Lytic switch protein BZLF1

UniProtKB accession:  Q3KSS8

Grouped By:  Matching UniProtKB accession

UniProtKB description:  Transcription factor that acts as a molecular switch to induce the transition from the latent to the lytic or productive phase of the virus cycle. Mediates the switch from the latent to the lytic cycle of infection in cells containing a highly methylated viral genome. Probably binds to silenced chromatin and recruits host chromatin-remodeling enzymes. Regulates this switch by binding to 2 types of ZEBRA response elements (ZREs): the CpG-free AP-1 like elements (latency) and the methylated CpG-containing elements (lytic replication). Activates preferentially the methylated forms of the viral lytic R (BRLF1) and Na (BRRF1) gene promoters, the latters being the first genes activated during Z-mediated reactivation in latently infected cells. BZLF1 and BRLF1 act together to trigger lytic replication. Also binds the lytic origin of replication, oriLyt. Induces G1 cell cycle arrest by stabilizing the host CCAAT/enhancer binding protein CEBPA. This function is important because the lytic cycle preferentially takes place in host cells arrested in G1.