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Unexpected structure of Epstein-Barr virus lytic cycle activator Zta.

Sinclair AJ

School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK. A.J.Sinclair@sussex.ac.uk

The key viral gene responsible for initiating the replicative cycle of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), termed BZLF1, encodes the multifunctional protein Zta (ZEBRA or Z). It interacts with DNA as both a transcription and a replication factor, modulates both intracellular signal transduction and the DNA-damage response and manipulates cell cycle progression. Muller and colleagues have resolved the structure of Zta bound to DNA, which confirms some structural predictions but reveals an unexpected twist and a complex dimerization interface. Because EBV is associated with human disease, Zta presents a prime target for drug design.

Published 4 July 2006 in Trends Microbiol, 14(7): 289-91.
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