Herpes simplex virus encodes a virion-associated protein which promotes long cellular processes in over-expressing cells

H. Takakuwa, F. Goshima, T. Koshizuka, T. Murata, T. Daikoku, Y. Nishiyama

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) possesses a number of accessory genes which are dispensable for replication in cell culture. A previous study showed that the UL21 gene product of HSV type 1 is a virion component that is not necessary for viral replication. The function of the gene product remains unknown. Results: We found that the HSV-1 UL21 gene product, a capsid-associated tegument protein with an apparent molecular mass of 62 kDa, promotes the outgrowth of long cellular processes when it is over-expressed in non-neural cells. The UL21 protein co-localizes and physically associates with microtubules in the long processes. Analysis using mutant proteins implicates a proline-rich region in promotion of the processes. Conclusions: The results suggest that the UL21 protein, like tau and other MAPs, promotes the process by directly or indirectly interacting with microtubules and facilitates the intracellular transport of the virus.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)955-966
Number of pages12
JournalGenes to Cells
Volume6
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

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