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Herpes simplex virus IE63 acts at the posttranscriptional level to stimulate viral mRNA 3' processing
J McLauchlan1, A Phelan, C Loney
1Medical Research Council Virology Unit, University of Glasgow, Scotland.
Abstract:
We have shown previously that a novel herpes simplex virus-induced activity, LPF, selectively increases RNA 3'-end processing at the poly(A) site of a late virus gene (J. McLauchlan, S. Simpson, and J. B. Clements, Cell 59:1093-1105, 1989). Here, our in vivo and in vitro analyses both demonstrate that LPF is induced during early stages of virus infection. Studies of virus mutants indicate that expression of the immediate-early IE63 gene is required for induction of this activity. The selective effects on 3' processing displayed in the presence of IE63 provide direct evidence that IE63 can influence this posttranscription process. This extends previous studies which reported increases in reporter gene activity with certain poly(A) sites by IE63 (R. M. Sandri-Goldin and G. E. Mendoza, Genes Dev. 6:848-863, 1992).
Insights
Herpes simplex virus activity LPF enhances RNA processing. The immediate-early IE63 gene is essential for inducing this LPF activity during early infection stages.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Gene Regulation
Background:
- A novel herpes simplex virus-induced activity, LPF, was previously shown to selectively increase RNA 3'-end processing at the poly(A) site of a late virus gene.
- This processing is a critical step in gene expression regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the induction timing of LPF activity during herpes simplex virus infection.
- To determine the role of specific viral genes in LPF induction.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which IE63 influences RNA processing.
Main Methods:
- In vivo and in vitro analyses of herpes simplex virus-infected cells.
- Studies utilizing virus mutants to assess gene expression requirements.
- Examination of RNA 3'-end processing and poly(A) site selection.
Main Results:
- LPF activity is induced during the early stages of herpes simplex virus infection.
- Expression of the immediate-early IE63 gene is required for LPF induction.
- IE63 directly influences RNA 3'-end processing, affecting poly(A) site selection.
Conclusions:
- The immediate-early IE63 gene plays a crucial role in regulating RNA processing during herpes simplex virus infection.
- IE63's ability to influence post-transcriptional processing is demonstrated, expanding knowledge of viral gene regulation.