The Epstein-Barr virus BMRF1 gene is essential for lytic virus replication.
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BMRF1 protein is a DNA polymerase processivity factor. We have deleted the BMRF1 open reading frame from the EBV genome and assessed the DeltaBMRF1 EBV phenotype. DeltaBMRF1 viruses were replication deficient, but the wild-type phenotype could be restored by BMRF1 trans-complementation. The replication-deficient phenotype included impaired lytic DNA replication and late protein expression. DeltaBMRF1 and wild-type viruses were undistinguishable in terms of their ability to transform primary B cells. Our results provide genetic evidence that BMRF1 is essential for lytic replication of the EBV genome.
Neuhierl
Bernhard
B
German Cancer Research Center, Department of Virus Associated Tumours, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Delecluse
Henri-Jacques
HJ
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000235:genetics; D017353:Gene Deletion; D016679:Genome, Viral; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000235:genetics*
D000956:Antigens, Viral; C083204:Epstein-Barr virus early antigen diffuse component