Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuronal restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) can regulate HSV-1 immediate-early transcription via histone modification
2007
How REST/NRSF Regulates HSV-1 Gene Expression
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Pinnoji Rajeswara C, Bedadala Gautam R, George Beena, Holland Thomas C, Hill James M, Hsia Shao-chung V
Primary Institution: The University of Louisiana at Monroe
Hypothesis
Neuronal factors repress HSV-1 gene expression during latency.
Conclusion
REST/NRSF plays a crucial role in silencing HSV-1 gene expression during latency by targeting the ICP4 promoter.
Supporting Evidence
- REST/NRSF inhibited the activity of both ICP4 and ICP22 promoters in transient transfections.
- ChIP assays showed that CoREST was recruited to the ICP4 promoter in the presence of REST/NRSF.
- Histone deacetylase inhibitor TSA reversed REST/NRSF inhibition of the ICP4 promoter.
Takeaway
This study shows that a protein called REST/NRSF helps keep the herpes virus quiet in nerve cells, which is important for the virus to stay hidden in the body.
Methodology
The study used transient and stable transfection assays to analyze the effects of REST/NRSF on HSV-1 promoter activity.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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