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Chiang CL, Lam TC, Li JCB, Chan KSK, El Helali A, Lee YYP, Law LHT, Zheng D, Lo AWI, Kam NW, Li WS, Cheung AKW, Chow JCH, Chan SPC, Lai JWY, Lee SWM, Kong FM(S, Ng WT, Kwong DLW, Lee AWM. Efficacy, safety, and correlative biomarkers of bintrafusp alfa in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer patients: a phase II clinical trial. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2023; 40:100898. [PMID: 37701718 PMCID: PMC10493598 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2023.100898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Background The strategy of dual blockade of TGF-β and PD-L1 pathways has not been previously tested in platinum-refractory recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal cancer (R/M NPC) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bintrafusp alfa in refractory R/M NPC patients. Methods In this single-arm, single-centre phase II clinical trial, 38 histologically confirmed R/M NPC patients were enrolled and administered with bintrafusp alfa every 2 weeks. Primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), duration of response (DOR), and safety. Findings Thirty-eight patients were accrued (33 men; median age, 54 years). ORR was 23.7% (complete response, n = 2; partial response, n = 7). The median DOR was 19.2 months, median PFS was 2.3 months, median OS was 17.0 months, and 1-year OS rate was 63.2%. Unfortunately, 25 patients (65.7%) progressed within 8 weeks of treatment, 15 patients (39.5%) and 8 patients (21.1%) developed hyper-progressive disease (HPD) per RECIST v1.1 and tumor growth rate (TGR) ratio respectively. Sixteen patients (42.4%) experienced ≥ grade 3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs), most commonly anemia (n = 9, 23.7%) and secondary malignancies (n = 4, 10.5%). TRAEs led to permanent treatment discontinuation in 7 patients. Patients with strong suppression of plasma TGFβ1 level at week 8 were unexpectedly associated with worse ORR (9.1% vs 44.4%, P = 0.046) and development of HPD. There was no correlation between PD-L1 expression and ORR. Interpretation Bintrafusp alfa demonstrated modest activity in R/M NPC but high rates of HPD and treatment discontinuation secondary to TRAEs are concerning. Funding The project was supported by Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Charity Foundation Professorship Endowed Fund and Merck KGaA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Leung Chiang
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China
| | - Tai Chung Lam
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China
| | - James Chun Bong Li
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Kenneth Sik Kwan Chan
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Aya El Helali
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Laalaa Hiu Ting Law
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Danyang Zheng
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Ngar Woon Kam
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
| | - Wing Sum Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Wing Yu Lai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sarah Wai Man Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng-Ming (Spring) Kong
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China
| | - Wai Tong Ng
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China
| | - Dora Lai Wan Kwong
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong and University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, China
| | - Anne Wing Mui Lee
- LKS Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital and School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, China
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Neugebauer E, Bastidas-Quintero AM, Weidl D, Full F. Pioneer factors in viral infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286617. [PMID: 37876935 PMCID: PMC10591220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pioneer factors are transcription factors sharing the fascinating ability to bind to compact chromatin and thereby alter its transcriptional fate. Most pioneer factors are known for their importance during embryonic development, for instance, in inducing zygotic genome activation or cell fate decision. Some pioneer factors are actively induced or downregulated by viral infection. With this, viruses are capable to modulate different signaling pathways resulting for example in MHC-receptor up/downregulation which contributes to viral immune evasion. In this article, we review the current state of research on how different viruses (Herpesviruses, Papillomaviruses and Hepatitis B virus) use pioneer factors for their viral replication and persistence in the host, as well as for the development of viral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Neugebauer
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consulting Laboratory for Herpes-Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varizellla-Zoster Virus (VZV), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Aura M. Bastidas-Quintero
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consulting Laboratory for Herpes-Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varizellla-Zoster Virus (VZV), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Weidl
- Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian Full
- Institute of Virology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Consulting Laboratory for Herpes-Simplex Virus (HSV) and Varizellla-Zoster Virus (VZV), Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Low YH, Loh CJL, Peh DYY, Chu AJM, Han S, Toh HC. Pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of EBV-associated epithelial cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1202117. [PMID: 37901329 PMCID: PMC10600384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1202117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common human viruses, has been associated with both lymphoid and epithelial cancers. Undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), EBV associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) and lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) are amongst the few common epithelial cancers that EBV has been associated with. The pathogenesis of EBV-associated NPC has been well described, however, the same cannot be said for primary pulmonary LELC (PPLELC) owing to the rarity of the cancer. In this review, we outline the pathogenesis of EBV-associated NPC and EBVaGCs and their recent advances. By drawing on similarities between NPC and PPLELC, we then also postulated the pathogenesis of PPLELC. A deeper understanding about the pathogenesis of EBV enables us to postulate the pathogenesis of other EBV associated cancers such as PPLELC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Hua Low
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Daniel Yang Yao Peh
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Axel Jun Ming Chu
- Singapore Health Services Internal Medicine Residency Programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuting Han
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Han Chong Toh
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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4
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Awasthi P, Dwivedi M, Kumar D, Hasan S. Insights into intricacies of the Latent Membrane Protein-1 (LMP-1) in EBV-associated cancers. Life Sci 2023; 313:121261. [PMID: 36493876 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121261] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Numerous lymphomas, carcinomas, and other disorders have been associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection. EBV's carcinogenic potential can be correlated to latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is essential for fibroblast and primary lymphocyte transformation. LMP1, a transmembrane protein with constitutive activity, belongs to the tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily. LMP1 performs number of role in the life cycle of EBV and the pathogenesis by interfering with, reprogramming, and influencing a vast range of host cellular activities and functions that are getting well-known but still poorly understood. LMP1, pleiotropically perturbs, reprograms and balances a wide range of various processes of cell such as extracellular vesicles, epigenetics, ubiquitin machinery, metabolism, cell proliferation and survival, and also promotes oncogenic transformation, angiogenesis, anchorage-independent cell growth, metastasis and invasion, tumour microenvironment. By the help of various experiments, it is proven that EBV-encoded LMP1 activates multiple cell signalling pathways which affect antigen presentation, cell-cell interactions, chemokine and cytokine production. Therefore, it is assumed that LMP1 may perform majorly in EBV associated malignancies. For the development of novel techniques toward targeted therapeutic applications, it is essential to have a complete understanding of the LMP1 signalling landscape in order to identify potential targets. The focus of this review is on LMP1-interacting proteins and related signalling processes. We further discuss tactics for using the LMP1 protein as a potential therapeutic for cancers caused by the EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prankur Awasthi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Manish Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, India
| | - Dhruv Kumar
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Saba Hasan
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226028, India.
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Liu X, Deng Y, Huang Y, Ye J, Xie S, He Q, Chen Y, Lin Y, Liang R, Wei J, Li Y, Zhang J. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Progression: Accumulating Genomic Instability and Persistent Epstein–Barr Virus Infection. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6035-6052. [PMID: 36135044 PMCID: PMC9498130 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29090475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability facilitates the evolution of cells, tissues, organs, and species. The progression of human malignancies can be regarded as the accumulation of genomic instability, which confers a high evolutionary potential for tumor cells to adapt to continuous changes in the tumor microenvironment. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a head-and-neck squamous-cell carcinoma closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. NPC progression is driven by a combination of accumulated genomic instability and persistent EBV infection. Here, we present a review of the key characteristics of genomic instability in NPC and the profound implications of EBV infection. We further discuss the significance of profiling genomic instability for the assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy, as well as the opportunities and challenges of targeted therapies for NPC based on its unique genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yayan Deng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yujuan Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiaxiang Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Sifang Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, 6 Taoyuan Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qian He
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rong Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Jiazhang Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck, The People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences, 6 Taoyuan Road, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jinyan Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, 71 Hedi Road, Nanning 530021, China
- Correspondence: (Y.L.); (J.Z.)
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Combs LR, Spires LM, Alonso JD, Papp B, Toth Z. KSHV RTA Induces Degradation of the Host Transcription Repressor ID2 To Promote the Viral Lytic Cycle. J Virol 2022; 96:e0010122. [PMID: 35604218 PMCID: PMC9215225 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00101-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The immediate early viral protein replication and transcription activator (RTA) of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is essential for activating the lytic cycle of KSHV. RTA induces the KSHV lytic cycle by several mechanisms, acting as a viral transcription factor that directly induces viral and host genes and acting as a viral E3 ubiquitin ligase by degrading host proteins that block viral lytic replication. Recently, we have characterized the global gene expression changes in primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) upon lytic reactivation of KSHV, which also led to the identification of rapidly downregulated genes such as ID2, an inhibitor of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors. Here, we demonstrate that ID2 overexpression in PEL ablates KSHV lytic reactivation, indicating that ID2 inhibits the KSHV lytic cycle. Furthermore, we show that while ID2 is highly expressed during latency, its protein level is rapidly reduced by 4 h postinduction during lytic reactivation. Our results indicate that RTA binds to ID2 and induces its degradation during the KSHV lytic cycle by N-terminal ubiquitination through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Importantly, we found that not only KSHV RTA but also its Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) homologs interact with ID2, and they can induce the degradation of all four members of the ID protein family, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved interplay between gammaherpesvirus RTAs and ID proteins. Taken together, we propose that ID2 acts as a repressor of the KSHV lytic cycle, which is counteracted by its RTA-mediated degradation. We also predict that ID proteins may act as restriction factors of the lytic phase of the other gammaherpesviruses as well. IMPORTANCE In addition to its transcription regulatory role, RTA is also known to have an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, which RTA utilizes for inducing protein degradation. However, it is still largely unknown what host factors are downregulated during KSHV lytic reactivation by RTA-mediated protein degradation and what the biological significance of the degradation of these host factors is. In this study, we discovered that RTA employs N-terminal ubiquitination to induce degradation of ID2, a potent transcription repressor of host genes, via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to promote KSHV lytic reactivation in PEL cells. Furthermore, we found that not only KSHV RTA but also RTA of EBV and MHV68 gammaherpesviruses can induce the degradation of all four human ID proteins, indicating that the interplay between gammaherpesvirus RTAs and ID proteins is evolutionarily conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Combs
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Lauren McKenzie Spires
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Juan D. Alonso
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Bernadett Papp
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Center for Orphaned Autoimmune Disorders, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Informatics Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Zsolt Toth
- Department of Oral Biology, University of Florida College of Dentistry, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Genetics Institute, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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7
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Blanco R, Carrillo-Beltrán D, Corvalán AH, Aguayo F. High-Risk Human Papillomavirus and Epstein-Barr Virus Coinfection: A Potential Role in Head and Neck Carcinogenesis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121232. [PMID: 34943147 PMCID: PMC8698839 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary A subset of carcinomas that arise in the head and neck region show a viral etiology. In fact, a subgroup of oropharyngeal cancers are caused by some types of human papillomavirus (HPV), so-called high-risk (HR)-HPVs, whereas undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinomas are etiologically related to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). However, studies have reported the presence of both HR-HPV and EBV in some types of head and neck cancers. In this review, we discuss the potential contribution and role of HR-HPV/EBV coinfection in head and neck carcinogenesis, as well as the mechanisms that are potentially involved. In addition, HR-HPV/EBV interaction models are proposed. Abstract High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) are recognized oncogenic viruses involved in the development of a subset of head and neck cancers (HNCs). HR-HPVs are etiologically associated with a subset of oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPCs), whereas EBV is a recognized etiological agent of undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPCs). In this review, we address epidemiological and mechanistic evidence regarding a potential cooperation between HR-HPV and EBV for HNC development. Considering that: (1) both HR-HPV and EBV infections require cofactors for carcinogenesis; and (2) both oropharyngeal and oral epithelium can be directly exposed to carcinogens, such as alcohol or tobacco smoke, we hypothesize possible interaction mechanisms. The epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that HR-HPV/EBV cooperation for developing a subset of HNCs is plausible and warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rancés Blanco
- Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (R.B.); (D.C.-B.)
| | - Diego Carrillo-Beltrán
- Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile; (R.B.); (D.C.-B.)
| | - Alejandro H. Corvalán
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
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8
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Lo AKF, Dawson CW, Lung HL, Wong KL, Young LS. The Role of EBV-Encoded LMP1 in the NPC Tumor Microenvironment: From Function to Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:640207. [PMID: 33718235 PMCID: PMC7947715 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.640207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. It is also characterized by heavy infiltration with non-malignant leucocytes. The EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is believed to play an important role in NPC pathogenesis by virtue of its ability to activate multiple cell signaling pathways which collectively promote cell proliferation and survival, angiogenesis, invasiveness, and aerobic glycolysis. LMP1 also affects cell-cell interactions, antigen presentation, and cytokine and chemokine production. Here, we discuss how LMP1 modulates local immune responses that contribute to the establishment of the NPC tumor microenvironment. We also discuss strategies for targeting the LMP1 protein as a novel therapy for EBV-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Lok Lung
- Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Leung Wong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lawrence S. Young
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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9
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The Role of NK Cells in EBV Infection and EBV-Associated NPC. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020300. [PMID: 33671917 PMCID: PMC7918975 DOI: 10.3390/v13020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A vast majority of the population worldwide are asymptomatic carriers of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). However, some infected individuals eventually develop EBV-related cancers, including Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). NPC is one of the most common EBV-associated epithelial cancers, and is highly prevalent in Southern China and Southeast Asia. While NPC is highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, there is a lack of effective and durable treatment among the 15%–30% of patients who subsequently develop recurrent disease. Natural Killer (NK) cells are natural immune lymphocytes that are innately primed against virus-infected cells and nascent aberrant transformed cells. As EBV is found in both virally infected and cancer cells, it is of interest to examine the NK cells’ role in both EBV infection and EBV-associated NPC. Herein, we review the current understanding of how EBV-infected cells are cleared by NK cells, and how EBV can evade NK cell-mediated elimination in the context of type II latency in NPC. Next, we summarize the current literature about NPC and NK cell biology. Finally, we discuss the translational potential of NK cells in NPC. This information will deepen our understanding of host immune interactions with EBV-associated NPC and facilitate development of more effective NK-mediated therapies for NPC treatment.
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10
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The HBx and HBc of hepatitis B virus can influence Id1 and Id3 by reducing their transcription and stability. Virus Res 2020; 284:197973. [PMID: 32305567 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.197973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely related with the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in which Hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx) and core protein (HBc) play crucial roles. Additionally, inhibitors of differentiation (Id) proteins exhibited significant correlation with liver cancer development. Here, we identified that HBV dramatically inhibited the expression of Id1 and Id3 in both protein and transcriptional levels for the first time, whereas there was little effect of the virus on Id2. Additionally, two HBV coded protein, HBc and HBx, could reduce the expression of Id1 and Id3 distinctly, whereas the other two viral proteins, HBs and HBp were unable to affect Id1 and Id3 proteins. Both the activity inhibitors and activators further confirmed that HBc inhibited the expression of Id1 and Id3 by BMP/Smad signaling pathway. HBx could interact with both Id1 and Id3 at residues 112-136 of HBx protein, and it could inhibit the two Id proteins by accelerating their degradation. This is the first report about HBc and HBx regulating Id1 and Id3, whereas the detailed mechanism associated with above needed further experiments to clarify.
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11
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Hancock MH, Crawford LB, Pham AH, Mitchell J, Struthers HM, Yurochko AD, Caposio P, Nelson JA. Human Cytomegalovirus miRNAs Regulate TGF-β to Mediate Myelosuppression while Maintaining Viral Latency in CD34 + Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells. Cell Host Microbe 2019; 27:104-114.e4. [PMID: 31866424 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) because of various hematologic problems, including myelosuppression. Here, we demonstrate that latently expressed HCMV miR-US5-2 downregulates the transcriptional repressor NGFI-A binding protein (NAB1) to induce myelosuppression of uninfected CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) through an increase in TGF-β production. Infection of HPCs with an HCMVΔmiR-US5-2 mutant resulted in decreased TGF-β expression and restoration of myelopoiesis. In contrast, we show that infected HPCs are refractory to TGF-β signaling as another HCMV miRNA, miR-UL22A, downregulates SMAD3, which is required for maintenance of latency. Our data suggest that latently expressed viral miRNAs manipulate stem cell homeostasis by inducing secretion of TGF-β while protecting infected HPCs from TGF-β-mediated effects on viral latency and reactivation. These observations provide a mechanism through which HCMV induces global myelosuppression following HSCT while maintaining lifelong infection in myeloid lineage cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan H Hancock
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Lindsey B Crawford
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Andrew H Pham
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jennifer Mitchell
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Hillary M Struthers
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Andrew D Yurochko
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA
| | - Patrizia Caposio
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
| | - Jay A Nelson
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA.
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12
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Hatton O, Smith MM, Alexander M, Mandell M, Sherman C, Stesney MW, Hui ST, Dohrn G, Medrano J, Ringwalt K, Harris-Arnold A, Maloney EM, Krams SM, Martinez OM. Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Regulates Host B Cell MicroRNA-155 and Its Target FOXO3a via PI3K p110α Activation. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2692. [PMID: 32038504 PMCID: PMC6988802 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is associated with potentially fatal lymphoproliferations such as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a serious complication of transplantation. The viral mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of EBV+ B cell lymphomas remain elusive but represent attractive therapeutic targets. EBV modulates the expression of host microRNAs (miRs), non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression, to promote survival of EBV+ B cell lymphomas. Here, we examined how the primary oncogene of EBV, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), regulates host miRs using an established model of inducible LMP1 signaling. LMP1 derived from the B95.8 lab strain or PTLD induced expression of the oncogene miR-155. However, PTLD variant LMP1 lost the ability to upregulate the tumor suppressor miR-193. Small molecule inhibitors (SMI) of p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and PI3K p110α inhibited upregulation of miR-155 by B95.8 LMP1; no individual SMI significantly reduced upregulation of miR-155 by PTLD variant LMP1. miR-155 was significantly elevated in EBV+ B cell lymphoma cell lines and associated exosomes and inversely correlated with expression of the miR-155 target FOXO3a in cell lines. Finally, LMP1 reduced expression of FOXO3a, which was rescued by a PI3K p110α SMI. Our data indicate that tumor variant LMP1 differentially regulates host B cell miR expression, suggesting viral genotype as an important consideration for the treatment of EBV+ B cell lymphomas. Notably, we demonstrate a novel mechanism in which LMP1 supports the regulation of miR-155 and its target FOXO3a in B cells through activation of PI3K p110α. This mechanism expands on the previously established mechanisms by which LMP1 regulates miR-155 and FOXO3a and may represent both rational therapeutic targets and biomarkers for EBV+ B cell lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Hatton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Madeline M Smith
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Madison Alexander
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Melanie Mandell
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Carissa Sherman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Madeline W Stesney
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Sin Ting Hui
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gillian Dohrn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Joselinne Medrano
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Kurt Ringwalt
- Department of Molecular Biology, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
| | - Aleishia Harris-Arnold
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Eden M Maloney
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sheri M Krams
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Olivia M Martinez
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Stanford Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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13
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Liu W, Song YY, Wang JY, Xiao H, Zhang Y, Luo B. Dysregulation of FOXO transcription factors in Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma. Virus Res 2019; 276:197808. [PMID: 31712122 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the development of gastric cancer (GC). Forkhead box class O (FOXO) transcription factors play important roles in tumor suppression. This study aims to investigate the interplay between EBV and FOXOs in EBV-associated GC (EBVaGC). The results showed that EBV infection of GC cells led to the downregulation of FOXO1 by the inhibition of its mRNA and protein expression. FOXO3 protein is repressed by EBV infection. FOXO4 mRNA is upregulated in EBV-positive cell lines, while its protein expression is downregulated. FOXO1, FOXO3 and FOXO4 proteins are upregulated following PI3K inhibition in GT39 cells, confirming that they are partially suppressed by the PI3K/AKT pathway. However, the upregulation of FOXO1 and FOXO3 by single transfection with LMP1 or LMP2A implies that the dysregulation of FOXOs in EBVaGC is affected by various EBV latent genes and that PI3K/AKT signaling is not the only mechanism of FOXO regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying-Ying Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOH/MOE), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Zibo, 54 Gongqingtuan Road, ZiBo, 255036, China
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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14
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Tsang CM, Lui VWY, Bruce JP, Pugh TJ, Lo KW. Translational genomics of nasopharyngeal cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 61:84-100. [PMID: 31521748 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), also named the Cantonese cancer, is a unique cancer with strong etiological association with infection of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). With particularly high prevalence in Southeast Asia, the involvement of EBV and genetic aberrations contributive to NPC tumorigenesis have remained unclear for decades. Recently, genomic analysis of NPC has defined it as a genetically homogeneous cancer, driven largely by NF-κB signaling caused by either somatic aberrations of NF-κB negative regulators or by overexpression of the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), an EBV viral oncoprotein. This represents a landmark finding of the NPC genome. Exome and RNA sequencing data from new EBV-positive NPC models also highlight the importance of PI3K pathway aberrations in NPC. We also realize for the first time that NPC mutational burden, mutational signatures, MAPK/PI3K aberrations, and MHC Class I gene aberrations, are prognostic for patient outcome. Together, these multiple genomic discoveries begin to shape the focus of NPC therapy development. Given the challenge of NF-κB targeting in human cancers, more innovative drug discovery approaches should be explored to target the unique atypical NF-κB activation feature of NPC. Our next decade of NPC research should focus on further identification of the -omic landscapes of recurrent and metastatic NPC, development of gene-based precision medicines, as well as large-scale drug screening with the newly developed and well-characterized EBV-positive NPC models. Focused preclinical and clinical investigations on these major directions may identify new and effective targeting strategies to further improve survival of NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Man Tsang
- Department of Anatomical and cellular Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Vivian Wai Yan Lui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
| | - Jeffrey P Bruce
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Trevor J Pugh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada; Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kwok Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and cellular Pathology and State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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15
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Cheerathodi MR, Meckes DG. The Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 interactome: biological implications and therapeutic targets. Future Virol 2018; 13:863-887. [PMID: 34079586 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2018-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The oncogenic potential of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is mostly attributed to latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), which is essential and sufficient for transformation of fibroblast and primary lymphocytes. LMP1 expression results in the activation of multiple signaling cascades like NF-ΚB and MAP kinases that trigger cell survival and proliferative pathways. LMP1 specific signaling events are mediated through the recruitment of a number of interacting proteins to various signaling domains. Based on these properties, LMP1 is an attractive target to develop effective therapeutics to treat EBV-related malignancies. In this review, we focus on LMP1 interacting proteins, associated signaling events, and potential targets that could be exploited for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujeeb R Cheerathodi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
| | - David G Meckes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, 32306
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16
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Ramezani A, Nikravesh H, Faghihloo E. The roles of FOX proteins in virus-associated cancers. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:3347-3361. [PMID: 30362516 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins play a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes involved in multiple biological processes, such as metabolism, development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and longevity. Deregulation of FOX proteins is commonly associated with cancer initiation, progression, and chemotherapeutic drug resistance in many human tumors. FOX proteins deregulate through genetic events and the perturbation of posttranslational modification. The purpose of the present review is to describe the deregulation of FOX proteins by oncoviruses. Oncoviruses utilize various mechanisms to deregulate FOX proteins, including alterations in posttranslational modifications, cellular localization independently of posttranslational modifications, virus-encoded miRNAs, activation or suppression of a series of cell signaling pathways. This deregulation can affect proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance, and immunosuppression in virus-induced cancers and help to chronic viral infection, development of gluconeogenic responses, and inflammation. Since the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway is the upstream FOXO, suppressing it can cause FOXO function to return, and this can be one of the reasons for patients to recover from the infection of the viruses used to treat these inhibitors. Hence, FOX proteins could serve as prognosis markers and target therapy specifically in cancers caused by oncoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ramezani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hojatolla Nikravesh
- Student Research Committee, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Faghihloo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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The Dynamic Roles of TGF-β Signalling in EBV-Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10080247. [PMID: 30060514 PMCID: PMC6115974 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10080247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. It has a biphasic action by initially suppressing tumorigenesis but promoting tumour progression in the later stages of disease. Consequently, the functional outcome of TGF-β signalling is strongly context-dependent and is influenced by various factors including cell, tissue and cancer type. Disruption of this pathway can be caused by various means, including genetic and environmental factors. A number of human viruses have been shown to modulate TGF-β signalling during tumorigenesis. In this review, we describe how this pathway is perturbed in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated cancers and how EBV interferes with TGF-β signal transduction. The role of TGF-β in regulating the EBV life cycle in tumour cells is also discussed.
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18
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Al-Thawadi H, Ghabreau L, Aboulkassim T, Yasmeen A, Vranic S, Batist G, Al Moustafa AE. Co-Incidence of Epstein-Barr Virus and High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses in Cervical Cancer of Syrian Women. Front Oncol 2018; 8:250. [PMID: 30035100 PMCID: PMC6043788 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been recently shown to be co-present with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) in human cervical cancer; thus, these oncoviruses play an important role in the initiation and/or progression of this cancer. Accordingly, our group has recently viewed the presence and genotyping distribution of high-risk HPVs in cervical cancer in Syrian women; our data pointed out that HPVs are present in 42/44 samples (95%). Herein, we aim to explore the co-prevalence of EBV and high-risk HPVs in 44 cervical cancer tissues from Syrian women using polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and tissue microarray analyses. We found that EBV and high-risk HPVs are co-present in 15/44 (34%) of the samples. However, none of the samples was exclusively EBV-positive. Additionally, we report that the co-expression of LMP1 and E6 genes of EBV and high-risk HPVs, respectively, is associated with poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas phenotype; this is accompanied by a strong and diffuse overexpression of Id-1 (93% positivity), which is an important regulator of cell invasion and metastasis. These data imply that EBV and HPVs are co-present in cervical cancer samples in the Middle East area including Syria and their co-presence is associated with a more aggressive cancer phenotype. Future investigations are needed to elucidate the exact role of EBV and HPVs cooperation in cervical carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lina Ghabreau
- Faculty of Medicine, Pathology Department, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria.,Syrian Research Cancer Centre of the Syrian Society against Cancer, Aleppo, Syria
| | - Tahar Aboulkassim
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amber Yasmeen
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Semir Vranic
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Gerald Batist
- Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of the Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ala-Eddin Al Moustafa
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Syrian Research Cancer Centre of the Syrian Society against Cancer, Aleppo, Syria.,Oncology Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,College of Medicine and Biomedical Research Centre of Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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19
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Bissey PA, Law JH, Bruce JP, Shi W, Renoult A, Chua MLK, Yip KW, Liu FF. Dysregulation of the MiR-449b target TGFBI alters the TGFβ pathway to induce cisplatin resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:40. [PMID: 29795279 PMCID: PMC5966388 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0050-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the improvement in locoregional control of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), distant metastasis (DM), and chemoresistance persist as major causes of mortality. This study identified a novel role for miR-449b, an overexpressed gene in a validated four-miRNA signature for NPC DM, leading to chemoresistance via the direct targeting of transforming growth factor beta-induced (TGFBI). In vitro shRNA-mediated downregulation of TGFBI induced phosphorylation of PTEN and AKT, increasing cisplatin resistance. Conversely, the overexpression of TGFBI sensitized the NPC cells to cisplatin. In NPC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the overall survival (OS) was significantly inversely correlated with miR-449b, and directly correlated with both TGFBI mRNA and protein expression, as assessed by RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that TGFBI competes with pro-TGFβ1 for integrin receptor binding. Decreased TGFBI led to increased pro-TGFβ1 activation and TGFβ1 canonical/noncanonical pathway-induced cisplatin resistance. Thus, overexpression of miR-449b decreases TGFBI, thereby altering the balance between TGFBI and pro-TGFβ1, revealing a novel mechanism of chemoresistance in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline H Law
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeff P Bruce
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Shi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aline Renoult
- LabEx DEVweCAN, Université de Lyon, F-69000, Lyon, France
| | - Melvin L K Chua
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kenneth W Yip
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fei-Fei Liu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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20
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Deng C, Lin YX, Qi XK, He GP, Zhang Y, Zhang HJ, Xu M, Feng QS, Bei JX, Zeng YX, Feng L. TNFRSF19 Inhibits TGFβ Signaling through Interaction with TGFβ Receptor Type I to Promote Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3469-3483. [PMID: 29735548 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Genetic susceptibility underlies the pathogenesis of cancer. We and others have previously identified a novel susceptibility gene TNFRSF19, which encodes an orphan member of the TNF receptor superfamily known to be associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and lung cancer risk. Here, we show that TNFRSF19 is highly expressed in NPC and is required for cell proliferation and NPC development. However, unlike most of the TNF receptors, TNFRSF19 was not involved in NFκB activation or associated with TRAF proteins. We identified TGFβ receptor type I (TβRI) as a specific binding partner for TNFRSF19. TNFRSF19 bound the kinase domain of TβRI in the cytoplasm, thereby blocking Smad2/3 association with TβRI and subsequent signal transduction. Ectopic expression of TNFRSF19 in normal epithelial cells conferred resistance to the cell-cycle block induced by TGFβ, whereas knockout of TNFRSF19 in NPC cells unleashed a potent TGFβ response characterized by upregulation of Smad2/3 phosphorylation and TGFβ target gene transcription. Furthermore, elevated TNFRSF19 expression correlated with reduced TGFβ activity and poor prognosis in patients with NPC. Our data reveal that gain of function of TNFRSF19 in NPC represents a mechanism by which tumor cells evade the growth-inhibitory action of TGFβ.Significance:TNFRSF19, a susceptibility gene for nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other cancers, functions as a potent inhibitor of the TGFβ signaling pathway.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/13/3469/F1.large.jpg Cancer Res; 78(13); 3469-83. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Deng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xin Lin
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Kang Qi
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gui-Ping He
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao-Jiong Zhang
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Sheng Feng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Xin Bei
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lin Feng
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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21
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Mirzaei H, Faghihloo E. Viruses as key modulators of the TGF-β pathway; a double-edged sword involved in cancer. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e1967. [PMID: 29345394 PMCID: PMC7169117 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is a key network in cell signaling that controls vital processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and migration, thus acting as a double-edged sword in normal development and diseases, in particular organ fibrosis, vascular disorders, and cancer. Early in tumorigenesis, the pathway exerts anti-tumor effects through suppressing cell cycle and inducing apoptosis, while during late stages, it functions as a tumor promoter by enhancing tumor invasiveness and metastasis. This signaling pathway can be perturbed by environmental and genetic factors such as microbial interference and mutation, respectively. In this way, the present review describes the modulation of the TGF-β pathway by oncogenic human viral pathogens and other viruses. The main mechanisms by which viruses interferes with TGF-β signaling seems to be through (1) the alteration of either TGF-β protein expression or activation, (2) the modulation of the TGF-β receptors or SMADs factors (by interfering with their levels and functions), (3) the alteration of none-SMAD pathways, and (4) indirect interaction with the pathway by the modulation of transcriptional co-activator/repressor and regulators of the pathway. Given the axial role of this pathway in tumorigenesis, it can be regarded as an attractive target for cancer therapy. Hence, further investigations on this subject may represent molecular targets among either TGF-β signaling molecules or viral factors for the treatment and management of viral infection consequences such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habibollah Mirzaei
- Department of Virology, School of MedicineAhvaz Jundishapur University of Medical SciencesAhvazIran
- Hepatitis Research CenterLorestan University of Medical SciencesKhorramabadIRIran
| | - Ebrahim Faghihloo
- Department of Microbiology, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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22
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Cadherin 6 is activated by Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 to mediate EMT and metastasis as an interplay node of multiple pathways in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:402. [PMID: 29284791 PMCID: PMC5865538 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-017-0005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy, which is notorious among head-and-neck cancers with its metastatic feature. Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection plays a fundamental role in NPC development with the mechanism is not well understood. Here we demonstrate that EBV oncoprotein LMP1 drives EMT and metastasis of NPC by reactivating the adhesion molecule, cadherin 6 (CDH6), which normally occurs in embryogenesis with unknown role in NPC. CDH6 was found to be upregulated in LMP1-positive NPC tissues, and was identified as a target of the epithelium-specific miR-203. LMP1-activated NF-κB transcriptionally repressed the miR-203 expression by binding to the promoter region of miR-203 gene. CDH6 activation in turn induced EMT and promoted metastasis in NPC. CDH6 depletion, NF-κB inhibitor and miR-203 overexpression were able to impair the EMT effects. The miR-203 downregulation in NPC tissues was strongly associated with metastasis clinically. The CDH6 activator, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), was also activated by EBV in the event. For both CDH6 and RUNX2 are components at TGF-β downstream, CDH6 became a node protein for the interplay of multiple signalings including NF-κB and TGF-β. Therefore, the switch-on of miR-203 was important for nasopharyngeal epithelial cells to maintain normal phenotype. This study demonstrates that EBV has evolved sophisticated strategies by driving epithelial cells to obtain malignant features, particularly in NPC metastasis, providing novel biomarkers for the therapy and prognosis of EBV-associated NPC.
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23
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Li J, Ye L, Shi X, Chen J, Feng F, Chen Y, Xiao Y, Shen J, Li P, Jiang WG, He J. Repulsive guidance molecule B inhibits metastasis and is associated with decreased mortality in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 7:15678-89. [PMID: 26910889 PMCID: PMC4941269 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Repulsive guidance molecules (RGMs) are co-receptors of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and programmed death ligand 2 (PD-L2), and might be involved in lung and other cancers. We evaluated repulsive guidance molecule B (RGMB) expression in 165 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors and 22 normal lung tissue samples, and validated the results in an independent series of 131 samples. RGMB was downregulated in NSCLC (P ≤ 0.001), possibly through promoter hypermethylation. Reduced RGMB expression was observed in advanced-stage tumors (P = 0.017) and in tumors with vascular invasion (P < 0.01), and was significantly associated with poor overall survival (39 vs. 62 months, P < 0.001) and with disease-associated patient mortality (P = 0.015). RGMB knockdown promoted cell adhesion, invasion and migration, in both NSCLC cell lines and an in vivo mouse model, which enhanced metastatic potential. Conversely, RGMB overexpression and secretion suppressed cancer progression. The tumor-suppressing effect of RGMB was exerted through inhibition of the Smad1/5/8 pathway. Our results demonstrate that RGMB is an important inhibitor of NSCLC metastasis and that low RGMB expression is a novel predictor or a poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Xiaoshun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jingyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Fenglan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yaoqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Yiren Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Jianfei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, South China Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff-China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jianxing He
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510530, China
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Kakavandi E, Shahbahrami R, Goudarzi H, Eslami G, Faghihloo E. Anoikis resistance and oncoviruses. J Cell Biochem 2017; 119:2484-2491. [DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Kakavandi
- Department of VirologySchool of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Students’ Scientific Research CenterTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ramin Shahbahrami
- Department of VirologySchool of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hossein Goudarzi
- Department of MicrobiologySchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Gita Eslami
- Department of MicrobiologySchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ebrahim Faghihloo
- Department of MicrobiologySchool of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Ikeda JI, Wada N, Nojima S, Tahara S, Tsuruta Y, Oya K, Morii E. ID1 upregulation and FoxO3a downregulation by Epstein-Barr virus-encoded LMP1 in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 5:562-566. [PMID: 27900085 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-initiating cells (CICs) are specialized cells that have the ability to self-renew and are multipotent. We recently demonstrated that Forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a)-expressing cells exhibited a CIC-like potential in Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). A proportion of HL patients are infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV-encoded latent membrane protein (LMP) 1 downregulates FoxO3a, suggesting that FoxO3a expression may be abolished in EBV-positive HL. Inhibitors of DNA-binding (ID) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors mediating stem cell functions. To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated possible associations among ID1, FoxO3a and LMP1 expression in HL to date. We immunohistochemically evaluated the expression of the three abovementioned factors in HL patients. The ID1 expression level was inversely correlated with that of FoxO3a (P=0.00035). LMP1-positive HL cells abundantly expressed ID1 (P=0.029), but not FoxO3a (P=0.00085). Thus, our previous observation that FoxO3a may serve as a marker of CICs may not be applicable in EBV-positive HL patients, but rather ID1 may be a candidate CIC marker in this type of HL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ichiro Ikeda
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naoki Wada
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nojima
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Tahara
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoko Tsuruta
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kaori Oya
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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26
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Tsang CM, Tsao SW. The role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Virol Sin 2015; 30:107-21. [PMID: 25910483 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-015-3592-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV episomes are detected in almost all NPC cells. The role of EBV in NPC pathogenesis has long been postulated but remains enigmatic. In contrast to infection of B lymphocytes, EBV infection does not directly transform nasopharyngeal epithelial cells into proliferative clones with malignant potential. EBV infection of normal pharyngeal epithelial cells is predominantly lytic in nature. Genetic alterations in premalignant nasopharyngeal epithelium, in combination with inflammatory stimulation in the nasopharyngeal mucosa, presumably play essential roles in the establishment of a latent EBV infection in infected nasopharyngeal epithelial cells during the early development of NPC. Establishment of latent EBV infection in premalignant nasopharyngeal epithelial cells and expression of latent viral genes, including the BART transcripts and BART-encoded microRNAs, are crucial features of NPC. Expression of EBV genes may drive further malignant transformation of premalignant nasopharyngeal epithelial cells into cancer cells. The difficulties involved in the establishment of NPC cell lines and the progressive loss of EBV epsiomes in NPC cells propagated in culture strongly implicate the contribution of host stromal components to the growth of NPC cells in vivo and maintenance of EBV in infected NPC cells. Defining the growth advantages of EBV-infected NPC cells in vivo will lead to a better understanding of the contribution of EBV infection in NPC pathogenesis, and may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Man Tsang
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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27
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Tsao SW, Tsang CM, To KF, Lo KW. The role of Epstein-Barr virus in epithelial malignancies. J Pathol 2015; 235:323-33. [PMID: 25251730 PMCID: PMC4280676 DOI: 10.1002/path.4448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Revised: 09/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The close association of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection with non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinomas and a subset of gastric carcinomas suggests that EBV infection is a crucial event in these cancers. The difficulties encountered in infecting and transforming primary epithelial cells in experimental systems suggest that the role of EBV in epithelial malignancies is complex and multifactorial in nature. Genetic alterations in the premalignant epithelium may support the establishment of latent EBV infection, which is believed to be an initiation event. Oncogenic properties have been reported in multiple EBV latent genes. The BamH1 A rightwards transcripts (BARTs) and the BART-encoded microRNAs (miR-BARTs) are highly expressed in EBV-associated epithelial malignancies and may induce malignant transformation. However, enhanced proliferation may not be the crucial function of EBV infection in epithelial malignancies, at least in the early stages of cancer development. EBV-encoded gene products may confer anti-apoptotic properties and promote the survival of infected premalignant epithelial cells harbouring genetic alterations. Multiple EBV-encoded microRNAs have been reported to have immune evasion functions. Genetic alterations in host cells, as well as inflammatory stroma, could modulate the expression of EBV genes and alter the growth properties of infected premalignant epithelial cells, encouraging their selection during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Wah Tsao
- Department of Anatomy and Centre for Cancer Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Limb-bud and Heart (LBH) functions as a tumor suppressor of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest. Sci Rep 2015; 5:7626. [PMID: 25557837 PMCID: PMC4283826 DOI: 10.1038/srep07626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein–Barr virus-encoded latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) plays a fundamental role in the
malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), although the mechanism is not well
understood. Here, we showed that Limb-bud and Heart (LBH) is considerably downregulated in patient
NPC tissues. The expression of LBH in biopsies of 40 consecutive NPC patients devoid of initial
distant metastasis and treated according to consistent guidelines was also analyzed, and we found
the LBH expression level was correlated with some of clinicopathological features, disease-specific
survival (DSS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). We further determined that LBH normally
induces NPC cell cycle arrest at the G1/S transition, and LBH can suppress the growth of
transplanted NPC tumors in vivo by downregulating LMP1-mediated NF-κB transcriptional activity.
Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) normally protects against tumor development by
suppressing cell proliferation, but NPC cells acquire resistance to TGF-β1–mediated
inhibition. We found that TGF-β1 inhibits NF-κB transcriptional activity and nasopharyngeal
epithelial cell proliferation through upregulating LBH expression. These data reveal a previously
unknown NPC transformation mechanism and provide a new concept and treatment strategy for
LMP1-driven oncogenesis in NPC.
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Liang D, Hu H, Li S, Dong J, Wang X, Wang Y, He L, He Z, Gao Y, Gao SJ, Lan K. Oncogenic herpesvirus KSHV Hijacks BMP-Smad1-Id signaling to promote tumorigenesis. PLoS Pathog 2014; 10:e1004253. [PMID: 25010525 PMCID: PMC4092152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1004253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiological agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a malignancy commonly found in AIDS patients. Whether KS is a true neoplasm or hyperplasia has been a subject of intensive debate until recently when KSHV is unequivocally shown to efficiently infect, immortalize and transform rat primary mesenchymal precursor cells (MM). Moreover, KSHV-transformed MM cells (KMM) efficiently induce tumors with hallmark features of KS when inoculated into nude mice. Here, we showed Smad1 as a novel binding protein of KSHV latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA). LANA interacted with and sustained BMP-activated p-Smad1 in the nucleus and enhanced its loading on the Id promoters. As a result, Ids were significantly up-regulated in KMM cells and abundantly expressed in human KS lesions. Strikingly, genetic and chemical inhibition of the BMP-Smad1-Id pathway blocked the oncogenic phenotype of KSHV-transformed cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings illustrate a novel mechanism by which a tumor virus hijacks and converts a developmental pathway into an indispensable oncogenic pathway for tumorigenesis. Importantly, our results demonstrate the efficacy of targeting the BMP-Smad1-Id pathway for inhibiting the growth of KSHV-induced tumors, and therefore identify the BMP pathway as a promising therapeutic target for KS. Although KSHV exerts multiple mechanisms to promote cell survival by repressing TGF-β signaling, little is known whether KSHV manipulates BMP signaling and contributes to the pathogenesis of KSHV-induced malignancies. In the present study, we have identified Smad1 as a novel binding protein of LANA by tandem affinity purification. We demonstrated that LANA up-regulated Id transcription through BMP-Smad1-Id signaling pathway. Id proteins were significantly up-regulated in KSHV-transformed MM (KMM) cells, and were abundantly expressed in human KS lesions; therefore, they were probably relevant to the development of KS. Importantly, we have shown that Ids are required to maintain the oncogenic phenotype of KMM cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings illustrate a novel mechanism by which a tumor virus hijacks and converts a developmental pathway into an indispensable oncogenic pathway for tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we showed that BMP signaling inhibitors dramatically hampered the tumorigenicity of KMM cells in vitro and in vivo. Our results demonstrate that small inhibitors targeting BMP-Smad1-Id signaling pathway are promising candidates for the treatment of KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deguang Liang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shasha Li
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiazhen Dong
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiheng He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shou-Jiang Gao
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (SJG); (KL)
| | - Ke Lan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (SJG); (KL)
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30
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Campion EM, Hakimjavadi R, Loughran ST, Phelan S, Smith SM, D'Souza BN, Tierney RJ, Bell AI, Cahill PA, Walls D. Repression of the proapoptotic cellular BIK/NBK gene by Epstein-Barr virus antagonizes transforming growth factor β1-induced B-cell apoptosis. J Virol 2014; 88:5001-13. [PMID: 24554662 PMCID: PMC3993823 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03642-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes a lifelong latent infection in humans. EBV infection of primary B cells causes cell activation and proliferation, a process driven by the viral latency III gene expression program, which includes EBV nuclear proteins (EBNAs), latent membrane proteins, and untranslated RNAs, including microRNAs. Some latently infected cells enter the long-lived memory B-cell compartment and express only EBNA1 transiently (Lat I) or no EBV protein at all (Lat 0). Targeting the molecular machinery that controls B-cell fate decisions, including the Bcl-2 family of apoptosis-regulating proteins, is crucial to the EBV cycle of infection. Here, we show that BIK (also known as NBK), which encodes a proapoptotic "sensitizer" protein, is repressed by the EBNA2-driven Lat III program but not the Lat I program. BIK repression occurred soon after infection of primary B cells by EBV but not by a recombinant EBV in which the EBNA2 gene had been knocked out. Ectopic BIK induced apoptosis in Lat III cells by a mechanism dependent on its BH3 domain and the activation of caspases. We show that EBNA2 represses BIK in EBV-negative B-cell lymphoma-derived cell lines and that this host-virus interaction can inhibit the proapoptotic effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), a key physiological mediator of B-cell homeostasis. Reduced levels of TGF-β1-associated regulatory SMAD proteins were bound to the BIK promoter in response to EBV Lat III or ectopic EBNA2. These data are evidence of an additional mechanism used by EBV to promote B-cell survival, namely, the transcriptional repression of the BH3-only sensitizer BIK. IMPORTANCE Over 90% of adult humans are infected with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV establishes a lifelong silent infection, with its DNA residing in small numbers of blood B cells that are a reservoir from which low-level virus reactivation and shedding in saliva intermittently occur. Importantly, EBV DNA is found in some B-cell-derived tumors in which viral genes play a key role in tumor cell emergence and progression. Here, we report for the first time that EBV can shut off a B-cell gene called BIK. When activated by a molecular signal called transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), BIK plays an important role in killing unwanted B cells, including those infected by viruses. We describe the key EBV-B-cell molecular interactions that lead to BIK shutoff. These findings further our knowledge of how EBV prevents the death of its host cell during infection. They are also relevant to certain posttransplant lymphomas where unregulated cell growth is caused by EBV genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M. Campion
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roya Hakimjavadi
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad T. Loughran
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Phelan
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sinéad M. Smith
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan N. D'Souza
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rosemary J. Tierney
- School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medicine and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew I. Bell
- School of Cancer Sciences, College of Medicine and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A. Cahill
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
- Vascular Biology Research Group, School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dermot Walls
- School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Translational research in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2014; 50:345-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Lo AKF, Lo KW, Ko CW, Young LS, Dawson CW. Inhibition of the LKB1-AMPK pathway by the Epstein-Barr virus-encoded LMP1 promotes proliferation and transformation of human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. J Pathol 2013; 230:336-46. [PMID: 23592276 DOI: 10.1002/path.4201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The association of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with the development of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is well established. Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), the major oncogene encoded by EBV, is believed to play a crucial role in NPC pathogenesis by virtue of its ability to constitutively activate multiple cell signalling pathways. The LKB1-AMPK pathway is a master regulator of cellular metabolism that, via modulation of energy metabolism, has tumour suppressor activity. In this study we identify a novel ability of LMP1 to inhibit the LKB1-AMPK pathway through phosphorylation of LKB1 at serine 428 with subsequent suppression of the phosphorylation of AMPK and its substrates, ACC and Raptor. We show that MEK/ERK-MAPK signalling, activated by the CTAR1 domain of LMP1, is responsible for LKB1-AMPK inactivation. In addition, reactivation of AMPK signalling by AMPK activator, AICAR, abolished LMP1-induced cellular transformation (proliferation and anchorage-independent growth) in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that a low level of phosphorylated AMPK is common in primary NPC specimens, and that this correlated significantly with the expression of LMP1. AICAR treatment inhibited the proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of NPC cells as well as potentiating the cytotoxic effect of the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil. The current findings demonstrate that LMP1-mediated AMPK inactivation contributes to the proliferation and transformation of epithelial cells, thereby implicating the LKB1-AMPK pathway in the EBV-driven pathogenesis of NPC. Our findings also suggest that AMPK activators could be used to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of local and metastatic NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Kwok-Fung Lo
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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33
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An update on viral association of human cancers. Arch Virol 2013; 158:1433-43. [PMID: 23417394 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-013-1623-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Up to now, seven viruses that infect humans have been identified as oncogenic and are closely associated with different human cancers. Most of them encode oncogenes whose products play important roles in the development of cancers in the context of environmental and genetic factors; others may act via indirect mechanisms. The transforming activities of the human oncogenic viruses have much in common with the well-studied tumorigenic processes elicited by the acutely transforming murine retroviruses. Many of these mechanisms have been elucidated for or are represented in the successive steps leading to the efficient in vitro immortalization by the lymphotropic herpesvirus Epstein-Barr virus, although the establishment of malignancy in vivo takes longer. The development of cancer is a complicated process involving multiple factors, from the host and the environment. Although any one of these etiologic factors may exert an effect on the carcinogenic process, vaccination against the viral pathogen in several cases has shown efficacy in preventing the spread of the virus and, in turn, the development of the associated cancers. Modern laboratory techniques can be expected to facilitate the identification of new emerging viruses whose association with malignancies is suggested by epidemiologic and clinical data.
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34
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Lee H, Seo SY, Tiwari I, Jang KL. Epstein–Barr Virus latent membrane protein 1 overcomes all-trans retinoic acid-induced apoptosis by inhibiting retinoic acid receptor-β2 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 423:313-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.05.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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35
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Dawson CW, Port RJ, Young LS. The role of the EBV-encoded latent membrane proteins LMP1 and LMP2 in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Semin Cancer Biol 2012; 22:144-53. [PMID: 22249143 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although frequently expressed in EBV-positive malignancies, the contribution of the oncogenic latent membrane proteins, LMP1 and LMP2, to the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is not fully defined. As a key effector in EBV-driven B cell transformation and an established "transforming" gene, LMP1 displays oncogenic properties in rodent fibroblasts and induces profound morphological and phenotypic effects in epithelial cells. LMP1 functions as a viral mimic of the TNFR family member, CD40, engaging a number of signalling pathways that induce morphological and phenotypic alterations in epithelial cells. Although LMP2A plays an essential role in maintaining viral latency in EBV infected B cells, its role in epithelial cells is less clear. Unlike LMP1, LMP2A does not display "classical" transforming functions in rodent fibroblasts but its ability to engage a number of potentially oncogenic cell signalling pathways suggests that LMP2A can also participate in EBV-induced epithelial cell growth transformation. Here we review the effects of LMP1 and LMP2 on various aspects of epithelial cell behaviour highlighting key aspects that may contribute to the pathogenesis of NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Dawson
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
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36
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Inhibition of germinal centre apoptotic programmes by epstein-barr virus. Adv Hematol 2011; 2011:829525. [PMID: 22110506 PMCID: PMC3202104 DOI: 10.1155/2011/829525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
To establish a persistent latent infection, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) faces a challenge in that the virus-infected host cell must transit through the germinal centre reaction. This is a site of B cell differentiation where antibody responses are optimised, and the selection criteria for B cells are stringent. The germinal centre environment is harsh, and the vast majority of B cells here die by apoptosis. Only cells receiving adequate survival signals will differentiate fully to be released into the periphery as long-term memory B cells (the site of persistence). In this review, we detail the apoptotic pathways potentially encountered by EBV-infected B cells during the process of infection, and we describe the functions of those EBV-regulated cellular and viral genes that help promote survival of the host B cell.
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Hau PM, Tsang CM, Yip YL, Huen MSY, Tsao SW. Id1 interacts and stabilizes the Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21176. [PMID: 21701587 PMCID: PMC3118807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 05/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) functions as a constitutive active form of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) and activates multiple downstream signaling pathways similar to CD40 signaling in a ligand-independent manner. LMP1 expression in EBV-infected cells has been postulated to play an important role in pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, variable levels of LMP1 expression were detected in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. At present, the regulation of LMP1 levels in nasopharyngeal carcinoma is poorly understood. Here we show that LMP1 mRNAs are transcribed in an EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cell line (C666-1) and other EBV-negative nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells stably re-infected with EBV. The protein levels of LMP1 could readily be detected after incubation with proteasome inhibitor, MG132 suggesting that LMP1 protein is rapidly degraded via proteasome-mediated proteolysis. Interestingly, we observed that Id1 overexpression could stabilize LMP1 protein in EBV-infected cells. In contrary, Id1 knockdown significantly reduced LMP1 levels in cells. Co-immunoprecipitation studies revealed that Id1 interacts with LMP1 by binding to the CTAR1 domain of LMP1. N-terminal region of Id1 is required for the interaction with LMP1. Furthermore, binding of Id1 to LMP1 suppressed polyubiquitination of LMP1 and may be involved in stabilization of LMP1 in EBV-infected nasopharyngeal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pok Man Hau
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
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