Author: Ana M. Ribeiro, Inês L. Duarte, Tiago S. Fernandes
Research Article
Modulation of SLITRK6 Expression via IE2 Activity in HCMV Infection
Ana M. Ribeiro¹;Tiago S. Fernandes² and Inês L. Duarte¹
1 Department of Molecular Biology; Lusitania Biomedical Research Institute; Coimbra; Portugal
2 Department of Virology; Atlantic University of Science and Health; Porto; Portugal
Published: 09-Mar-2015
Abstract
Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a significant cause of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and neurodevelopmental disorders. This study investigates the mechanism by which HCMV infection contributes to these pathologies; focusing on the downregulation of SLITRK6; a gene implicated in hereditary SNHL. We demonstrate that HCMV infection in cultured neural cells leads to a substantial reduction in SLITRK6 expression. Furthermore; we identify the HCMV immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein as the key mediator of this downregulation. Specific domains within the IE2 protein; particularly the carboxy-terminal region; play a critical role in this process. These findings suggest that HCMV-induced downregulation of SLITRK6 expression by IE2 may contribute to the pathogenesis of HCMV-associated SNHL and other neurological complications.
Keywords
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV); SLITRK6; IE2; Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL); Neuropathogenesis; Congenital infection
