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Macamo A, Liu D, Färber M, Borman F, van den Oord J, Winnepenninckx V, Klufah F, Chteinberg E, Zur Hausen A. Exploring the effects of Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens expression in REH and MCC13 cells by methylome and transcriptome profiling. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29938. [PMID: 39344364 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with a tripled incidence in the US and Europe over the past decade. Around 80% of MCC is linked to Merkel cell polyomavirus, but the cell of origin remains unknown. We stably introduced Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-sT) and LT antigens to MCC13 and REH cell lines, analyzing DNA methylation and gene transcriptional regulation. Gene ontology analysis assessed MCPyV effects, and integrative analysis correlated gene expression and methylation. Expression patterns were compared with 15 previously sequenced primary MCCs. We found that MCPyV-LT induces DNA methylation changes in both cell lines, while MCPyV-sT only affected REH cells. Greater gene expression changes are observed in MCC13 cells, with upregulated genes associated with cellular components and downregulated genes related to biological processes. Integrative analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and differentially methylated regions (DMR) of REH cell lines revealed that no genes were commonly methylated and differentially expressed. The study compared DEGs and DMG in MCC13 and REH cells to overlapping genes in MCPyV-positive cell lines (MKL1, MKL2, and WaGa), identifying hypomethylated genes in the gene body and hypermethylated genes at TSS1500. GO analysis of the two cell lines showed that MCPyV-TAs can downregulate genes in MHC-I pathways; this downregulation offers a target that can be used to create novel and efficient MCC immunotherapy approaches. Finally, it was confirmed that MCPyV-LT controls gene expression in MCC tissues using an integrative investigation of DNA methylation and gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Macamo
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Martina Färber
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Joost van den Oord
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Translational Cell and Tissue Research, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Véronique Winnepenninckx
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Faisal Klufah
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al Baha University, Albaha, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Axel Zur Hausen
- Department of Pathology, GROW-Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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2
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Bachiri K, Kantar D, Laurent EMN, Gaboriaud P, Durand L, Drouin A, Chollot M, Schrama D, Houben R, Kervarrec T, Trapp-Fragnet L, Touzé A, Coyaud E. DNA Damage Stress Control Is a Truncated Large T Antigen and Euchromatic Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2-Dependent Central Feature of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)01860-8. [PMID: 38908781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.034] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer with a high mortality rate. Merkel cell polyomavirus causes 80% of MCCs, encoding the viral oncogenes small T and truncated large T (tLT) antigens. These proteins impair the RB1-dependent G1/S checkpoint blockade and subvert the host cell epigenome to promote cancer. Whole-proteome analysis and proximal interactomics identified a tLT-dependent deregulation of DNA damage response (DDR). Our investigation revealed, to our knowledge, a previously unreported interaction between tLT and the histone methyltransferase EHMT2. T antigen knockdown reduced DDR protein levels and increased the levels of the DNA damage marker γH2Ax. EHMT2 normally promotes H3K9 methylation and DDR signaling. Given that inhibition of EHMT2 did not significantly change the MCC cell proteome, tLT-EHMT2 interaction could affect the DDR. With tLT, we report that EHMT2 gained DNA damage repair proximal interactors. EHMT2 inhibition rescued proliferation in MCC cells depleted for their T antigens, suggesting impaired DDR and/or lack of checkpoint efficiency. Combined tLT and EHMT2 inhibition led to altered DDR, evidenced by multiple signaling alterations. In this study, we show that tLT hijacks multiple components of the DNA damage machinery to enhance tolerance to DNA damage in MCC cells, which could explain the genetic stability of these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel Bachiri
- Univ.Lille, CHU Lille, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Lille, France
| | - Diala Kantar
- Univ.Lille, CHU Lille, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Lille, France
| | - Estelle M N Laurent
- Univ.Lille, CHU Lille, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Lille, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Laurine Durand
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aurélie Drouin
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology und Allergology, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Pathology, University Hospital Center of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à Polyomavirus" team, UMR INRA ISP1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Univ.Lille, CHU Lille, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse (PRISM), Lille, France.
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Torre-Castro J, Rodríguez M, Alonso-Alonso R, Mendoza Cembranos MD, Díaz-Alejo JF, Rebollo-González M, Borregón J, Nájera Botello L, Mahillo-Fernández I, Samimi M, Kervarrec T, Requena L, Piris MÁ. LT and SOX9 expression are associated with gene sets that distinguish Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and MCPyV-negative Merkel cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2024; 190:876-884. [PMID: 38261397 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive malignant neuroendocrine tumour. There are two subsets of MCC, one related to Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the other to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative MCCs have been considered to be different tumours, as the former harbour few DNA mutations and are not related to UVR, and the latter usually arise in sun-exposed areas and may be found in conjunction with other keratinocytic tumours, mostly squamous cell carcinomas. Two viral oncoproteins, large T antigen (LT; coded by MCPyV_gp3) and small T antigen (sT; coded by MCPyV_gp4), promote different carcinogenic pathways. OBJECTIVES To determine which genes are differentially expressed in MCPyV-positive and MCPyV-negative MCC; to describe the mutational burden and the most frequently mutated genes in both MCC subtypes; and to identify the clinical and molecular factors that may be related to patient survival. METHODS Ninety-two patients with a diagnosis of MCC were identified from the medical databases of participating centres. To study gene expression, a customized panel of 172 genes was developed. Gene expression profiling was performed with nCounter technology. For mutational studies, a customized panel of 26 genes was designed. Somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) were identified following the GATK Best Practices workflow for somatic mutations. RESULTS The expression of LT enabled the series to be divided into two groups (LT positive, n = 55; LT negative, n = 37). Genes differentially expressed in LT-negative patients were related to epithelial differentiation, especially SOX9, or proliferation and the cell cycle (MYC, CDK6), among others. Congruently, LT displayed lower expression in SOX9-positive patients, and differentially expressed genes in SOX9-positive patients were related to epithelial/squamous differentiation. In LT-positive patients, the mean SNV frequency was 4.3; in LT-negative patients it was 10 (P = 0.03). On multivariate survival analysis, the expression of SNAI1 [hazard ratio (HR) 1.046, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.086; P = 0.02] and CDK6 (HR 1.049, 95% CI 1.020-1.080; P = 0.001) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS Tumours with weak LT expression tend to co-express genes related to squamous differentiation and the cell cycle, and to have a higher mutational burden. These findings are congruent with those of earlier studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Rodríguez
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruth Alonso-Alonso
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network on Cancer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Frutos Díaz-Alejo
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcos Rebollo-González
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Borregón
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Nájera Botello
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Mahillo-Fernández
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Fundación Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Piris
- Pathology, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
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Kervarrec T, Appenzeller S, Tallet A, Jullie ML, Sohier P, Guillonneau F, Rütten A, Berthon P, Le Corre Y, Hainaut-Wierzbicka E, Blom A, Beneton N, Bens G, Nardin C, Aubin F, Dinulescu M, Visée S, Herfs M, Touzé A, Guyétant S, Samimi M, Houben R, Schrama D. Detection of wildtype Merkel cell polyomavirus genomic sequence and VP1 transcription in a subset of Merkel cell carcinoma. Histopathology 2024; 84:356-368. [PMID: 37830288 DOI: 10.1111/his.15068] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is frequently caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). Characteristic for these virus-positive (VP) MCC is MCPyV integration into the host genome and truncation of the viral oncogene Large T antigen (LT), with full-length LT expression considered as incompatible with MCC growth. Genetic analysis of a VP-MCC/trichoblastoma combined tumour demonstrated that virus-driven MCC can arise from an epithelial cell. Here we describe two further cases of VP-MCC combined with an adnexal tumour, i.e. one trichoblastoma and one poroma. METHODS AND RESULTS Whole-genome sequencing of MCC/trichoblastoma again provided evidence of a trichoblastoma-derived MCC. Although an MCC-typical LT-truncating mutation was detected, we could not determine an integration site and we additionally detected a wildtype sequence encoding full-length LT. Similarly, Sanger sequencing of the combined MCC/poroma revealed coding sequences for both truncated and full-length LT. Moreover, in situ RNA hybridization demonstrated expression of a late region mRNA encoding the viral capsid protein VP1 in both combined as well as in a few cases of pure MCC. CONCLUSION The data presented here suggest the presence of wildtype MCPyV genomes and VP1 transcription in a subset of MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Silke Appenzeller
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anne Tallet
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Marie-Laure Jullie
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, CARADERM Network, Pessac, France
| | - Pierre Sohier
- Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Francois Guillonneau
- 3P5 Proteomics, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP, Centre-Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Patricia Berthon
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yannick Le Corre
- Dermatology Department, LUNAM Université, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Astrid Blom
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, CARADERM Network Ambroise-Paré hospital, APHP & Research Unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | | | - Guido Bens
- Dermatology Department, CHR d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- Dermatology Department, CH de Blois, Blois, France
| | - Charline Nardin
- Dermatology Department, Inserm 1098, Université de Franche Comté, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Francois Aubin
- Dermatology Department, Inserm 1098, Université de Franche Comté, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | - Monica Dinulescu
- Dermatology Department, CHR Rennes, Rennes, France
- Institut Dermatologique du Grand Ouest (IDGO), Rennes, France
| | - Sebastien Visée
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier d'Angoulème, Angoulème, France
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- Departement of Dermatology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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5
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Weber M, Nguyen MB, Li MY, Flora P, Shuda M, Ezhkova E. Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigen-Mediated Reprogramming in Adult Merkel Cell Progenitors. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:2163-2176.e6. [PMID: 37257637 PMCID: PMC10592583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Whether Merkel cells regenerate in adult skin and from which progenitor cells they regenerate are a subject of debate. Understanding Merkel cell regeneration is of interest to the study of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer hypothesized to originate in a Merkel cell progenitor transformed by Merkel cell polyomavirus small and large T antigens. We sought to understand what the adult Merkel cell progenitors are and whether they can give rise to Merkel cell carcinoma. We used lineage tracing to identify SOX9-expressing cells (SOX9+ cells) as Merkel cell progenitors in postnatal murine skin. Merkel cell regeneration from SOX9+ progenitors occurs rarely in mature skin unless in response to minor mechanical injury. Merkel cell polyomavirus small T antigen and functional imitation of large T antigen in SOX9+ cells enforced neuroendocrine and Merkel cell lineage reprogramming in a subset of cells. These results identify SOX9+ cells as postnatal Merkel cell progenitors that can be reprogrammed by Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens to express neuroendocrine markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Weber
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Minh Binh Nguyen
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meng Yen Li
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Pooja Flora
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Masahiro Shuda
- Cancer Virology Program, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elena Ezhkova
- Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.
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6
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Durand MA, Drouin A, Mouchard A, Durand L, Esnault C, Berthon P, Tallet A, Le Corre Y, Hainaut-Wierzbicka E, Blom A, Saiag P, Beneton N, Bens G, Nardin C, Aubin F, Dinulescu M, Collin C, Fromont-Hankard G, Cribier B, Laurent-Roussel S, Cokelaere K, Houben R, Schrama D, Peixoto P, Hervouet E, Bachiri K, Kantar D, Coyaud E, Guyétant S, Samimi M, Touzé A, Kervarrec T. Distinct Regulation of EZH2 and its Repressive H3K27me3 Mark in Polyomavirus-Positive and -Negative Merkel Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1937-1946.e7. [PMID: 37037414 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin cancer for which Merkel cell polyomavirus integration and expression of viral oncogenes small T and Large T have been identified as major oncogenic determinants. Recently, a component of the PRC2 complex, the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) that induces H3K27 trimethylation as a repressive mark has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target in MCC. Because divergent results have been reported for the levels of EZH2 and trimethylation of lysine 27 on histone 3, we analyzed these factors in a large MCC cohort to identify the molecular determinants of EZH2 activity in MCC and to establish MCC cell lines' sensitivity to EZH2 inhibitors. Immunohistochemical expression of EZH2 was observed in 92% of MCC tumors (156 of 170), with higher expression levels in virus-positive than virus-negative tumors (P = 0.026). For the latter, we showed overexpression of EZHIP, a negative regulator of the PRC2 complex. In vitro, ectopic expression of the large T antigen in fibroblasts led to the induction of EZH2 expression, whereas the knockdown of T antigens in MCC cell lines resulted in decreased EZH2 expression. EZH2 inhibition led to selective cytotoxicity on virus-positive MCC cell lines. This study highlights the distinct mechanisms of EZH2 induction between virus-negative and -positive MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Alice Durand
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Aurélie Drouin
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Alice Mouchard
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Dermatology, CHRU of Tours, University of Tours, Chambray-lès-Tours, France
| | - Laurine Durand
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Clara Esnault
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Patricia Berthon
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Anne Tallet
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Yannick Le Corre
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Angers, LUNAM University, Angers, France
| | | | - Astrid Blom
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, CARADERM Network, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Research unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Philippe Saiag
- Department of General and Oncologic Dermatology, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, CARADERM Network, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Research unit EA 4340, University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Paris-Saclay University, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nathalie Beneton
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Le Mans, University of Le Mans, Le Mans, France
| | - Guido Bens
- Dermatology department, CHR Orleans, Orleans, France
| | - Charlee Nardin
- Dermatology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France; INSERM 1098, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - François Aubin
- Dermatology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France; INSERM 1098, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Monica Dinulescu
- Dermatology department, CHU Rennes, Institut Dermatologique du Grand Ouest (IDGO), Rennes, France
| | - Christine Collin
- Platform of Somatic Tumor Molecular Genetics, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Bernard Cribier
- Dermatology Department, CHU of Strasbourg, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | | | | | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Peixoto
- INSERM, EFS-BFC, UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; EPIgenetics and GENe Expression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- INSERM, EFS-BFC, UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; EPIgenetics and GENe Expression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Kamel Bachiri
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Diala Kantar
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Etienne Coyaud
- Department of Biology, Inserm U1192, Protéomique Réponse Inflammatoire Spectrométrie de Masse-PRISM, CHU Lille, Université de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Pathology Department, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France; Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mahtab Samimi
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Department of Dermatology, CHRU of Tours, University of Tours, Chambray-lès-Tours, France
| | - Antoine Touzé
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Thibault Kervarrec
- Team "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus", ISP UMR 1282, INRAE, University of Tours, Tours, France; Pathology Department, CHU of Tours, University of Tours, Tours, France.
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7
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Al-Noshokaty TM, Elballal MS, Helal GK, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, El-Husseiny AA, Fathi D, Abdelmaksoud NM, Abdel Mageed SS, Midan HM, Zaki MB, Abd-Elmawla MA, Rizk NI, Elrebehy MA, Zewail MB, Mohammed OA, Doghish AS. miRNAs driving diagnosis, prognosis and progression in Merkel cell carcinoma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 249:154763. [PMID: 37595447 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive form of skin malignancy with a high recurrence commonly within two to three years of initial diagnosis. The incidence of MCC has nearly doubled in the past few decades. Options for diagnosing, assessing, and treating MCC are limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small, non-coding RNA molecules that play an important role in controlling many different aspects of cell biology. Many miRNAs are aberrantly expressed in distinct types of cancer, with some serving as tumor suppressors and others as oncomiRs. Therefore, the future holds great promise for the utilization of miRNAs in enhancing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches for MCC. Accordingly, the goal of this article is to compile, summarize, and discuss the latest research on miRNAs in MCC, highlighting their potential clinical utility as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Gouda Kamel Helal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11231, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City 11829 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | | | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Bakr Zaki
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City, Menoufia 32897, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nehal I Rizk
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Moataz B Zewail
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City 11231, Cairo, Egypt.
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8
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Badiale G, Vitali I, Touzé A, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. Distinct retinoic gene signatures discriminate Merkel cell polyomavirus-positive from -negative Merkel cell carcinoma cells. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28949. [PMID: 37436928 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Limited molecular knowledge of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)-positive and -negative Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) subsets (MCCP/MCCN) has prevented so far the identification of the MCC origin cell type and, therefore, the development of effective therapies. The retinoic gene signature was investigated in various MCCP, MCCN, and control fibroblast/epithelial cell lines to elucidate the heterogeneous nature of MCC. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis indicated that MCCP and MCCN cells were clusterizable from each other and control cells, according to their retinoic gene signature. MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes (n = 43) were identified. Protein-protein interaction network indicated SOX2, ISL1, PAX6, FGF8, ASCL1, OLIG2, SHH, and GLI1 as upregulated hub genes and JAG1 and MYC as downregulated hub genes in MCCP compared to MCCN. Numerous MCCP-associated hub genes were DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in neurological and Merkel cell development and stemness. Enrichment analyses indicated that MCCP versus MCCN differentially expressed genes predominantly encode for to DNA-binding/-transcription factors involved in development, stemness, invasiveness, and cancer. Our findings suggest the neuroendocrine origin of MCCP, by which neuronal precursor cells could undergo an MCPyV-driven transformation. These overarching results might open the way to novel retinoid-based MCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Giada Badiale
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vitali
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie Des Infections À Polyomavirus" Team, UMR, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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9
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Mazziotta C, Cervellera CF, Lanzillotti C, Touzé A, Gaboriaud P, Tognon M, Martini F, Rotondo JC. MicroRNA dysregulations in Merkel cell carcinoma: Molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28375. [PMID: 36477874 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive skin malignancy with two distinct etiologies. The first, which accounts for the highest proportion, is caused by Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), a DNA tumor virus. A second, UV-induced, MCC form has also been identified. Few MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options are available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules, which play a key role in regulating various physiologic cellular functions including cell cycling, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Numerous miRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, by acting as either tumor suppressors or oncomiRs. The aim of this review is to collect, summarize, and discuss recent findings on miRNAs whose dysregulation has been assumed to play a role in MCC. The potential clinical application of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in MCC is also described. In the future, miRNAs will potentially gain clinical significance for the improvement of MCC diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mazziotta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Carmen Lanzillotti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Antoine Touzé
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Pauline Gaboriaud
- "Biologie des infections à polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRAE 1282, University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mauro Tognon
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fernanda Martini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - John Charles Rotondo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Loke ASW, Lambert PF, Spurgeon ME. Current In Vitro and In Vivo Models to Study MCPyV-Associated MCC. Viruses 2022; 14:2204. [PMID: 36298759 PMCID: PMC9607385 DOI: 10.3390/v14102204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the only human polyomavirus currently known to cause human cancer. MCPyV is believed to be an etiological factor in at least 80% of cases of the rare but aggressive skin malignancy Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In these MCPyV+ MCC tumors, clonal integration of the viral genome results in the continued expression of two viral proteins: the viral small T antigen (ST) and a truncated form of the viral large T antigen. The oncogenic potential of MCPyV and the functional properties of the viral T antigens that contribute to neoplasia are becoming increasingly well-characterized with the recent development of model systems that recapitulate the biology of MCPyV+ MCC. In this review, we summarize our understanding of MCPyV and its role in MCC, followed by the current state of both in vitro and in vivo model systems used to study MCPyV and its contribution to carcinogenesis. We also highlight the remaining challenges within the field and the major considerations related to the ongoing development of in vitro and in vivo models of MCPyV+ MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine & Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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11
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Yang JF, You J. Merkel cell polyomavirus and associated Merkel cell carcinoma. Tumour Virus Res 2022; 13:200232. [PMID: 34920178 PMCID: PMC8715208 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2021.200232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a ubiquitous skin infection that can cause Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly lethal form of skin cancer with a nearly 50% mortality rate. Since the discovery of MCPyV in 2008, great advances have been made to improve our understanding of how the viral encoded oncoproteins contribute to MCC oncogenesis. However, our knowledge of the MCPyV infectious life cycle and its oncogenic mechanisms are still incomplete. The incidence of MCC has tripled over the past two decades, but effective treatments are lacking. Only recently have there been major victories in combatting metastatic MCC with the application of PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Still, these immune-based therapies are not ideal for patients with a medical need to maintain systemic immune suppression. As such, a better understanding of MCPyV's oncogenic mechanisms is needed in order to develop more effective and targeted therapies against virus-associated MCC. In this review, we discuss current areas of interest for MCPyV and MCC research and the progress made in elucidating both the natural host of MCPyV infection and the cell of origin for MCC. We also highlight the remaining gaps in our knowledge on the transcriptional regulation of MCPyV, which may be key to understanding and targeting viral oncogenesis for developing future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- June F Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6076, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6076, USA.
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12
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Small DNA tumor viruses and human cancer: Preclinical models of virus infection and disease. Tumour Virus Res 2022; 14:200239. [PMID: 35636683 PMCID: PMC9194455 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2022.200239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human tumor viruses cause various human cancers that account for at least 15% of the global cancer burden. Among the currently identified human tumor viruses, two are small DNA tumor viruses: human papillomaviruses (HPVs) and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). The study of small DNA tumor viruses (adenoviruses, polyomaviruses, and papillomaviruses) has facilitated several significant biological discoveries and established some of the first animal models of virus-associated cancers. The development and use of preclinical in vivo models to study HPVs and MCPyV and their role in human cancer is the focus of this review. Important considerations in the design of animal models of small DNA tumor virus infection and disease, including host range, cell tropism, choice of virus isolates, and the ability to recapitulate human disease, are presented. The types of infection-based and transgenic model strategies that are used to study HPVs and MCPyV, including their strengths and limitations, are also discussed. An overview of the current models that exist to study HPV and MCPyV infection and neoplastic disease are highlighted. These comparative models provide valuable platforms to study various aspects of virus-associated human disease and will continue to expand knowledge of human tumor viruses and their relationship with their hosts.
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13
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Spurgeon ME, Cheng J, Ward-Shaw E, Dick FA, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. Merkel cell polyomavirus large T antigen binding to pRb promotes skin hyperplasia and tumor development. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010551. [PMID: 35560034 PMCID: PMC9132321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clear evidence supports a causal link between Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) and the highly aggressive human skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Integration of viral DNA into the human genome facilitates continued expression of the MCPyV small tumor (ST) and large tumor (LT) antigens in virus-positive MCCs. In MCC tumors, MCPyV LT is truncated in a manner that renders the virus unable to replicate yet preserves the LXCXE motif that facilitates its binding to and inactivation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb). We previously developed a MCPyV transgenic mouse model in which MCC tumor-derived ST and truncated LT expression were targeted to the stratified epithelium of the skin, causing epithelial hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous tumorigenesis. We sought to determine if any of these phenotypes required the association between the truncated MCPyV LT and pRb. Mice were generated in which K14-driven MCPyV ST/LT were expressed in the context of a homozygous RbΔLXCXE knock-in allele that attenuates LT-pRb interactions through LT's LXCXE motif. We found that many of the phenotypes including tumorigenesis that develop in the K14-driven MCPyV transgenic mice were dependent upon LT's LXCXE-dependent interaction with pRb. These findings highlight the importance of the MCPyV LT-pRb interaction in an in vivo model for MCPyV-induced tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Ella Ward-Shaw
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Dick
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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14
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Investigation of the RB1-SOX2 axis constitutes a tool for viral status determination and diagnosis in Merkel cell carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:1239-1254. [PMID: 35412101 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03315-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
MCC (Merkel cell carcinoma) is an aggressive neuroendocrine cutaneous neoplasm. Integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is observed in about 80% of the cases, while the remaining 20% are related to UV exposure. Both MCPyV-positive and -negative MCCs-albeit by different mechanisms-are associated with RB1 inactivation leading to overexpression of SOX2, a major contributor to MCC biology. Moreover, although controversial, loss of RB1 expression seems to be restricted to MCPyV-negative cases.The aim of the present study was to assess the performances of RB1 loss and SOX2 expression detected by immunohistochemistry to determine MCPyV status and to diagnose MCC, respectively.Overall, 196 MCC tumors, 233 non-neuroendocrine skin neoplasms and 70 extra-cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) were included. SOX2 and RB1 expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry in a tissue micro-array. Diagnostic performances were determined using the likelihood ratio (LHR).RB1 expression loss was evidenced in 27% of the MCC cases, 12% of non-neuroendocrine skin tumors and 63% of extra-cutaneous NEC. Importantly, among MCC cases, RB1 loss was detected in all MCPyV(-) MCCs, while MCPyV( +) cases were consistently RB1-positive (p < 0.001). SOX2 diffuse expression was observed in 92% of the MCC cases and almost never observed in non-neuroendocrine skin epithelial neoplasms (2%, p < 0.0001, LHR + = 59). Furthermore, SOX2 diffuse staining was more frequently observed in MCCs than in extra-cutaneous NECs (30%, p < 0.001, LHR + = 3.1).These results confirm RB1 as a robust predictor of MCC viral status and further suggest SOX2 to be a relevant diagnostic marker of MCC.
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15
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Jin B, He S, Dang Y, Zhao T, Jin Z. The Emerging Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870316. [PMID: 35464958 PMCID: PMC9023792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is one of the key pathways that is indispensable for many developmental processes and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated HH signaling could lead to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis in a variety of tissues via inherited or sporadic mutation, gene overexpression, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that HH signaling is targeted by viruses to facilitate viral transcription, immune evasion, and uncontrolled growth, leading to effective viral replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we will summarize recent advances in functional interaction between HH signaling and different types of viruses, particularly focusing on the pathological role of HH signaling in viral infections and related diseases.
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16
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Gravemeyer J, Spassova I, Verhaegen ME, Dlugosz AA, Hoffmann D, Lange A, Becker JC. DNA-methylation patterns imply a common cellular origin of virus- and UV-associated Merkel cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:37-45. [PMID: 34667274 PMCID: PMC8724008 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02064-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor either induced by integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the cell genome or by accumulation of UV-light-associated mutations (VP-MCC and UV-MCC). Whether VP- and UV-MCC have the same or different cellular origins is unclear; with mesenchymal or epidermal origins discussed. DNA-methylation patterns have a proven utility in determining cellular origins of cancers. Therefore, we used this approach to uncover evidence regarding the cell of origin of classical VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, i.e., cell lines with a neuroendocrine growth pattern (n = 9 and n = 4, respectively). Surprisingly, we observed high global similarities in the DNA-methylation of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines. CpGs of lower methylation in VP-MCC cell lines were associated with neuroendocrine marker genes such as SOX2 and INSM1, or linked to binding sites of EZH2 and SUZ12 of the polycomb repressive complex 2, i.e., genes with an impact on carcinogenesis and differentiation of neuroendocrine cancers. Thus, the observed differences appear to be rooted in viral compared to mutation-driven carcinogenesis rather than distinct cells of origin. To test this hypothesis, we used principal component analysis, to compare DNA-methylation data from different epithelial and non-epithelial neuroendocrine cancers and established a scoring model for epithelial and neuroendocrine characteristics. Subsequently, we applied this scoring model to the DNA-methylation data of the VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, revealing that both clearly scored as epithelial cancers. In summary, our comprehensive analysis of DNA-methylation suggests a common epithelial origin of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gravemeyer
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ivelina Spassova
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Andrzej A Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Hoffmann
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biophysics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anja Lange
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biophysics, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research (TSCR), University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) & German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
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17
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Kervarrec T, Berthon P, Thanguturi S, Guyétant S, Macagno N, Jullie ML. Reevaluation of GLI1 Expression in Skin Tumors. Am J Dermatopathol 2021; 43:759-761. [PMID: 33577176 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
- CARADERM, French Network of Rare Cutaneous Cancer
| | - Patricia Berthon
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Soumanth Thanguturi
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Serge Guyétant
- Department of Pathology, Université de Tours, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
- "Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Nicolas Macagno
- CARADERM, French Network of Rare Cutaneous Cancer
- Department of Pathology, Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Laure Jullie
- CARADERM, French Network of Rare Cutaneous Cancer
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
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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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19
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Kervarrec T, Chéret J, Paus R, Houben R, Schrama D. Transduction-induced overexpression of Merkel cell T antigens in human hair follicles induces formation of pathological cell clusters with Merkel cell carcinoma-like phenotype. Exp Dermatol 2021; 31:259-260. [PMID: 34386998 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Kervarrec
- Department of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Université de Tours, Tours Cedex 09, France.,"Biologie des Infections à Polyomavirus" Team, UMR INRA ISP 1282, Tours, France.,Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérémy Chéret
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany.,Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ralf Paus
- Monasterium Laboratory, Skin and Hair Research Solutions GmbH, Münster, Germany.,Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Roland Houben
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Schrama
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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20
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Sundqvist B, Sihto H, von Willebrand M, Böhling T, Koljonen V. LRIG1 is a positive prognostic marker in Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma expresses epithelial stem cell markers. Virchows Arch 2021; 479:1197-1207. [PMID: 34331569 PMCID: PMC8724115 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03158-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy of the skin. The cell of origin of MCC is thus far unknown and proposed cells of origin include Merkel cells, pro-/pre- or pre-B cells, epithelial stem cells, and dermal stem cells. In this study, we aimed to shed further light on the possibility that a subset of MCC tumors arise from epithelial stem cells of the skin by examining the expression of hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and normal human skin. We also aimed to elucidate any correlation between the expression of these markers and tumor Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status or other clinicopathological characteristics or patient survival. Expression of CK19, SOX9, LGR5, and LRIG1 in MCC and normal human skin was studied by immunohistochemistry, and the staining patterns or intensities were statistically correlated with patient, tumor, MCPyV, and survival parameters. In a cohort of 137 cases of MCC, we observed dot-like immunoexpression of CK19 in 30 cases (22.1%) and homogeneous expression in 103 cases (75.7%). We also observed positive immunoexpression of SOX9 in 21 cases (15.3%), LGR5 in 118 cases (86.1%), and LRIG1 in 117 cases (86.0%). Immunoexpression of LRIG1 was found to correlate with better overall and MCC-specific survival. We observed frequent immunoexpression of several hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and found LRIG1 to be a positive prognostic marker in MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Sundqvist
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Harri Sihto
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria von Willebrand
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tom Böhling
- Department of Pathology, Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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21
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Koljonen V, Lui WO, Becker JC. New Insights into the Biological and Clinical Aspects of Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092259. [PMID: 34066728 PMCID: PMC8125810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Virve Koljonen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (W.-O.L.); (J.C.B.)
| | - Weng-Onn Lui
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 64 Solna, Sweden
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (W.-O.L.); (J.C.B.)
| | - Jürgen C. Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 45151 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: (V.K.); (W.-O.L.); (J.C.B.)
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22
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Loke ASW, Longley BJ, Lambert PF, Spurgeon ME. A Novel In Vitro Culture Model System to Study Merkel Cell Polyomavirus-Associated MCC Using Three-Dimensional Organotypic Raft Equivalents of Human Skin. Viruses 2021; 13:138. [PMID: 33478104 PMCID: PMC7835998 DOI: 10.3390/v13010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is a human polyomavirus causally linked to the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), an aggressive malignancy that largely arises within the dermis of the skin. In this study, we recapitulate the histopathology of human MCC tumors in vitro using an organotypic (raft) culture system that is traditionally used to recapitulate the dermal and epidermal equivalents of skin in three dimensions (3D). In the optimal culture condition, MCPyV+ MCC cells were embedded in collagen between the epidermal equivalent comprising human keratinocytes and a dermal equivalent containing fibroblasts, resulting in MCC-like lesions arising within the dermal equivalent. The presence and organization of MCC cells within these dermal lesions were characterized through biomarker analyses. Interestingly, co-culture of MCPyV+ MCC together with keratinocytes specifically within the epidermal equivalent of the raft did not reproduce human MCC morphology, nor were any keratinocytes necessary for MCC-like lesions to develop in the dermal equivalent. This 3D tissue culture system provides a novel in vitro platform for studying the role of MCPyV T antigens in MCC oncogenesis, identifying additional factors involved in this process, and for screening potential MCPyV+ MCC therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S. W. Loke
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - B. Jack Longley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
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Spurgeon ME, Liem A, Buehler D, Cheng J, DeCaprio JA, Lambert PF. The Merkel Cell Polyomavirus T Antigens Function as Tumor Promoters in Murine Skin. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020222. [PMID: 33435392 PMCID: PMC7827793 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Merkel cell polyomavirus, a recently discovered human virus, is linked to the development of a rare form of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma. The virus does not replicate in cancer cells, yet there is continued expression of viral proteins known as T antigens. The T antigens are believed to contribute to Merkel cell carcinoma development, yet how they do so remains an active area of research. In this study, we used transgenic mice expressing the viral T antigens in their skin to determine at which stage of skin cancer development these viral proteins function. We discovered that the Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens function as tumor promoters, rather than tumor initiators, in the skin. These findings suggest that other tumor-initiating events may cooperate with the tumor-promoting activities of the viral T antigens, thus providing important insight into how Merkel cell polyomavirus can cause cancer in human skin. Abstract Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) causes the majority of human Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC), a rare but highly aggressive form of skin cancer. We recently reported that constitutive expression of MCC tumor-derived MCPyV tumor (T) antigens in the skin of transgenic mice leads to hyperplasia, increased proliferation, and spontaneous epithelial tumor development. We sought to evaluate how the MCPyV T antigens contribute to tumor formation in vivo using a classical, multi-stage model for squamous cell carcinoma development. In this model, two chemical carcinogens, DMBA and TPA, contribute to two distinct phases of carcinogenesis—initiation and promotion, respectively—that are required for tumors to develop. By treating the MCPyV transgenic mice with each chemical carcinogen, we determined how the viral oncogenes contributed to carcinogenesis. We observed that the MCPyV T antigens synergized with the tumor initiator DMBA, but not with the tumor promoter TPA, cause tumors. Therefore, the MCPyV tumor antigens function primarily as tumor promoters, similar to that seen with human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins. These studies provide insight into the role of MCPyV T antigen expression in tumor formation in vivo and contribute to our understanding of how MCPyV may function as a human DNA tumor virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E. Spurgeon
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.E.S.); (P.F.L.)
| | - Amy Liem
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Darya Buehler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Jingwei Cheng
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA;
| | - James A. DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.E.S.); (P.F.L.)
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