Adenovirus E4orf4 protein downregulates MYC expression through interaction with the PP2A-B55 subunit.

The adenovirus E4 open reading frame 4 (E4orf4) protein is a multifunctional viral regulator that is involved in the temporal regulation of viral gene expression by modulating cellular and viral genes at the transcription and translation levels and by controlling alternative splicing of adenoviral late mRNAs. When expressed individually, E4orf4 induces apoptosis in transformed cells. Using oligonucleotide microarray analysis, validated by quantitative real time PCR, we found that MYC (also known as c-Myc) is downregulated early after the induction of E4orf4 expression.

Adenovirus and cell cycle control.

Adenovirus infection of quiescent cells induces transition from G0 or G1 into the S phase of the cell cycle and allows cellular proliferation. This is beneficial for the virus since cells in S phase provide optimal conditions for viral replication. Adenovirus E1A, E1B and E4 gene products contribute to cell cycle deregulation.

Identification and quantification of toxic chemicals by use of Escherichia coli carrying lux genes fused to stress promoters.

The luxCDABE bioluminescence genes of the Vibrio fischeri lux system have been used as a reporter system for different stress and regulatory promoters of Escherichia coli. Selected E. coli strains carrying lux genes fused to different promoters were exposed to various toxic chemicals, and the recorded luminescence was used for the characterization of the biologic signature of each compound.