Analysis of RNA-Protein Interactions of the EBV-Encoded Small RNAs, the EBERs: In Vitro Assays

As indicated in Chapter 5 , in spite of the fact that the two small virally encoded RNA species, EBER-1 and EBER-2, are abundantly expressed in almost all Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected cell types, their functions remain to be elucidated. Because these RNAs do not code for any proteins themselves, it is likely that their mode of action involves their association with cellular or viral proteins in vivo. The properties of such proteins may be modified by binding of the EBERs.