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REVIEW article

Front. Microbiol.
Sec. Virology
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1484455
This article is part of the Research Topic Epigenetic/Epigenomic Rewiring in Cancers Caused by Viruses View all 3 articles

Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic regulation during oncogenic γ-herpesvirus infection

Provisionally accepted
RAJNISH SINGH RAJNISH SINGH Ramakrishna Vangala Ramakrishna Vangala Atharva S Torne Atharva S Torne Dipayan Bose Dipayan Bose Erle S Robertson Erle S Robertson *
  • University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Oncogenic gamma herpesviruses, including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Kaposi's Sarcomaassociated Herpesvirus (KSHV), are opportunistic cancer-causing viruses and induces oncogenesis through complex mechanisms, which involves manipulation of cellular physiology as well as epigenetic and epitranscriptomic reprogramming. In this review, we describe the intricate processes by which these viruses interact with the epigenetic machinery, leading to alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the involvement of non-coding RNAs. The key viral proteins such as EBNA1 and LMP1 encoded by EBV; LANA and vGPCR encoded by KSHV; play pivotal roles in these modifications by interacting with host factors, and dysregulating signalling pathways. The resultant reprogramming can lead to activation of oncogenes, silencing of tumor suppressor genes, and evasion of the immune response, which ultimately contributes to the oncogenic potential of these viruses. Furthermore, in this review, we explore current therapeutic strategies targeting these epigenetic alterations and discuss future directions for research and treatment. Through this comprehensive examination of the epigenetic and epitranscriptomic reprogramming mechanisms employed by oncogenic gamma herpesviruses, we aim to provide valuable insights into potential avenues for novel therapeutic interventions.

    Keywords: EBV - Epstein-Barr Virus, KSHV, epigenetics, Epitranscriptomics, Cancer

    Received: 21 Aug 2024; Accepted: 18 Dec 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 SINGH, Vangala, Torne, Bose and Robertson. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Erle S Robertson, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States

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