| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3428581 | Virus Research | 2013 | 10 Pages |
BARF1 gene encoded by Epstein–Barr virus is capable of immortalizing the primary monkey epithelial cells and of inducing malignant transformation in human EBV-negative B cell lines as well as rodent fibroblast. This oncoprotein is a secreted protein capable of acting as a powerful mitogen. We have studied the effect of BARF1 protein in transfected or BARF1 protein treated human HaCaT epithelial cells. In BARF1-transfected cells, cell growth was activated and its protein was found both in culture medium and cellular compartment (membrane, cytoplasm and nuclei). When purified BARF1 protein was exogenously added in the cell culture medium of HaCaT cells in absence of fetal calf serum led to its entrance into cells and its intracellular localization in cytoplasm, nuclear periphery and nuclei at 14 h treatment, determined by confocal and immunoelectron microscopy. Cell fractionation confirmed its nuclear localization. Nuclear localization was observed in both systems. More interestingly, purified BARF1 protein p29 exogenously added in the cell culture medium activated cell passage of G1 to S phase. S phase activation by its autocrine activity and its tumorigenic activity would be associated with the development of EBV-associated carcinomas.
► We examine the effect of EBV BARF1 oncoprotein added in cell culture. ► BARF1 oncoprotein was transported to nuclei and activates S phase of cell cycle. ► BARF1-treated or -transfected cells grow more rapidly than negative control cells. ► Possible implication of BARF1 oncoprotein in EBV-related epithelial cancers.
