Comparative analysis of the Epstein-Barr virus encoded nuclear proteins of EBNA-3 family

Comput Biol Med. 2009 Nov;39(11):1036-42. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2009.08.006. Epub 2009 Sep 16.

Abstract

It is known that the EBNA-3 family proteins (EBNA-3, -4 and -6, alternative nomenclature EBNA-3A, B and C correspondingly) show a limited sequence similarity. We have analyzed EBNA-3 proteins both at the primary sequence and secondary structure levels. EBNA-3 and EBNA-4 were structurally more similar compared to other combinations with EBNA-6. We found "Stonin Homology Domain" profile in EBNA-4 and "Proline Rich Domain" in all EBNA-3 family of proteins. We have also found positive and negative charge clusters in all three proteins and mixed charge clusters in EBNA-3. Charged clusters are believed to play an important role in interactions with DNA or signaling proteins. Additionally, unique primary sequence repeats were found in all three proteins.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / chemistry*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
  • Viral Proteins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Viral Proteins