The protamine-like DNA-binding protein P6.9 epigenetically up-regulates Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus gene transcription in the late infection phase

Virol Sin. 2012 Feb;27(1):57-68. doi: 10.1007/s12250-012-3229-x. Epub 2012 Jan 22.

Abstract

Protamines are a group of highly basic proteins first discovered in spermatozoon that allow for denser packaging of DNA than histones and will result in down-regulation of gene transcription[1]. It is well recognized that the Autographa californica multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) encodes P6.9, a protamine-like protein that forms the viral subnucleosome through binding to the viral genome[29]. Previous research demonstrates that P6.9 is essential for viral nucleocapsid assembly, while it has no influence on viral genome replication[31]. In the present study, the role of P6.9 in viral gene transcription regulation is characterized. In contrast to protamines or other protamine-like proteins that usually down-regulate gene transcription, P6.9 appears to up-regulate viral gene transcription at 12-24 hours post infection (hpi), whereas it is non-essential for the basal level of viral gene transcription. Fluorescence microscopy reveals the P6.9's co-localization with DNA is temporally and spatially synchronized with P6.9's impact on viral gene transcription, indicating the P6.9-DNA association contributes to transcription regulation. Chromatin fractionation assay further reveals an unexpected co-existence of P6.9 and host RNA polymerase II in the same transcriptionally active chromatin fraction at 24 hpi, which may probably contribute to viral gene transcription up-regulation in the late infection phase.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
  • DNA, Viral / metabolism
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Viral*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / genetics
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / growth & development
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / physiology*
  • Protamines / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Spodoptera
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism*
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Protamines
  • Viral Proteins