Cytomegalovirus Late Transcription Factor Target Sequence Diversity Orchestrates Viral Early to Late Transcription

ABSTRACT: Herpesviruses have a group of genes earmarked for expression late in the infection. Beta- and gammaherpesviruses utilize a six-member set of viral late transcription factors to selectively activate these genes by binding to a DNA sequence signature in gene promoters. We made an unexpected discovery that differences in sequence signature configures the late gene expression program for human cytomegalovirus, a beta-herpesvirus of global public health importance. Diversity in signature patterns expands promoter targets and pre-sets amount of individual promoter output. A unique palindromic sequence signature is linked to the activation of back-to-back promoters at multiple locations in the viral genome. We deduce that diversity in late transcription factor targets functionally orchestrates the productive rollout of the late-stage infection. This may be a generalizable feature adopted by beta- and gammaherpesvirus subfamilies.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE168165 | GEO | 2021/07/01

REPOSITORIES: GEO