WW domain-containing oxidoreductase is involved in upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 by Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A

WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WOX1) participates in tumor suppression and many other biologic functions, but its molecular and functional interactions with viral proteins remain largely unknown. This study reveals that WOX1 is physically associated with latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A), an oncoprotein of Epstein-Barr virus. The molecular interaction involves the tyrosine residue 33 of WOX1 and the proline-rich motifs of LMP2A. Interestingly, endogenous WOX1 is required for some LMP2A-triggered, cancer-promoting effects, including activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2, upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and promotion of cell invasion. Upon knockdown of endogenous WOX1, LMP2A-triggered MMP9 induction is restored by exogenous wild-type WOX1, but not by a WOX1 mutant defective in LMP2A binding. These results indicate that, through interaction with LMP2A, WOX1 is involved in MMP9 induction, suggesting a novel role of WOX1 in Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancer progression.