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Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Merkel cell polyomavirus is not detected in mesotheliomas
Kishor Bhatia1, Rama Modali, James J Goedert
1Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA.
Summary
Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) DNA was not frequently found in mesothelioma tissue. This study suggests MCPyV is unlikely to be a cause of mesothelioma, despite its respiratory tropism.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) is the first polyomavirus linked to human cancer etiology.
- MCPyV is commonly acquired in childhood, with high seroprevalence in young adults.
- Respiratory tract samples have yielded MCPyV, suggesting potential respiratory tropism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of MCPyV DNA in mesothelioma tissue.
- To explore a potential etiological link between MCPyV and mesothelioma, given SV40's known induction of this cancer in animal models.
Main Methods:
- DNA extraction from 45 fresh-frozen mesothelioma samples.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used to detect and quantify MCPyV DNA and a human control gene.
- Utilized sequence-verified MCC tumor DNA as a positive control.
Main Results:
- A human control gene was detected in most mesothelioma tissues.
- MCPyV DNA was detected in only one out of 45 mesothelioma samples.
- The level of viral DNA detected in the positive sample was very low.
Conclusions:
- The findings do not support the hypothesis that MCPyV is etiologically linked to mesothelioma.
- The low detection rate and viral load of MCPyV in mesothelioma challenge its role in the cancer's development.
