Related Experiment Videos
Simian virus 40-like DNA sequences in human papillary thyroid carcinomas
F Pacini1, A Vivaldi, M Santoro
1Istituto di Endocrinologia, Metodologia Clinica e Medicina del Lavoro, Pisa, Italia.
Oncogene
|March 3, 1998
Summary
Simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA sequences were detected in human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors. This finding suggests a potential link between SV40 and PTC development, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Simian virus 40 (SV40) has been identified in human tumors like mesotheliomas and brain tumors.
- SV40 large T gene expression in transgenic mice induces thyroid abnormalities, including hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of SV40 DNA sequences in various human thyroid and non-thyroid tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC).
Main Methods:
- Southern blot hybridization and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification were employed to detect SV40 sequences.
- Sequence analysis was performed on amplified DNA fragments.
Main Results:
- SV40-related sequences were found integrated into the tumor DNA of three out of 69 PTC samples.
- Specific SV40 fragments, including parts of the large T antigen and VP1 gene, and the regulatory region, were identified.
- SV40 sequences were exclusively detected in PTC samples and not in other tested tissues.
Conclusions:
- The study demonstrates an association between SV40 and papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- While a causative role is not proven, the findings suggest SV40 should be considered a potential factor in PTC development and requires further research.