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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Infection and Detection
Published on: February 7, 2019
Merkel cell polyomavirus in Merkel cell carcinogenesis: small T antigen-mediates c-Jun phosphorylation
Julie H Wu1,2, Rebecca A Simonette1, Harrison P Nguyen1,2
1Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer associated with the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). The MCPyV genome, which is clonally integrated in the majority of MCCs, encodes the regulatory small T (sT) antigen. Previously, reports have established MCPyV sT antigen as a potent oncogene capable of inducing cell transformation. In the current study, we demonstrate a distinct role for c-Jun hyperactivation in MCPyV sT antigen pathogenesis. As MCPyV sT antigen's association with aggressive cancer growth has been previously established, this finding may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MCCs.
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