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Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Establishment of Cancer Stem Cell Cultures from Human Conventional Osteosarcoma
Published on: October 14, 2016
SV40 sequences in human osteosarcoma of German origin
S Heinsohn1, R B Scholz, B Weber
1Children's University Hospital of Hamburg, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany. heinsohn@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA was rarely detected in German osteosarcoma samples. This study found SV40 sequences in only 2 of 42 osteosarcomas, supporting geographical variations in virus-tumor associations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a polyomavirus linked to osteosarcomas and mesotheliomas in hamsters.
- SV40 transformation of human cells and its potential role in osteosarcoma development are under investigation.
- Previous studies suggest geographical variations in SV40 association with tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of SV40 DNA sequences in German osteosarcoma and sarcoma specimens.
- To determine if SV40 plays a role in osteosarcoma development in the German population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 46 frozen German tumor specimens (42 osteosarcomas, 4 sarcomas) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
- Utilized two distinct primer sets targeting different regions of the SV40 Tag gene.
- DNA sequencing was employed for result verification.
Main Results:
- SV40 sequences were not detected using a primer set amplifying a region with an intron.
- Using a primer set targeting a region without an intron, SV40 DNA was found in 2 out of 42 osteosarcomas and 1 out of 4 other tumor specimens.
- Multiple biopsies from one osteosarcoma patient, including metastatic tissue, tested positive for SV40, indicating localized presence.
Conclusions:
- SV40 DNA is rarely associated with osteosarcomas in Germany.
- These findings align with previous observations of geographical differences in SV40 presence.
- The specificity and reproducibility of the detection method were confirmed, ruling out contamination.
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