Targeting the retinoblastoma protein by MC007L, gene product of the molluscum contagiosum virus: detection of a novel virus-cell interaction by a member of the poxviruses.

ABSTRACT: The human pathogenic poxvirus molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) is the causative agent of benign neoplasm, with worldwide incidence, characterized by intraepidermal hyperplasia and hypertrophy of cells. Here, we present evidence that the MC007L protein of MCV targets retinoblastoma protein (pRb) via a conserved LxCxE motif, which is present in many viral oncoproteins. The deregulation of the pRb pathway plays a central role in tumor pathogenesis. The oncoproteins of small DNA viruses contain amino acid sequences that bind to and inactivate pRb. Isolated expression of these oncoproteins induces apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cellular transformation. The MC007L gene displays no homology to other genes within the poxvirus family. The protein anchors into the outer mitochondrial membrane v

SUBMITTER: Mohr S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2573180 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature