Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 Represents a Positive Regulator of Cytomegalovirus Replication and a Novel Host Target for Antiviral Strategies

Abstract excerpt

Background. Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) is a multifaceted regulator and represents a catalytic component of the transcriptional Mediator complex. CDK8 activity, on the one hand, increases transcriptional elongation by the recruitment of Mediator/super elongation complexes, but, on the other hand, negatively regulates CDK7-controlled transcriptional initiation through inactivating cyclin H phosphorylation....