Work

Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 promotes tumorigenesis in a murine epithelial tumor model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), an oncogenic herpesvirus, is associated with diverse epithelial and lymphatic malignancies. The latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is well-established as a key oncogenic driver in B-cell malignancies, while its functional role in epithelial tumors remains poorly understood. This study aimed to establish an epithelial tumor model stably expressing LMP1 and investigate its oncogenic functions and mechanisms. We generated mouse lung epithelial cells TC-1 stably expressing EBV LMP1 using the PiggyBac transposon system (TC-1-LMP1). The TC-1-LMP1 model demonstrated that LMP1 enhanced proliferative and invasive capacities while reducing cell adhesion in vitro , and promotes aggressive tumor growth in vivo . RNA-seq analysis revealed that LMP1 increased the expression of Myc, leading to enhanced ribosome biogenesis and mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming. Our findings demonstrate that LMP1 act as a potent oncogenic driver in epithelial cells by regulating the expression and function of Myc, thereby advancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying EBV-associated epithelial tumorigenesis. The TC-1-LMP1 model could also serve as a valuable platform for investigating LMP1-targeted therapeutic strategies.

Source: Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2025.102346

Authors: Jing Tan, Yalin Li, Luting Hu, Yuxiang Zhao, Weicheng Yi

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Viral-associated cancers and disorders

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,700