Viral Oncogenesis Flashcards
How do direct-acting oncogenic viruses work?
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The virus introduces a new ‘transforming’ gene into the host cell
What is an example of a direct-acting oncogenic virus?
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The src gene from RSV
How do indirect-acting oncogenic viruses work?
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The virus alters the expression of pre-existing (cellular) genes
What are onco-proteins?
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They interact with an inactivate cellular tumor suppressors.
ex. HPV proteins E6 and E7
T/F: There is a single mutation that causes cancer
False. Cancer is ALWAYS an accumulation of mutations
T/F: All persons infected with oncogenic viruses will get cancer
False. Typically pre-cancerous changes to cells are recognized by our immune system and cells are cleared out before cancer can establish
How do RNA tumor viruses work?
- Carry transduced cellular oncogenes that play no role in virus replication
OR - They act through indirect mechanisms
How do DNA tumor viruses work?
DNA viruses carry transforming genes that do NOT have homologs in the host genome (required for viral replication).
DNA virus oncoproteins interact with normal cellular proteins to alter their function.
The vast majority of human cancers of viral origin are due to ____ viruses.
DNA
Viral oncoproteins directly alter which cellular proteins?
Cell cycle regulators
Cytoskeletal proteins
Apoptotic pathways
What indirect mechanisms are involved in tumorigenesis?
Inflammatory pathways (generate ROS) Immune suppression (leading to reduced clearance of aberrant cells)
What are types of HPV have a high oncogenic potential?
HPVs 16 and 18
How can DNA viruses take over the host cell’s genome?
- Some DNA viruses have an episome (genome outside the host genome)
- Some can integrate into the host genome
What is the hallmark of cancers caused by HPV?
HPV cancers develop slowly (decades)
Chronic infection with high-risk HPV
What are the transformative oncoproteins in high risk HPV types?
E6 and E7
Identify the host cellular proteins that E6 and E7 bind to.
E6: p53
E7: pRb