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Tampering of Viruses and Bacteria with Host DNA Repair: Implications for Cellular Transformation

Francesca Benedetti1, Sabrina Curreli2, Robert C Gallo2

  • 1Institute of Human Virology and Global Virus Network Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.

Cancers
|January 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Viruses and bacteria can impair DNA repair mechanisms, increasing cancer risk. Understanding these microbial strategies may lead to new cancer therapies targeting DNA repair deficiencies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • DNA repair is crucial for preventing diseases like cancer.
  • DNA damage can arise from various sources, including pathogens.
  • Infectious agents are increasingly linked to cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review how viruses and bacteria interfere with host DNA repair pathways.
  • To explore the link between microbial manipulation of DNA repair and cancer.
  • To identify potential therapeutic targets in DNA-repair deficient cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on microbial interactions with DNA repair.
  • Analysis of mechanisms employed by cancer-associated viruses and bacteria.
  • Comparative analysis of microbial strategies affecting host DNA integrity.

Main Results:

  • Viruses and bacteria have evolved diverse mechanisms to disrupt DNA repair.
  • These disruptions can lead to genomic instability and cellular transformation.
  • Specific microbial pathways targeting DNA repair are identified.

Conclusions:

  • Microbial interference with DNA repair is a significant factor in cancer development.
  • Targeting these microbial mechanisms offers novel therapeutic strategies.
  • A common framework for understanding microbial roles in cancer is proposed.
Keywords:
DNA damageDNA repairbacteriacarcinogenesiscellular pathwaysviruses

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