title: Norovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase is phosphorylated by an important survival kinase, Akt.
abstract: Viruses commonly use host cell survival mechanisms to their own advantage. We show that Akt, an important signaling kinase involved in cell survival, phosphorylates the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) from norovirus, the major cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide. The Akt phosphorylation of RdRp appears to be a feature unique to the more prevalent norovirus genotypes such as GII.4 and GII.b. This phosphorylation event occurs at a residue (Thr33) located at the interface where the RdRp finger and thumb domains interact and decreases de novo activity of the polymerase. This finding provides fresh insights into virus-host cell interactions.
authors.affiliation: BABS, School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Biosciences Building D26, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
authors.forename: John-Sebastian
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.forename: Laura J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Sharpe
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D008958:Models, Molecular; D029322:Norovirus / Q000502:physiology*; D051058:Oncogene Protein v-akt / Q000378:metabolism*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013912:Threonine / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D013912:Threonine; D051058:Oncogene Protein v-akt; D012324:RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase