Activation of T-Cell-Factor-Dependent Transcription by Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Replication Transactivation Activator

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<abstitle>Abstract</abstitle><P><I>Objective:</I> To elucidate the cellular function of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replication transactivation activator (RTA) at the transcriptional level. <I>Methods:</I> Transcriptional activation of T-cell-factor (TCF)-dependent genes by RTA was determined using the luciferase reporter assay. The specific regions of RTA required for the activation of TCF-dependent transcription and association with β-catenin were established. <I>Results:</I> RTA specifically activated TCF-dependent transcription in a dose-dependent manner, to an extent comparable to the activation achieved by latency-associated nuclear antigen. In contrast, other KSHV viral proteins investigated, such as basic leucine zipper and viral interferon regulatory factor 1, did not affect TCF-dependent transcription. The C-terminal region of RTA appeared to be necessary for transcription. However, RTA did not affect the β-catenin level or the subcellular localization thereof. <I>Conclusion:</I> Our results collectively demonstrate that KSHV RTA activates TCF-dependent transcription without involving the β-catenin pathway.</P><P>Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>