The long term objectives of this research program are to understand the mechanisms by which the replication of herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) is initiated. Specific protein-protein interactions among the proteins engaged in this process are considered as targets for antiviral therapeutics. These studies should also provide insight into the mechanisms by which DNA replication is initiated from more complex eukaryotic chromosomal origins. HSV-1 is the prototype of the herpesviridae family of viruses. These viruses are known to cause a multi of disease in humans. HSV-1 in particular is extremely widespread in the population, and is associated with a number of symptoms that are a result of both primary and recurrent infections. The most prevalent conditions caused by infections with HSV-1 are oro-labial and genital skin lesions. However of much greater significance are encephalitis and blindness that are brought on by HSV-1 infections. Initiation of origin-specific DNA replication involves the targeted destabilization of particular chromosomal elements by a group of proteins that makes the DNA accessible to the DNA synthesis machinery, HSV-1 and single-stranded DNA binding protein (ICP8). The UL9 protein and ICP8 are known to form a tight complex that may function in origin recognition and unwinding. We hypothesize that the interaction between the UL9 protein and ICP8 is an essential part of the initiation process. Accordingly, we propose to further characterize the ICP8-UL9 protein complex. We will also determine the importance of this protein-protein interaction for origin- specific DNA replication. We further hypothesize that efficient activation of the origin of DNA replication involves the action of cellular proteins that assist the viral initiator proteins. Our approach is to identify such proteins by using biochemical and genetic complementation assays to detect specific protein-protein interactions between the viral initiator proteins and potential cellular factors. We propose to examine the importance of such cellular proteins by determining their role in activating the origin of DNA replication in vitro.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
7R01AI038335-03
Application #
2672546
Study Section
Virology Study Section (VR)
Project Start
1996-06-01
Project End
2000-03-31
Budget Start
1998-06-01
Budget End
2000-03-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Miami School of Medicine
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Miami
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33146
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Gourves, A S; Tanguy Le Gac, N; Villani, G et al. (2000) Equilibrium binding of single-stranded DNA with herpes simplex virus type I-coded single-stranded DNA-binding protein, ICP8. J Biol Chem 275:10864-9
Lehman, I R; Boehmer, P E (1999) Replication of herpes simplex virus DNA. J Biol Chem 274:28059-62
Bastide, L; Boehmer, P E; Villani, G et al. (1999) Inhibition of a DNA-helicase by peptide nucleic acids. Nucleic Acids Res 27:551-4
White, E J; Boehmer, P E (1999) Photoaffinity labeling of the herpes simplex virus type-1 single-strand DNA-binding protein (ICP8) with oligodeoxyribonucleotides. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 264:493-7
Boehmer, P E (1998) The herpes simplex virus type-1 single-strand DNA-binding protein, ICP8, increases the processivity of the UL9 protein DNA helicase. J Biol Chem 273:2676-83
Tanguy Le Gac, N; Villani, G; Boehmer, P E (1998) Herpes simplex virus type-1 single-strand DNA-binding protein (ICP8) enhances the ability of the viral DNA helicase-primase to unwind cisplatin-modified DNA. J Biol Chem 273:13801-7
Boehmer, P E; Lehman, I R (1997) Herpes simplex virus DNA replication. Annu Rev Biochem 66:347-84
Tanguy Le Gac, N; Villani, G; Hoffmann, J S et al. (1996) The UL8 subunit of the herpes simplex virus type-1 DNA helicase-primase optimizes utilization of DNA templates covered by the homologous single-strand DNA-binding protein ICP8. J Biol Chem 271:21645-51