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Human cytomegalovirus encodes three G protein-coupled receptor homologues

Nature volume 344, pages 774–777 (1990)Cite this article

Abstract

HUMAN cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus with a genome of 230 kilobases (Kb) encoding about 200 genes1. Although infection is generally innocuous, HCMV causes serious congenital and neonatal disease, and is a dangerous opportunistic pathogen in immune-deficient individuals2. We have identified a family of three HCMV genes which encode polypeptides containing seven putative membrane-spanning domains, and a series of well-defined motifs characteristic of the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors (GCRs). By these criteria all three of the HCMV sequences are homologous to cellular GCRs. Members of this receptor family function in visual signal transduction, regulation of homeostasis, and development, and include known and potential oncogenes3,4. These receptors are activated by photons or small molecules such as neurotransmitters, and glycoprotein hormones3,5,6. The finding of viral-encoded GCR homologues implies a further level of complexity in the interactions between HCMV and its host, and may provide a potential pathway for virally transformed cell proliferation. Their identification could permit the development of a novel class of antiviral drugs analogous to β-adrenergic receptor antagonists.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. S. C. Satchwell

    Present address: Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, USA

  2. E. Preddie

    Present address: PROBE, 2 Drouin Street, Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec, H9A 2H1, Canada

  3. K. M. Weston

    Present address: Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, Fulham Road, London, SW13 6JB, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QH, UK

    M. S. Chee, S. C. Satchwell, E. Preddie, K. M. Weston & B. G. Barrell

  2. Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, 260 Whitney Avenue, New Haven, Connecticut, 06511, USA

    E. Preddie & K. M. Weston

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Chee, M., Satchwell, S., Preddie, E. et al. Human cytomegalovirus encodes three G protein-coupled receptor homologues. Nature 344, 774–777 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/344774a0

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