Role of EBV in microRNA dysregulation in Burkitt lymphoma

Semin Cancer Biol. 2009 Dec;19(6):401-6. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2009.07.003. Epub 2009 Jul 18.

Abstract

Since its discovery as the first human tumor virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in the development of a wide range of B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders, the first being Burkitt lymphoma. However, the exact mechanism by which EBV promotes oncogenesis is still matter of discussion. A role in EBV-mediated transformation has been proposed for a novel described class of small non-coding RNAs, the microRNAs (miRNAs). EBV encodes viral miRNAs, through which it may interfere with the physiological regulation exterted by cellular miRNAs. In addition, EBV-coded proteins may also disturb the well-orchestrated mechanisms of regulation of cellular function. In this review, we will focus on the role of EBV in malignant transformation of Burkitt lymphoma, with a particular insight in the interplay between the virus and cellular miRNAs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / virology*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / virology*
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human / physiology*
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs