HSV-2 Increases the Mitochondrial Aspartate Amino Transaminase Characteristic of Tumor Cells

The cell-coded polypeptide U90 increased by herpes simplex virus type 2 infection induces Fos and DNA synthesis

“…actively dividing than in quiescent cells, it might be proposed that it is advantageous for the virus to induce cell-coded proteins with a function in initiating cell division. We have previously demonstrated that HSV-2 induces enzymes involved in glutamine synthesis, probably because glutamine is essential for HSV-2 growth (Lucasson et al, 1994). The properties described for U90 in this communication are similar to Fos and DNA stimulation described for treatments with EGF, fibroblast growth factor (FGF) (Mfiller et al, 1984) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) (Kruijer et al, 1984).…”

“…Firstly, it should be mentioned that the activity reported for U90 was revealed during a study to investigate the set of polypeptides which were shown to be immunogenic in tumour bearing animals and were also increased in expression by HSV-2 infection. In this context, other polypeptides belonging to the set were investigated for their biological function, particularly the 40 kDa polypeptide, now known to be the mitochondrial aspartate aminotransaminase (mAAT) (Lucasson et al, 1994). It is possible to copurify both mAAT and U90 by PAGE on the same gel system.…”

“…No activity similar to U90 was detected. Furthermore, mAAT was cloned in bacterial and eukaryotic expression vectors (Lucasson et al, 1994; T. C. Collins & J. C. M. Macnab, unpublished) but failed to stimulate cell division. As a further control, plugs of acrylamide from similar regions of the gel to that from which U90 was isolated and purified were eluted by the system used for U90.…”