Characterization of the Variability of Epstein-Barr Virus Genes in Nasopharyngeal Biopsies: Potential Predictors for Carcinoma Progression

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153498
• Publication Date: 2016-04-12T17:39:49Z
• Authors: Ana V. Banko; Ivana B. Lazarevic; Miljan M. Folic; Vojko B. Djukic; Andja M. Cirkovic; Danijela Z. Karalic; Maja D. Cupic; Tanja P. Jovanovic
• Keywords: Epstein–Barr virus infection; Pathogenesis

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, especially undifferentiated carcinoma type (UCNT, World Health Organization III), which dominant histopathological high-risk areas. The major EBV oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1). LMP1 gene shows variability with different tumorigenic and immunogenic potentials. nuclear antigen (EBNA1) regulates progression EBV-related tumors; however, influence EBNA1 sequence on tumor controversial. aims this study were to characterize polymorphisms genes non-endemic biopsies investigate potential patterns that correlate clinical presentation carcinoma. In total, 116 (UCNT), collected from 2008 2014, evaluated study. EBNA2, LMP1, amplified using nested-PCR. EBNA2 genotyping was performed by visualization PCR products gel electrophoresis. Investigation included sequence, phylogenetic, statistical analyses. presence DNA significantly distributed between TNM stages. showed six variants, detection first China1 North Carolina variants European biopsies. Newly discovered Srb1 Srb2 UCNT-specific polymorphisms. B95-8 are possible predictors for favorable contrast, deletions risk factors most disfavorable stage, independent or variability. A newly subvariant, P-thr-sv-5, could be diagnostic marker, as it represented subvariant. particular combination polymorphisms, 1/Med/P-thr identified stage IVB N3 stage.