Nursing Leukaemia Journal reviews Lymphomas Epstein-Barr virus and cell death Simian virus 40 and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Contact form Print this page Bookmark this page Send to friend Journal Review Epstein-Barr virus LMP1 blocks p16INK4a -RB pathway by promoting nuclear export of E2F4/5 Publication   Journal of Cell Biology Link   TITLE Research published today (21st July 2003) sheds new light on the role of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the development of some forms of lymphoma. EBV is a member of the herpes virus family, which is a common virus present in the overwhelming majority of the population without causing any problems. However, the virus can cause cancer in some individuals including the lymphomas, particularly Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Burkitt’s lymphoma. Much remains to be discovered about how EBV promotes cancer. This latest research - led by scientists at Cancer Research UK’s Paterson Institute in Manchester - focuses on a protein latent membrane protein-1 (LMP1) which is found in EBV-infected blood cells. Scientists have demonstrated that LMP1 can sabotage natural cell death, the mechanism by which our body regulates the growth of unwanted cells. Avoiding this suicide mechanism is one key step for a cell on the road towards cancer. "This research brings important new information about the role of LMP1- showing how it can interfere with a gene called p16 - which plays crucial role in safeguarding against uncontrolled cell growth,” says Dr Paul Brennan, an LRF-funded scientist from Cardiff who is also researching the role of LMP1. “Working out how this virus can cause cancer is absolutely crucial because it affects a large number of people,” he adds. Around 1,300 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma each year in the UK. Approximately one third of these cases are related to EBV. “This study identifies one new mechanism by which LMP1 can interfere with normal cells. More work is required to completely understand how LMP1 can affect the complex network of genetic signals that control blood cell growth and division. “Our research group is carrying out important investigations into this protein. The aim of our work is to understand how EBV changes cells with a view to discovering novel therapeutic targets,” adds Dr Brennan. Comment by: Leukaemia Research Fund, 2004.

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