Identification and characterization of naturally occurring splice variants of SAMHD1.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sterile Alpha Motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) is a recently identified host factor that restricts HIV-1 replication in dendritic and myeloid cells. SAMHD1 is a dNTPase that presumably reduces the cellular dNTP levels to levels too low for retroviral reverse transcription to occur. However, HIV-2 and SIV encoded Vpx counteracts the antiviral effects of SAMHD1 by targeting the protein for proteasomal degradation. SAMHD1 is encoded by a multiply spliced mRNA and consists of 16 coding exons.

Results

Here, we identified two naturally occurring splice variants lacking exons 8-9 and 14, respectively. Like wildtype SAMHD1, both splice variants localize primarily to the nucleus, interact with Vpx, and retain some sensitivity to Vpx-dependent degradation.

SUBMITTER: Welbourn S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3503569 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature