Charakterisierung des zellulären Faktors PBF (Papillomavirus binding factor)

• Applicant: Dr. Gertrud Steger
• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: from 2008 to 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 70878376

The tissue and cell type specificity of human papillomaviruses (HPV) is determined at the level of transcription of the viral genes, which is barely studied in the case of HPVs infecting the skin. We have identified the novel cellular protein “Papillomavirus binding factor” (PBF) as a transcription factor binding to the regulatory regions of certain PVtypes. We could characterize PBF as inhibitor of cell growth, which translocates into the nucleus upon lack of growth factors, where PBF can repress transcription. Moreover, PBF acts as cooperation partner for the cellular factor RUNX1, which may play a role in tissue specific gene expression of cutaneous papillomaviruses. In the proposed project we want to define the nature and the mechanisms of PBF-mediated growth suppression, as well as the regulation of PBF activity by post-translational modifications. The analysis of the functional interaction with its cooperation partner RUNX1 will elucidate the role of PBF and RUNX1 in regulation of HPV gene expression. These experiments will contribute to understand the function of PBF within the cell and in regulation of PV-life cycle.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants