# HCMV, CELL-RELATED DNA AND ONCOGENES

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 1993 · $213,906

## Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the herpesvirus group, is capable
of causing serious medical problems that affect all age groups.  This virus
is one of the principal pathogens in patients with AIDS and has been
implicated as a potential cofactor for the development or progression of
the disease.  The multiple pathogenic effects of HCMV are likely manifested
through a complex interplay of viral gene products and induced and
repressed cellular gene functions.  HCMV immediate early and early gene
expression clearly play a central role in this scheme.  The research in my
laboratory has been directed towards molecular analysis of HCMV genome
organization and gene expression.  Specific focus has been on the
regulation of expression of three representative early transcription units
including: the 2.7 kb and 1.2 kb RNA transcripts encoded by the repeat
bonding the long unique segment of the genome; and the 2.2 kb family of RNA
transcripts containing the cell-related sequences encoded by HCMV strain AD
169 EcoRI fragments R and d.  In this renewal application, we propose to
continue our studies on the cis-acting sequences and the trans-acting
factors (both viral and cellular) necessary for control of these three
early genes.  For these studies, we will couple site-directed mutagenesis
and functional in vivo transient expression assays with DNA-protein binding
assays.  To elucidate the means by which specific HCMV immediate early gene
products (particularly those expressed by the IE1 and IE2 regions) activate
transcription of the early genes, we propose to overexpress the proteins,
purify them to homogeneity, and analyze their biochemical interaction with
the early promoter elements as well as with the basic RNA polymerase II
transcription machinery.  With the use of in vitro transcription assays, we
will analyze the effect of the IE proteins on: the overall transcription
reaction: transcription initiation: commitment of the transcription complex
to the DNA template; and the assembly and transcription of nucleosome
templates.  The long range goals of this research are to define at the
molecular level the mechanisms which operate to control HCMV gene
expression, thus providing the basis for understanding the process by which
this virus causes disease.  The knowledge is essential for the development
of effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3172503
- **Project number:** 5R01CA034729-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **SAM.gov UEI:** UYTTZT6G9DT1
- **Principal Investigator:** DEBORAH Hye SPECTOR
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $213,906
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1983-05-01 → 1995-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3172503

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3172503, HCMV, CELL-RELATED DNA AND ONCOGENES (5R01CA034729-10). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3172503. Licensed CC0.

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