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Updated: Aug 17, 2026
Isolation and Genome Analysis of Single Virions using 'Single Virus Genomics'
Published on: May 26, 2013
Isolation and initial characterization of a new virus: Micro-Foci inducing virus or MFV
1I.O.C.M.H., Bobigny.
Abstract:
Infectious and transforming activity was obtained from cultures of a large kidney tumour with very high N-myc amplification. The patient belonged to a cluster of neuroblastoma cases diagnosed in Southern Louisiana in 1986-1988. Infection with ultra-filtered supernatants from neuroblastoma cultures caused the appearance of small foci of rounded cells with neural features and the presence of virus was indicated by electron microscopy: the virus was called Micro-Foci inducing virus or MFV. Infected young adult rats did not develop overt disease, but 11/11 of the litters from infected animals developed a very dramatic and highly lethal syndrome which could resemble neuroblastoma symptoms. N-myc amplification disappeared in very early cultures of the tumour, but it was subsequently detected in MFV-infected cell cultures.
Insights
Researchers discovered a novel virus, Micro-Foci inducing virus (MFV), from kidney tumors with high N-myc amplification. MFV infection in rats caused lethal syndromes resembling neuroblastoma in offspring, suggesting a viral role in pediatric cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pediatric Cancer Research
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is a pediatric cancer often associated with N-myc gene amplification.
- A cluster of neuroblastoma cases in Southern Louisiana prompted investigation into potential environmental or infectious causes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the infectious and transforming potential of a kidney tumor with high N-myc amplification.
- To identify and characterize a potential viral agent involved in neuroblastoma development.
Main Methods:
- Culturing of a large kidney tumor with high N-myc amplification.
- Ultra-filtration of tumor supernatants and subsequent infection of cell cultures.
- Electron microscopy to visualize viral particles.
- Infection of young adult rats and observation of their litters for disease development.
Main Results:
- Infectious and transforming activity was isolated from the tumor cultures.
- A novel virus, termed Micro-Foci inducing virus (MFV), was identified and visualized via electron microscopy.
- Infected rats' litters developed a lethal syndrome resembling neuroblastoma.
- N-myc amplification, initially lost in early tumor cultures, was detected in MFV-infected cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- MFV possesses infectious and transforming properties.
- MFV infection in animal models can induce a syndrome mimicking human neuroblastoma.
- This study suggests a potential viral etiology for some neuroblastoma cases, particularly those with N-myc amplification.
