title: Subnuclear localization and phosphorylation of Epstein-Barr virus latent infection nuclear proteins.
abstract: Functions of the six Epstein-Barr virus latent infection nuclear proteins (EBNA-1, -2, -3A, -3B, -3C, or -LP) in maintaining latent infection or cell growth transformation are only partially understood. Using antibodies specific for each EBNA in immunofluorescence microscopy, EBNA-2, -3A, and -3C localized to subnuclear granules which fill much of the nucleus, excluding nucleoli. EBNA-LP localized to a small number of discrete subnuclear particles, also excluding nucleoli. Only EBNA-1 associated with metaphase chromosomes. Concordantly, in biochemical nuclear fractionation studies, EBNA-1 was the major chromatin-associated EBNA. EBNA-1 also differed from the other EBNAs in the extent of its association with the nucleoplasm and in its lack of nuclear matrix association. EBNA-LP, -2, -3A, and -3C were associated with the nuclear matrix, although they were also found in the nucleoplasm and to a lesser extent in the chromatin fractions. Metabolic 32Pi-labeling of cells followed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis showed that EBNA-LP could be resolved into multiple phosphorylated isoforms. EBNA-2 was also phosphorylated and many isoforms were detected by isoelectric focusing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Petti
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sample
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kieff
mesh_terms: D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000276:immunology; D002843:Chromatin / Q000276:immunology; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007399:Interphase; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing; D008677:Metaphase; D015530:Nuclear Matrix / Q000276:immunology; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral; D002843:Chromatin; D019309:Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigens