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Ważny Ł, Whiteside TL, Pietrowska M. Oncoviral Infections and Small Extracellular Vesicles. Viruses 2024; 16:1291. [PMID: 39205265 PMCID: PMC11359865 DOI: 10.3390/v16081291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) are small membrane-bound nanovesicles with a size range below 200 nm that are released by all types of cells. sEV carry a diverse cargo of proteins, lipids, glycans, and nucleic acids that mimic the content of producer cells. sEV mediate intercellular communication and play a key role in a broad variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Recently, numerous reports have emerged examining the role of sEV in viral infections. A significant number of similarities in the sEV biogenesis pathways and the replication cycles of viruses suggest that sEV might influence the course of viral infections in diverse ways. Besides directly modulating virus propagation by transporting the viral cargo (complete virions, proteins, RNA, and DNA), sEV can also modify the host antiviral response and increase the susceptibility of cells to infection. The network of mutual interactions is particularly complex in the case of oncogenic viruses, deserving special consideration because of its significance in cancer progression. This review summarizes the current knowledge of interactions between sEV and oncogenic viruses, focusing on sEV abilities to modulate the carcinogenic properties of oncoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Ważny
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland;
| | - Theresa L. Whiteside
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA;
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Monika Pietrowska
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 44-102 Gliwice, Poland;
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2
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Ohnezeit D, Huang J, Westerkamp U, Brinschwitz V, Schmidt C, Günther T, Czech-Sioli M, Weißelberg S, Schlemeyer T, Nakel J, Mai J, Schreiner S, Schneider C, Friedel CC, Schwanke H, Brinkmann MM, Grundhoff A, Fischer N. Merkel cell polyomavirus small tumor antigen contributes to immune evasion by interfering with type I interferon signaling. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012426. [PMID: 39110744 PMCID: PMC11333005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the causative agent of the majority of Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). The virus has limited coding capacity, with its early viral proteins, large T (LT) and small T (sT), being multifunctional and contributing to infection and transformation. A fundamental difference in early viral gene expression between infection and MCPyV-driven tumorigenesis is the expression of a truncated LT (LTtr) in the tumor. In contrast, sT is expressed in both conditions and contributes significantly to oncogenesis. Here, we identified novel functions of early viral proteins by performing genome-wide transcriptome and chromatin studies in primary human fibroblasts. Due to current limitations in infection and tumorigenesis models, we mimic these conditions by ectopically expressing sT, LT or LTtr, individually or in combination, at different time points. In addition to its known function in cell cycle and inflammation modulation, we reveal a fundamentally new function of sT. We show that sT regulates the type I interferon (IFN) response downstream of the type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) by interfering with the interferon-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3)-induced interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) response. Expression of sT leads to a reduction in the expression of interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) which is a central component of the ISGF3 complex. We further show that this function of sT is conserved in BKPyV. We provide a first mechanistic understanding of which early viral proteins trigger and control the type I IFN response, which may influence MCPyV infection, persistence and, during MCC progression, regulation of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ohnezeit
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jiabin Huang
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ute Westerkamp
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Veronika Brinschwitz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Schmidt
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Manja Czech-Sioli
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Samira Weißelberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tabea Schlemeyer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Mai
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Caroline C. Friedel
- Institute of Informatics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hella Schwanke
- Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Melanie M. Brinkmann
- Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Nicole Fischer
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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3
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Li Z, Ji W, Hu Q, Zhu P, Jin Y, Duan G. Current status of Merkel cell carcinoma: Epidemiology, pathogenesis and prognostic factors. Virology 2024; 599:110186. [PMID: 39098121 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an extremely rare cutaneous neuroendocrine cancer, with an incidence approximately 40 times lower than that of malignant melanoma; however, its significantly inferior survival rate compared to melanoma establishes MCC as the most lethal form of skin cancer. In recent years, a substantial body of literature has demonstrated a gradual increase in the incidence of MCC. Although the two factors that contribute to MCC, ultraviolet radiation and Merkel cell polyomavirus infection, have been well established, the specific pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. Additionally, considering the high lethality and recurrence rates of MCC, as well as the absence of specific antitumor drugs, it is crucial to elucidate the factors that can accurately predict patients' outcomes. In this review, we summarized the significant advancements in the epidemiological characteristics, pathogenesis, and the factors that influence patient prognosis of MCC to enhance clinical practices and public health efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijie Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Wangquan Ji
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Quanman Hu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Peiyu Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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4
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Hwang HJ, Kim YK. Molecular mechanisms of circular RNA translation. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1272-1280. [PMID: 38871818 PMCID: PMC11263353 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed single-stranded RNAs without a 5' cap structure and a 3' poly(A) tail typically present in linear mRNAs of eukaryotic cells. CircRNAs are predominantly generated through a back-splicing process within the nucleus. CircRNAs have long been considered non-coding RNAs seemingly devoid of protein-coding potential. However, many recent studies have challenged this idea and have provided substantial evidence that a subset of circRNAs can associate with polysomes and indeed be translated. Therefore, in this review, we primarily highlight the 5' cap-independent internal initiation of translation that occurs on circular RNAs. Several molecular features of circRNAs, including the internal ribosome entry site, N6-methyladenosine modification, and the exon junction complex deposited around the back-splicing junction after back-splicing event, play pivotal roles in their efficient internal translation. We also propose a possible relationship between the translatability of circRNAs and their stability, with a focus on nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and nonstop decay, both of which are well-characterized mRNA surveillance mechanisms. An in-depth understanding of circRNA translation will reshape and expand our current knowledge of proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jung Hwang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Ki Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Peng WY, Abere B, Shi H, Toland S, Smithgall TE, Moore PS, Chang Y. Membrane-bound Merkel cell polyomavirus middle T protein constitutively activates PLCγ1 signaling through Src-family kinases. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316467120. [PMID: 38079542 PMCID: PMC10740393 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316467120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV or MCPyV) is an alphapolyomavirus causing human Merkel cell carcinoma and encodes four tumor (T) antigen proteins: large T (LT), small tumor (sT), 57 kT, and middle T (MT)/alternate LT open reading frame proteins. We show that MCV MT is generated as multiple isoforms through internal methionine translational initiation that insert into membrane lipid rafts. The membrane-localized MCV MT oligomerizes and promiscuously binds to lipid raft-associated Src family kinases (SFKs). MCV MT-SFK interaction is mediated by a Src homology (SH) 3 recognition motif as determined by surface plasmon resonance, coimmunoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. SFK recruitment by MT leads to tyrosine phosphorylation at a SH2 recognition motif (pMTY114), allowing interaction with phospholipase C gamma 1 (PLCγ1). The secondary recruitment of PLCγ1 to the SFK-MT membrane complex promotes PLCγ1 tyrosine phosphorylation on Y783 and activates the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway. Mutations at either the MCV MT SH2 or SH3 recognition sites abrogate PLCγ1-dependent activation of NF-κB signaling and increase viral replication after MCV genome transfection into 293 cells. These findings reveal a conserved viral targeting of the SFK-PLCγ1 pathway by both MCV and murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) MT proteins. The molecular steps in how SFK-PLCγ1 activation is achieved, however, differ between these two viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yu Peng
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Bizunesh Abere
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15219
| | - Haibin Shi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15219
| | - Sabrina Toland
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
| | - Thomas E. Smithgall
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15219
| | - Patrick S. Moore
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15219
| | - Yuan Chang
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA15213
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Yu Y, Liang C, Wang X, Shi Y, Shen L. The potential role of RNA modification in skin diseases, as well as the recent advances in its detection methods and therapeutic agents. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115524. [PMID: 37722194 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification is considered as an epigenetic modification that plays an indispensable role in biological processes such as gene expression and genome editing without altering nucleotide sequence, but the molecular mechanism of RNA modification has not been discussed systematically in the development of skin diseases. This article mainly presents the whole picture of theoretical achievements on the potential role of RNA modification in dermatology. Furthermore, this article summarizes the latest advances in clinical practice related with RNA modification, including its detection methods and drug development. Based on this comprehensive review, we aim to illustrate the current blind spots and future directions of RNA modification, which may provide new insights for researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yu
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuling Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Psoriasis, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Liangliang Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Hwang JY, Kook TL, Paulus SM, Park JW. Translation of Circular RNAs: Functions of Translated Products and Related Bioinformatics Approaches. Curr Bioinform 2023; 19:3-13. [PMID: 38500957 PMCID: PMC10947221 DOI: 10.2174/1574893618666230505101059] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, studies have discovered a special form of alternative splicing (AS) that produces a circular form of RNA. This stands in contrast to normal AS, which produces a linear form of RNA. Although these circRNAs have garnered considerable attention in the scientific community for their biogenesis and functions, the focus of these studies has been on the regulatory role of circRNAs with the assumption that circRNAs are non-coding. As non-coding RNAs, they may regulate mRNA transcription, tumor initiation, and translation by sponging miRNAs and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). In addition to these regulatory roles of circRNAs, however, recent studies have provided strong evidence for their translation. The translation of circRNAs is expected to have an important role in promoting cancer cell growth and activating molecular pathways related to cancer development. In some cases, the translation of circRNAs is shown to be efficiently driven by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). The development of a computational tool for identifying and characterizing the translation of circRNAs using high-throughput sequencing and IRES increases identifiable proteins translated from circRNAs. In turn, it has a substantial impact on helping researchers understand the functional role of proteins derived from circRNAs. New web resources for aggregating, cataloging, and visualizing translational information of circRNAs derived from previous studies have been developed. In this paper, general concepts of circRNA, circRNA biogenesis, translation of circRNA, and existing circRNA tools and databases are summarized to provide new insight into circRNA studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Yeon Hwang
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Tae Lim Kook
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Sydney M. Paulus
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Juw Won Park
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- KY INBRE Bioinformatics Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
- CIEHS Biostatistics and Informatics Facility Core, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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Zhang Y, Zhang X, Shen Z, Qiu Q, Tong X, Pan J, Zhu M, Hu X, Gong C. BmNPV circular RNA-encoded peptide VSP39 promotes viral replication. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 228:299-310. [PMID: 36563818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.12.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CircRNAs are covalently closed single-stranded circular RNA molecules, which are not easily degraded by endonucleases and play vital roles in many biological processes. Currently, most studies on circRNAs focus on endogenous circRNAs in cells, and there are few studies on virus-encoded circRNAs. In this study, a viral circRNA (circRNA-000010) derived from the region (-/bp: 114514-115,319) of the complementary strand of Bombyx mori Nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) genome was identified with the circRNA-sequencing. The authenticity of viral circRNA-000010 was further confirmed by reverse transcription PCR, reverse transcription-rolling circle amplification (TCA), in situ hybridization, immunofluorescent staining, and Northern blotting. The results of overexpression and knockdown experiments showed that circRNA-000010 promoted viral replication. Furthermore, a viral small peptide VSP39 with 39 amino acid residues translated by circRNA-000010 but not its linear molecule was confirmed. Finally, VSP39 was found to promote viral replication. Our findings indicated that a viral circRNA encoded by BmNPV promoted viral replication. These findings will provide new clues for further understanding coding information of the BmNPV genome and open a new insight for investigating host-virus interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Zhang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Zeen Shen
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Qunnan Qiu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xinyu Tong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jun Pan
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Min Zhu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology & Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus: Infection, Genome, Transcripts and Its Role in Development of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020444. [PMID: 36672392 PMCID: PMC9857234 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The best characterized polyomavirus family member, i.e., simian virus 40 (SV40), can cause different tumors in hamsters and can transform murine and human cells in vitro. Hence, the SV40 contamination of millions of polio vaccine doses administered from 1955-1963 raised fears that this may cause increased tumor incidence in the vaccinated population. This is, however, not the case. Indeed, up to now, the only polyomavirus family member known to be the most important cause of a specific human tumor entity is Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). MCC is a highly deadly form of skin cancer for which the cellular origin is still uncertain, and which appears as two clinically very similar but molecularly highly different variants. While approximately 80% of cases are found to be associated with MCPyV the remaining MCCs carry a high mutational load. Here, we present an overview of the multitude of molecular functions described for the MCPyV encoded oncoproteins and non-coding RNAs, present the available MCC mouse models and discuss the increasing evidence that both, virus-negative and -positive MCC constitute epithelial tumors.
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Wang W, Sun L, Huang MT, Quan Y, Jiang T, Miao Z, Zhang Q. Regulatory circular RNAs in viral diseases: applications in diagnosis and therapy. RNA Biol 2023; 20:847-858. [PMID: 37882652 PMCID: PMC10730172 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2272118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) forms closed loops via back-splicing in precursor mRNA, resisting exonuclease degradation. In higher eukaryotes, protein-coding genes create circRNAs through exon back-splicing. Unlike mRNAs, circRNAs possess unique production and structural traits, bestowing distinct cellular functions and biomedical potential. In this review, we explore the pivotal roles of viral circRNAs and associated RNA in various biological processes. Analysing the interactions between viral circRNA and host cellular machinery yields fresh insights into antiviral immunity, catalysing the development of potential therapeutics. Furthermore, circRNAs serve as enduring biomarkers in viral diseases due to their stable translation within specific tissues. Additionally, a deeper understanding of translational circRNA could expedite the establishment of circRNA-based expression platforms, meeting the rising demand for broad-spectrum viral vaccines. We also highlight the applications of circular RNA in biomarker studies as well as circRNA-based therapeutics. Prospectively, we expect a technological revolution in combating viral infections using circRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Sun
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Ting Huang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun Quan
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichao Miao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Epidemiology of Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246176. [PMID: 36551657 PMCID: PMC9776808 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous virus replicating in human dermal fibroblasts. MCPyV DNA can be detected on healthy skin in 67−90% of various body sites, and intact virions are regularly shed from the skin. Infection occurs early in life, and seropositivity increases from 37 to 42% in 1- to 6-year-olds to 92% in adults. Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but very aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin. It develops mainly on sun-exposed areas as a fast-growing, reddish nodule. Two MCC entities exist: about 80% of MCC are MCPyV-associated. Tumorigenesis is driven by viral integration into the host genome and MCPyV oncogene expression. In MCPyV-negative MCC, UV radiation causes extensive DNA damage leading to the deregulation of the cell cycle. In recent decades, MCC incidence rates have increased worldwide, e.g., in the United States, from 0.15 in 1986 to 0.7/100,000 in 2016. Risk factors for the development of MCC include male sex, older age (>75 years), fair skin, intense UV exposure, and immunosuppression. Projections suggest that due to aging populations, an increase in immunosuppressed patients, and enhanced UV exposure, MCC incidence rates will continue to rise. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial to reducing high MCC morbidity and mortality.
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Mahmoudvand S, Shokri S, Nakhaie M, Jalilian FA, Mehri-Ghahfarrokhi A, Yarani R, Shojaeian A. Small extracellular vesicles as key players in cancer development caused by human oncogenic viruses. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:58. [DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00471-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Exosomes are the smallest group of extracellular vesicles in size from 30 to 150 nm, surrounded by a lipid bilayer membrane, and originate from multivesicular bodies secreted by different types of cells, such as virus-infected cells. The critical role of exosomes is information transfer among cells, representing a unique way for intercellular communication via a load of many kinds of molecules, including various signaling proteins and nucleic acids. In this review, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the role of exosomes in promoting human oncogenic viruses-associated cancers.
Methods
Our search was conducted for published researches between 2000 and 2022 by using several international databases includeing Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science as well as Google scholar. We also reviewed additional evidence from relevant published articles.
Results
It has been shown that exosomes can create the conditions for viral spread in viral infections. Exosome secretion in a human tumor virus can switch on the cell signaling pathways by transferring exosome-encapsulated molecules, including viral oncoproteins, signal transduction molecules, and virus-encoded miRNAs, into various cells.
Conclusion
Given the role of exosomes in viruses-associated cancers, they can also be considered as molecular targets in diagnosis and treatment.
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Zhang X, Liang Z, Wang C, Shen Z, Sun S, Gong C, Hu X. Viral Circular RNAs and Their Possible Roles in Virus-Host Interaction. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939768. [PMID: 35784275 PMCID: PMC9247149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) as novel regulatory molecules have been recognized in diverse species, including viruses. The virus-derived circRNAs play various roles in the host biological process and the life cycle of the viruses. This review summarized the circRNAs from the DNA and RNA viruses and discussed the biogenesis of viral and host circRNAs, the potential roles of viral circRNAs, and their future perspective. This review will elaborate on new insights gained on viruses encoded circRNAs during virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zi Liang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chonglong Wang
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zeen Shen
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Sufei Sun
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chengliang Gong
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaolong Hu, ; Chengliang Gong,
| | - Xiaolong Hu
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology and Ecological Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaolong Hu, ; Chengliang Gong,
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14
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Nomburg J, Zou W, Frost TC, Datta C, Vasudevan S, Starrett GJ, Imperiale MJ, Meyerson M, DeCaprio JA. Long-read sequencing reveals complex patterns of wraparound transcription in polyomaviruses. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010401. [PMID: 35363834 PMCID: PMC9007360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyomaviruses (PyV) are ubiquitous pathogens that can cause devastating human diseases. Due to the small size of their genomes, PyV utilize complex patterns of RNA splicing to maximize their coding capacity. Despite the importance of PyV to human disease, their transcriptome architecture is poorly characterized. Here, we compare short- and long-read RNA sequencing data from eight human and non-human PyV. We provide a detailed transcriptome atlas for BK polyomavirus (BKPyV), an important human pathogen, and the prototype PyV, simian virus 40 (SV40). We identify pervasive wraparound transcription in PyV, wherein transcription runs through the polyA site and circles the genome multiple times. Comparative analyses identify novel, conserved transcripts that increase PyV coding capacity. One of these conserved transcripts encodes superT, a T antigen containing two RB-binding LxCxE motifs. We find that superT-encoding transcripts are abundant in PyV-associated human cancers. Together, we show that comparative transcriptomic approaches can greatly expand known transcript and coding capacity in one of the simplest and most well-studied viral families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Nomburg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wei Zou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Frost
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chandreyee Datta
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN4202, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Shobha Vasudevan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN4202, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gabriel J. Starrett
- Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Imperiale
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Matthew Meyerson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Program in Virology, Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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15
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Wen SY, Qadir J, Yang BB. Circular RNA translation: novel protein isoforms and clinical significance. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:405-420. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Replication Kinetics for a Reporter Merkel Cell Polyomavirus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030473. [PMID: 35336880 PMCID: PMC8950423 DOI: 10.3390/v14030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) causes one of the most aggressive human skin cancers, but laboratory studies on MCV replication have proven technically difficult. We report the first recombinase-mediated MCV minicircle (MCVmc) system that generates high levels of circularized virus, allowing facile MCV genetic manipulation and characterization of viral gene expression kinetics during replication. Mutations to Fbw7, Skp2, β-TrCP and hVam6p interaction sites, or to the stem loop sequence for the MCV-encoded miRNA precursor, markedly increase viral replication, whereas point mutation to an origin-binding site eliminates active virus replication. To further increase the utility of this system, an mScarlet fusion protein was inserted into the VP1 c-terminus to generate a non-infectious reporter virus for studies on virus kinetics. When this reporter virus genome is heterologously expressed together with MCV VP1 and VP2, virus-like particles are generated. The reporter virus genome is encapsidated and can be used at lower biosafety levels for one-round infection studies. Our findings reveal that MCV has multiple, self-encoded viral restriction mechanisms to promote viral latency over lytic replication, and these mechanisms are now amenable to examination using a recombinase technology.
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Yang R, Wang RC. Research Techniques Made Simple: Studying Circular RNA in Skin Diseases. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2313-2319.e1. [PMID: 34560913 PMCID: PMC8480520 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique class of covalently closed, single-stranded RNAs. High-throughput sequencing has uncovered the abundance and complexity of circRNAs. Changes in levels of circRNAs correlate with diverse disease states, including many skin diseases. CircRNAs can function as microRNA inhibitors, protein interactors, or mRNAs. Although circRNAs do have unique topological features, they share many similarities, including primary sequence, with their linear orthologs, so carefully controlled experiments are required to detect and study them. Here, we summarize some protocols used in the identification, validation, and characterization of circRNAs. We also discuss ways to repress and overexpress specific circRNAs to assess potential unique functions for these molecules. These techniques may be useful in exploring how circRNAs contribute to skin disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Richard C Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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18
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Krump NA, You J. From Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection to Merkel Cell Carcinoma Oncogenesis. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:739695. [PMID: 34566942 PMCID: PMC8457551 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.739695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) infection causes near-ubiquitous, asymptomatic infection in the skin, but occasionally leads to an aggressive skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Epidemiological evidence suggests that poorly controlled MCPyV infection may be a precursor to MCPyV-associated MCC. Clearer understanding of host responses that normally control MCPyV infection could inform prophylactic measures in at-risk groups. Similarly, the presence of MCPyV in most MCCs could imbue them with vulnerabilities that-if better characterized-could yield targeted intervention solutions for metastatic MCC cases. In this review, we discuss recent developments in elucidating the interplay between host cells and MCPyV within the context of viral infection and MCC oncogenesis. We also propose a model in which insufficient restriction of MCPyV infection in aging and chronically UV-damaged skin causes unbridled viral replication that licenses MCC tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Role of Virus-Induced Host Cell Epigenetic Changes in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158346. [PMID: 34361112 PMCID: PMC8346956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor viruses human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) account for approximately 15% of all human cancers. Although the oncoproteins of these tumor viruses display no sequence similarity to one another, they use the same mechanisms to convey cancer hallmarks on the infected cell. Perturbed gene expression is one of the underlying mechanisms to induce cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA affect gene expression without introducing changes in the DNA sequence. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oncoviruses cause epigenetic modifications, which play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. In this review, recent advances in the role of host cell epigenetic changes in virus-induced cancers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00161 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
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
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