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The HIV tat gene transforms human keratinocytes
1Laboratory of Virology, Jerome H. Holland Laboratory, Rockville, Maryland 20855.
Oncogene
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) tat gene transforms human keratinocytes, potentially causing skin issues like epidermal hyperplasia in AIDS patients. This may explain psoriasis and skin cancer development in individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Virology
- Oncology
Background:
- Skin disorders are common in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.
- Epidermal hyperplasia is frequently observed in these cutaneous manifestations.
- Keratinocytes are potential targets for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the HIV tat gene in keratinocyte transformation.
- To explore the potential link between tat gene activity and epidermal hyperplasia in AIDS patients.
Main Methods:
- Transfection of human keratinocytes with the HIV tat gene.
- Utilizing the viral long terminal repeat (LTR) to control tat gene expression.
- In vitro culture of transformed human keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- The HIV tat gene, driven by the LTR, efficiently transformed human keratinocytes in culture.
- Demonstrated the transforming capability of the tat gene on epidermal cells.
Conclusions:
- The tat gene's activity may be responsible for epidermal hyperplasia observed in AIDS patients.
- This mechanism could contribute to the development of psoriasis and skin cancers (squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas) in the context of AIDS.