Decoding microbial carcinogenic strategies: ubiquitination and SUMO modification
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Carcinogenic microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc.) disrupt cellular homeostasis to drive tumorigenesis by hijacking the host ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and SUMOylation networks, with oncogenic viruses representing the core agents of this regulatory mechanism. Specifically: - Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 protein binds E3 ubiquitin ligase E6AP to mediate ubiquitin-mediated degradation of tumor suppressor p53, thereby disabling cell cycle surveillance; the HBx protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) evades its own ubiquitin-mediated degradation by inhibiting the activity of the E3 ligase SIAH1, while simultaneously upregulating DNA methyltransferases to disrupt host epigenetics; the core protein of hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces methylation of the E6AP promoter, blocking its own ubiquitin-mediated degradation to maintain oncogenic activity; Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) LMP1 activates IRF7 via K63-linked ubiquitination, sustaining NF-xB pathway activation to promote proliferation; Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) K3 protein mediates MHC-I molecule ubiquitination-dependent endocytosis, achieving immune evasion. Furthermore, non-viral microorganisms such as Helicobacter pylori CagA and aflatoxin A also participate in carcinogenesis by regulating the UPS/SUMO system. In summary, targeted modulation of the UPS/SUMO system constitutes a core oncogenic strategy for carcinogenic microorganisms (particularly viruses), providing molecular targets for precision cancer therapy.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Authors: Yue Liu, Xianghai Zeng, Zhimai Lyu, Dandan Huang
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4417485985