Article
Microbiology
Bin Qian, Xiaotong Su, Ziyuan Ye, Xinyu Liu, Muxing Liu, Haifeng Zhang, Ping Wang, Zhengguang Zhang
Summary: This study reveals the important role of COPII protein MoErv14 in the appressorium formation and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae. MoErv14 mediates the transport of multiple membrane receptors to promote appressorium formation and virulence.
Review
Cell Biology
Giovanna Carra, Lidia Avalle, Laura Secli, Mara Brancaccio, Alessandro Morotti
Summary: NF-kappa B is not only a transcription factor regulating gene expression within the nucleus, but also has functions within cellular organelles. The crosstalk between NF-kappa B and cellular organelles is significant for anticancer therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gunes Parlakgul, Ana Paula Arruda, Song Pang, Erika Cagampan, Nina Min, Ekin Guney, Grace Yankun Lee, Karen Inouye, Harald F. Hess, C. Shan Xu, Gokhan S. Hotamisligil
Summary: This study reveals the complex structural organization of organelles in liver tissue and highlights the significant alterations in obese mice. The functional importance of these structural changes on cellular and systemic metabolism is also demonstrated.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Wen Li, Pengcheng He, Yuge Huang, Yi-Fang Li, Jiahong Lu, Min Li, Hiroshi Kurihara, Zhuo Luo, Tian Meng, Mashun Onishi, Changle Ma, Lei Jiang, Yongquan Hu, Qing Gong, Dongxing Zhu, Yiming Xu, Rong Liu, Lei Liu, Cong Yi, Yushan Zhu, Ningfang Ma, Koji Okamoto, Zhiping Xie, Jinbao Liu, Rong-Rong He, Du Feng
Summary: Autophagy is a physiological process that degrades over-abundant or damaged organelles via the lysosomal system, induced by stress and occurring in both non-selective and selective manners. Selective autophagy plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and its dysfunction is implicated in various diseases.
Article
Virology
Clement Mazeaud, Anais Anton, Felix Pahmeier, Aissatou Aicha Sow, Berati Cerikan, Wesley Freppel, Mirko Cortese, Ralf Bartenschlager, Laurent Chatel-Chaix
Summary: Dengue virus induces morphological changes in the endoplasmic reticulum to create viral replication organelles, with the non-structural protein NS4B playing a crucial role and interacting with the host factor VCP. The ATPase activity of VCP is essential for efficient DENV replication, and its inhibition reduces the abundance of DENV-induced cytoplasmic structures. These findings suggest that VCP may be a potential broad-spectrum antiviral target for drug repurposing efforts.
Review
Cell Biology
Zubaida Hassan, Nilima Dinesh Kumar, Fulvio Reggiori, Gulfaraz Khan
Summary: Eukaryotic cells contain dynamic membrane-bound organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and plasma membrane, interconnected by vesicular traffic. Viruses exploit these organelles in the secretory pathway for their own replication, assembly, and infection, hijacking the host cell machinery.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Katelyn C. Cook, Elene Tsopurashvili, Jason M. Needham, Sunnie R. Thompson, Ileana M. Cristea
Summary: This study designed a targeted proteomics platform to measure MCS proteins at all organelles simultaneously. Through studying the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, functional virus-driven alterations of MCS were discovered. Comparisons with other virus infections revealed the importance of contact regulation between organelles for virus replication.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zheng Ying, Na Ye, Qilian Ma, Fan Chen, Ningning Li, Xuechu Zhen
Summary: Significant evidences show that sub-cellular organelle dynamics play a critical role in physiological and pathological events, making them attractive drug targets. However, drug development in this field is still limited despite extensive studies on the biological mechanisms. This review explores the potential of targeting organelle dynamics in the central nervous system, specifically mitochondrial dynamics and ER-organelle membrane contact dynamics, for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Eunhee Kim, Dong Min Lee, Min Ji Seo, Hong Jae Lee, Kyeong Sook Choi
Summary: Paraptosis is a type of programmed cell death characterized by dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum and/or mitochondria. Ca2+ transport has been shown to play an important role in paraptosis induced by various agents, and perturbations of cellular proteostasis and ion homeostasis are believed to contribute critically to the process. The communication between the ER and mitochondria mediated by Ca2+ appears to be crucial in inducing paraptosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Elena Bittner, Thorsten Stehlik, Johannes Freitag
Summary: In this review, we discuss the shared proteins between peroxisomes and other cellular compartments, the mechanisms of dual targeting, their regulation, and functional consequences. Characterization of dual targeting is fundamental for understanding the integration of peroxisomes into the metabolic and regulatory circuits of eukaryotic cells.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Na Song, Ming Yang, Hao Zhang, Shi-kun Yang
Summary: Kidney disease is a serious health concern, and understanding the pathogenesis is crucial for precise therapies. Disruption of calcium homeostasis plays a fundamental role in kidney disease development and is a promising therapeutic strategy. The endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria are key organelles, with pharmacologic modulation of cellular calcium homeostasis as a novel treatment approach.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ming Yang, Chongbin Liu, Na Jiang, Yan Liu, Shilu Luo, Chenrui Li, Hao Zhao, Yachun Han, Wei Chen, Li Li, Li Xiao, Lin Sun
Summary: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an active organelle involved in various physiological processes. Recent studies have shown that dysfunction of the ER plays a role in the progression of kidney disease, particularly diabetic nephropathy (DN). This review discusses the function of the ER, the regulation of homeostasis through the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER-phagy, as well as the impact of abnormal ER homeostasis in renal cells in DN. Additionally, potential therapeutic targets for DN related to maintaining ER homeostasis are also explored.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Kowalczuk, Krzysztof Marycz, Justyna Kornicka, Sylwia Groborz, Justyna Meissner, Malwina Mularczyk
Summary: In this study, the protective effects of THCV isolated from Cannabis sativa L. against ER stress in adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated. It was found that THCV can prevent subcellular alterations, restore cell functions upon ER stress, and decrease the expression of genes involved in the UPR pathway. These findings suggest that THCV has potential as a therapeutic compound for metabolic diseases associated with ER stress.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gines Avila-Perez, Maria Teresa Rejas, Francisco Javier Chichon, Milagros Guerra, Jose Jesus Fernandez, Dolores Rodriguez
Summary: This study used electron tomography to characterize the replication organelles of toroviruses, revealing the formation of a reticulovesicular network in BEV-infected cells. The outer membranes of DMVs were found to be interconnected with each other and with the ER, with paired ER membranes likely representing early structures that evolve into DMVs. Late-stage paired membranes forming small spherule-like invaginations were also observed, showing similarities but also differences with true spherules described for coronaviruses.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Plant Sciences
Jiahui Bian, Xiao Su, Xiaoyan Yuan, Yuan Zhang, Jinxing Lin, Xiaojuan Li
Summary: This review focuses on the structural organization, dynamics, and physiological functions of membrane contact sites between the endoplasmic reticulum and various organelles, particularly in plants. Membrane contact sites play a vital role in development and response to stress by facilitating highly dynamic and organized interactions among organelles. The endoplasmic reticulum acts as an architectural scaffold to maintain the spatial distribution of other membrane-bound organelles. Future research directions related to membrane contact sites are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vlastimil Jirasko, Alons Lends, Nils-Alexander Lakomek, Marie-Laure Fogeron, Marco E. Weber, Alexander A. Malar, Susanne Penzel, Ralf Bartenschlager, Beat H. Meier, Anja Bockmann
Summary: NS5A, a membrane-associated protein involved in the life cycle of Hepatitis C virus, exhibits high flexibility in a lipidic environment, and organization of dimers in lipids requires a novel type of self-interaction.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Virology
Felix Pahmeier, Christopher J. Neufeldt, Berati Cerikan, Vibhu Prasad, Costantin Pape, Vibor Laketa, Alessia Ruggieri, Ralf Bartenschlager, Mirko Cortese
Summary: Positive-strand RNA viruses, such as flaviviruses and coronaviruses, have caused major disease outbreaks globally, highlighting the need for research to limit virus spread and reduce disease severity. A reporter system has been developed to visualize and identify cells infected with dengue virus or SARS-CoV-2, which can be used for live cell imaging and screening of antiviral compounds. This modular system offers flexibility and can be adapted to study various viruses, providing a valuable tool for studying viral replication and developing antivirals.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Agnieszka Plociennikowska, Jamie Frankish, Thais Moraes, Dolores Del Prete, Franziska Kahnt, Claudio Acuna, Michal Slezak, Marco Binder, Ralf Bartenschlager
Summary: The study demonstrates that during ZIKV infection, TLR3 recognition of viral RNA enhances inflammatory cytokine production and suppresses IFN response triggered by RIG-I, thereby promoting virus replication. This cross talk between antiviral and inflammatory responses may have significant implications for understanding the pathogenesis of ZIKV.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Mirko Cortese, Klaas Mulder, Laurent Chatel-Chaix, Pietro Scaturro, Berati Cerikan, Anna Plaszczyca, Uta Haselmann, Marie Bartenschlager, Christopher J. Neufeldt, Ralf Bartenschlager
Summary: Dengue virus (DENV) is a significant mosquito-borne pathogen, and the formation of viral replication organelles is closely associated with the NS4A protein. Studies suggest that NS4A may be an attractive target for antiviral therapy.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mennatallah Abdallah, Mostafa M. Hamed, Efseveia Frakolaki, Sotirios Katsamakas, Niki Vassilaki, Ralf Bartenschlager, Grigoris Zoidis, Anna K. H. Hirsch, Mohammad H. Abdel-Halim, Ashraf Abadi
Summary: The discovery of potent NS5A inhibitors against HCV genotype 1b, with improved activity against other genotypes and good metabolic stability, is reported. The variations in cap conformation and compound symmetry were studied and found to have an impact on both potency and metabolic stability. The analogs obtained showed higher potency compared to the clinically approved candidate daclatasvir across multiple genotypes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zhenfeng Zhang, Yi Ni, Florian A. Lempp, Lisa Walter, Pascal Mutz, Ralf Bartenschlager, Stephan Urban
Summary: This study reveals that interferons can efficiently suppress the spread of hepatitis D virus (HDV) through cell division. The HDV-induced interferon response and exogenous interferon treatment both inhibit cell division-mediated HDV spread and accelerate HDV RNA decay.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maximilian Toellner, Claudius Speer, Louise Benning, Marie Bartenschlager, Christian Nusshag, Christian Morath, Martin Zeier, Caner Susal, Paul Schnitzler, Wilhelm Schmitt, Raoul Bergner, Ralf Bartenschlager, Hanns-Martin Lorenz, Matthias Schaier
Summary: In patients treated with Rituximab, waiting at least 8-12 months after the last treatment before administering the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine can lead to sufficient humoral responses.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Christian Heuss, Paul Rothhaar, Rani Burm, Ji-Young Lee, Philipp Ralfs, Uta Haselmann, Luisa J. Stroh, Ombretta Colasanti, Cong Si Tran, Noemi Schafer, Paul Schnitzler, Uta Merle, Ralf Bartenschlager, Arvind H. Patel, Frederik Graw, Thomas Krey, Vibor Laketa, Philip Meuleman, Volker Lohmann
Summary: This study reports an efficient infectious cell culture model for hepatitis C virus (HCV), which can be used for studying infection mechanisms and developing vaccines. The model, generated from a consensus gt1b genome, underwent long-term passaging to adapt and produce high levels of transmissible infectivity. The study's findings are important for understanding the transmission mechanisms of HCV and for research and prevention of HCV.
Review
Cell Biology
Vibhu Prasad, Ralf Bartenschlager
Summary: This review highlights the cellular trafficking factors, processes, and organelles relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle and how viral proteins exploit and disrupt cellular transport.
BIOLOGY OF THE CELL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Nadine Gillich, Zhenfeng Zhang, Marco Binder, Stephan Urban, Ralf Bartenschlager
Summary: This study reveals that LGP2 is essential for the recognition of HDV through MDA5-mediated antiviral interferon (IFN) response. LGP2 induces IFN through RNA binding and ATPase activity, and stabilizes MDA5-RNA interaction for downstream signaling. The variant Q425R of LGP2 exhibits stronger inhibition on HDV infection and IFN response, and may contribute to a milder course of hepatitis D.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sara Pfister, Julius Rabl, Thomas Wiegand, Simone Mattei, Alexander A. Malaer, Lauriane Lecoq, Stefan Seitz, Ralf Bartenschlager, Anja Boeckmann, Michael Nassal, Daniel Boehringer, Beat H. Meier
Summary: The discovery of nackednaviruses provides new insight into the evolutionary history of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Both HBV and nackednaviruses share a common ancestor, but HBV acquired an envelope during evolution while nackednaviruses remained non-enveloped. The capsid structure of African cichlid nackednavirus (ACNDV) is very similar to HBV, with only minor structural differences.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claudius Speer, Maximilian Toellner, Louise Benning, Marie Bartenschlager, Heeyoung Kim, Christian Nusshag, Florian Kaelble, Marvin Reineke, Paula Reichel, Paul Schnitzler, Martin Zeier, Christian Morath, Wilhelm Schmitt, Raoul Bergner, Ralf Bartenschlager, Hanns-Martin Lorenz, Matthias Schaier
Summary: Emerging omicron subtypes with immune escape result in inadequate vaccine response in immunocompromised individuals like AAV patients. There is limited data on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in AAV patients, and safety concerns exist regarding the use of mRNA vaccines in autoimmune diseases. This study provides insights into the neutralizing antibody response and reactogenicity of vaccines in AAV patients.
Article
Microbiology
Minh-Tu Pham, Ji-Young Lee, Christian Ritter, Roman Thielemann, Janis E. Meyer, Uta A. Haselmann, Charlotta E. Funaya, Vibor A. Laketa, Karl E. Rohr, Ralf A. Bartenschlager
Summary: Using imaging analyses, the study reveals that ApoE-LPs are stored in CD63-positive endosomes and released into circulation. The co-egress of ApoE-LPs and EVs along the late endosomal route and their transmission between cells are also observed. The hepatitis C virus hijacks this pathway to produce ApoE-associated EVs containing viral RNA. This research provides important insights into the role of ApoE in various diseases and the mechanism of cell-to-cell communication.
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Christian Ritter, Roman Thielemann, Ji-Young Lee, Minh Tu Pham, Ralf Bartenschlager, Karl Rohr
Summary: We introduce a software suite, consisting of ColocQuant and ColocJ, for colocalization analysis of spot-like objects in multi-channel fluorescence microscopy images. It provides efficient quantification and intuitive visualization of colocalization in two or three channels, as well as global statistics of particle properties. The software has been successfully applied to analyze live cell fluorescence microscopy image sequences of viral proteins in hepatitis C virus infected cells.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Bingqian Qu, Firat Nebioglu, Mila M. Leuthold, Yi Ni, Pascal Mutz, Juergen Beneke, Holger Erfle, Florian W. R. Vondran, Ralf Bartenschlager, Stephan Urban
Summary: Neddylation pathway plays a crucial role in HBV infection and integration of viral DNA, and blocking this pathway may offer an attractive approach for the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B.
