Ubiquitination of MDM2 modulated by Epstein-Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 1

Virus Res. 2007 Dec;130(1-2):275-80. doi: 10.1016/j.virusres.2007.05.013. Epub 2007 Jun 18.

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an oncogenic protein, plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The MDM2 gene is a cellular pro-oncogene that is abnormally up-regulated in human tumors. MDM2 is overexpressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which is associated with the presence of EBV and cervical lymph node metastasis. Because MDM2 is capable of self-ubiquitination, and the ubiquitin proteasome pathway-dependent degradation is an important mechanism for regulating MDM2 levels in cells. Here we show that LMP1 augment MDM2 protein expression in dose-dependent level, and also lead to a drastic accumulation of ubiquitinated MDM2 species, this effect is associated with the stability of MDM2 modulated by LMP1. This is the first time to explain LMP1-regulated MDM2 through a post-ubiquitination mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2 / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / physiology*
  • Viral Matrix Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • EBV-associated membrane antigen, Epstein-Barr virus
  • Viral Matrix Proteins
  • MDM2 protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2