Epstein–Barr virus microRNAs and lung cancer

Abstract

Background:We conducted the first analysis of viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in lung cancer, with a focus on Epstein–Barr virus (EBV).Methods:We evaluated viral miRs with a two-channel oligo-array targeting mature, anti-sense miRNAs in 290 cases. In 48 cases, we compared microarray and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) expression for three EBV miRNAs. We tested for EBV DNA, RNA, and protein in tumour tissue from six cases with and six cases without strong qPCR-based evidence of EBV miRNAs.Results:The EBV miRNAs strongly differentiated between adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma using the microarray (P<0.01 for 9 out of 16 EBV miRNAs). However, microarray and qPCR measurements of BART1, BART2, and BHRF1–3 expression were not significantly correlated (P=0.53, 0.94, and 0.47, respectively). Although qPCR provided substantial evidence of EBV miRNAs in 7 out of 48 cases, only 1 of these 7 cases had detectable EBV DNA in tumour tissue. None had detectable EBV RNA or protein by histochemical stains.Conclusion:In a comprehensive evaluation of EBV miRNA, DNA, RNA, and protein in lung cancer, we found little evidence of EBV in lung tumour tissue. Discrepancies between microarray- and qPCR-based strategies highlight the difficulty of validating molecular markers of disease. Our results do not support a role of EBV in lung cancer.

Viral colonization in exhaled breath condensate of lung cancer patients: Possible role of EBV and CMV

“…Contrasting to Koshiol et al 5 we were unable to differentiate lung tumor histology with airways EBV positivity. However, we did not support previous studies showing correlations between EBV and disease stage.…”

“…Several infectious agents such as viruses, bacte-ria, and fungi have already been identified as being involved in lung cancer. [5][6][7] The EBV is a herpes virus classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research in cancer. 4 Several other viruses have been suspected to be involved in lung cancer.…”

Prevalence of human papillomavirus, Epstein‐Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus in fine needle aspirates from lung carcinoma: A case–control study with review of literature

“…38 However, studies from the west have reported either a complete lack or a very low prevalence of EBV in lung carcinoma. 12,[39][40][41][42][43][44] The reported seroprevalence of CMV ranges from 50 to 90% in different countries of the world. 12 In the present study, 2 cases (2.7%) of lung carcinoma showed positivity for EBV DNA.…”

Tripeptide feG Prevents and Ameliorates Acute Pancreatitis-Associated Acute Lung Injury in a Rodent Model

“…Inconsistency between platforms is not uncommon due to technical differences in sensitivity and specifi city of the different assays, the amount and quality of RNA available, or biologic differences of the target molecules. 30 Furthermore, the corresponding gene product (ie, protein) could be quantifi ed, as a change in gene expression level does not always equate to a change in function.…”