Go West, Early Man: Modeling the Origin and Spread of Early Agriculture

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0030436

Abstract

Highlights

In many viral life cycles, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), reproduction continues until the cell bursts and releases a new crop of viruses
What about the latent stage of the EBV life cycle? To investigate this question, the authors compared BHRF1 and BAFL1 activity with that of EBV genes expressed during latency
This electron microscopic image of two Epstein Barr Virus virions shows round capsids—protein-encased genetic material—loosely surrounded by the membrane envelope. This unexpected temporal regulation of gene expression suggested that BHRF1 and BAFL1 activity might initially regulate apoptosis in the infected cells

Summary

Virus Proteins Prevent Cell Suicide Long Enough to Establish Latent Infection

Little more than a small genome encased in protein, a virus can’t reproduce without help from the cell it may destroy. While 11 latency genes are expressed throughout the latent phase of EBV’s life cycle, Altmann and Hammerschmidt found that both BHRF1 and BAFL1 act transiently—their transcripts were detected just 24 hours after infection, but not three weeks later, when the other genes were still active. This electron microscopic image of two Epstein Barr Virus virions (viral particles) shows round capsids—protein-encased genetic material—loosely surrounded by the membrane envelope.

Selenium Speeds Reactions

An Insecure Role for Securin in Chromosome Segregation

Findings

Selection on a Neural Gene Regulator Sheds Light on Human Evolution