[Molecular biological properties of the Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 gene: structure, function and polymorphism].

Recent studies indicate that the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) encoded by the same name gene of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays an extremely important role in the pathogenesis of a number of malignant neoplasia. Specifically, LMP1 has the ability to transform human B-lymphocytes in vivo and in vitro and rodent fibroblasts (Rat-1) in vitro. The introduction of the latter into athymic mice leads to tumor development. In addition, expression of the oncoprotein has been often found in EBV-associated tumors at the DNA and constantly at the RNA levels. Having pleiotropic effects, LMP1, participates in the transmission and activation of multiple intracellular signals. It is also involved in the inhibition of key tumor suppressors, has significant influence on proliferation, apoptosis and morphological alteration of the infected cells finally resulting in their transformation. General characteristics of EBV and LMP1 gene as well as functional activity of the encoded LMP1 protein and a brief description of human pathologies associated with the virus have been discussed in this review. The questions concerning the polymorphism LMP1 in EBV-associated pathologies have been also analyzed in details.