hu) B30.2 v1 region with the corresponding TRIM5alpha(rh) residues resulted in a TRIM5alpha molecule that restricted HIV-1 nearly as efficiently as wild-type TRIM5alpha(rh). Surprisingly, a single-amino-acid change in this region of TRIM5alpha(hu) allowed potent restriction of simian immunodeficiency virus, a phenotype not observed for either wild-type TRIM5alpha(hu) or TRIM5alpha(rh). Some of the chimeric TRIM5alpha proteins that are >98% identical to the human protein yet mediate a strong restriction of HIV-1 infection may have therapeutic utility. These observations implicate the v1 variable region of the B30.2(SPRY) domain in TRIM5alpha(rh) antiviral potency.
    Journal of Virology 04/2005; 79(5):3139-45. · 5.40 Impact Factor
  • Article: A human TRIM5α B30.2/SPRY domain mutant gains the ability to restrict and prematurely uncoat B-tropic murine leukemia virus
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Human TRIM5α restricts N-tropic murine leukemia virus (N-MLV) but not B-tropic MLV (B-MLV) infection. Here we study B30.2/SPRY domain mutants of human TRIM5α that acquire the ability to inhibit B-MLV infection prior to reverse transcription without losing the ability to restrict N-MLV infection. Remarkably, these mutants gain the ability to decrease the amount of particulate B-MLV capsids in the cytosol of infected cells. In addition, these mutants gain the ability to restrict SIVmac and HIV-2 infection. B-MLV and SIVmac infections were blocked by the mutant TRIM5α proteins prior to reverse transcription. Thus, the range of retroviruses restricted by human TRIM5α can be increased by changes in the B30.2/SPRY domain, which also result in the ability to cause premature uncoating of the restricted retroviral capsid.
    Virology.