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Identification of a polyomavirus microRNA highly expressed in tumors

Chun Jung Chen1, Jennifer E Cox1, Kristopher D Azarm1

  • 1The University of Texas at Austin, Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, Center for Infectious Disease, 1 University Station A5000, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA.

Virology
|December 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Raccoon polyomavirus (RacPyV) microRNAs (miRNAs) are abundant in tumors, unlike those from Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). This study identifies viral and host miRNAs in RacPyV-associated tumors, suggesting a role in cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Polyomaviruses (PyVs) are linked to cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
  • While some PyVs produce microRNAs (miRNAs), abundant viral miRNAs in tumors have not been previously reported.
  • The function of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) miRNA in MCC remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate miRNA expression in polyomaviruses phylogenetically related to MCPyV.
  • To determine if viral miRNAs are abundant in tumors associated with these related viruses.
  • To explore the role of viral and host miRNAs in raccoon polyomavirus (RacPyV)-associated tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of miRNA genes in primate and raccoon polyomaviruses.
  • Quantification of viral miRNA abundance in raccoon tumors.
  • Reporter assays to assess the regulatory function of RacPyV miRNA on viral transcripts.
  • Identification of host raccoon miRNAs in tumor samples.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetically related primate and raccoon PyVs encode miRNAs similar to MCPyV miRNA.
  • RacPyV miRNA is highly abundant in raccoon tumors, in contrast to MCPyV miRNA in MCC.
  • RacPyV miRNA negatively regulates viral T antigen expression, indicating functional activity.
  • Several host raccoon miRNAs, including potential oncomiRs, were identified in RacPyV-associated tumors.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first polyomavirus miRNA found abundantly expressed in tumors.
  • Robust viral miRNA expression is tolerated within tumors.
  • Both viral and host miRNAs may play a role in RacPyV-associated tumorigenesis.
Keywords:
MCVMerkel cell carcinomaPolyomavirusRaccoon PolyomavirusmiRNAmicroRNA

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