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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods
Published on: December 21, 2019
Functionally distinct monomers and trimers produced by a viral oncoprotein
S-H Chung1, R S Weiss, K K Frese
1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
While the process of homo-oligomer formation and disassembly into subunits represents a common strategy to regulate protein activity, reports of proteins in which the subunit and homo-oligomer perform independent functions are scarce. Tumorigenesis induced by the adenovirus E4-ORF1 oncoprotein depends on its binding to a select group of cellular PDZ proteins, including MUPP1, MAGI-1, ZO-2 and Dlg1. We report here that in cells E4-ORF1 exists as both a monomer and trimer and that monomers specifically bind and sequester MUPP1, MAGI-1 and ZO-2 within insoluble complexes whereas trimers specifically bind Dlg1 and promote its translocation to the plasma membrane. This work exposes a novel strategy wherein the oligomerization state of a protein not only determines the capacity to bind separate related targets but also couples the interactions to different functional consequences.
Insights
Adenovirus E4-ORF1 oncoprotein monomers and trimers bind different proteins, leading to distinct cellular functions. This oligomerization-dependent mechanism offers a novel strategy for protein regulation in tumorigenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Virology
- Cellular biology
Background:
- Protein oligomerization is a key mechanism for regulating protein activity.
- Independent functions of protein subunits and oligomers are rarely reported.
- Adenovirus E4-ORF1 oncoprotein drives tumorigenesis by interacting with cellular PDZ proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional roles of adenovirus E4-ORF1 oncoprotein in its monomeric and trimeric states.
- To identify the specific cellular PDZ proteins that interact with each oligomeric state.
- To elucidate the functional consequences of these distinct interactions.
Main Methods:
- Cellular expression and analysis of adenovirus E4-ORF1 oncoprotein.
- Co-immunoprecipitation assays to identify binding partners.
- Confocal microscopy to assess protein localization.
Main Results:
- Adenovirus E4-ORF1 exists as both monomers and trimers within cells.
- E4-ORF1 monomers sequester MUPP1, MAGI-1, and ZO-2 into insoluble complexes.
- E4-ORF1 trimers bind Dlg1 and promote its plasma membrane translocation.
Conclusions:
- The oligomerization state of E4-ORF1 dictates its binding to distinct PDZ proteins.
- This oligomerization-dependent binding leads to separate functional outcomes.
- This represents a novel mechanism for regulating protein function and cellular processes.
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