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RNA-tumorviruses, oncogenes, and their possible role in human carcinogenesis
Abstract:
The detection and characterization of oncogenes via RNA tumor viruses (or retroviruses) and the recognition of their location at breakpoints of chromosomal translocations which are frequently found in certain human neoplasms has promoted present understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying carcinogenesis. Oncogenes are cellular genes which can be transduced by RNA tumorviruses and induce malignant transformation under experimental conditions in vivo and in vitro. A role of retroviruses in human leukemogenesis is suggested by epidemiological observations and by the isolation of such viruses from several human T-cell leukemias and lymphomas (human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus or HTLV) as well as by biochemical association of retroviral markers with human leukemias. A role of HTLV has been suggested also in a human immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In view of the well known role of many factors in carcinogenesis the concept of carcinogenesis as a multistep process as well as the concept of cocarcinogenesis and the role of cofactors other than viruses, such as radiation and chemicals, aging, hormones, graft vs host reaction, environmental factors etc., will have to be carefully considered.
Insights
Retroviruses and oncogenes are key to understanding cancer development. Research highlights their role in human cancers like leukemia and immune deficiency, emphasizing a multistep process involving various cofactors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- RNA tumor viruses (retroviruses) and oncogenes are crucial for understanding carcinogenesis.
- Chromosomal translocations at oncogene locations are frequent in human neoplasms.
- Retroviruses, including human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV), are implicated in human leukemias and lymphomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of retroviruses and oncogenes in carcinogenesis.
- To investigate the association of retroviruses with human leukemias and immune deficiency syndromes.
- To consider carcinogenesis as a multistep process involving viral and non-viral cofactors.
Main Methods:
- Detection and characterization of oncogenes transduced by RNA tumor viruses.
- Identification of oncogene locations at chromosomal translocation breakpoints.
- Epidemiological observations and isolation of retroviruses (e.g., HTLV) from human cancers.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes can induce malignant transformation when transduced by retroviruses.
- Retroviral markers are biochemically associated with human leukemias.
- HTLV is suggested to play a role in certain human leukemias, lymphomas, and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Conclusions:
- Retroviruses and oncogenes significantly advance the understanding of molecular mechanisms in carcinogenesis.
- Carcinogenesis is a multistep process potentially involving viruses and other cofactors like radiation, chemicals, and aging.
- Further consideration of cocarcinogenesis and cofactors is essential for a comprehensive view of cancer development.