HIV-1 Nef co-localizes with the astrocyte-specific cytoskeleton protein GFAP in persistently nef-expressing human astrocytes

J Neurovirol. 2001 Feb;7(1):52-5. doi: 10.1080/135502801300069674.

Abstract

In T-cells HIV-1 Nef exerts various functions and interacts with actin. In astrocytes interaction of Nef with cellular proteins is poorly understood. Therefore, human astrocytic cell clones stably transfected with nef-genes derived from HIV-1 Bru and its myristoylation-defective TH-variant were investigated by confocal laser scanning microscopy for expression of Nef and cytoskeleton proteins actin and GFAP, a marker for activated astrocytes. Myristoylated Nef was detected in cytoplasm, Golgi and plasmamembrane, while non-myristoylated Nef was exclusively cytoplasmic. Nef co-localised with GFAP in the perinuclear region of astrocytes. In contrast, Nef did not interact with actin filaments in human astrocytes. Nef/GFAP interaction could contribute to changes in morphology and activation state of astrocytes shown previously which are both critical for development of astrogliosis in HIV-1 infected brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actins / analysis
  • Actins / biosynthesis
  • Astrocytes / cytology
  • Astrocytes / metabolism*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cytoplasm / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Products, nef / analysis
  • Gene Products, nef / genetics
  • Gene Products, nef / metabolism*
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / analysis
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism*
  • Golgi Apparatus / metabolism
  • HIV-1* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Myristic Acids / metabolism
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Substances

  • Actins
  • Gene Products, nef
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • Myristic Acids
  • nef Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus