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Farbarin M, Soleimanjahi H, Bakhshi B, Nasiri Z, Fakhredini K. Detection of JC and BK polyomaviruses in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) by PCR. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2024:1-14. [PMID: 39101634 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2024.2384581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overall, 20-30% of all cancers are estimated to be linked to infectious agents. Polyomaviruses are oncogenic cause in rodent models, readily transform their cells, and cause chromosomal instability in animal and human cells in-vitro. Some reports have indicated the presence of JCPyV and BKPyV in some human tumors. The JCPyV and BKPyV genome encodes some transforming proteins such as LT-Ag. Thus, these viruses could cause or promote some neoplasia, such as lymphomas, pancreatic, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world. Risk factors for developing CRC are associated with personal features or habits, such as age, lifestyle, and gut microbiota. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we examined the prevalence of JCPyV and BKPyV in the 23 fecal samples of CRC patients and 24 healthy samples (control group). Virus DNA was extracted by a Favorgen DNA extraction kit. The large T antigen of JCPyV and VP1 of BKPyV were investigated by optimized multiplex PCR. RESULTS One of the samples was positive for the JCPyV (4.3%), while in the samples of healthy individuals, the JCPyV was negative. Also, positive results for BKPyV PCR were obtained for five cases (21.7%) in the samples of the CRC group and one case (4.1%) in healthy individuals. CONCLUSION The result showed no direct correlation between tumorigenesis and polyomavirus infections in CRC development. However, the exact role of BKPyV and JCPyV is still controversial and needs further study with larger sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboube Farbarin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Bakhshi
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Nasiri
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamal Fakhredini
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Donà MG, Gheit T, Chiantore MV, Vescio MF, Luzi F, Rollo F, Accardi L, Cota C, Galati L, Romeo G, Giuliani M, Tommasino M, Di Bonito P. Prevalence of 13 polyomaviruses in actinic keratosis and matched healthy skin samples of immunocompetent individuals. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:59. [PMID: 36457033 PMCID: PMC9714215 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Actinic keratosis (AK) is a precursor of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). UV radiation is the major risk factor for AK, but certain human papillomaviruses (HPVs) of the beta genus are also involved in its development. Differently, the role of polyomaviruses (PyVs) in skin carcinogenesis is still debated. Fiftheen PyVs have been isolated from human tissues so far, including Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), the aetiological agent of Merkel cell carcinoma. METHODS The presence of 13 PyVs was assessed in skin samples from AK patients (n = 342). Matched fresh-frozen scrapings from healthy skin (HS) and AK lesions from 242 patients, and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded AK biopsies from a different cohort of 100 patients were analyzed by multiplex PyVs genotyping assay. RESULTS The most frequent lesion site was the scalp in men (27.3%), and the cheek area in women (29.0%). Differences between men and women were significant for the scalp, the cheek area and the lips. Almost all the scrapings were PyV-positive (HS: 89.7%, AK: 94.6%; p = 0.04). The three most frequent PyVs were MCPyV, HPyV6 and JCPyV (HS: 87.2%, 58.7%, 6.6%, respectively; AK: 88.8%, 51.2%, 9.9%, respectively). HPyV9, TSPyV, BKPyV, HPyV7, LIPyV and SV40 were detected in < 2% of the scrapings. In most cases, matched HS and AK scrapings were both positive (MCPyV: 78.1%, HPyV6: 41.7%), or both negative for the individual genotypes (for the remaining PyVs). PyV prevalence in AK biopsies was 22.0%. Only MCPyV (21.0%) and HPyV6 (3.0%) were detected in these samples. CONCLUSIONS PyV prevalence in HS and AK scrapings was high, but detection of PyVs exclusively in AK scrapings was rare. PyV positivity rate in AK biopsies was modest. Further research is need to reach firm conclusions regarding the role of these viruses in AK development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tarik Gheit
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | | | - Maria Fenicia Vescio
- Epidemiology Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Luzi
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Gallicano Dermatologic Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Rollo
- Pathology Department, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Accardi
- EVOR Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cota
- Department of Dermopathology, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Galati
- International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization, Lyon, France
| | - Giovanna Romeo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome-Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Massimo Giuliani
- STI/HIV Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola Di Bonito
- EVOR Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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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).
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4
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Moens U, Prezioso C, Pietropaolo V. Functional Domains of the Early Proteins and Experimental and Epidemiological Studies Suggest a Role for the Novel Human Polyomaviruses in Cancer. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:834368. [PMID: 35250950 PMCID: PMC8894888 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.834368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As their name indicates, polyomaviruses (PyVs) can induce tumors. Mouse PyV, hamster PyV and raccoon PyV have been shown to cause tumors in their natural host. During the last 30 years, 15 PyVs have been isolated from humans. From these, Merkel cell PyV is classified as a Group 2A carcinogenic pathogen (probably carcinogenic to humans), whereas BKPyV and JCPyV are class 2B (possibly carcinogenic to humans) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Although the other PyVs recently detected in humans (referred to here as novel HPyV; nHPyV) share many common features with PyVs, including the viral oncoproteins large tumor antigen and small tumor antigen, as their role in cancer is questioned. This review discusses whether the nHPyVs may play a role in cancer based on predicted and experimentally proven functions of their early proteins in oncogenic processes. The functional domains that mediate the oncogenic properties of early proteins of known PyVs, that can cause cancer in their natural host or animal models, have been well characterized and we examined whether these functional domains are conserved in the early proteins of the nHPyVs and presented experimental evidence that these conserved domains are functional. Furthermore, we reviewed the literature describing the detection of nHPyV in human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Moens
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Biology, University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- *Correspondence: Ugo Moens,
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Valeria Pietropaolo,
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Stachyra K, Dudzisz-Śledź M, Bylina E, Szumera-Ciećkiewicz A, Spałek MJ, Bartnik E, Rutkowski P, Czarnecka AM. Merkel Cell Carcinoma from Molecular Pathology to Novel Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6305. [PMID: 34208339 PMCID: PMC8231245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon and highly aggressive skin cancer. It develops mostly within chronically sun-exposed areas of the skin. MCPyV is detected in 60-80% of MCC cases as integrated within the genome and is considered a major risk factor for MCC. Viral negative MCCs have a high mutation burden with a UV damage signature. Aberrations occur in RB1, TP53, and NOTCH genes as well as in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. MCC is highly immunogenic, but MCC cells are known to evade the host's immune response. Despite the characteristic immunohistological profile of MCC, the diagnosis is challenging, and it should be confirmed by an experienced pathologist. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is considered the most reliable staging tool to identify subclinical nodal disease. Subclinical node metastases are present in about 30-50% of patients with primary MCC. The basis of MCC treatment is surgical excision. MCC is highly radiosensitive. It becomes chemoresistant within a few months. MCC is prone to recurrence. The outcomes in patients with metastatic disease are poor, with a historical 5-year survival of 13.5%. The median progression-free survival is 3-5 months, and the median overall survival is ten months. Currently, immunotherapy has become a standard of care first-line therapy for advanced MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stachyra
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Dudzisz-Śledź
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Elżbieta Bylina
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Clinical Trials, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Szumera-Ciećkiewicz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Diagnostics, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Diagnostic Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, 00-791 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz J. Spałek
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Ewa Bartnik
- Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna M. Czarnecka
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (K.S.); (M.D.-Ś.); (E.B.); (M.J.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Palrasu M, Zaika E, El-Rifai W, Que J, Zaika AI. Role of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Gastric Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1878. [PMID: 33919876 PMCID: PMC8070847 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the deadliest malignancies worldwide. In contrast to many other tumor types, gastric carcinogenesis is tightly linked to infectious events. Infections with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are the two most investigated risk factors for GC. These pathogens infect more than half of the world's population. Fortunately, only a small fraction of infected individuals develops GC, suggesting high complexity of tumorigenic processes in the human stomach. Recent studies suggest that the multifaceted interplay between microbial, environmental, and host genetic factors underlies gastric tumorigenesis. Many aspects of these interactions still remain unclear. In this review, we update on recent discoveries, focusing on the roles of various gastric pathogens and gastric microbiome in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikandan Palrasu
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Elena Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
| | - Wael El-Rifai
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jianwen Que
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Alexander I. Zaika
- Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (M.P.); (E.Z.); (W.E.-R.)
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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7
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Chiang C, Dvorkin S, Chiang JJ, Potter RB, Gack MU. The Small t Antigen of JC Virus Antagonizes RIG-I-Mediated Innate Immunity by Inhibiting TRIM25's RNA Binding Ability. mBio 2021; 12:e00620-21. [PMID: 33849980 PMCID: PMC8092259 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00620-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
JC polyomavirus (JCV), a DNA virus that leads to persistent infection in humans, is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a lethal brain disease that affects immunocompromised individuals. Almost nothing is currently known about how JCV infection is controlled by the innate immune response and, further, whether JCV has evolved mechanisms to antagonize antiviral immunity. Here, we show that the innate immune sensors retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) control JCV replication in human astrocytes. We further identify that the small t antigen (tAg) of JCV functions as an interferon (IFN) antagonist by suppressing RIG-I-mediated signal transduction. JCV tAg interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, thereby preventing its ability to bind RNA and to induce the K63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I, which is known to facilitate RIG-I-mediated cytokine responses. Antagonism of RIG-I K63-linked ubiquitination and antiviral signaling is also conserved in the tAg of the related polyomavirus BK virus (BKV). These findings highlight how JCV and BKV manipulate a key innate surveillance pathway, which may stimulate research into designing novel therapies.IMPORTANCE The innate immune response is the first line of defense against viral pathogens, and in turn, many viruses have evolved strategies to evade detection by the host's innate immune surveillance machinery. Investigation of the interplay between viruses and the innate immune response provides valuable insight into potential therapeutic targets against viral infectious diseases. JC polyomavirus (JCV) is associated with a lifelong, persistent infection that can cause a rare neurodegenerative disease, called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, in individuals that are immunosuppressed. The molecular mechanisms of JCV infection and persistence are not well understood, and very little is currently known about the relevance of innate immunity for the control of JCV replication. Here, we define the intracellular innate immune sensors responsible for controlling JCV infection and also demonstrate a novel mechanism by which a JCV-encoded protein acts as an antagonist of the type I interferon-mediated innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Chiang
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Steve Dvorkin
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica J Chiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rachel B Potter
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michaela U Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USA
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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8
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Prezioso C, Van Ghelue M, Moens U, Pietropaolo V. HPyV6 and HPyV7 in urine from immunocompromised patients. Virol J 2021; 18:24. [PMID: 33482864 PMCID: PMC7821732 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human polyomavirus 6 (HPyV6) and HPyV7 are two of the novel polyomaviruses that were originally detected in non-diseased skin. Serological studies have shown that these viruses are ubiquitous in the healthy adult population with seroprevalence up to 88% for HPyV6 and 72% for HPyV7. Both viruses are associated with pruritic skin eruption in immunocompromised patients, but a role with other diseases in immunoincompetent patients or malignancies has not been established. Methods PCR was used to determine the presence of HPyV6 and HPyV7 DNA in urine samples from systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 73), multiple sclerosis (n = 50), psoriasis vulgaris (n = 15), arthritic psoriasis (n = 15) and HIV-positive patients (n = 66). In addition, urine from pregnant women (n = 47) and healthy blood donors (n = 20) was investigated. Results HPyV6 DNA was detected in 21 (28.8%) of the urine specimens from SLE patients, in 6 (9.1%) of the urine samples from the HIV-positive cohort, and in 19 (40.4%) samples from pregnant women. HPyV7 DNA was only found in 6 (8.2%) of the urine specimens from SLE patients and in 4 (8.5%) samples from pregnant women. No HPyV6 and HPyV7 viruria was detected in the urine samples from the other patients. Conclusions HPyV6, and to a lesser extend HPyV7, viruria seems to be common in SLE and HIV-positive patients, and pregnant women. Whether these viruses are of clinical relevance in these patients is not known.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, IRCSS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Marijke Van Ghelue
- Department of Medical Genetics, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ugo Moens
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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A Comprehensive Proteomics Analysis of the JC Virus (JCV) Large and Small Tumor Antigen Interacting Proteins: Large T Primarily Targets the Host Protein Complexes with V-ATPase and Ubiquitin Ligase Activities While Small t Mostly Associates with Those Having Phosphatase and Chromatin-Remodeling Functions. Viruses 2020; 12:v12101192. [PMID: 33092197 PMCID: PMC7594058 DOI: 10.3390/v12101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic potential of both the polyomavirus large (LT-Ag) and small (Sm t-Ag) tumor antigens has been previously demonstrated in both tissue culture and animal models. Even the contribution of the MCPyV tumor antigens to the development of an aggressive human skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma, has been recently established. To date, the known primary targets of these tumor antigens include several tumor suppressors such as pRb, p53, and PP2A. However, a comprehensive list of the host proteins targeted by these proteins remains largely unknown. Here, we report the first interactome of JCV LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag by employing two independent “affinity purification/mass spectroscopy” (AP/MS) assays. The proteomics data identified novel targets for both tumor antigens while confirming some of the previously reported interactions. LT-Ag was found to primarily target the protein complexes with ATPase (v-ATPase and Smc5/6 complex), phosphatase (PP4 and PP1), and ligase (E3-ubiquitin) activities. In contrast, the major targets of Sm t-Ag were identified as Smarca1/6, AIFM1, SdhA/B, PP2A, and p53. The interactions between “LT-Ag and SdhB”, “Sm t-Ag and Smarca5”, and “Sm t-Ag and SDH” were further validated by biochemical assays. Interestingly, perturbations in some of the LT-Ag and Sm t-Ag targets identified in this study were previously shown to be associated with oncogenesis, suggesting new roles for both tumor antigens in novel oncogenic pathways. This comprehensive data establishes new foundations to further unravel the new roles for JCV tumor antigens in oncogenesis and the viral life cycle.
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10
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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.
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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
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The Obesity-Related Gut Bacterial and Viral Dysbiosis Can Impact the Risk of Colon Cancer Development. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8030431. [PMID: 32204328 PMCID: PMC7143985 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8030431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
An incorrect food regimen from childhood is suggested to negatively impact the gut microbiome composition leading to obesity and perhaps to colon rectal cancer (CRC) in adults. In this study, we show that the obesity and cancer gut microbiota share a characteristic microbial profile with a high colonization by mucin degraders species, such as Hafnia alvei and Akkermansia muciniphila. In addition, the species Clostridiumbolteae, a bacterium associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and inflammation, has been associated with the presence of oncogenic Human Polyomaviruses (HPyVs). Merkel cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) and BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV) were the most frequently oncogenic viruses recovered in the gut of both obese and tumor patients. Considering the high seroprevalence of HPyVs in childhood, their association with specific bacterial species deserve to be further investigated. Data from the present study highlight the presence of a similar microbiome pattern in CRC and obese subjects, suggesting that obese microbiome may represent an opportunity for tumorigenic/driver bacteria and viruses to trigger cell transformation.
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12
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Tahseen D, Rady PL, Tyring SK. Human polyomavirus modulation of the host DNA damage response. Virus Genes 2020; 56:128-135. [PMID: 31997082 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-020-01736-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human DNA damage response (DDR) is a complex signaling network constituting many factors responsible for the preservation of genomic integrity. Human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) are able to harness the DDR machinery during their infectious cycle by expressing an array of tumor (T) antigens. These molecular interactions between human polyomavirus T antigens and the DDR create conditions that promote viral replication at the expense of host genomic stability to cause disease as well as carcinogenesis in the cases of the Merkel cell polyomavirus and BK polyomavirus. This review focuses on the six HPyVs with disease association, emphasizing strain-dependent differences in their selective manipulation of the DDR. Appreciation of the HPyV-DDR interface at a molecular scale is conducive to the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyal Tahseen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peter L Rady
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Stephen K Tyring
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School At Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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13
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Muñoz JP, Blanco R, Osorio JC, Oliva C, Diaz MJ, Carrillo-Beltrán D, Aguayo R, Castillo A, Tapia JC, Calaf GM, Gaggero A, Aguayo F. Merkel cell polyomavirus detected in head and neck carcinomas from Chile. Infect Agent Cancer 2020; 15:4. [PMID: 32002023 PMCID: PMC6986106 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-020-0276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) in epithelial tumors such as head and neck carcinomas (HNSCCs) including oral and oropharyngeal carcinomas has not been established. In this study, we evaluated for the first time the presence of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), BK human polyomavirus (BKPyV), and JC human polyomavirus (JCPyV) in HNSCCs from Chilean subjects. Methods One hundred and twenty HNSCCs were analyzed for the presence of MCPyV, BKPyV and JCPyV using real-time polymerase chain reaction procedures. In addition, 54 oral brushes from age- and sex-paired subjects were analyzed. Results Of the total of 120 HNSCCs, 15 were positive for MCPyV (12.5%). Only one case was positive for BKPyV (0.8%) and none for JCPyV (0%). In subjects without cancer, only one case (1.8%) resulted positive for MCPyV and none for JCPyV and BKPyV. MCPyV was associated with HNSCCs (p = 0.0239; OR = 7.571; 95% CI: 1.192–81.46). No association was found between age (p = 0.1996), gender (p = 0.7111) or differentiation status (p > 0.9999) and MCPyV presence in HNSCCs. Conclusions MCPyVs were detected in HNSCCs from Chilean patients and were not detected in oral brushes from patients without cancer. More studies are warranted for defining an etiological role and clinical/molecular consequences of these viruses in HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Muñoz
- 1Instituto de Alta Investigación (IAI), Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica, Chile
| | - Rancés Blanco
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio C Osorio
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina Oliva
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María José Diaz
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Diego Carrillo-Beltrán
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rebeca Aguayo
- Centro de Salud Familiar "El Roble", Municipalidad de La Pintana, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Castillo
- 4Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural and Exact Sciences at Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Julio C Tapia
- 5Departamento de Oncología Básico Clínica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gloria M Calaf
- 1Instituto de Alta Investigación (IAI), Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica, Chile.,6Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY USA
| | - Aldo Gaggero
- 2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Aguayo
- 1Instituto de Alta Investigación (IAI), Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica, Chile.,2Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,7Advanced Center for Chronic diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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14
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Nako T, Fukumoto H, Hasegawa H, Saeki H, Katano H. Functional Analysis of Trichodysplasia Spinulosa-Associated Polyomavirus-Encoded Large T Antigen. Jpn J Infect Dis 2019; 73:132-139. [PMID: 31787742 DOI: 10.7883/yoken.jjid.2019.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV or human polyomavirus 8) was identified from patients with trichodysplasia spinulosa, a rare skin disease affecting the faces of immunocompromised patients. Like other polyomaviruses, the TSPyV genome encodes a large T antigen (LT). However, the expression and functions of TSPyV LT in infected cells remain largely unknown. In the present study, we cloned a full-length TSPyV LT cDNA from cells transfected with the full-length of TSPyV LT DNA. Transfection study using green fluorescence protein-tagged LT expression plasmids showed that TSPyV LT was expressed in the nucleus of transfected cells. Analysis of deletion mutants identified a nuclear localization signal in TSPyV LT. Recombinant TSPyV LT exhibited an ATPase activity. TSPyV LT has a chitinase-like domain; however, no chitinase activity was detected. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that TSPyV LT bound to retinoblastoma 1, but not to p53 in transfected cells. Expression of TSPyV LT in NIH3T3 cells induced colony formation in soft agar, suggesting its transformation activity. These data indicate that TSPyV LT may be associated with the pathogenesis of trichodysplasia spinulosa, which is a hyperplasia of keratinocytes in inner hair follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshie Nako
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases.,Department of Dermatology, Nippon Medical School
| | - Hitomi Fukumoto
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | - Hideki Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
| | | | - Harutaka Katano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases
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15
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Cappabianca L, Guadagni S, Maccarone R, Sebastiano M, Chiominto A, Farina AR, Mackay AR. A pilot study of alternative TrkAIII splicing in Merkel cell carcinoma: a potential oncogenic mechanism and novel therapeutic target. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:424. [PMID: 31640749 PMCID: PMC6805356 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are rare, aggressive, therapeutically-challenging skin tumours that are increasing in incidence and have poor survival rates. The majority are caused by genomic Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) integration and MCPyV T-antigen expression. Recently, a potential oncogenic role for the tropomyosin-related tyrosine kinase A receptor (TrkA) has been proposed in MCC. Alternative TrkAIII splicing is a TrkA oncogenic activation mechanism that can be promoted by SV40 large T-antigen, an analogue of MCPyV large T-antigen. In this pilot study, therefore, we have evaluated TrkAIII splicing as a novel potential oncogenic mechanism and therapeutic target in MCPyV positive MCC. METHODS Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded MCC tissues, consisting of 10 stage IV, 1 stage IIIB, 1 stage IIB, 4 stage IIA and 2 stage I tumours, from patients diagnosed and treated from September 2006 to March, 2019, at the University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy, were compared to 3 primary basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 3 primary squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and 2 normal skin samples by RT-PCR for MCPyV large T-antigen, small T-antigen, VP-1 expression and alternative TrkAIII splicing and by indirect IF for evidence of intracellular TrkA isoform expression and activation. RESULTS 9 of 10 Recurrent stage IV MCCs were from patients (P.1-3) treated with surgery plus loco-regional Melphalan chemotherapy and remaining MMCs, including 1 stage IV tumour, were from patients treated with surgery alone (P. 4-11). All MCPyV positive MCCs exhibiting MCPyV large T-antigen expression (17 of 18MCCs, 90%) exhibited alternative TrkAIII mRNA splicing (100%), which was exclusive in a significant number and predominant (> 50%) in all stage IV MCCs and the majority of stage 1-III MCCs. MCCs with higher TrkAIII to 18S rRNA expression ratios also exhibited strong or intermediate immunoreactivity to anti-TrkA antibodies, consistent with cytoplasmic TrkAIII expression and activation. In contrast, the MCPyV negative MCC, BCCs, SCCs and normal skin tissues all exhibited exclusive fully-spliced TrkA mRNA expression, associated with variable immunoreactivity for non-phosphorylated but not phosphorylated TrkA. CONCLUSIONS MCPyV positive MCCs but not MCPyV negative MCC, BCCs and SCCs exhibit predominant alternative TrkAIII splicing, with evidence of intracellular TrkAIII activation. This establishes a new potential MCC subset, unveils a novel potential MCPyV oncogenic mechanism and identifies TrkAIII as a novel potential therapeutic target in MCPyV positive MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Stefano Guadagni
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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16
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Moens U, Macdonald A. Effect of the Large and Small T-Antigens of Human Polyomaviruses on Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20163914. [PMID: 31408949 PMCID: PMC6720190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are intracellular parasites that require a permissive host cell to express the viral genome and to produce new progeny virus particles. However, not all viral infections are productive and some viruses can induce carcinogenesis. Irrespective of the type of infection (productive or neoplastic), viruses hijack the host cell machinery to permit optimal viral replication or to transform the infected cell into a tumor cell. One mechanism viruses employ to reprogram the host cell is through interference with signaling pathways. Polyomaviruses are naked, double-stranded DNA viruses whose genome encodes the regulatory proteins large T-antigen and small t-antigen, and structural proteins that form the capsid. The large T-antigens and small t-antigens can interfere with several host signaling pathways. In this case, we review the interplay between the large T-antigens and small t-antigens with host signaling pathways and the biological consequences of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
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Rotondo JC, Mazzoni E, Bononi I, Tognon M, Martini F. Association Between Simian Virus 40 and Human Tumors. Front Oncol 2019; 9:670. [PMID: 31403031 PMCID: PMC6669359 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a small DNA tumor virus of monkey origin. This polyomavirus was administered to human populations mainly through contaminated polio vaccines, which were produced in naturally infected SV40 monkey cells. Previous molecular biology and recent immunological assays have indicated that SV40 is spreading in human populations, independently from earlier SV40-contaminated vaccines. SV40 DNA sequences have been detected at a higher prevalence in specific human cancer specimens, such as the brain and bone tumors, malignant pleural mesotheliomas, and lymphoproliferative disorders, compared to the corresponding normal tissues/specimens. However, other investigations, which reported negative data, did not confirm an association between SV40 and human tumors. To circumvent the controversies, which have arisen because of these molecular biology studies, immunological researches with newly developed indirect ELISA tests were carried out in serum samples from patients affected by the same kind of tumors as mentioned above. These innovative indirect ELISAs employ synthetic peptides as mimotopes/specific SV40 antigens. SV40 mimotopes do not cross-react with the homologous human polyomaviruses, BKPyV, and JCPyV. Immunological data obtained from indirect ELISAs, using SV40 mimotopes, employed to analyze serum samples from oncological patients, have indicated that these sera had a higher prevalence of antibodies against SV40 compared to healthy subjects. The main data on (i) the biology and genetics of SV40; (ii) the epidemiology of SV40 in the general population, (iii) the mechanisms of SV40 transformation; (iv) the putative role of SV40 in the onset/progression of specific human tumors, and (v) its association with other human diseases are reported in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Charles Rotondo
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elisa Mazzoni
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Bononi
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Section of Pathology, Oncology and Experimental Biology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Karbalaie Niya MH, Safarnezhad Tameshkel F, Alemrajabi M, Taherizadeh M, Keshavarz M, Rezaee M, Keyvani H. Molecular survey on Merkel cell polyomavirus in patients with colorectal cancer. MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDONESIA 2018. [DOI: 10.13181/mji.v27i4.2759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) has been associated with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) in humans, and its role in other human cancers is under investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate MCV genome infection in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: This retrospective, case-control study used archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from colorectal cancer patients (cases) and matched healthy subjects (controls) diagnosed by an expert pathologist from hospitals affiliated with Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran from 2011 to 2016. After DNA extraction with a QIAamp® DNA FFPE Tissue Kit, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for diagnosis. A positive control was produced by cloning with the Generay Biotechnology system. SPSS v.22 was used for analysis of demographic variables.Results: There were 157 participants included in the study: 66 were cases and 91 were controls. Their mean ages (±SD) were 59.35±14.48 and 57.21±14.66, respectively. The proportion of males was 57.6% in the case group and 57.1% in the control group. None of the samples were positive for MCV expression by real-time PCR assay. Association was detected between males with CRC and tumor location in the rectum and between males with CRC and the mucinous tumor type.Conclusion: None of the tissues from the CRC or non-cancerous control groups were positive for MCV genome infection, although a low viral load, the sample type, or the method of use should not be neglected. Further studies are recommended to obtain more comprehensive results.
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19
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MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071873. [PMID: 29949882 PMCID: PMC6073391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer associated with a poor prognosis. This carcinoma was named after its presumed cell of origin, the Merkel cell, which is a mechanoreceptor cell located in the basal epidermal layer of the skin. Merkel cell polyomavirus seems to be the major causal factor for MCC because approximately 80% of all MCCs are positive for viral DNAs. UV exposure is the predominant etiological factor for virus-negative MCCs. Intracellular microRNA analysis between virus-positive and virus-negative MCC cell lines and tumor samples have identified differentially expressed microRNAs. Comparative microRNA profiling has also been performed between MCCs and other non-MCC tumors, but not between normal Merkel cells and malignant Merkel cells. Finally, Merkel cell polyomavirus encodes one microRNA, but its expression in virus-positive MCCs is low, or non-detectable or absent, jeopardizing its biological relevance in tumorigenesis. Here, we review the results of microRNA studies in MCCs and discuss the potential application of microRNAs as biomarkers for the diagnosis, progression and prognosis, and treatment of MCC.
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