Epstein-Barr Virus miR-BHRF1-3 Targets the BZLF1 3'UTR and Regulates the Lytic Cycle.

ABSTRACT: Suppression of lytic viral gene expression is a key aspect of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) life cycle to facilitate the establishment of latent infection. Molecular mechanisms regulating transitions between EBV lytic replication and latency are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the impact of viral microRNAs on the EBV lytic cycle. Through functional assays, we found that miR-BHRF1-3 attenuates EBV lytic gene expression following reactivation. To understand the miRNA targets contributing to this activity, we performed Ago PAR-CLIP analysis on EBV-positive, reactivated Burkitt's lymphoma cells and identified multiple miR-BHRF1-3 interactions with viral transcripts. Using luciferase reporter assays, we confirmed a miRNA interaction site within the 3'UTR of BZLF1 which encodes the es

SUBMITTER: Fachko DN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8865410 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature