Structural highlights
Function
EBNA1_EBVB9 Plays an essential role in replication and partitioning of viral genomic DNA during latent viral infection. During this phase, the circular double-stranded viral DNA undergoes replication once per cell cycle and is efficiently partitioned to the daughter cells. EBNA1 activates the initiation of viral DNA replication through binding to specific sites in the viral latent origin of replication, oriP. Additionally, it governs the segregation of viral episomes by mediating their attachment to host cell metaphase chromosomes. Also activates the transcription of several viral latency genes. Finally, it can counteract the stabilization of host p53/TP53 by host USP7, thereby decreasing apoptosis and increasing host cell survival.[1]
Publication Abstract from PubMed
The human gamma-herpesviruses Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (HHV-4) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) (HHV-8) are responsible for a number of diseases, including various types of cancer. Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) from EBV and latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) from KSHV are viral-encoded DNA-binding proteins that are essential for the replication and maintenance of their respective viral genomes during latent, oncogenic infection. As such, EBNA1 and LANA are attractive targets for the development of small-molecule inhibitors. To this end, we performed a biophysical screen of EBNA1 and LANA using a fragment library by saturation transfer difference (STD)-NMR spectroscopy and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). We identified and validated a number of unique fragment hits that bind to EBNA1 or LANA. We also determined the high-resolution crystal structure of one fragment bound to EBNA1. Results from this screening cascade provide new chemical starting points for the further development of potent inhibitors for this class of viral proteins.
Biophysical Screens Identify Fragments That Bind to the Viral DNA-Binding Proteins EBNA1 and LANA.,Messick TE, Tolvinski L, Zartler ER, Moberg A, Frostell A, Smith GR, Reitz AB, Lieberman PM Molecules. 2020 Apr 10;25(7). pii: molecules25071760. doi:, 10.3390/molecules25071760. PMID:32290261[2]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Saridakis V, Sheng Y, Sarkari F, Holowaty MN, Shire K, Nguyen T, Zhang RG, Liao J, Lee W, Edwards AM, Arrowsmith CH, Frappier L. Structure of the p53 binding domain of HAUSP/USP7 bound to Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 implications for EBV-mediated immortalization. Mol Cell. 2005 Apr 1;18(1):25-36. PMID:15808506 doi:10.1016/j.molcel.2005.02.029
- ↑ Messick TE, Tolvinski L, Zartler ER, Moberg A, Frostell Å, Smith GR, Reitz AB, Lieberman PM. Biophysical Screens Identify Fragments That Bind to the Viral DNA-Binding Proteins EBNA1 and LANA. Molecules. 2020 Apr 10;25(7):1760. PMID:32290261 doi:10.3390/molecules25071760
