Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
13:45
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
New virus associated with merkel cell carcinoma development
Dana E Rollison1, Anna R Giuliano, Jürgen C Becker
1Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33647, USA. dana.rollison@moffitt.org
Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network : JNCCN
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare skin cancer, is linked to UV exposure and immunosuppression. Researchers discovered a new virus, Merkel cell polyomavirus, potentially causing this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer with increasing incidence.
- MCC risk is higher in men, white individuals, older populations, and those with compromised immunity.
- UV radiation exposure and viral infections are suspected contributing factors to MCC development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential viral etiology of Merkel cell carcinoma.
- To identify novel viral agents associated with MCC, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals.
Main Methods:
- The study involved investigating potential viral causes for MCC.
- Genomic sequencing was employed to identify viral agents.
Main Results:
- A novel polyomavirus, named Merkel cell polyomavirus, was discovered.
- The virus genome consists of 5387 base pairs.
Conclusions:
- Merkel cell polyomavirus is identified as a potential cause of Merkel cell carcinoma.
- This discovery opens new avenues for understanding MCC pathogenesis and developing targeted therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
Rous Sarcoma virus or RSV was discovered by F. Peyton Rous in the year 1911 as a filterable transmissible agent that could cause tumors in chickens. He won a Nobel Prize for this discovery in 1966. His experiments clearly demonstrated that some cancers could be caused by infectious agents and led to the discovery of many more cancer-causing viruses in animals as well as humans.
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...
01:51Mechanisms 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...
01:51Mechanisms 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...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:30Cancer 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...
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...