Identification of the bZIP and Rta homologues in the genome of rhesus monkey rhadinovirus

Su Fang Lin, Dan R. Robinson, Joe Oh, Jae U. Jung, Paul A. Luciw, Hsing Jien Kung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV) is a γ2-herpesvirus identified from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Serologic studies suggested that the infections of RRV are prevalent among rhesus monkeys. RRV can be efficiently propagated and grows to a high titer in cultured rhesus monkey fibroblasts, thus providing a valuable model to study the rhadinovirus replication. By comparative genomic studies, here we describe the identification of two potential transcriptional factors encoded by RRV, designated as R-Rta and R-bZIP. Initial functional characterization of these products suggested that R-Rta is a potent transcriptional activator and R-bZIP forms homodimers in vivo. Viral homologues of R-Rta and R-bZIP, previously identified from other rhadinoviruses, have been implicated in serving as molecular switches in lytic replication.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-188
Number of pages8
JournalVirology
Volume298
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2002
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • bZIP
  • KSHV
  • Rhesus monkey rhadinovirus
  • RNA splicing
  • RRV
  • Rta

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Virology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Identification of the bZIP and Rta homologues in the genome of rhesus monkey rhadinovirus'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this