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Updated: Feb 21, 2026

Purification of Viral DNA for the Identification of Associated Viral and Cellular Proteins
Published on: August 31, 2017
Identifying Host Factors Associated with DNA Replicated During Virus Infection
Emigdio D Reyes1,2, Katarzyna Kulej1,2, Neha J Pancholi2,3
1From the ‡Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract:
Viral DNA genomes replicating in cells encounter a myriad of host factors that facilitate or hinder viral replication. Viral proteins expressed early during infection modulate host factors interacting with viral genomes, recruiting proteins to promote viral replication, and limiting access to antiviral repressors. Although some host factors manipulated by viruses have been identified, we have limited knowledge of pathways exploited during infection and how these differ between viruses. To identify cellular processes manipulated during viral replication, we defined proteomes associated with viral genomes during infection with adenovirus, herpes simplex virus and vaccinia virus. We compared enrichment of host factors between virus proteomes and confirmed association with viral genomes and replication compartments. Using adenovirus as an illustrative example, we uncovered host factors deactivated by early viral proteins, and identified a subgroup of nucleolar proteins that aid virus replication. Our data sets provide valuable resources of virus-host interactions that affect proteins on viral genomes.
Insights
Viruses manipulate host factors to replicate. This study identified cellular processes and nucleolar proteins that aid virus replication, offering insights into virus-host interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Viruses rely on host cell machinery for replication.
- Viral proteins interact with host factors to modulate replication.
- Understanding virus-host interactions is crucial for antiviral strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify cellular processes manipulated by viral DNA genomes during replication.
- To compare host factor enrichment across different viral infections.
- To uncover specific host factors, like nucleolar proteins, that support viral replication.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic analysis of viral genomes during infection with adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and vaccinia virus.
- Comparison of host factor enrichment between different viral proteomes.
- Confirmation of host factor association with viral genomes and replication compartments.
Main Results:
- Identified distinct sets of host factors associated with viral genomes during infection.
- Demonstrated that early viral proteins can deactivate specific host factors.
- Uncovered a subgroup of nucleolar proteins that promote adenovirus replication.
Conclusions:
- Viral replication involves extensive manipulation of host cellular processes.
- Nucleolar proteins represent a key resource exploited by viruses for replication.
- The study provides valuable datasets on virus-host interactions at the viral genome level.
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