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An enhancer of recombination in polyomavirus DNA
D Gendron1, L Delbecchi, D Bourgaux-Ramoisy
1Department of Microbiology, The Medical School, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
Journal of Virology
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Polyomavirus (Py) DNA has three transcription factor YY1 binding sites, with one (Y3) adjacent to a recombination hot spot. Altering Y3 impacts recombination, suggesting YY1 binding influences viral DNA repair.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Intramolecular homologous recombination in polyomavirus (Py) DNA is linked to promoter activity.
- The transcription factor Yin-Yang 1 (YY1) plays a role in viral DNA replication and recombination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of transcription factor YY1 binding sites in polyomavirus DNA recombination.
- To identify and characterize additional YY1 binding sites within the Py genome.
Main Methods:
- Site-directed mutagenesis to alter YY1 binding sites.
- Analysis of Py replicons to assess recombination frequencies in vivo.
- In vitro binding assays to confirm YY1 interaction with DNA sites.
Main Results:
- Identified three YY1 binding sites on Py DNA, with the third site (Y3) located within the VP1 coding sequence and near a recombination hot spot (S1/S2).
- Mutations in the Y3 site reduced recombination hot spot activity in vivo.
- Specific reciprocal recombination products were differentially affected by Y3 site mutations.
Conclusions:
- The Y3 binding site for YY1 influences polyomavirus DNA recombination.
- Recombination likely occurs in transcriptionally active viral chromatin associated with the nuclear matrix via YY1.