ROLE OF VP16 AND OCT-1 IN HSV-1 LATENCY

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spg Hbr NY

Investigators

Abstract

Viruses provide important tools for studying diverse biological processes. The Herr laboratory has focused on understanding the molecular interactions involved in herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) immediate-early gene transcription. Specifically, we have focused on understanding the interaction of the viral transactivator, VP16, with two cellular factors, Oct-1 and HCF. The goal of this proposal is to understand the mechanisms involved in the establishment, maintenance, and reactivation from latency. In this project, I will compare Oct-1 from various species to determine the conservation of Oct-1 residues important for interaction with VP16. I will also determine how sequence variation in murine Oct-1 affects interaction with VP16. Finally, I will test if the interaction between Oct-1 and VP16 is important for the viral lifecycle in a mouse model system.