New insight into the phosphorylation-regulated intranuclear localization of human cytomegalovirus pUL69 mediated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and viral CDK orthologue pUL97

J Gen Virol. 2016 Jan;97(1):144-151. doi: 10.1099/jgv.0.000337. Epub 2015 Nov 6.

Abstract

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are multifaceted regulators involved in the replication of human cytomegalovirus. Recently, we demonstrated an interaction of CDK9-cyclin T1 as well as viral CDK orthologue pUL97 with the viral regulator pUL69, thereby leading to pUL69-activating phosphorylation. Here, we demonstrate that colocalization and direct pUL69-cyclin T1 interaction is independent of viral strains and host cell types. In vitro phosphorylation of pUL69 by CDK9 or pUL97 did not occur in a single site-specific manner, but at multiple sites. The previously described fine-speckled nuclear aggregation of pUL69 was assigned to the late phase of viral replication. CDK inhibitors, including a novel inhibitor of the CDK-activating kinase CDK7, massively intensified this fine-speckled accumulation. Interestingly, we also observed spontaneous pUL69 accumulation in the absence of inhibitors at a lower frequency. These findings provide new insight into pUL69 kinase interregulation and emphasize the importance of pUL69 phosphorylation for correct intranuclear localization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Cytomegalovirus / physiology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Phosphorylation
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / metabolism*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Protein Transport
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*

Substances

  • Trans-Activators
  • pUL69 protein, Human herpesvirus 5
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)
  • ganciclovir kinase
  • CDK9 protein, human
  • Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9