Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) was found in 100% of Kaposi's sarcoma and many body cavity-based lymphomas. It has been hypothesized that KSHV causes these malignancies. KSHV DNA can persist in a latent episomal form and a linear replicative form. The episomal form has been shown to be maintained by the cellular DNA polymerase. It is hypothesized that the episomal viral DNA is maintained by a specific viral origin of replication (ori P) and a DNA binding protein termed trans-activator which is involved in replication of the viral episome.
Three aims are proposed. The first is to identify ori P of KSHV. The second is to map the initiation site and direction of replication.
The third aim i s to search for the transactivator. This study should lead to better understanding of latency.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01CA075895-04S1
Application #
6327336
Study Section
AIDS and Related Research Study Section 3 (ARRC)
Project Start
1997-08-01
Project End
2002-05-31
Budget Start
2000-06-01
Budget End
2002-05-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$68,440
Indirect Cost
Name
University of South Florida
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
069687242
City
Tampa
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33612