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Published on: April 3, 2018
Epigenetic Pathways of Oncogenic Viruses: Therapeutic Promises
Amr M El-Araby1, Abdelrahman A Fouad1, Amr M Hanbal1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Cancerous transformation comprises different events that are both genetic and epigenetic. The ultimate goal for such events is to maintain cell survival and proliferation. This transformation occurs as a consequence of different features such as environmental and genetic factors, as well as some types of infection. Many viral infections are considered to be causative agents of a number of different malignancies. To convert normal cells into cancerous cells, oncogenic viruses must function at the epigenetic level to communicate with their host cells. Oncogenic viruses encode certain epigenetic factors that lead to the immortality and proliferation of infected cells. The epigenetic effectors produced by oncogenic viruses constitute appealing targets to prevent and treat malignant diseases caused by these viruses. In this review, we highlight the importance of epigenetic reprogramming for virus-induced oncogenesis, with special emphasis on viral epigenetic oncoproteins as therapeutic targets. The discovery of molecular components that target epigenetic pathways, especially viral factors, is also discussed.
Insights
Oncogenic viruses reprogram host cell epigenetics, driving cancer development. Targeting viral epigenetic factors offers a promising strategy for preventing and treating virus-induced malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Cancer development involves genetic and epigenetic alterations promoting cell survival and proliferation.
- Viral infections are significant contributors to various malignancies.
- Oncogenic viruses manipulate host cell epigenetics to induce cancerous transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of epigenetic reprogramming in virus-induced oncogenesis.
- To emphasize viral epigenetic oncoproteins as potential therapeutic targets.
- To discuss the discovery of molecular components targeting epigenetic pathways for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on oncogenic viruses and epigenetic mechanisms.
- Analysis of viral oncoproteins and their impact on host cell epigenetics.
- Exploration of therapeutic strategies targeting viral epigenetic factors.
Main Results:
- Oncogenic viruses utilize specific epigenetic factors to achieve immortality and proliferation of infected cells.
- Epigenetic reprogramming by viruses is a key mechanism in oncogenesis.
- Viral epigenetic effectors are viable targets for therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions:
- Targeting viral epigenetic oncoproteins is a promising approach for treating virus-associated cancers.
- Understanding viral epigenetic manipulation is crucial for developing novel anti-cancer therapies.
- Further research into molecular components targeting epigenetic pathways holds potential for cancer prevention and treatment.
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