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Polyomavirus large T can support DNA replication in human cells
F Sverdrup1, B S Schaffhausen, E J Androphy
1Department of Dermatology, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Virology
|February 4, 1998
Summary
Polyomavirus (Py) DNA replication is possible in human cells, contrary to previous beliefs. The study shows Py large T-antigen (LT) enables Py DNA replication in human cells by interacting with human polymerase alpha-primase.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human cells were historically considered nonpermissive to polyomavirus (Py) DNA replication.
- Polyomavirus large T-antigen (LT) is crucial for viral DNA replication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the permissiveness of human cells for Py DNA replication.
- To elucidate the role of Py LT in supporting Py DNA replication in human cells.
Main Methods:
- Transient transfection assays were performed in human cell lines (293 and C-33A).
- Replication of a Py origin-containing plasmid was analyzed in the presence of Py LT.
Main Results:
- Py LT supported the replication of a Py origin-containing plasmid in two human cell lines.
- Replication was specific for the Py origin and required enhancer sequences and critical phosphorylation sites within LT.
- Py replication efficiency was comparable to papillomavirus E1/E2-activated replication.
Conclusions:
- Human cells can support Py DNA replication under specific conditions.
- Py LT must functionally interact with human polymerase alpha-primase to facilitate Py DNA replication in certain cellular environments.