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. 1995 Jul;69(7):4577–4581. doi: 10.1128/jvi.69.7.4577-4581.1995

The Epstein-Barr virus 3.5-kilobase latent membrane protein 1 mRNA initiates from a TATA-Less promoter within the first terminal repeat.

R H Sadler 1, N Raab-Traub 1
PMCID: PMC189209  PMID: 7769727

Abstract

The complete 5' sequence of the Epstein-Barr virus 3.5-kb latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) mRNA, expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, has been determined. The transcript initiates from heterogeneous start sites within the first terminal repeat (TR) of the viral genome. This region is TATA-less, consistent with heterogeneous starting, but contains multiple GC-rich elements which potentially interact with the Sp1 transcription factor. Expression of the 3.5-kb mRNA was consistently detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma samples and in additional cell types, including a Burkitt's lymphoma. This is the first identification of an Epstein-Barr virus mRNA containing TR sequence and the first report of the ability of the TR to function as a transcriptional promoter.

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Selected References

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