Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:51
Genome-wide RNAi Screening to Identify Host Factors That Modulate Oncolytic Virus Therapy
Published on: April 3, 2018
Exploring the Isoprenoid Biosynthesis Pathway's Role in Oncogenic Viruses
Louise N Blaha1,2, Jeffrey D Neighbors1,2, Richa Sandeep3
1Penn State Cancer Institute, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Viruses
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Oncogenic viruses drive over 10% of cancers by reprogramming cellular metabolism, particularly the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP). This study highlights the IBP
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Metabolic Pathways
Background:
- Oncogenic viruses cause over 10% of human cancers.
- These viruses often reprogram host cellular metabolism for survival and proliferation.
- Lipogenic pathways, including the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP), are frequently targeted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively discuss the seven known oncogenic viruses and their dependence on the IBP for tumorigenesis.
- To highlight a neglected area in oncogenic research.
- To explore inhibitors of the IBP as potential novel cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review and discussion.
- Analysis of the role of the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP) in virus-associated cancers.
- Exploration of existing and potential therapeutic strategies targeting the IBP.
Main Results:
- Oncogenic viruses rely on the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP) for promoting tumor development.
- Dysregulation of the IBP is a common mechanism in virus-induced carcinogenesis.
- Inhibitors of the IBP represent a promising therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- The isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP) is a critical factor in oncogenesis driven by viruses.
- Targeting the IBP offers a novel strategy for treating virus-associated cancers.
- Further research into IBP inhibitors is warranted for cancer therapy development.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
01:30Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis
Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
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...
01:03Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
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...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...