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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:26
Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
Viral-encoded enzymes that target host chromatin functions
1Department of Structural and Chemical Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York University, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|September 1, 2009
Summary
Viruses manipulate host cell chromatin through viral enzymes that modify histones. This viral strategy impacts gene expression and host-pathogen interactions, showcasing an evolving arms race.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Viruses and host cells engage in a continuous evolutionary arms race.
- Host cells employ strategies to suppress viral gene expression.
- Viruses have evolved to exploit host chromatin for gene regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore how viruses utilize host chromatin components.
- To highlight viral enzymes that modify host chromatin structure.
- To understand viral manipulation of host epigenetic machinery.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on viral chromatin interactions.
- Analysis of viral enzymes affecting histone modifications.
- Examination of viral strategies mimicking host epigenetic regulators.
Main Results:
- Viruses encode enzymes that post-translationally modify histones and other chromatin proteins.
- Paramecium bursaria chlorella virus 1's vSET methylates histone H3, silencing Polycomb target genes.
- Epstein-Barr virus's BGLF4 affects condensin and topoisomerase II; Herpes Simplex virus 1's Us3 inhibits HDAC1.
Conclusions:
- Viral enzymes are key players in manipulating host chromatin.
- Viruses actively reprogram host epigenetic landscapes for their benefit.
- Understanding these viral mechanisms is crucial for antiviral strategies.
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