Specific transcriptional activation in vitro by the herpes simplex virus protein VP16

The herpes simplex virus protein VP16 interacts with cellular factors, including the protein Oct-1, to activate viral immediate early (IE) gene transcription. We have reproduced this effect by addition of purified, fulllength VP16 and the DNA-binding 'POU' domain of Oct-1 (Oct-1&2.urule;POU) to a HeLa cell in vitro transcription system. Stimulation of transcription was dependent on the IE-specific element, TAATGARAT. In agreement with earlier observations from electrophoretic mobility shift assays, activation was not observed when Oct-2&2.urule;POU, the DNA-binding domain from the Oct-2 protein, was substituted for Oct-1&2.urule;POU. Single round transcription assays revealed that, together, VP16 and Oct-1&2.urule;POU facilitate the assembly of pre-initiation complexes at target gene promoters.