Enhanced malignant progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells mediated by the expression of Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 in vivo

Lai Fa Sheu, Ann Chen, Ching Liang Meng, Kuo Chieh Ho, Wei Hwa Lee, Fur Jiang Leu, Chung Faye Chao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

49 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is consistently associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and mostly classified as poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma or undifferentiated carcinoma with early metastasis and a rapidly progressive clinical course. The EBV-encoded latent proteins, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA 1) and latent membrane proteins (LMPs), may be expressed in NPC, but their biological effects are poorly understood. EBNA 1 may predispose B lymphocytes to lymphomagenesis in transgenic mice, but its biological effects in NPC are still unknown. This study investigated the biological effects of EBNA I by expressing it in an EBV-negative NPC cell line (HONE-1), which was then inoculated into both nude and severe combined immunodeficiency mice. The EBNA 1 caused HONE-1 cells to grow in a less differentiated pattern and to progress more rapidly, as well as increasing their tumourigenicity and metastatic capability. These data suggest that EBNA 1 may play a critical role in the progressive evolution of NPC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)243-248
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pathology
Volume180
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Epstein-Barr virus
  • Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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