Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting
11:58

Initial Evaluation of Antibody-conjugates Modified with Viral-derived Peptides for Increasing Cellular Accumulation and Improving Tumor Targeting

Published on: March 8, 2018

The anaphase promoting complex: a critical target for viral proteins and anti-cancer drugs

Destin W Heilman1, Michael R Green, Jose G Teodoro

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Programs in Gene Function and Expression and Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA.

Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|May 7, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Viral proteins targeting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These findings offer new therapeutic targets for cancer treatment, particularly in p53-independent pathways.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cancer Biology

Background:

  • Animal viruses have historically illuminated fundamental cellular processes, including cell cycle regulation and tumor development.
  • The roles of tumor suppressors p53 and Rb were initially uncovered through their interactions with viral oncogenes.
  • Recent research highlights viral proteins impacting G2/M cell cycle control, including HIV-1 vpr, adenovirus E4orf4, CAV apoptin, and HTLV-I Tax.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanisms by which viral proteins E4orf4 and apoptin induce G2/M cell cycle arrest.
  • To explore the selective induction of apoptosis in transformed cells by these viral proteins.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting viral-induced cell cycle disruption in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Investigated the interaction of viral proteins E4orf4 and apoptin with cellular targets.
  • Analyzed the induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest mediated by these viral proteins.
  • Assessed the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells in a p53-independent manner.

Main Results:

  • Adenovirus E4orf4 and chicken anemia virus apoptin were shown to inhibit the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C).
  • These viral proteins induce G2/M cell cycle arrest by targeting the APC/C.
  • E4orf4 and apoptin selectively trigger apoptosis in transformed cells, independent of p53 function.

Conclusions:

  • Viral proteins targeting the APC/C represent a significant mechanism for inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis.
  • The p53-independent induction of apoptosis by these viral proteins presents promising therapeutic avenues for cancer treatment.
  • Understanding these viral pathways can inform the development of novel anti-cancer therapies and enhance existing treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo12:42

Paramyxoviruses for Tumor-targeted Immunomodulation: Design and Evaluation Ex Vivo

Published on: January 7, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Anaphase Promoting Complex00:50

Anaphase Promoting Complex

The stepwise destruction of specific proteins is necessary for the progression and completion of the cell cycle. Such proteins are ubiquitinated by ubiquitin ligases and then subsequently destroyed by the proteasome. The SCF (Skp1/Cullin/F-box) and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) are two important ubiquitin ligases involved in cell cycle progression. While SCF is active throughout the cell cycle, APC gets activated during metaphase to anaphase transition. Cdc20 or Cdh1 binds to APC and...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers01:51

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...