Role of homodimerization of human cytomegalovirus DNA polymerase accessory protein UL44 in origin-dependent DNA replication in cells

J Virol. 2008 Dec;82(24):12574-9. doi: 10.1128/JVI.01193-08. Epub 2008 Oct 8.

Abstract

The presumed processivity subunit of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA polymerase, UL44, forms homodimers. The dimerization of UL44 is important for binding to DNA in vitro; however, whether it is also important for DNA replication in a cellular context is unknown. Here we show that UL44 point mutants that are impaired for dimerization, but not for nuclear localization or interaction with the C terminus of the polymerase catalytic subunit, are not capable of supporting HCMV oriLyt-dependent DNA replication in cells. These data suggest that the disruption of UL44 homodimers could represent a novel anti-HCMV strategy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COS Cells
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • Cytomegalovirus / genetics*
  • Cytomegalovirus / metabolism*
  • DNA Replication / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Dimerization
  • Humans
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / genetics
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • ICP36 protein, Cytomegalovirus
  • Viral Proteins