REST Is Restless in Neuronal and Non-Neuronal Virus Infections: An In Silico Analysis-Based Perspective

Abstract

Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor or neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is an extensively studied neuronal gene regulator both in neuronal cells and non-neuronal cells. Even though the role of REST in host cellular gene regulation is well established, its role in the establishment of viral infections and its capability to stabilize and destabilize such viral infections are scarcely studied. Co-repressor and DNA modifiers are involved in REST-mediated repressive action of its target genes. The role of REST and co-repressors together or individually in the regulation of viral as well as host genes has been unraveled in a few viruses such as HIV and influenza as well as two of the herpesvirus family members, namely herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Here, we summarize all such virus studies involved with REST to gain a better insight into REST biology in virus infections. We also focus on unraveling the possible RE-1 binding sites in the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome, a well-known human oncogenic herpesvirus that is associated with infectious mononucleosis and neoplasms such as B-cell lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, etc. An in silico-based approach was employed towards the prediction of such possible RE-1 binding elements in the EBV genome. This review advances the present knowledge of REST in virus infection which will aid in future efforts towards a better understanding of how REST acts in herpesviruses and other viruses for their infections and pathogenesis.

Keywords: EBV; RE-1 element; REST/NRSF; herpesvirus; latency.

Figure A1

(A) The REST protein structure (yellow bar) with a carboxy terminus (C), amino terminus (N), and all nine zinc fingers (blue domains) is denoted with all of its functions. (B) REST is maintained at a balanced level within the cells by CK-1 and HAUSP, the disruption of which may lead to infections and manifestations. REST protein is degraded by β-TrCP-mediated E3 ubiquitin ligase. nSR100 regulates the REST gene through alternative splicing.

Figure A2

The role of REST and its co-repressors are known in few virus infections. The schematic diagram represents the expression of REST and its regulations in KSHV, HIV, HSV, and RE-1 binding elements in EBV infections. The in silico-predicted possible role of RE-1 element and REST regulation in EBV infection needs to be explored more.