A Dynein Light Chain 1 Binding Motif in Rabies Virus Polymerase L Protein Plays a Role in Microtubule Reorganization and Viral Primary Transcription

Rabies virus (RABV) polymerase L together with phosphoprotein P forms the PL polymerase complex that is essential for replication and transcription. However, its exact mechanism of action, interactions with cellular factors, and intracellular distribution are yet to be understood. Here by imaging a fluorescently tagged polymerase (mCherry-RABV-L), we show that L accumulates at acetylated and reorganized microtubules (MT). In silico analysis revealed a dynein light chain 1 (DLC1) binding motif in L that could mediate MT binding through dynein motors. As DLC1 binding by polymerase cofactor P is known, we compared the impact of the DLC1-binding motifs in P and L. Viruses with mutations in the respective motifs revealed that both motifs are required for efficient primary transcription, indicating that DLC1 acts as a transcription enhancer by binding to both P and L. Notably, also the levels of cellular DLC1 protein were regulated by both motifs, suggesting regulation of the DLC1 gene expression by both P and L. Finally, disruption of the motif in L resulted in a cell-type-specific loss of MT localization, demonstrating that DLC1 is involved in L-mediated cytoskeleton reorganization. Overall, we conclude that DLC1 acts as a transcription factor that stimulates primary RABV transcription by binding to both P and L. We further conclude that L influences MT organization and posttranslational modification, suggesting a model in which MT manipulation by L contributes to efficient intracellular transport of virus components and thus may serve as an important step in virus replication. IMPORTANCE Regulation of rabies virus polymerase complex by viral and cellular factors thus far has not been fully understood. Although cellular dynein light chain 1 (DLC1) has been reported to increase primary transcription by binding to polymerase cofactor phosphoprotein P, the detailed mechanism is unknown, and it is also not known whether the large enzymatic polymerase subunit L is involved. By fluorescence microscopy analysis of fluorescence-tagged rabies virus L, in silico identification of a potential DLC1 binding site in L, and characterization of recombinant rabies virus mutants, we show that a DLC1 binding motif in L is involved in cytoskeleton localization and reorganization, primary transcription regulation by DLC1, and regulation of cellular DLC1 gene expression. By providing evidence for a direct contribution of a DLC1 binding motif in L, our data significantly increase the understanding of rabies virus polymerase regulation and host manipulation by the virus as well.