Viral genes governing CMV capsid export

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Herpesvirus capsid egress from the cell nucleus is thought to occur through budding from the inner nuclear membrane (INM) followed by fusion with the outer nuclear membrane (ONM) resulting in the release of the capsid into the cytoplasm. Normal cells show budding phenomena only in the cytoplasm. Despite this unusual focal, but highly redundant process the cell can stay alive for days and there is no general nuclear envelope breakdown. This process is governed by the assembly of two essential herpesvirus proteins at the INM that forms the nuclear export complex (NEC) core and recruits further - largely unknown - proteins. In preparatory works we have studied the molecular principles of NEC formation. In addition a number of genetic screens and procedures were develped for conditional analysis of lethal virus mutants. We now wish to define the viral and cellular partners which are recruited to or affected by formation of the NEC to achieve capsid penetration through nuclear membranes. This should unravel the molecular details of herpes capsid budding and egress.