Activation of E2F-dependent transcription by the mouse cytomegalovirus M117 protein affects the viral host range.

ABSTRACT: Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) have a highly restricted host range as they replicate only in cells of their own or closely related species. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying the CMV host restriction remain poorly understood. However, it has been shown that mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV) can be adapted to human cells and that adaptation goes along with adaptive mutations in several viral genes. In this study, we identify MCMV M117 as a novel host range determinant. Mutations in this gene enable the virus to cross the species barrier and replicate in human RPE-1 cells. We show that the M117 protein is expressed with early kinetics, localizes to viral replication compartments, and contributes to the inhibition of cellular DNA synthesis. Mechanistically, M117 interacts with members of the E

SUBMITTER: Ostermann E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6301716 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature