Panel A: Effect of LMP1 on the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin and actin.

<p>HaCaT or MDCK cells were transiently transfected with expression vectors encoding LMP1 protein fused to EGFP. LMP1 sequences were derived from either the prototype B95.8 isolate, spontaneous LCLs (HS6, QC and PM) or NPC biopsies (CAO and NPC9). Following transfection, these cells were cultured for 36–48 h and then assessed for the expression of E-cadherin, β-catenin and actin using confocal microscopy. HaCaT cells transfected with pcDNA3.1 vector with or without B95.8-LMP1 were also assessed for β-catenin expression (bottom panels). Panel B: HEK293 cells transfected with various LMP1 sequences were also processed for SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis. Antibodies specific for β-catenin, E-cadherin, α-catenin, GSK3β were used to assess the level of expression each of these components in LMP1 or EGFP expressing cells. In addition, the level of LMP1 and GAPDH expression was also assessed in these cells. Representative data from one of the five different experiments is presented in this figure.