Adenovirus protein V induces redistribution of nucleolin and B23 from nucleolus to cytoplasm

Adenovirus infection inhibits synthesis and processing of rRNA and redistri butes nucleolar antigens, Adenovirus protein V associates with nucleoli in infected cells. This study delineates regions of protein V independently ca pable of nucleolar targeting. Also, evidence is presented that protein V ha s the unique property of relocating nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm when transiently expressed on its own in uninfected cells. Point mutation analy sis indicates a role for the C terminus of protein V in the redirection of nucleolin and B23 to the cytoplasm. This is the first time an adenovirus pr otein has been shown to have a direct effect on nucleolar antigens in isola tion from viral infection. Moreover, adenovirus protein V is the first prot ein demonstrated to be capable of redirecting nucleolin and B23 to the cyto plasm.