Two small RNAs encoded by Epstein-Barr virus can functionally substitute for the virus-associated RNAs in the lytic growth of adenovirus 5.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Adenovirus (Ad) serotypes 2 and 5 synthesize large amounts of 2 low MW RNA designated virus-associated (VA) 1 and 2. Recently, genetic and biochemical approaches have been used to show that Ad2 VA1 RNA is required for efficient translation of viral mRNA produced at late times after infection. Primate cells harboring the Epstein-Barr virus genome (EBV) synthesize large amounts of 2 low MW RNA: EBER1 and EBER2. Striking similarities of gene organization have been noted between the genes coding for Ad5 VA RNA and the EBV EBER. To examine whether the EBER can functionally substitute for the VA RNA for the lytic growth of Ad5, an Ad5 substitution mutant was constructed in which the 2 VA RNA genes were deleted and replaced by an EBV DNA segment coding for the 2 EBER. The resulting Ad5 mutant synthesizes large amounts of the EBER and is viable. Thus, 2 small RNA of EBV origin, having primary and secondary structures different from those of the VA RNA, can functionally substitute for the VA RNA in the lytic growth of Ad5. These results are discussed in the context of mechanism of function of the VA RNA.