The EBNA1BP2 gene is located on chromosome 1 and encodes a protein that is approximately 37.2 kDa in size . The protein consists of several domains that facilitate its interaction with other cellular components. Notably, EBNA1BP2 contains a conserved 200-300 amino acid block at its C-terminus, which is essential for its function .
One of the most intriguing aspects of EBNA1BP2 is its interaction with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1). EBNA1 is a multifunctional DNA-binding protein that plays a key role in the replication and maintenance of the EBV episome within infected cells . The interaction between EBNA1 and EBNA1BP2 is crucial for the stable segregation of EBV episomes during cell division, ensuring the persistence of the virus in the host cell .
Due to its role in rRNA processing and its interaction with EBV, EBNA1BP2 is a subject of interest in various research fields, including virology, molecular biology, and cancer research. Studies on EBNA1BP2 can provide insights into the mechanisms of ribosome biogenesis and the persistence of viral infections in host cells .