title: Consideration of Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Noncoding RNAs EBER1 and EBER2 as a Functional Backup of Viral Oncoprotein Latent Membrane Protein 1.
abstract: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded noncoding RNAs EBER1 and EBER2 are highly abundant through all four latency stages of EBV infection (III-II-I-0) and have been associated with an oncogenic phenotype when expressed in cell lines cultured in vitro. In vivo, EBV-infected B cells derived from freshly isolated lymphocytes show that EBER1/2 deletion does not impair viral latency. Based on published quantitative proteomics data from BJAB cells expressing EBER1 and EBER2, we propose that the EBERs, through their activation of AKT in a B-cell-specific manner, are a functionally redundant backup of latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)-an essential oncoprotein in EBV-associated malignancies, with a main role in AKT activation. Our proposed model may explain the lack of effect on viral latency establishment in EBER-minus EBV infection.
authors.affiliation: Experimental Microbiology Department, Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.
authors.forename: Kristina M
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5288-3381
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Herbert
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Innovation Department, Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico pimienta@cicese.mx.
authors.forename: Genaro
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7408-2171
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pimienta
mesh_terms: D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000502:physiology*; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D008954:Models, Biological; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000378:metabolism*; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism*; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism*; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins
chemical_list: C037662:EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus; C099537:Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA 1; C106732:Epstein-Barr virus encoded RNA 2; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral; D014763:Viral Matrix Proteins; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt