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Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
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Herpesvirus DNA polymerases: Structures, functions and inhibitors
Karima Zarrouk1, Jocelyne Piret1, Guy Boivin1
1Research Center in Infectious Diseases, CHU de Québec and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Virus Research
|February 4, 2017
Summary
Human herpesviruses, like HSV and HCMV, utilize viral DNA polymerases for replication. These enzymes are key targets for antiviral drugs, but resistance can emerge due to mutations.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Human herpesviruses establish lifelong latency and can reactivate, causing diseases, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Viral DNA polymerase is crucial for the lytic phase of herpesvirus infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structures and functions of DNA polymerases from herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).
- To explore the implications of viral DNA polymerase structure and function for antiviral drug development and resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of homologous regions (I-VII, δ-region C) between HSV (UL30) and HCMV (UL54) DNA polymerases.
- Review of structural analyses of bacteriophage RB69 DNA polymerase in various conformations.
- Examination of the role of processivity factors (UL42, UL44) in viral DNA polymerase function.
Main Results:
- HSV and HCMV DNA polymerases are multi-functional enzymes with polymerase, 3'-5' exonuclease, and ribonuclease H activities.
- Structural studies elucidate polymerization mechanisms, revealing enzyme conformations with DNA and nucleotides.
- Viral DNA polymerases are the primary targets for current antiviral therapies against HSV and HCMV.
Conclusions:
- Understanding viral DNA polymerase structure-function is vital for developing effective antiviral strategies.
- Emergence of drug resistance due to mutations in viral DNA polymerases necessitates ongoing research into novel therapeutic approaches.
Keywords:
Antiviral agentsAntiviral drug resistanceDNA polymeraseDNA replicationFunctionsHerpesvirusesStructureMore Related Videos
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