Role of A-Type Lamins in Herpesviral DNA Targeting and Heterochromatin Modulation
Author Information
Author(s): Lindsey Silva, Anna Chang, Lynne Knipe, David M. Knipe
Primary Institution: Harvard Medical School
Hypothesis
The nuclear lamina plays a role in HSV transcription and DNA replication through recruitment of viral DNA and assembly of replication compartments.
Conclusion
A-type lamins are required for targeting herpes simplex virus genomic DNA to the nuclear periphery and for reducing heterochromatin on viral immediate-early lytic gene promoters.
Supporting Evidence
- A-type lamins are necessary for preventing assembly or for removal of heterochromatin on HSV immediate-early genes during lytic infection.
- Viral gene expression is reduced in lamin A/C knockout cells, indicating the importance of this protein in the viral replication process.
- Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed increased heterochromatin association with viral promoters in the absence of lamin A/C.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific protein in the cell's nucleus helps the herpes virus use its DNA better, making it easier for the virus to replicate.
Methodology
The study involved examining HSV infection in wild-type and A-type lamin-deficient murine embryonic fibroblasts, using immunofluorescence and chromatin immunoprecipitation techniques.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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