Sciencenews.org and sciencedaily.com reported on a recent study published on March 12th in the Journal of Clinical Investigation which found that the Epstein-Barr virus, known to carry genes which cause lymphoma, may also carry genes that counteract the cancer. The EBNA3B gene, while it maintains the Epstein-Barr infection in cells, also works to prevent cancerous cell growth that the other viral genes can promote. The researchers hypothesized that when mutations occur to the EBNA3B gene the cancer-causing genes create cell malignancies. The study involved infecting mice with the EBNA3B mutated gene and other mice with the normal gene. They found that mice with the mutated gene developed tumors in a about a month and mice with the intact gene remained healthy, suggesting that the EBNA3B gene encodes a protein that prevents the formation of tumors. Upon further testing, they also found that the normal EBNA3B gene secreted a substance known as CXCL10 which allows the immune system of the host to identify the presence of the virus and fight cancerous cell growth. This find could lead to better treatment for patients with cancer caused by this virus, especially those with depressed immune systems who are more vulnerable to it.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Epstein-Barr Virus Carries Genes which Cause and Suppress Cancer
Sciencenews.org and sciencedaily.com reported on a recent study published on March 12th in the Journal of Clinical Investigation which found that the Epstein-Barr virus, known to carry genes which cause lymphoma, may also carry genes that counteract the cancer. The EBNA3B gene, while it maintains the Epstein-Barr infection in cells, also works to prevent cancerous cell growth that the other viral genes can promote. The researchers hypothesized that when mutations occur to the EBNA3B gene the cancer-causing genes create cell malignancies. The study involved infecting mice with the EBNA3B mutated gene and other mice with the normal gene. They found that mice with the mutated gene developed tumors in a about a month and mice with the intact gene remained healthy, suggesting that the EBNA3B gene encodes a protein that prevents the formation of tumors. Upon further testing, they also found that the normal EBNA3B gene secreted a substance known as CXCL10 which allows the immune system of the host to identify the presence of the virus and fight cancerous cell growth. This find could lead to better treatment for patients with cancer caused by this virus, especially those with depressed immune systems who are more vulnerable to it.
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This is great to see that scientists have found a way to stop the progression of cancer and patients won't always have to undergo chemotherapy and deal with the harmful side effects of it. While viruses can be harmful and/or deadly, we have found one way to benefit from viruses. Interesting article.
ReplyDeleteIt is kind of ironic to think that a virus that is supposed to make you sick could could actually help you treat a more harmful thing, such as cancer. Hopefully scientists will be able to find new ways to treat or even prevent cancer in the near future.
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