1
|
Passerini S, Prezioso C, Babini G, Ferlosio A, Cosio T, Campione E, Moens U, Ciotti M, Pietropaolo V. Detection of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA and Transcripts in Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). Pathogens 2023; 12:894. [PMID: 37513741 PMCID: PMC10385104 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the etiological agent of the majority of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC): a rare skin tumor. To improve our understanding of the role of MCPyV in MCCs, the detection and analysis of MCPyV DNA and transcripts were performed on primary tumors and regional lymph nodes from two MCC patients: one metastatic and one non-metastatic. MCPyV-DNA was searched by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), followed by the amplification of a Large T Antigen (LTAg), Viral Protein 1 (VP1) and Non-Coding Control Region (NCCR). LTAg and VP1 transcripts were investigated by reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Viral integration was also studied, and full-length LTAg sequencing was performed. qPCR revealed that the primary tumor of both patients and the lymph node of one patient was positive for the small t-antigen, with an average value of 7.0 × 102 copies/µg. The same samples harbored LTAg, NCCR and VP1 DNA. Sequencing results showed truncated LTAg with the conserved retinoblastoma (Rb) protein binding motif and VP1 and NCCR sequences identical to the MCC350 strain. RT-PCR detected LTAg but not VP1 transcripts. The MCPyV genome was integrated into the primary tumor of both patients. The results confirmed the connection between MCPyV and MCC, assuming integration, LTAg truncation and Rb sequestration as key players in MCPyV-mediated oncogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Passerini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Laboratory of Microbiology of Chronic-Neurodegenerative Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Roma, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Babini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Ferlosio
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Terenzio Cosio
- Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatologic Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University of Rome, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø-The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Virology Unit, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Foundation, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dimitraki MG, Sourvinos G. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) and Cancers: Emergency Bell or False Alarm? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225548. [PMID: 36428641 PMCID: PMC9688650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the sole member of Polyomavirus associated with oncogenesis in humans, is the major causative factor of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare, neuroendocrine neoplasia of the skin. Many aspects of MCPyV biology and oncogenic mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, it has been established that oncogenic transformation is the outcome of the integration of the viral genome into the host DNA. The high prevalence of MCPyV in the population, along with the detection of the virus in various human tissue samples and the strong association of MCPyV with the emergence of MCC, have prompted researchers to further investigate the role of MCPyV in malignancies other than MCC. MCPyV DNA has been detected in several different non-MCC tumour tissues but with significantly lower prevalence, viral load and protein expression. Moreover, the two hallmarks of MCPyV MCC have rarely been investigated and the studies have produced generally inconsistent results. Therefore, the outcomes of the studies are inadequate and unable to clearly demonstrate a direct correlation between cellular transformation and MCPyV. This review aims to present a comprehensive recapitulation of the available literature regarding the association of MCPyV with oncogenesis (MCC and non-MCC tumours).
Collapse
|
3
|
Yang JF, You J. Merkel cell polyomavirus and associated Merkel cell carcinoma. Tumour Virus Res 2022; 13:200232. [PMID: 34920178 PMCID: PMC8715208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2021.200232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous skin infection that can cause Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly lethal form of skin cancer with a nearly 50% mortality rate. Since the discovery of MCPyV in 2008, great advances have been made to improve our understanding of how the viral encoded oncoproteins contribute to MCC oncogenesis. However, our knowledge of the MCPyV infectious life cycle and its oncogenic mechanisms are still incomplete. The incidence of MCC has tripled over the past two decades, but effective treatments are lacking. Only recently have there been major victories in combatting metastatic MCC with the application of PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Still, these immune-based therapies are not ideal for patients with a medical need to maintain systemic immune suppression. As such, a better understanding of MCPyV's oncogenic mechanisms is needed in order to develop more effective and targeted therapies against virus-associated MCC. In this review, we discuss current areas of interest for MCPyV and MCC research and the progress made in elucidating both the natural host of MCPyV infection and the cell of origin for MCC. We also highlight the remaining gaps in our knowledge on the transcriptional regulation of MCPyV, which may be key to understanding and targeting viral oncogenesis for developing future therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- June F Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6076, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6076, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wijaya WA, Liu Y, Qing Y, Li Z. Prevalence of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Normal and Lesional Skin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:868781. [PMID: 35392226 PMCID: PMC8980839 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.868781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus(MCPyV) in Merkel cell carcinoma(MCC) and non-MCC skin lesions and its possible role in the etiology of other skin diseases remain controversial. To systematically assess the association between MCPyV infection and MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin. For this systematic review and meta-analysis, a comprehensive search for eligible studies was conducted using Medline Ovid, Pubmed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases until August 2021; references were searched to identify additional studies. Observational studies that investigated the association between MCPyV infection and MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) as a detection method and provided sufficient data to calculate the prevalence of MCPyV positivity. A total of 50 articles were included in the study after exclusion criteria were applied. Two reviewers independently reviewed and assessed the eligibility of the studies, and all disagreements were resolved by consensus. To determine the association between MCPyV and MCC, overall odds ratio (OR) were calculated with 95% CI using a random-effects model. Single-arm meta-analyses were performed to examine the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in MCC, non-MCC skin lesions, and normal skin. The primary analysis was the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in MCC. Secondary outcomes included the prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in non-MCC skin lesions and normal skin. A total of 50 studies involving 5428 patients were reviewed based on our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, MCPyV infection was significantly associated with MCC (OR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.96 - 4.05). The global prevalence of MCPyV+ in MCC, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, actinic keratosis, keratoacanthoma, seborrheic keratosis, and normal skin was 80%, 4%, 15%, 15%, 21%, 6%, 20%, 10%, and 11%, respectively. The current results suggest that MCPyV infection is significantly associated with an increased risk of MCC. However, the low prevalence rate of MCPyV+ in non-MCC skin lesions does not exclude a pathogenic association of this virus with the development of non-MCC skin lesions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson A Wijaya
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Qing
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengyong Li
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazziotta C, Lanzillotti C, Gafà R, Touzé A, Durand MA, Martini F, Rotondo JC. The Role of Histone Post-Translational Modifications in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:832047. [PMID: 35350569 PMCID: PMC8957841 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.832047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive form of non–melanoma skin cancer whose 5-year survival rate is 63%. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a small DNA tumor virus, is the etiological agent of MCC. Although representing a small proportion of MCC cases, MCPyV-negative MCCs have also been identified. The role of epigenetic mechanisms, including histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) in MCC, have been only partially determined. This review aims to describe the most recent progress on PTMs and their regulative factors in the context of MCC onset/development, providing an overview of current findings on both MCC subtypes. An outline of current knowledge on the potential employment of PTMs and related factors as diagnostic and prognostic markers, as well as novel treatment strategies targeting the reversibility of PTMs for MCC therapy is provided. Recent research shows that PTMs are emerging as important epigenetic players involved in MCC onset/development, and therefore may show a potential clinical significance. Deeper and integrated knowledge of currently known PTM dysregulations is of paramount importance in order to understand the molecular basis of MCC and improve the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic options for this deadly tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberta Gafà
- Department of Translational Medicine and for Romagna, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Alice Durand
- ISP "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Viral Manipulation of the Host Epigenome as a Driver of Virus-Induced Oncogenesis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061179. [PMID: 34070716 PMCID: PMC8227491 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis due to viral infection accounts for a high fraction of the total global cancer burden (15–20%) of all human cancers. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which viral infection leads to tumor development is extremely important. One of the main mechanisms by which viruses induce host cell proliferation programs is through controlling the host’s epigenetic machinery. In this review, we dissect the epigenetic pathways through which oncogenic viruses can integrate their genome into host cell chromosomes and lead to tumor progression. In addition, we highlight the potential use of drugs based on histone modifiers in reducing the global impact of cancer development due to viral infection.
Collapse
|
7
|
Klufah F, Mobaraki G, Liu D, Alharbi RA, Kurz AK, Speel EJM, Winnepenninckx V, Zur Hausen A. Emerging role of human polyomaviruses 6 and 7 in human cancers. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:35. [PMID: 34001216 PMCID: PMC8130262 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently 12 human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been identified, 6 of which have been associated with human diseases, including cancer. The discovery of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and its role in the etiopathogenesis in the majority of Merkel cell carcinomas has drawn significant attention, also to other novel HPyVs. In 2010, HPyV6 and HPyV7 were identified in healthy skin swabs. Ever since it has been speculated that they might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of skin and non-cutaneous human cancers. MAIN BODY Here we comprehensively reviewed and summarized the current evidence potentially indicating an involvement of HPyV6 and HPyV7 in the etiopathogenesis of neoplastic human diseases. The seroprevalence of both HPyV6 and 7 is high in a normal population and increases with age. In skin cancer tissues, HPyV6- DNA was far more often prevalent than HPyV7 in contrast to cancers of other anatomic sites, in which HPyV7 DNA was more frequently detected. CONCLUSION It is remarkable to find that the detection rate of HPyV6-DNA in tissues of skin malignancies is higher than HPyV7-DNA and may indicate a role of HPyV6 in the etiopathogenesis of the respected skin cancers. However, the sheer presence of viral DNA is not enough to prove a role in the etiopathogenesis of these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghalib Mobaraki
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Raed A Alharbi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anna Kordelia Kurz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ernst Jan M Speel
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-School for Oncology & Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
The discovery of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system has revolutionized gene editing research. Through the repurposing of programmable RNA-guided CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases, CRISPR-based genome editing systems allow for the precise modification of specific sites in the human genome and inspire novel approaches for the study and treatment of inherited and acquired human diseases. Here, we review how CRISPR technologies have stimulated key advances in dermatologic research. We discuss the role of CRISPR in genome editing for cutaneous disease and highlight studies on the use of CRISPR-Cas technologies for genodermatoses, cutaneous viruses and bacteria, and melanoma. Additionally, we examine key limitations of current CRISPR technologies, including the challenges these limitations pose for the widespread therapeutic application of CRISPR-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Baker
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Matthew S Hayden
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.,Section of Dermatology, Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hashida Y, Higuchi T, Nakajima S, Nakajima K, Ujihara T, Kabashima K, Sano S, Daibata M. Human Polyomavirus 6 Detected in Cases of Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:1724-1732. [PMID: 32989462 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been associated with several cutaneous inflammatory conditions. More investigation is needed to identify further presentations of cutaneous pathology associated with HPyVs. Our aim was to investigate the possible association of skin-tropic HPyVs with folliculitis, particularly eosinophilic pustular folliculitis (EPF). METHODS This study included 55 Japanese patients, comprising 13 patients with EPF and 42 patients with suppurative folliculitis. HPyV DNAs were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of viral antigen and geographically related viral genotypes were also assessed. RESULTS Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) DNA was found in 9 of 13 (69%) patients with EPF, a rate significantly higher than that found in suppurative folliculitis (1/42; 2%). Of the 7 HPyV6 DNA-positive EPF specimens analyzed, 4 were positive for HPyV6 small tumor antigen. All the HPyV6 strains detected in this study were of the Asian/Japanese genotype. CONCLUSIONS The predominant detection of HPyV6 DNA and the expression of viral antigen suggest a possible association between HPyV6 infection and EPF in a subset of patients. Worldwide studies are warranted to determine whether Asian/Japanese genotype HPyV6 is associated preferentially with the incidence and pathogenesis of this eosinophil-related skin disease that has an ethnic predilection for the East Asian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hashida
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Tomonori Higuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Saeko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kimiko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Takako Ujihara
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.,Science Research Center, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kabashima
- Department of Dermatology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Singapore Immunology Network and Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masanori Daibata
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Arora R, Choi JE, Harms PW, Chandrani P. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Integration Sites and Involvement of the KMT2D Tumor Suppressor Gene. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090966. [PMID: 32878339 PMCID: PMC7552051 DOI: 10.3390/v12090966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon, lethal cancer of the skin caused by either Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) or UV-linked mutations. MCPyV is found integrated into MCC tumor genomes, accompanied by truncation mutations that render the MCPyV large T antigen replication incompetent. We used the open access HPV Detector/Cancer-virus Detector tool to determine MCPyV integration sites in whole-exome sequencing data from five MCC cases, thereby adding to the limited published MCPyV integration site junction data. We also systematically reviewed published data on integration for MCPyV in the human genome, presenting a collation of 123 MCC cases and their linked chromosomal sites. We confirmed that there were no highly recurrent specific sites of integration. We found that chromosome 5 was most frequently involved in MCPyV integration and that integration sites were significantly enriched for genes with binding sites for oncogenic transcription factors such as LEF1 and ZEB1, suggesting the possibility of increased open chromatin in these gene sets. Additionally, in one case we found, for the first time, integration involving the tumor suppressor gene KMT2D, adding to previous reports of rare MCPyV integration into host tumor suppressor genes in MCC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/virology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/metabolism
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5/virology
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Humans
- Merkel cell polyomavirus/genetics
- Merkel cell polyomavirus/physiology
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- Polyomavirus Infections/genetics
- Polyomavirus Infections/metabolism
- Polyomavirus Infections/virology
- Tumor Virus Infections/genetics
- Tumor Virus Infections/metabolism
- Tumor Virus Infections/virology
- Virus Integration
- Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1/genetics
- Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reety Arora
- Cellular Organization and Signalling Group, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore 560065, India
- Correspondence:
| | - Jae Eun Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.E.C.); (P.W.H.)
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- School of Medicine, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Paul W. Harms
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.E.C.); (P.W.H.)
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Pratik Chandrani
- Medical Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Medical Oncology Department, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai 400012, India;
- Centre for Computational Biology, Bioinformatics and Crosstalk Laboratory, ACTREC–Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Czech-Sioli M, Günther T, Therre M, Spohn M, Indenbirken D, Theiss J, Riethdorf S, Qi M, Alawi M, Wülbeck C, Fernandez-Cuesta I, Esmek F, Becker JC, Grundhoff A, Fischer N. High-resolution analysis of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Merkel Cell Carcinoma reveals distinct integration patterns and suggests NHEJ and MMBIR as underlying mechanisms. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008562. [PMID: 32833988 PMCID: PMC7470373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the etiological agent of the majority of Merkel Cell Carcinomas (MCC). MCPyV positive MCCs harbor integrated, defective viral genomes that constitutively express viral oncogenes. Which molecular mechanisms promote viral integration, if distinct integration patterns exist, and if integration occurs preferentially at loci with specific chromatin states is unknown. We here combined short and long-read (nanopore) next-generation sequencing and present the first high-resolution analysis of integration site structure in MCC cell lines as well as primary tumor material. We find two main types of integration site structure: Linear patterns with chromosomal breakpoints that map closely together, and complex integration loci that exhibit local amplification of genomic sequences flanking the viral DNA. Sequence analysis suggests that linear patterns are produced during viral replication by integration of defective/linear genomes into host DNA double strand breaks via non-homologous end joining, NHEJ. In contrast, our data strongly suggest that complex integration patterns are mediated by microhomology-mediated break-induced replication, MMBIR. Furthermore, we show by ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq analysis that MCPyV preferably integrates in open chromatin and provide evidence that viral oncogene expression is driven by the viral promoter region, rather than transcription from juxtaposed host promoters. Taken together, our data explain the characteristics of MCPyV integration and may also provide a model for integration of other oncogenic DNA viruses such as papillomaviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Günther
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlin Therre
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Spohn
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Indenbirken
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Theiss
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- Institute of Tumorbiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Minyue Qi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malik Alawi
- Bioinformatics Core, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Wülbeck
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Irene Fernandez-Cuesta
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Esmek
- Institute of Nanostructure- and Solid State Physics (INF), Center for Hybrid Nanostructures (CHyN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational skin cancer research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Adam Grundhoff
- Heinrich Pette Institute, Leibniz Institute for Experimental Virology, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
| | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail: (AG); (NF)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1774. [PMID: 32635198 PMCID: PMC7407210 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are the cause of approximately 15% of all human cancers. Both RNA and DNA human tumor viruses have been identified, with Merkel cell polyomavirus being the most recent one to be linked to cancer. This virus is associated with about 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas, a rare, but aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Despite its name, the cells of origin of this tumor may not be Merkel cells. This review provides an update on the structure and life cycle, cell tropism and epidemiology of the virus and its oncogenic properties. Putative strategies to prevent viral infection or treat virus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma patients are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.P.); (C.P.)
- IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bertz S, Ensser A, Stoehr R, Eckstein M, Apel H, Mayr D, Buettner-Herold M, Gaisa NT, Compérat E, Wullich B, Hartmann A, Knöll A. Variant morphology and random chromosomal integration of BK polyomavirus in posttransplant urothelial carcinomas. Mod Pathol 2020; 33:1433-1442. [PMID: 32047230 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) causes major complications in solid organ transplant recipients but little is known about its role in the development of urothelial carcinoma (UC) during immunosuppression. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) screening for polyomavirus large T antigen (LTag) was performed in 94 micropapillary UC (MPUC), 480 unselected UC, 199 muscle invasive UC (including 83 UC with variant differentiation), 76 cases of plasmocytoid, nested and large nested UC and 15 posttransplant UC. LTag expressing UC were reevaluated regarding their histomorphological features and characterized by IHC for p53 and HER2, chromogenic in situ hybridization for HER2 and SNaPshot analysis of the TERT promoter and HRAS. Real-time PCR and next generation sequencing (NGS) were performed to search for BKPyV-DNA and for variants in the tumor and viral genomes. We detected five LTag expressing UC which were diagnosed between 2 and 18 years after kidney (n = 4) or heart (n = 1) transplantation. 89 MPUC without history of organ transplantation and overall 755 UC (including cases with variant histology) were LTag negative. Of the five LTag expressing UC, three were MPUC, one showed extensive divergent differentiation with Mullerian type clear cell carcinoma, and one displayed focal villoglandular differentiation. All five tumors had aberrant nuclear p53 expression, 2/5 were HER2-amplified, and 3/5 had TERT promoter mutations. Within the 50 most common cancer related genes altered in UC we detected very few alterations and no TP53 mutations. BKPyV-DNA was present in 5/5 UC, chromosomal integration of the BKPyV genome was detectable in 4/5 UC. Two UC with BKPyV integration showed small deletions in the BKPyV noncoding control region (NCCR). The only UC without detectable BKPyV integration had a high viral load of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6). Our results suggest that LTag expression of integrated BKPyV genomes and resulting p53 inactivation lead to aggressive high-grade UC with unusual, often micropapillary morphology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Bertz
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin Ensser
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Robert Stoehr
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Apel
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, 80337, Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Buettner-Herold
- Department of Nephropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Eva Compérat
- Department of Pathology, Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, UPMC, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Antje Knöll
- Institute of Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Baker C, Hayden MS. Gene editing in dermatology: Harnessing CRISPR for the treatment of cutaneous disease. F1000Res 2020; 9:281. [PMID: 32528662 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.23185.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) system has revolutionized gene editing research. Through the repurposing of programmable RNA-guided CRISPR-associated (Cas) nucleases, CRISPR-based genome editing systems allow for the precise modification of specific sites in the human genome and inspire novel approaches for the study and treatment of inherited and acquired human diseases. Here, we review how CRISPR technologies have stimulated key advances in dermatologic research. We discuss the role of CRISPR in genome editing for cutaneous disease and highlight studies on the use of CRISPR-Cas technologies for genodermatoses, cutaneous viruses and bacteria, and melanoma. Additionally, we examine key limitations of current CRISPR technologies, including the challenges these limitations pose for the widespread therapeutic application of CRISPR-based therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Baker
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Matthew S Hayden
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.,Section of Dermatology, Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
McIlroy D, Halary F, Bressollette-Bodin C. Intra-patient viral evolution in polyomavirus-related diseases. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 374:20180301. [PMID: 30955497 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Human polyomaviruses show relatively little genetic polymorphism between isolates, indicating that these viruses are genetically stable between hosts. However, it has become increasingly clear that intra-host molecular evolution is a feature of some polyomavirus (PyV) infections in humans. Mutations inducing premature stop codons in the early region of the integrated Merkel cell PyV genome lead to the expression of a truncated form of the large tumour (LT) antigen that is critical for the transformation of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) cells. Non-coding control region (NCCR) rearrangements and point mutations in virion protein (VP) 1 have been described in both JCPyV and BKPyV infections. In the context of JCPyV infection, molecular evolution at both these loci allows the virus to replicate effectively in the central nervous system, thereby leading to the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). In BKPyV infection, NCCR rearrangements have been linked to higher rates of virus replication in the kidney, and are proposed to play a direct causal role in the development of PyV-associated nephropathy. In all three of these infections, therefore, intra-host viral evolution appears to be an essential component of the disease process. This article is part of the theme issue 'Silent cancer agents: multi-disciplinary modelling of human DNA oncoviruses'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorian McIlroy
- 1 Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,2 Faculté des Sciences et des Techniques, Université de Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,4 Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France
| | - Franck Halary
- 1 Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,4 Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France
| | - Céline Bressollette-Bodin
- 1 Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et Immunologie UMR 1064, INSERM, Université de Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,3 Faculté de Médecine, Université de Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,4 Institut de Transplantation Urologie Néphrologie (ITUN), CHU Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France.,5 Service de Virologie, CHU Nantes , 44093 Nantes cedex 01 , France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Csoboz B, Rasheed K, Sveinbjørnsson B, Moens U. Merkel cell polyomavirus and non-Merkel cell carcinomas: guilty or circumstantial evidence? APMIS 2020; 128:104-120. [PMID: 31990105 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the major causative factor of the rare but aggressive cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Two characteristics of MCPyV-positive MCCs are integration of the viral genome and expression of a truncated version of one of its oncogenic proteins, namely large T antigen. The strong association of MCPyV with MCC development has incited researchers to further investigate a possible role of this virus in other cancers. However, many of the examples displaying the presence of the virus in the various non-MCC cancers are not able to clearly demonstrate a direct connection between cellular transformation and the presence of the virus. The prevalence of the virus is significantly lower in non-MCC cancers compared to MCCs, with a lower level of viral load and sparse viral protein expression. Moreover, the state of the viral genome, and whether a truncated large T antigen is expressed, has rarely been investigated. Nonetheless, considering the strong oncogenic potential of MCPyV proteins in MCC, the plausible contribution of MCPyV to transformation and cancer growth in non-MCC tumors cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, the absence of MCPyV in cancers does not exclude a hit-and-run mechanism, or the oncoproteins of MCPyV may potentiate the neoplastic process mediated by co-infecting oncoviruses such as high-risk human papillomaviruses and Epstein-Barr virus. The current review is focusing on the available data describing the presence of MCPyV in non-MCC tumors, with an aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the corresponding literature and to discuss the potential contribution of MCPyV to non-MCC cancer in light of this.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Balint Csoboz
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kashif Rasheed
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Baldur Sveinbjørnsson
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hashida Y, Higuchi T, Tanaka M, Shibata Y, Nakajima K, Sano S, Daibata M. Prevalence and Viral Loads of Cutaneous Human Polyomaviruses in the Skin of Patients With Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases. J Infect Dis 2020; 219:1564-1573. [PMID: 30357388 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human skin microorganisms have been associated with various skin diseases. However, most studies have focused on bacterial communities, and little is known about normally resident skin viruses such as the Polyomaviridae and their association with cutaneous disorders. METHODS We investigated the infection levels of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6), and human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7), using triplet skin swabs collected from lesional and nonlesional skins of 86 Japanese patients with inflammatory skin diseases and mycosis fungoides, and from 149 healthy control individuals. RESULTS This age-matched case-control study provides the first analyses of the loads of polyomaviruses in association with various skin diseases. The viral loads were significantly higher for HPyV6/HPyV7 and lower for MCPyV in patients with psoriasis. The viral load variation was observed not only at lesion sites, but also at clinically unaffected skin sites in most of the patients. The viral strains tested were all of the Asian/Japanese genotype. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a covariation in the infection levels of cutaneous polyomaviruses in certain inflammatory skin conditions. Worldwide prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to understand the influence of such alterations on the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hashida
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Tomonori Higuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Moe Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Yuka Shibata
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Kimiko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Masanori Daibata
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hashida Y, Higuchi T, Matsui K, Shibata Y, Nakajima K, Sano S, Daibata M. Genetic Variability of the Noncoding Control Region of Cutaneous Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: Identification of Geographically Related Genotypes. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:1601-1611. [PMID: 29409030 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous cutaneous virus that causes Merkel cell carcinoma, which develops preferentially in white populations from Europe and North America. However, the genomic variations of MCPyV among ethnic groups have not been well delineated, and even less is known regarding alterations in the noncoding control region (NCCR) in the general population. Methods MCPyV strains recovered from skin swab specimens from 250 healthy participants with distinct ethnicities and geographic origins were subjected to sequencing analysis of the NCCR. Results A 25-base pair tandem repeat caused by a 25-base pair insertion within the NCCR was found predominantly in Japanese and East Asian individuals. Based on the presence of 2 other insertions and a deletion, the NCCR could be classified further into 5 genotypes. This tandem repeat was also found exclusively in the NCCR from Japanese patients with Merkel cell carcinoma, while other genotypes were detected in white patients from Europe and North America. Conclusions Our results suggest that the MCPyV NCCR varies according to ethnicity and that assessing the short NCCR sequence provides a rapid and simple means for identification of the Japanese and East Asian variant genotype. It remains to be established whether these NCCR variations are associated differentially with the pathogenesis of MCPyV-driven Merkel cell carcinoma between regions with varying endemicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hashida
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Tomonori Higuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Matsui
- Clinical Laboratory Science, Nitobe Bunka College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuka Shibata
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kimiko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masanori Daibata
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Brighi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Università di Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medical Oncology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura del Tumori Solidi (IRST), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Meldola, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lamberti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic, and Specialty Medicine, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Università di Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Campana
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Policlinico di Sant'Orsola University Hospital, Università di Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ciccozzi M, Lai A, Zehender G, Borsetti A, Cella E, Ciotti M, Sagnelli E, Sagnelli C, Angeletti S. The phylogenetic approach for viral infectious disease evolution and epidemiology: An updating review. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1707-1724. [PMID: 31243773 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, the phylogenetic approach is recurrent in molecular evolutionary analysis. On 12 May, 2019, about 2 296 213 papers are found, but typing "phylogeny" or "epidemiology AND phylogeny" only 199 804 and 20 133 are retrieved, respectively. Molecular epidemiology in infectious diseases is widely used to define the source of infection as so as the ancestral relationships of individuals sampled from a population. Coalescent theory and phylogeographic analysis have had scientific application in several, recent pandemic events, and nosocomial outbreaks. Hepatitis viruses and immunodeficiency virus (human immunodeficiency virus) have been largely studied. Phylogenetic analysis has been recently applied on Polyomaviruses so as in the more recent outbreaks due to different arboviruses type as Zika and chikungunya viruses discovering the source of infection and the geographic spread. Data on sequences isolated by the microorganism are essential to apply the phylogenetic tools and research in the field of infectious disease phylodinamics is growing up. There is the need to apply molecular phylogenetic and evolutionary methods in areas out of infectious diseases, as translational genomics and personalized medicine. Lastly, the application of these tools in vaccine strategy so as in antibiotic and antiviral researchers are encouraged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Lai
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianguglielmo Zehender
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'L. Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Borsetti
- National HIV/AIDS Research Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cella
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Evangelista Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Sagnelli
- Department of Mental Health and Public Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Harms PW, Harms KL, Moore PS, DeCaprio JA, Nghiem P, Wong MKK, Brownell I. The biology and treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma: current understanding and research priorities. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2019; 15:763-776. [PMID: 30287935 PMCID: PMC6319370 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-018-0103-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive skin cancer associated with advanced age and immunosuppression. Over the past decade, an association has been discovered between MCC and either integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus, which likely drives tumorigenesis, or somatic mutations owing to ultraviolet-induced DNA damage. Both virus-positive and virus-negative MCCs are immunogenic, and inhibition of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)–programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) immune checkpoint has proved to be highly effective in treating patients with metastatic MCC; however, not all patients have a durable response to immunotherapy. Despite these rapid advances in the understanding and management of patients with MCC, many basic, translational and clinical research questions remain unanswered. In March 2018, an International Workshop on Merkel Cell Carcinoma Research was held at the US National Cancer Institute, at which academic, government and industry experts met to identify the highest-priority research questions. Here, we review the biology and treatment of MCC and report the consensus-based recommendations agreed upon during the workshop. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive form of nonmelanoma skin cancer. The availability of immune checkpoint inhibition has improved the outcomes of a subset of patients with MCC, although many unmet needs continue to exist. In this Consensus Statement, the authors summarize developments in our understanding of MCC while also providing consensus recommendations for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Harms
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kelly L Harms
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Patrick S Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael K K Wong
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Isaac Brownell
- Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hashida Y, Higuchi T, Matsuzaki S, Nakajima K, Sano S, Daibata M. Prevalence and Genetic Variability of Human Polyomaviruses 6 and 7 in Healthy Skin Among Asymptomatic Individuals. J Infect Dis 2019; 217:483-493. [PMID: 29161422 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the pathogenetic potential of human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) and human polyomavirus 7 (HPyV7), they have been found in the normal skin of healthy individuals. However, little is known about the prevalence, infection levels, and geographical variations of these polyomaviruses in the skin. Methods Using skin swabs from 470 participants aged 2-98 years, we estimated the prevalence of copy numbers of HPyV6 and HPyV7 with respect to age and ethnicity. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on viral sequences obtained from Asian and white populations. Results This study provides the first analyses of the age-specific prevalence and levels of HPyV6 and HPyV7 infections in normal skin. Comparisons of age groups revealed that the prevalence and viral loads were significantly higher in elderly persons. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the existence of Asian/Japanese-specific strains genetically distinct from strains prevalent in the skin of the white population studied. Conclusions This large study suggests that HPyV6 and HPyV7 infections in the skin are highly prevalent in elderly adults. Further research is warranted to understand whether persistent infection with high viral loads in the skin could be a risk factor for the development of HPyV6- and HPyV7-associated skin disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hashida
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Tomonori Higuchi
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Matsuzaki
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Kimiko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| | - Masanori Daibata
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sheu JC, Tran J, Rady PL, Dao H, Tyring SK, Nguyen HP. Polyomaviruses of the skin: integrating molecular and clinical advances in an emerging class of viruses. Br J Dermatol 2019; 180:1302-1311. [PMID: 30585627 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.17592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are small, nonenveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that express tumour antigen proteins. Fourteen species of polyomaviruses have been discovered in humans, and since the 2008 discovery of the first cutaneous polyomavirus - Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) - six more species have been detected in the skin: trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV), HPyV6, HPyV7, HPyV9, HPyV10 and HPyV13. Of these cutaneous species, only MCPyV, TSPyV, HPyV6 and HPyV7 have been definitively associated with diseases of the skin, most commonly in immunocompromised individuals. MCPyV is a predominant aetiology in Merkel cell carcinomas. TSPyV is one of the aetiological factors of trichodysplasia spinulosa. HPyV6 and HPyV7 have been recently linked to pruritic skin eruptions. The roles of HPyV9, HPyV10 and HPyV13 in pathogenesis, if any, are still unknown, but their molecular features have provided some insight into their functional biology. RESULTS In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms, clinical presentation and targeted therapies of each of the eight cutaneous HPyVs. CONCLUSIONS We hope that heightened awareness and clinical recognition of HPyVs will lead to increased reports of HPyV-associated diseases and, consequently, a more robust understanding of how to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Sheu
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - J Tran
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - P L Rady
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - H Dao
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - S K Tyring
- Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - H P Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Dermatology, McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Prado JCM, Monezi TA, Amorim AT, Lino V, Paladino A, Boccardo E. Human polyomaviruses and cancer: an overview. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2018; 73:e558s. [PMID: 30328951 PMCID: PMC6157077 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2018/e558s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The name of the family Polyomaviridae, derives from the early observation that cells infected with murine polyomavirus induced multiple (poly) tumors (omas) in immunocompromised mice. Subsequent studies showed that many members of this family exhibit the capacity of mediating cell transformation and tumorigenesis in different experimental models. The transformation process mediated by these viruses is driven by viral pleiotropic regulatory proteins called T (tumor) antigens. Similar to other viral oncoproteins T antigens target cellular regulatory factors to favor cell proliferation, immune evasion and downregulation of apoptosis. The first two human polyomaviruses were isolated over 45 years ago. However, recent advances in the DNA sequencing technologies led to the rapid identification of additional twelve new polyomaviruses in different human samples. Many of these viruses establish chronic infections and have been associated with conditions in immunosuppressed individuals, particularly in organ transplant recipients. This has been associated to viral reactivation due to the immunosuppressant therapy applied to these patients. Four polyomaviruses namely, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Trichodysplasia spinulosa polyomavirus (TSPyV), John Cunningham Polyomavirus (JCPyV) and BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) have been associated with the development of specific malignant tumors. However, present evidence only supports the role of MCPyV as a carcinogen to humans. In the present review we present a summarized discussion on the current knowledge concerning the role of MCPyV, TSPyV, JCPyV and BKPyV in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Mann Prado
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Telma Alves Monezi
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Aline Teixeira Amorim
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Vanesca Lino
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Andressa Paladino
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Enrique Boccardo
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
- *Corresponding author. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Sirohi D, Vaske C, Sanborn Z, Smith SC, Don MD, Lindsey KG, Federman S, Vankalakunti M, Koo J, Bose S, Peralta-Venturina MD, Ziffle JV, Grenert JP, Miller S, Chiu C, Amin MB, Simko JP, Stohr BA, Luthringer DJ. Polyoma virus-associated carcinomas of the urologic tract: a clinicopathologic and molecular study. Mod Pathol 2018; 31:1429-1441. [PMID: 29765141 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0065-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been increased interest in carcinomas of the urologic tract, that demonstrate association with the polyoma virus BK arising in immunosuppressed individuals, though the nature of this association is uncertain. To begin to understand this phenomenon, we reviewed the clinical, morphological, and immunohistochemical features of 11 carcinomas of the urologic tract, mainly urothelial (N = 9) and collecting duct carcinomas (N = 2), occurring during immunosuppression, and expressing polyoma virus T-antigen by immunohistochemistry. These were compared to a control group of carcinomas (N = 8), also arising during immunosuppression, but without T-antigen expression. A subset of both groups were also studied by hybrid capture-based DNA sequencing, probing not only for 479 cancer-related human genes, but also for polyoma and other viral sequences. Polyoma T-antigen-expressing tumors arose in 7 males and 4 females, at a median age of 66, and were aggressive, high-grade tumors with more than 1 variant morphologic pattern identified in 81% of cases, and a majority (73%) presenting at high stage category (>pT3). Diffuse polyoma T-antigen staining was seen in 91% of cases, with co-localization of aberrant p53 staining in 89%. Sequencing detected a lower number of deleterious mutations among T-antigen-expressing cases (average 1.62; 1/8 with TP53 mutation) compared to control cases (average 3.5, 2/4 with TP53 mutation). Only BK virus was detected with clonal integration and breakpoints randomly distributed across the human and viral genomes in 5/5 of the polyoma T-antigen-expressing carcinomas, and in none of the controls (0/4). In summary, these findings identify aggressive clinicopathologic features of polyoma T-antigen-expressing carcinomas, document BK as the strain involved, and associate BK viral integration with T-antigen expression and p53 aberrancy. While the apparent randomness of viral insertion sites is functionally unclear, the differing rates of mutations between T-antigen-expressing and control cases is intriguing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Sirohi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Steven C Smith
- Departments of Pathology and Urology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Michelle D Don
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Scot Federman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mahesha Vankalakunti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jamie Koo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shikha Bose
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Jessica van Ziffle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - James P Grenert
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steve Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Charles Chiu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mahul B Amin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Urology, University of Tennessee Health Science, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffry P Simko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bradley A Stohr
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel J Luthringer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
The Role of miRNAs in Virus-Mediated Oncogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041217. [PMID: 29673190 PMCID: PMC5979478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, viruses are reported to be responsible for more than 15% of all tumors worldwide. The oncogenesis could be influenced directly by the activity of viral oncoproteins or by the chronic infection or inflammation. The group of human oncoviruses includes Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) or polyomaviruses, and transregulating retroviruses such as HIV or HTLV-1. Most of these viruses express short noncoding RNAs called miRNAs to regulate their own gene expression or to influence host gene expression and thus contribute to the carcinogenic processes. In this review, we will focus on oncogenic viruses and summarize the role of both types of miRNAs, viral as well as host’s, in the oncogenesis.
Collapse
|
27
|
Velásquez C, Amako Y, Harold A, Toptan T, Chang Y, Shuda M. Characterization of a Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Positive Merkel Cell Carcinoma Cell Line CVG-1. Front Microbiol 2018; 9:713. [PMID: 29696010 PMCID: PMC5905237 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) plays a causal role in ∼80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). MCV is clonally integrated into the MCC tumor genome, which results in persistent expression of large T (LT) and small T (sT) antigen oncoproteins encoded by the early locus. In MCV-positive MCC tumors, LT is truncated by premature stop codons or deletions that lead to loss of the C-terminal origin binding (OBD) and helicase domains important for replication. The N-terminal Rb binding domain remains intact. MCV-positive cell lines derived from MCC explants have been valuable tools to study the molecular mechanism of MCV-induced Merkel cell carcinogenesis. Although all cell lines have integrated MCV and express truncated LT antigens, the molecular sizes of the LT proteins differ between cell lines. The copy number of integrated viral genome also varies across cell lines, leading to significantly different levels of viral protein expression. Nevertheless, these cell lines share phenotypic similarities in cell morphology, growth characteristics, and neuroendocrine marker expression. Several low-passage MCV-positive MCC cell lines have been established since the identification of MCV. We describe a new MCV-positive MCV cell line, CVG-1, with features distinct from previously reported cell lines. CVG-1 tumor cells grow in more discohesive clusters in loose round cell suspension, and individual cells show dramatic size heterogeneity. It is the first cell line to encode an MCV sT polymorphism resulting in a unique leucine (L) to proline (P) substitution mutation at amino acid 144. CVG-1 possesses a LT truncation pattern near identical to that of MKL-1 cells differing by the last two C-terminal amino acids and also shows an LT protein expression level similar to MKL-1. Viral T antigen knockdown reveals that, like other MCV-positive MCC cell lines, CVG-1 requires T antigen expression for cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Celestino Velásquez
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yutaka Amako
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Alexis Harold
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Tuna Toptan
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Masahiro Shuda
- Cancer Virology Program, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Novel Human Polyomavirus Noncoding Control Regions Differ in Bidirectional Gene Expression according to Host Cell, Large T-Antigen Expression, and Clinically Occurring Rearrangements. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.02231-17. [PMID: 29343574 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02231-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human polyomavirus (HPyV) DNA genomes contain three regions denoted the early viral gene region (EVGR), encoding the regulatory T-antigens and one microRNA, the late viral gene region (LVGR), encoding the structural Vp capsid proteins, and the noncoding control region (NCCR). The NCCR harbors the origin of viral genome replication and bidirectional promoter/enhancer functions governing EVGR and LVGR expression on opposite DNA strands. Despite principal similarities, HPyV NCCRs differ in length, sequence, and architecture. To functionally compare HPyV NCCRs, sequences from human isolates were inserted into a bidirectional reporter vector using dsRed2 for EVGR expression and green fluorescent protein (GFP) for LVGR expression. Transfecting HPyV NCCR reporter vectors into human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells and flow cytometry normalized to archetype BKPyV NCCR revealed a hierarchy of EVGR expression levels with MCPyV, HPyV12, and STLPyV NCCRs conferring stronger levels and HPyV6, HPyV9, and HPyV10 NCCRs weaker levels, while LVGR expression was less variable and showed comparable activity levels. Transfection of HEK293T cells expressing simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen (LTag) increased EVGR expression for most HPyV NCCRs, which correlated with the number of LTag-binding sites (Spearman's r, 0.625; P < 0.05) and decreased following SV40 LTag small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown. LTag-dependent activation was specifically confirmed for two different MCPyV NCCRs in 293MCT cells expressing the cognate MCPyV LTag. HPyV NCCR expression in different cell lines derived from skin (A375), cervix (HeLaNT), lung (A549), brain (Hs683), and colon (SW480) demonstrated that host cell properties significantly modulate the baseline HPyV NCCR activity, which partly synergized with SV40 LTag expression. Clinically occurring NCCR sequence rearrangements of HPyV7 PITT-1 and -2 and HPyV9 UF1 were found to increase EVGR expression compared to the respective HPyV archetype, but this was partly host cell type specific.IMPORTANCE HPyV NCCRs integrate essential viral functions with respect to host cell specificity, persistence, viral replication, and disease. Here, we show that HPyV NCCRs not only differ in sequence length, number, and position of LTag- and common transcription factor-binding sites but also confer differences in bidirectional viral gene expression. Importantly, EVGR reporter expression was significantly modulated by LTag expression and by host cell properties. Clinical sequence variants of HPyV7 and HPyV9 NCCRs containing deletions and insertions were associated with increased EVGR expression, similar to BKPyV and JCPyV rearrangements, emphasizing that HPyV NCCR sequences are major determinants not only of host cell tropism but also of pathogenicity. These results will help to define secondary HPyV cell tropism beyond HPyV surface receptors, to identify key viral and host factors shaping the viral life cycle, and to develop preclinical models of HPyV persistence and replication and suitable antiviral targets.
Collapse
|
29
|
Hamiter M, Asarkar A, Rogers D, Moore-Medlin T, McClure G, Ma X, Vanchiere J, Nathan CAO. A pilot study of Merkel cell polyomavirus in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue. Oral Oncol 2017; 74:111-114. [PMID: 29103738 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mickie Hamiter
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Surgery, Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Hospital, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Ameya Asarkar
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Surgery, Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Hospital, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Donna Rogers
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Tara Moore-Medlin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Gloria McClure
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Ma
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - John Vanchiere
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Cherie-Ann O Nathan
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, USA; Department of Surgery, Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Hospital, Shreveport, LA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Vandeven N, Nghiem P. Rationale for immune-based therapies in Merkel polyomavirus-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinomas. Immunotherapy 2017; 8:907-21. [PMID: 27381685 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but often deadly skin cancer that is typically caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Polyomavirus T-antigen oncoproteins are persistently expressed in virus-positive MCCs (˜80% of cases), while remarkably high numbers of tumor-associated neoantigens are detected in virus-negative MCCs, suggesting that both MCC subsets may be immunogenic. Here we review mechanisms by which these immunogenic tumors evade multiple levels of host immunity. Additionally, we summarize the exciting potential of diverse immune-based approaches to treat MCC. In particular, agents blocking the PD-1 axis have yielded strikingly high response rates in MCC as compared with other solid tumors, highlighting the potential for immune-mediated treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Vandeven
- Department of Medicine (Pathology & Dermatology), University of Washington, USA
| | - Paul Nghiem
- Department of Medicine (Pathology & Dermatology), University of Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Merkel cell polyomavirus and cutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. Future Sci OA 2017; 2:FSO155. [PMID: 28116137 PMCID: PMC5242196 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2016-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
|
32
|
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Exhibits Dominant Control of the Tumor Genome and Transcriptome in Virus-Associated Merkel Cell Carcinoma. mBio 2017; 8:mBio.02079-16. [PMID: 28049147 PMCID: PMC5210499 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02079-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus is the primary etiological agent of the aggressive skin cancer Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Recent studies have revealed that UV radiation is the primary mechanism for somatic mutagenesis in nonviral forms of MCC. Here, we analyze the whole transcriptomes and genomes of primary MCC tumors. Our study reveals that virus-associated tumors have minimally altered genomes compared to non-virus-associated tumors, which are dominated by UV-mediated mutations. Although virus-associated tumors contain relatively small mutation burdens, they exhibit a distinct mutation signature with observable transcriptionally biased kataegic events. In addition, viral integration sites overlap focal genome amplifications in virus-associated tumors, suggesting a potential mechanism for these events. Collectively, our studies indicate that Merkel cell polyomavirus is capable of hijacking cellular processes and driving tumorigenesis to the same severity as tens of thousands of somatic genome alterations. A variety of mutagenic processes that shape the evolution of tumors are critical determinants of disease outcome. Here, we sequenced the entire genome of virus-positive and virus-negative primary Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs), revealing distinct mutation spectra and corresponding expression profiles. Our studies highlight the strong effect that Merkel cell polyomavirus has on the divergent development of viral MCC compared to the somatic alterations that typically drive nonviral tumorigenesis. A more comprehensive understanding of the distinct mutagenic processes operative in viral and nonviral MCCs has implications for the effective treatment of these tumors.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kisseljov FL, Vinokurova SV, Kisseljova NP. Novel human DNA viruses and their putative associations with human diseases. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
34
|
Liu W, MacDonald M, You J. Merkel cell polyomavirus infection and Merkel cell carcinoma. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 20:20-27. [PMID: 27521569 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus is the only polyomavirus discovered to date that is associated with a human cancer. MCPyV infection is highly prevalent in the general population. Nearly all healthy adults asymptomatically shed MCPyV from their skin. However, in elderly and immunosuppressed individuals, the infection can lead to a lethal form of skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma. In the last few years, new findings have established links between MCPyV infection, host immune response, and Merkel cell carcinoma development. This review discusses these recent discoveries on how MCPyV interacts with host cells to achieve persistent infection and, in the immunocompromised population, contributes to MCC development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Margo MacDonald
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hashida Y, Nakajima K, Nakajima H, Shiga T, Tanaka M, Murakami M, Matsuzaki S, Naganuma S, Kuroda N, Seki Y, Katano H, Sano S, Daibata M. High load of Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA detected in the normal skin of Japanese patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. J Clin Virol 2016; 82:101-107. [PMID: 27472520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) has the potential to cause Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), it is also found in the normal skin of healthy individuals. However, the mechanism for transformation of MCPyV to an oncogenic form is unknown. OBJECTIVES To investigate the levels of MCPyV infection in the normal skin patients with MCC compared with those in a control cohort. STUDY DESIGN We studied a total of six Japanese patients with cutaneous MCC. Sun-exposed and sun-unexposed skin swabs were obtained and analyzed for MCPyV loads using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS At first, we found a patient with MCC carrying an extremely high load of MCPyV DNA in normal skin. This unique case prompted us to further explore the levels of MCPyV as skin microbiota in patients with MCC. We showed that MCPyV DNA levels were significantly higher in swabs obtained from normal skin samples of six patients with MCC compared with those from 30 age-matched healthy individuals and 19 patients with other cutaneous cancers. Whereas MCPyV strains obtained from the normal skin of patients with MCC had gene sequences without structural alterations, sequences of the tumor-derived strains showed truncating mutations or deletions. CONCLUSIONS Although the number of patients with MCC studied was small, our findings suggest that MCC may occur with a background of high MCPyV load in the skin, and are expected to stimulate further studies on whether such skin virome levels could be one of predictive markers for the development of MCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hashida
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Kimiko Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakajima
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Takeo Shiga
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Moe Tanaka
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masanao Murakami
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Matsuzaki
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Seiji Naganuma
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Naoki Kuroda
- Department of Pathology, Kochi Red Cross Hospital, Kochi, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Seki
- Department of Molecular Biophysics, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Harutaka Katano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigetoshi Sano
- Department of Dermatology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
| | - Masanori Daibata
- Department of Microbiology and Infection, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Phylogenetic and structural analysis of merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 in Brazilian samples. Virus Res 2016; 221:1-7. [PMID: 27173789 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the phylogenetic and structural characteristics of the Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) is increasing but still scarce, especially in samples originating from South America. In order to investigate the properties of MCPyV circulating in the continent in more detail, MCPyV Viral Protein 1 (VP1) sequences from five basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and four saliva samples from Brazilian individuals were evaluated from the phylogenetic and structural standpoint, along with all complete MCPyV VP1 sequences available at Genbank database so far. The VP1 phylogenetic analysis confirmed the previously reported pattern of geographic distribution of MCPyV genotypes and the complexity of the South-American clade. The nine Brazilian samples were equally distributed in the South-American (3 saliva samples); North American/European (2 BCC and 1 saliva sample); and in the African clades (3 BCC). The classification of mutations according to the functional regions of VP1 protein revealed a differentiated pattern for South-American sequences, with higher number of mutations on the neutralizing epitope loops and lower on the region of C-terminus, responsible for capsid formation, when compared to other continents. In conclusion, the phylogenetic analysis showed that the distribution of Brazilian VP1 sequences agrees with the ethnic composition of the country, indicating that VP1 can be successfully used for MCPyV phylogenetic studies. Finally, the structural analysis suggests that some mutations could have impact on the protein folding, membrane binding or antibody escape, and therefore they should be further studied.
Collapse
|
37
|
Hashida Y, Kamioka M, Tanaka M, Hosokawa S, Murakami M, Nakajima K, Kikuchi H, Fujieda M, Sano S, Daibata M. Ecology of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus in Healthy Skin Among Individuals in an Asian Cohort. J Infect Dis 2016; 213:1708-16. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
|
38
|
Fernandez-Flores A. Aportaciones de la anatomía patológica en el diagnóstico de las infecciones cutáneas: una perspectiva histórica. PIEL 2016. [PMCID: PMC7148901 DOI: 10.1016/j.piel.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
|
39
|
Meta-Analysis of DNA Tumor-Viral Integration Site Selection Indicates a Role for Repeats, Gene Expression and Epigenetics. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2217-35. [PMID: 26569308 PMCID: PMC4695887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncoviruses cause tremendous global cancer burden. For several DNA tumor viruses, human genome integration is consistently associated with cancer development. However, genomic features associated with tumor viral integration are poorly understood. We sought to define genomic determinants for 1897 loci prone to hosting human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). These were compared to HIV, whose enzyme-mediated integration is well understood. A comprehensive catalog of integration sites was constructed from the literature and experimentally-determined HPV integration sites. Features were scored in eight categories (genes, expression, open chromatin, histone modifications, methylation, protein binding, chromatin segmentation and repeats) and compared to random loci. Random forest models determined loci classification and feature selection. HPV and HBV integrants were not fragile site associated. MCPyV preferred integration near sensory perception genes. Unique signatures of integration-associated predictive genomic features were detected. Importantly, repeats, actively-transcribed regions and histone modifications were common tumor viral integration signatures.
Collapse
|
40
|
Kenan DJ, Mieczkowski PA, Burger-Calderon R, Singh HK, Nickeleit V. The oncogenic potential of BK-polyomavirus is linked to viral integration into the human genome. J Pathol 2015; 237:379-89. [PMID: 26172456 PMCID: PMC5042064 DOI: 10.1002/path.4584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that BK-polyomavirus is linked to oncogenesis via high expression levels of large T-antigen in some urothelial neoplasms arising following kidney transplantation. However, a causal association between BK-polyomavirus, large T-antigen expression and oncogenesis has never been demonstrated in humans. Here we describe an investigation using high-throughput sequencing of tumour DNA obtained from an urothelial carcinoma arising in a renal allograft. We show that a novel BK-polyomavirus strain, named CH-1, is integrated into exon 26 of the myosin-binding protein C1 gene (MYBPC1) on chromosome 12 in tumour cells but not in normal renal cells. Integration of the BK-polyomavirus results in a number of discrete alterations in viral gene expression, including: (a) disruption of VP1 protein expression and robust expression of large T-antigen; (b) preclusion of viral replication; and (c) deletions in the non-coding control region (NCCR), with presumed alterations in promoter feedback loops. Viral integration disrupts one MYBPC1 gene copy and likely alters its expression. Circular episomal BK-polyomavirus gene sequences are not found, and the renal allograft shows no productive polyomavirus infection or polyomavirus nephropathy. These findings support the hypothesis that integration of polyomaviruses is essential to tumourigenesis. It is likely that dysregulation of large T-antigen, with persistent over-expression in non-lytic cells, promotes cell growth, genetic instability and neoplastic transformation.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Allografts
- Antigens, Viral, Tumor/genetics
- BK Virus/genetics
- BK Virus/metabolism
- BK Virus/pathogenicity
- Biopsy
- Capsid Proteins/genetics
- Carcinoma/genetics
- Carcinoma/pathology
- Carcinoma/surgery
- Carcinoma/virology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Viral
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 12
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Viral
- Genome, Human
- Genomic Instability
- Humans
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Kidney Neoplasms/surgery
- Kidney Neoplasms/virology
- Kidney Transplantation/adverse effects
- Male
- Microscopy, Electron
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/metabolism
- Polyomavirus Infections/virology
- Tumor Virus Infections/virology
- Urothelium/pathology
- Urothelium/virology
- Virus Integration
- Virus Replication
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Kenan
- Division of Nephropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - Harsharan K Singh
- Division of Nephropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Volker Nickeleit
- Division of Nephropathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Tanio S, Matsushita M, Kuwamoto S, Horie Y, Kodani I, Murakami I, Ryoke K, Hayashi K. Low prevalence of Merkel cell polyomavirus with low viral loads in oral and maxillofacial tumours or tumour-like lesions from immunocompetent patients: Absence of Merkel cell polyomavirus-associated neoplasms. Mol Clin Oncol 2015; 3:1301-1306. [PMID: 26807237 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
It was recently demonstrated that ~80% of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) harbour a novel polyomavirus, Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCPyV has been detected in various human tissue samples. However, previous studies on the prevalence of MCPyV in oral tumours or tumour-like lesions are incomplete. To address this issue, we measured MCPyV DNA quantity using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 327 oral tumours or tumour-like lesions and 54 jaw tumours or cyst lesions from 381 immunocompetent patients, as well as in 4 oral lesions from 4 immunosuppressed patients. qPCR revealed a low MCPyV prevalence (25/381, 6.6%) with low viral loads (0.00024-0.026 copies/cell) in oral and maxillofacial tumours and tumour-like lesions from immunocompetent patients. The prevalence was 7/176 (4.0%) in invasive squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) [2/60 (3.33%) SCCs of the tongue, 4/52 (7.7%) SCCs of the gingiva and 1/19 (5.3%) SCCs of the floor of the mouth], 1/10 (10%) in dysplasias, 1/5 (20%) in adenocarcinomas, 2/13 (15.4%) in adenoid cystic carcinomas, 1/10 (10%) in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, 3/10 (30%) in lipomas, 3/5 (60%) in neurofibromas, 1/3 (33.3%) in Schwannomas, 2/12 (16.7%) in Warthin's tumours, 2/11 (18.2%) in pyogenic granulomas, 1/14 (7.1%) in radicular cysts and 1/12 (8.3%) in ameloblastomas. The prevalence in lesions from immunosuppressed patients (1/4, 25%) was higher compared with that in lesions from immunocompetent patients (25/381, 6.6%), but the difference was not statistically significant. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to report prevalence data of MCPyV in tumours and cysts of the jaws (2/54, 3.7%). These data indicated absence of MCPyV-related tumours or tumour-like lesions in the oral cavity and jaws and suggested that the detected MCPyV DNA was derived from non-neoplastic background tissues with widespread low-level MCPyV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Tanio
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan; Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Michiko Matsushita
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuwamoto
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Yasushi Horie
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8504, Japan
| | - Isamu Kodani
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Ichiro Murakami
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ryoke
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Biopathological Surgery, Department of Medicine of Sensory and Motor Organs, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Hayashi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tottori University, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Horváth KB, Pankovics P, Kálmán E, Kádár Z, Battyáni Z, Lengyel Z, Reuter G. Epidemiological, Clinicopathological and Virological Features of Merkel Cell Carcinomas in Medical Center of University of Pécs, Hungary (2007-2012). Pathol Oncol Res 2015; 22:71-7. [PMID: 26306468 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-015-9974-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly aggressive skin tumour. In 2008, a Merkel cell polyomavirus (MC) was identified in MCCs as a potential etiological factor of MCC. The aims of this retrospective study were to investigate the epidemiological, clinicopathological and virological features of MCCs. Between 2007 and 2012, 11 patients had been diagnosed with MCC by histological methods in University of Pécs, Hungary. In eight MCC cases MC was tested by PCR (in primary skin lesions, lymph nodes/cutan metastases, MCC neighboring carcinomas). Clinicopathological characteristics (age, histological pattern, lymphovascular invasion, co-morbidities) of MC-positive and MC-negative cases were compared. MC was detected in three (37.5%) out of eight patients' primary tumour or metastasis. The average age was 73.8 (64.3 in MC-positive group). Except the youngest, 55 year-old patient (the primary tumour appeared on his leg), all tumours were found at the head and neck region. Immunosuppression (steroid therapy, chronic lymphoid leukaemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and/or old age were characteristic for all cases. Histological pattern was different in MC-positive and in MC-negative groups: MCCs with MC showed more homogeneous histological pattern, lack of lymphovascular invasion and were associated with better prognosis (mortality rate: 33% versus 80%). MCC associated with oncogenic virus is a newly recognized clinical entity. However, MC could not be detected in all histologically proven MCCs. The well-defined selection of patients/disease groups and better characterization of differences between MC-positive and negative cases is an important step towards the recognition of the etiology and pathogenesis of all MCCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Barbara Horváth
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Szabadság út 7., Pécs, H-7623, Hungary.,Department of Pathology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Pankovics
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Szabadság út 7., Pécs, H-7623, Hungary
| | - Endre Kálmán
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kádár
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zita Battyáni
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Lengyel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Oncodermatology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Reuter
- Regional Laboratory of Virology, ÁNTSZ Regional Institute of State Public Health Service, Szabadság út 7., Pécs, H-7623, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Santos-Juanes J, Fernández-Vega I, Fuentes N, Galache C, Coto-Segura P, Vivanco B, Astudillo A, Martínez-Camblor P. Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:42-9. [PMID: 25919492 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Several observational studies have assessed the correlation between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus with variable results. The objective of this systematic review was to determine whether there is a correlation between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Studies assessing the relationship between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus from January 2008 to August 2014 were pooled from Medline, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews and Google Scholar. From each study we collected the first author's last name, publication year, country of origin, type of study design, characteristics of participants, possible variables incorporated into the multivariable analyses and the risk ratio (RR) for Merkel cell carcinoma associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus combined with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Methodological assessment of the study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Crude RR was calculated from the data provided in each article. Meta-analyses for the global RR and for the proportion of positives in both case and control samples were performed. In addition, in order to explore the sources of heterogeneity among the studies, meta-regression and sensitivity analyses are also provided. A total of 22 studies were identified for the analysis. The pooled RR from random-effects analysis was determined to be 6.32 (95% CI, 4.02-9.93). Global proportions of positive samples were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.72-0.84) and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.08-0.19) in the case and control groups, respectively. The findings support the association between Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell polyomavirus. However, a non-negligible percentage of positive results have been identified in controls. Some caution must be taken in the interpretation of these results because heterogeneity between studies was found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Santos-Juanes
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - I Fernández-Vega
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Araba, Álava, Spain
| | - N Fuentes
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - C Galache
- Departamento de Radiodiagnóstico, Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - P Coto-Segura
- Dermatology II, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - B Vivanco
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - A Astudillo
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - P Martínez-Camblor
- Oficina de Investigación Biosanitaria de Asturias (OIB-FICYT), Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain.,Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sadeghi F, Ghanadan A, Salehi Vaziri M, Bokharaei Salim F, Monavari SH, Keyvani H. Merkel cell polyomavirus infection in a patient with merkel cell carcinoma: a case report. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e17849. [PMID: 25964849 PMCID: PMC4419364 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.17849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy of the skin which occurs mainly in old people and is very uncommon in young individuals. A new tumor virus belonging to the Polyomaviridae family; Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) has recently been identified in more than 80% of MCCs. Case Presentation: We conducted a retrospective review on the archives of the Department of Pathology; Imam Khomeini Hospital Cancer Institute affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences to confirm the MCC samples and we found medical records and samples of a young case with MCC who developed leg skin and scalp tumor six and seven years after bone marrow transplantation, respectively. We analyzed patient formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples for the presence of MCPyV DNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, and the PCR amplicons were subjected to DNA sequencing. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus DNA was detected in both tumors from patient and sequence analysis of the viral LT3 region showed a close homology to strains circulating worldwide. Conclusions: The findings of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that local, systemic, or tumor-induced immunosuppression may allow the MCPyV to initiate skin aggressive cancer. It is necessary to maintain regular check over patients taking immunosuppressive medications for MCPyV infection. Since there is not any information about detection and molecular biology analysis of MCPyV among Iranian patients with MCC, this study provides more information about MCC and MCPyV in Iran.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Sadeghi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Alireza Ghanadan
- Department of Dermatopathology, Razi Skin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mostafa Salehi Vaziri
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farah Bokharaei Salim
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Hamidreza Monavari
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Hossein Keyvani, Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2188602205, Fax: +98-2188602205, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Viruses and human cancers: a long road of discovery of molecular paradigms. Clin Microbiol Rev 2015; 27:463-81. [PMID: 24982317 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00124-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About a fifth of all human cancers worldwide are caused by infectious agents. In 12% of cancers, seven different viruses have been causally linked to human oncogenesis: Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B virus, human papillomavirus, human T-cell lymphotropic virus, hepatitis C virus, Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, and Merkel cell polyomavirus. Here, we review the many molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis that have been discovered over the decades of study of these viruses. We discuss how viruses can act at different stages in the complex multistep process of carcinogenesis. Early events include their involvement in mutagenic events associated with tumor initiation such as viral integration and insertional mutagenesis as well as viral promotion of DNA damage. Also involved in tumor progression is the dysregulation of cellular processes by viral proteins, and we describe how this has been investigated by studies in cell culture and in experimental animals and by molecular cellular approaches. Also important are the molecular mechanisms whereby viruses interact with the immune system and the immune evasion strategies that have evolved.
Collapse
|
46
|
Samimi M, Gardair C, Nicol JTJ, Arnold F, Touzé A, Coursaget P. Merkel cell polyomavirus in merkel cell carcinoma: clinical and therapeutic perspectives. Semin Oncol 2014; 42:347-58. [PMID: 25843739 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2014.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and often aggressive cutaneous cancer with a poor prognosis. The incidence of this cancer increases with age, immunodeficiency and sun exposure. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a new human polyomavirus identified in 2008, is detected in the majority of the MCCs and there is a growing body of evidence that healthy human skin harbors resident or transient MCPyV. A causal link between MCPyV and MCC has been evidenced and this is the first polyomavirus to be clearly implicated as a causal agent underlying a human cancer, and MCPyV was recently classified as a 2A carcinogen. MCC is thus a rare tumor caused by a very common viral skin infection. The aim of this review is to provide a basic overview of the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of MCC, to present the current knowledge on MCPyV polyomavirus and its causal association with MCC development, and to describe the therapeutic implications of this causal link.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Samimi
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours-Hôpital Trousseau, Service de Dermatologie, Tours, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche INRA-Univerity of Tours N°1282, Tours, France
| | - Charlotte Gardair
- CHRU de Tours-Hôpital Trousseau, Service d׳Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Tours, France
| | - Jérome T J Nicol
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche INRA-Univerity of Tours N°1282, Tours, France
| | - Francoise Arnold
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche INRA-Univerity of Tours N°1282, Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Unité Mixte de Recherche INRA-Univerity of Tours N°1282, Tours, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Leroux-Kozal V, Lévêque N, Brodard V, Lesage C, Dudez O, Makeieff M, Kanagaratnam L, Diebold MD. Merkel cell carcinoma: histopathologic and prognostic features according to the immunohistochemical expression of Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen correlated with viral load. Hum Pathol 2014; 46:443-53. [PMID: 25623078 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine skin malignancy frequently associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), which is suspected to be oncogenic. In a series of MCC patients, we compared clinical, histopathologic, and prognostic features according to the expression of viral large T antigen (LTA) correlated with viral load. We evaluated the LTA expression by immunohistochemistry using CM2B4 antibody and quantified viral load by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We analyzed formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples (n = 36) and corresponding fresh-frozen biopsies when available (n = 12), of the primary tumor and/or metastasis from 24 patients. MCPyV was detected in 88% and 58% of MCC patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The relevance of viral load measurements was demonstrated by the strong consistency of viral load level between FFPE and corresponding frozen tissues as well as between primary tumor and metastases. From FFPE samples, 2 MCC subgroups were distinguished based on a viral load threshold defined by the positivity of CM2B4 immunostaining. In the LTA-negative subgroup with no or low viral load (nonsignificant), tumor cells showed more anisokaryosis (P = .01), and a solar elastosis around the tumor was more frequently observed (P = .03). LTA-positive MCCs with significant viral load had a lower proliferation index (P = .03) and a longer survival of corresponding patients (P = .008). Depending on MCPyV involvement, 2 MCC subgroups can be distinguished on histopathologic criteria, and the CM2B4 antibody is able to differentiate them reliably. Furthermore, the presence of a significant viral load in tumors is predictive of better prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Leroux-Kozal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France.
| | - Nicolas Lévêque
- Clinical and Molecular Virology Unit, University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France; Faculty of Medicine, EA-4684 Cardiovir SFR-CAP Santé, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Véronique Brodard
- Clinical and Molecular Virology Unit, University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Candice Lesage
- Department of Dermatology, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Oriane Dudez
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Marc Makeieff
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Lukshe Kanagaratnam
- Department of Research and Innovation, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| | - Marie-Danièle Diebold
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Robert Debré University Hospital, 51092 Reims, France
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Freze Baez C, Cirauqui Diaz N, Baeta Cavalcanti SM, Brandão Varella R. Genetic and structural analysis of Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen from diverse biological samples. Intervirology 2014; 57:331-6. [PMID: 25247791 DOI: 10.1159/000363241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) large T antigen (LT-ag) is frequently found truncated in Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC) and it is considered a major tumor-specific signature. Nonetheless, the biological role of LT-ag nontruncated mutations is largely unknown. In this study, MCPyV LT-ag second exon from 11 non-MCC oral samples and NCBI sequences derived from different anatomical sites were studied from the genetic and structural standpoint. As expected, the LT-ag mutation profile was influenced by the geographical origin of the sample, although nonsynonymous mutations were more frequent in lesional tissues. Our in silico study suggests that the mutations found would not significantly affect protein functions, regardless of sample category. This work presents a thorough investigation of the structural and functional properties of LT-ag nontruncated mutations in MCPyV. Our results sustain the geographical influence of the MCPyV genetic profile, but do not discard genetic tissue specificities. Further investigation involving other genetic segments in healthy and lesional tissues are necessary to improve our knowledge on MCPyV pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camila Freze Baez
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niteroi, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Du-Thanh A, Dereure O, Guillot B, Foulongne V. Merkel cell polyomavirus: Its putative involvement in a particular subset of cutaneous lymphoma with possibly unfavorable outcome. J Clin Virol 2014; 61:161-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
50
|
Cimino PJ, Robirds DH, Tripp SR, Pfeifer JD, Abel HJ, Duncavage EJ. Retinoblastoma gene mutations detected by whole exome sequencing of Merkel cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2014; 27:1073-87. [PMID: 24406863 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2013.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma is a highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor that has been associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus in up to 80% of cases. Merkel cell polyomavirus is believed to influence pathogenesis, at least in part, through expression of the large T antigen, which includes a retinoblastoma protein-binding domain. However, there appears to be significant clinical and morphological overlap between polyomavirus-positive and polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma cases. Although much of the recent focus of Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis has been on polyomavirus, the pathogenesis of polyomavirus-negative cases is still poorly understood. We hypothesized that there are underlying human somatic mutations that unify Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis across polyomavirus status, and to investigate we performed whole exome sequencing on five polyomavirus-positive cases and three polyomavirus-negative cases. We found that there were no significant differences in the overall number of single-nucleotide variations, copy number variations, insertion/deletions, and chromosomal rearrangements when comparing polyomavirus-positive to polyomavirus-negative cases. However, we did find that the retinoblastoma pathway genes harbored a high number of mutations in Merkel cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) was found to have nonsense truncating protein mutations in all three polyomavirus-negative cases; no such mutations were found in the polyomavirus-positive cases. In all eight cases, the retinoblastoma pathway dysregulation was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Although polyomavirus-positive Merkel cell carcinoma is believed to undergo retinoblastoma dysregulation through viral large T antigen expression, our findings demonstrate that somatic mutations in polyomavirus-negative Merkel cell carcinoma lead to retinoblastoma dysregulation through an alternative pathway. This novel finding suggests that the retinoblastoma pathway dysregulation leads to an overlapping Merkel cell carcinoma phenotype and that oncogenesis occurs through either a polyomavirus-dependent (viral large T antigen expression) or polyomavirus-independent (host somatic mutation) mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Cimino
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Diane H Robirds
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - John D Pfeifer
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Haley J Abel
- Division of Statistical Genomics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric J Duncavage
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| |
Collapse
|