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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins

Published on: August 31, 2017

Herpes simplex virus eliminates host mitochondrial DNA.

Holly A Saffran¹, Justin M Pare, Jennifer A Corcoran

¹Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

|December 23, 2006

Summary

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) rapidly degrades host mitochondrial DNA during infection. A specific viral protein, UL12.5, localizes to mitochondria and causes this DNA depletion, contributing to cell damage.

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Last Updated: Jul 18, 2026

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Published on: January 23, 2014

Area of Science:

Cell biology
Virology
Genetics

Background:

Mitochondria are vital for cellular life, death, and antiviral responses.
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common human pathogen impacting host cells.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the effect of HSV infection on host mitochondrial DNA.
To identify the viral mechanisms responsible for mitochondrial DNA alterations during HSV infection.

Main Methods:

Studying productive infection of cultured mammalian cells with HSV.
Analyzing the role of the viral UL12 gene and its isoforms in mitochondrial DNA degradation.
Utilizing microscopy to determine protein localization (UL12 and UL12.5).

Main Results:

HSV infection causes rapid and complete degradation of host mitochondrial DNA.
The viral UL12 gene is essential for mitochondrial DNA depletion.
A specific isoform, UL12.5, localizes to mitochondria and induces DNA depletion independently of other viral factors.
Full-length UL12, a nuclear protein, does not significantly affect mitochondrial DNA levels.

Conclusions:

HSV inflicts significant genetic damage on host mitochondria.
The UL12.5 protein mediates a novel mechanism of virus-induced host mitochondrial DNA shutoff.
This process likely contributes to HSV-induced cell death and tissue pathology.