Lytic switch protein BZLF1

UniProtKB accession:  P03206

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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 (PubMed:8404860) (Probable). Mediates the switch from the latent to the lytic cycle of infection in cells containing a highly methylated viral genome (PubMed:34893887, PubMed:15361873). Probably binds to silenced chromatin and recruits host chromatin-remodeling enzymes (PubMed:30926617). 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) (PubMed:34893887, PubMed:22022468) (Probable). 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 (PubMed:19325883, PubMed:15361873). BZLF1 and BRLF1 act together to trigger lytic replication (PubMed:10856251, PubMed:15361873). Also binds the lytic origin of replication, oriLyt (PubMed:20808903). Induces G1 cell cycle arrest by stabilizing the host CCAAT/enhancer binding protein CEBPA (PubMed:15078966). This function is important because the lytic cycle preferentially takes place in host cells arrested in G1 (PubMed:15078966).