The Epstein-Barr Virus BRRF1 Gene Is Dispensable for Viral Replication in HEK293 cells and Transformation

Masahiro Yoshida, Takahiro Watanabe, Yohei Narita, Yoshitaka Sato, Fumi Goshima, Hiroshi Kimura, Takayuki Murata

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma-herpesvirus associated with several malignancies. It establishes a latent infection in B lymphocytes and is occasionally reactivated to enter the lytic cycle. Here we examined the role of the EBV gene BRRF1, which is expressed in the lytic state. We first confirmed, using a DNA polymerase inhibitor, that the BRRF1 gene is expressed with early kinetics. A BRRF1-deficient recombinant virus was constructed using a bacterial artificial chromosome system. No obvious differences were observed between the wild-type, BRRF1-deficient mutant and the revertant virus in HEK293 cells in terms of viral lytic protein expression, viral DNA synthesis, progeny production, pre-latent abortive lytic gene expression and transformation of primary B cells. However, reporter assays indicated that BRRF1 may activate transcription in promoter-A nd cell type-dependent manners. Taken together, BRRF1 is dispensable for viral replication in HEK293 cells and transformation of B cells, but it may have effects on transcription.

Original languageEnglish
Article number6044
JournalScientific reports
Volume7
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-12-2017
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General

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