Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026

09:14
Isolation and Quantification of Epstein-Barr Virus from the P3HR1 Cell Line
Published on: September 28, 2022
4.7K
Epstein-Barr virus particles induce centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability
Anatoliy Shumilov1,2,3, Ming-Han Tsai1,2,3, Yvonne T Schlosser4
1German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Unit F100, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
Nature Communications
|February 11, 2017
Summary
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection increases centrosome amplification in B-lymphocytes, leading to chromosomal instability. This occurs even without chronic infection, mediated by viral protein BNRF1, increasing cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cancer Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is linked to cancer development.
- EBV lytic replication is a known risk factor for certain cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanism by which EBV contributes to cancer development.
- To determine if EBV infection causes chromosomal instability.
Main Methods:
- In vitro and mouse models of EBV infection in B-lymphocytes.
- Analysis of centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability.
- Use of virus-like particles (VLPs) with and without EBV DNA.
- Investigation of the role of viral protein BNRF1.
Main Results:
- EBV infection of B-lymphocytes increases centrosome amplification and chromosomal instability.
- This effect is mediated by EBV particles, not solely by chronic infection.
- Viral protein BNRF1 is identified as a key inducer of centrosome amplification.
- BNRF1-deficient viruses show reduced capacity to induce this effect.
Conclusions:
- EBV particles can induce chromosomal instability through centrosome amplification without establishing chronic infection.
- This mechanism contributes to cancer development in tumors that may not harbor the viral genome.
- Identifies a novel pathway linking EBV to oncogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
Centrosome Duplication
5.1K
The primary microtubule organizing center (MTOC) in animal cells is the centrosome. A centrosome has two cylindrical centrioles at its core. Each centriole consists of nine sets of three microtubules held together by proteins. The centrioles are positioned at right angles to each other and surrounded by a shapeless protein cloud called the pericentriolar matrix, or pericentriolar material (PCM).
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
To ensure that each daughter cell receives a centrosome after cell division, centrosome duplication...
5.1K
Microtubule Instability
6.4K
Microtubules are hollow cylindrical filaments having a diameter of approximately 25 nm and a length that varies from 200 nm to 25 μm. GTP-bound tubulin subunits form αβ-heterodimers for microtubule assembly. These core building blocks interact longitudinally, polymerizing into protofilaments. The protofilaments then interact with one another through lateral bonding forces to form stable cylindrical microtubules. These cylindrical filaments are dynamic as they undergo repeated...
6.4K
Separation of Sister Chromatids
4.6K
At the transition from prophase to metaphase, there is a reduction in cohesion along the chromosomal arms, resulting in the resolution of sister chromatids. However, residual cohesin connections remain to hold the sister chromatids together until the transition from metaphase to anaphase. The residual connection prevents any premature separation of sister chromatids, blocking the risks of aneuploidy within the daughter cells.
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
At the onset of anaphase, separase, a proteolytic enzyme, is...
4.6K
Anaphase Promoting Complex
3.5K
The stepwise destruction of specific proteins is necessary for the progression and completion of the cell cycle. Such proteins are ubiquitinated by ubiquitin ligases and then subsequently destroyed by the proteasome. The SCF (Skp1/Cullin/F-box) and the anaphase-promoting complex (APC) are two important ubiquitin ligases involved in cell cycle progression. While SCF is active throughout the cell cycle, APC gets activated during metaphase to anaphase transition. Cdc20 or Cdh1 binds to APC and...
3.5K
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle
10.3K
In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
10.3K
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
6.5K
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...
6.5K

