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SV40 induces mesotheliomas in hamsters
C Cicala1, F Pompetti, M Carbone
1Section on Viruses and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892.
The American Journal of Pathology
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Simian virus 40 (SV40) causes mesotheliomas in hamsters. The small t protein is crucial for developing these virus-induced tumors, marking a significant discovery in mammalian oncogenesis research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) is a known oncogenic virus.
- Understanding the specific roles of SV40 proteins in tumor development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oncogenic potential of SV40 large T and small t proteins.
- To determine the contribution of SV40 small t protein in mesothelial tumor formation.
Main Methods:
- Injection of wild-type SV40 and SV40 small t deletion mutants into Syrian hamsters via various routes (pleural, intracardiac, intraperitoneal).
- Macroscopic, microscopic, ultramicroscopic, and histochemical analyses of induced neoplasms.
- Characterization of derived cell lines.
- Detection of SV40 genome integration and expression.
Main Results:
- 100% of hamsters injected with wild-type SV40 in the pleural space developed tumors.
- Over 50% of hamsters developed mesothelial tumors after intracardiac or intraperitoneal SV40 injection.
- Neoplasms and derived cell lines were identified as mesotheliomas.
- SV40 genome was found integrated and expressed in tumors.
- Absence of mesotheliomas in hamsters injected with SV40 small t deletion mutants.
Conclusions:
- SV40 induces mesotheliomas in Syrian hamsters.
- The SV40 small t protein plays a critical role in the development of SV40-induced mesotheliomas.
- This study provides the first definitive report of virus-induced mesotheliomas in mammals.