Characterization of a binding site for the herpes simplex virus type 1 UL9 origin-binding protein within the UL9 gene

The Journal of General Virology
O HammarstenN D Stow

Abstract

Gene UL9 of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encodes a sequence-specific origin-binding protein (OBP) that plays a direct and essential role in viral DNA synthesis. A search of the complete HSV-1 genomic sequence for possible OBP binding sites lying outside the known origins of replication revealed the presence of a very close match to the OBP recognition sequence within the UL9 coding region. The ability of OBP to bind to this site (referred to as the 'UL9 box') was confirmed by DNase I footprinting and gel retardation assays, and filter binding experiments demonstrated that the affinity of OBP for the UL9 box was of the same order as for its high affinity sites within the three replication origins. To investigate whether binding of OBP to the UL9 box played a role during viral replication we constructed a mutant virus in which the sequence was altered in such a way as to preserve the encoded amino acid sequence whilst abolishing the ability of OBP to bind. Growth of the virus was indistinguishable from wild-type and no alterations were observed in the accumulation of transcripts from the UL9 region of the genome. In addition, a DNA fragment containing the UL9 box sequence did not exhibit origin activity in a transient assa...Continue Reading

Citations

Jul 25, 2009·PLoS Computational Biology·Yongping Pan, Ruth Nussinov

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.