Phase separation and DAXX redistribution contribute to LANA nuclear body and KSHV genome dynamics during latency and reactivation

PLoS Pathog. 2021 Jan 20;17(1):e1009231. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009231. eCollection 2021 Jan.

Abstract

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can drive formation of diverse and essential macromolecular structures, including those specified by viruses. Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) genomes associate with the viral encoded Latency-Associated Nuclear Antigen (LANA) to form stable nuclear bodies (NBs) during latent infection. Here, we show that LANA-NB formation and KSHV genome conformation involves LLPS. Using LLPS disrupting solvents, we show that LANA-NBs are partially disrupted, while DAXX and PML foci are highly resistant. LLPS disruption altered the LANA-dependent KSHV chromosome conformation but did not stimulate lytic reactivation. We found that LANA-NBs undergo major morphological transformation during KSHV lytic reactivation to form LANA-associated replication compartments encompassing KSHV DNA. DAXX colocalizes with the LANA-NBs during latency but is evicted from the LANA-associated lytic replication compartments. These findings indicate the LANA-NBs are dynamic super-molecular nuclear structures that partly depend on LLPS and undergo morphological transitions corresponding to the different modes of viral replication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Viral / chemistry*
  • Antigens, Viral / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Co-Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Genome, Viral / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / genetics*
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / physiology
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inclusion Bodies, Viral / chemistry
  • Inclusion Bodies, Viral / metabolism
  • Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies / chemistry
  • Intranuclear Inclusion Bodies / metabolism*
  • Latent Infection
  • Liquid-Liquid Extraction
  • Molecular Chaperones / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / chemistry*
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Plasmids / genetics
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / virology*
  • Virus Latency
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Co-Repressor Proteins
  • DAXX protein, human
  • Histones
  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • latency-associated nuclear antigen