title: Vpr-induced DNA double-strand breaks: molecular mechanism and biological relevance.
abstract: We focus on the role of Vpr in inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the host cell. Based on the summarized findings of Vpr-induced DSBs and the finding of Vpr in the plasma of HIV-1-positive patients, we discuss the roles of Vpr in viral infection, especially viral infection of resting macrophages. We also describe the possible involvement of Vpr in non-AIDS-defining cancers, which represent an emerging crisis in HIV-1-positive patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Intractable Diseases, Research Institute, International Medical Center of Japan, Toyama, Shinuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Chikako
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nakai-Murakami
authors.forename: Yuzuru
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Minemoto
authors.forename: Yukihito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ishizaka
mesh_terms: D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism*; D053903:DNA Breaks, Double-Stranded; D006801:Humans; D054325:vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D054325:vpr Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus; C514912:vpr protein, Human immunodeficiency virus 1; D004247:DNA