Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
[Merkel cell carcinoma revisited: a new example of viro-induced human tumour]
1Service de pathologie, département de biologie des tumeurs, institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris cedex 05, France. xavier.sastre@curie.net
Abstract:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin of poor outcome. A new type of virus, isolated in 2008, was found to be strongly associated with CCM. This virus, belonging to the family of polyomavirus, was called MCPyV for Merkel Carcinoma Polyomavirus. Recent data favour a causative role of MCPyV in oncogenesis. MCC represents thus a new model for the understanding of the mechanisms of oncogenesis. The distinct molecular viral signature in every case of MCC represents an original tool for the follow-up of the disease. New therapeutic perspectives are to be drawn using this model.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...

