Work

Exploring the Isoprenoid Biosynthesis Pathway’s Role in Oncogenic Viruses

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Oncogenic viruses, which are causative for some cancers, are typically acquired in youth and suppressed until older age. These malignancies account for over 10% of the cancer burden and often reprogram cellular metabolic pathways to promote their own survival and proliferation, often targeting lipogenic pathways to increase bioavailability of cellular products. The isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway (IBP) is an important lipogenic pathway that has been explored extensively for its dysregulation contributing to carcinogenesis, with notable discussion of statin therapy as a means of perturbing neoplasia. To our knowledge, we are the first group to provide a comprehensive discussion of the seven known oncogenic viruses and their reliance upon the IBP to promote tumorigenesis. As knowledge on this topic is limited, we aim to draw attention to a neglected area of the oncogenic research space, while also highlighting the use of inhibitors of the IBP as potential avenues for novel treatment options.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v18060637

Authors: Louise N. Blaha, Jeffrey D. Neighbors, Richa Sandeep, Akhila Kondaka, Raymond J. Hohl

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Lipids, and Metabolism

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137