A transcription factor with homology to the AP-1 family links RNA transcription and DNA replication in the lytic cycle of Epstein-Barr virus.
oriLyt, the lytic origin of DNA replication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), ensures viral DNA amplification during the productive or lytic phase of the virus' life cycle. To understand the contribution of cis- and transacting elements involved in DNA replication of oriLyt, a detailed mutational analysis was undertaken which defined BZLF1, a viral transcriptional activator, as an essential replication factor. The BZLF1 protein belongs to the extended fos/jun family of transcription factors and binds to specific BZLF1 binding motifs within oriLyt, as well as to consensus AP-1 sites. Recombinant, chimeric transcription factors identified the transcriptional activation domain of BZLF1 as being necessary to mediate DNA replication, a function which could not be substituted by any other transcription factor tested, including jun, E2, myc or VP16.
Schepers
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Institut für Klinische Molekularbiologie und Tumorgenetik, GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit, München, Germany.
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Hammerschmidt
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D001665:Binding Sites; D002460:Cell Line; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D004261:DNA Replication; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun / Q000378:metabolism*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017385:Sequence Homology; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
C063676:BZLF1 protein, Herpesvirus 4, Human; D004279:DNA, Viral; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D016755:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-jun; D012367:RNA, Viral; D015534:Trans-Activators; D014764:Viral Proteins