A Lytic Viral Long Non-coding RNA Modulates the Function of a Latent Protein

Latent Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) episomes are coated with viral latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). In contrast, LANA rapidly disassociates from episomes during reactivation. Lytic KSHV expresses polyadenylated nuclear RNA (PAN RNA), a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). We report that PAN RNA promotes LANA-episomal disassociation through an interaction with LANA which facilitates LANA sequestration away from KSHV episomes during reactivation. These findings suggest that KSHV may have evolved an “RNA aptamer” to regulate latent protein function.

  • Campbell M, Kim KY, Chang PC, Huerta S, Shevchenko B, Wang DH, Izumiya C, Kung HJ, Izumiya Y. (2013) A Lytic Viral Long Non-coding RNA Modulates the Function of a Latent Protein. J Virol [Epub ahead of print]. [abstract]

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