Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 39 in total

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  1. Wah NW, Mok Y, Omar N, Chang KTE, Tay TKY, Hue SS, et al.
    Mod Pathol, 2023 Jun;36(6):100127.
    PMID: 36965331 DOI: 10.1016/j.modpat.2023.100127
    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated smooth muscle tumors (EBV-SMTs) are rare smooth muscle neoplasms exclusively associated with immunosuppression, such as in patients with HIV/AIDS, posttransplant, and congenital immunodeficiency. However, the genomic landscape of EBV-SMTs is poorly understood. Leiomyosarcomas harbor genomic instability and multiple recurrent DNA copy number alterations, whereas leiomyomas lack such changes. Thus, this study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by characterizing copy number alterations in EBV-SMTs and correlating this information with clinicopathologic characteristics. Our study investigated and compared the pathologic characteristics and copy number profiles of 9 EBV-SMTs (from 7 post-transplant and AIDS patients), 6 leiomyomas, and 7 leiomyosarcomas, using chromosomal microarray platforms. Our results showed a lower copy number alteration burden in EBV-SMTs and leiomyoma than in leiomyosarcoma. This contrast in the molecular profile between EBV-SMTs and leiomyosarcoma is concordant with the different clinical behaviors and pathologic characteristics exhibited by these tumors. Despite having an overall copy number alteration profile closer to leiomyoma, recurrent copy number gain of oncogenes, such as RUNX1, CCND2, and ETS2, was found in EBV-SMTs. Epigenetic alterations may play an important role in tumorigenesis as recurrent copy number gains were found in histone deacetylases. A gene enrichment analysis also demonstrated enrichment of genes involved in the host response to viral infection, suggesting that the tumor immune microenvironment may play an important role in EBV-SMT tumorigenesis.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  2. Chai AWY, Yee SM, Lee HM, Abdul Aziz N, Yee PS, Marzuki M, et al.
    Cancer Res Commun, 2024 Mar 04;4(3):645-659.
    PMID: 38358347 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-23-0341
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a cancer that is etiologically associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The scarcity of representative NPC cell lines owing to the frequent loss of EBV episomes following prolonged propagation and compromised authenticity of previous models underscores the critical need for new EBV-positive NPC models. Herein, we describe the establishment of a new EBV-positive NPC cell line, designated NPC268 from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated NPC tissue. NPC268 can undergo productive lytic reactivation of EBV and is highly tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice. Whole-genome sequencing revealed close similarities with the tissue of origin, including large chromosomal rearrangements, while whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing demonstrated a hypomethylated genome and enrichment in immune-related pathways, respectively. Drug screening of NPC268 together with six other NPC cell lines using 339 compounds, representing the largest high-throughput drug testing in NPC, revealed biomarkers associated with specific drug classes. NPC268 represents the first and only available EBV-positive non-keratinizing differentiated NPC model, and extensive genomic, methylomic, transcriptomic, and drug response data should facilitate research in EBV and NPC, where current models are limited.

    SIGNIFICANCE: NPC268 is the first and only EBV-positive cell line derived from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an understudied but important subtype in Southeast Asian countries. This model adds to the limited number of authentic EBV-positive lines globally that will facilitate mechanistic studies and drug development for NPC.

    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  3. Looi CK, Foong LC, Chung FF, Khoo AS, Loo EM, Leong CO, et al.
    Cell Biol Toxicol, 2023 Dec;39(6):2501-2526.
    PMID: 37755585 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-023-09830-9
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a distinct type of head and neck cancer that is highly associated with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV acts as an epigenetic driver in NPC tumorigenesis, reprogramming the viral and host epigenomes to regulate viral latent gene expression, and creating an environment conducive to the malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in pre-clinical studies has been shown promise in eradicating tumours and overcoming immune resistance in some solid tumours. However, its efficacy in NPC remains inclusive due to the complex nature of this cancer. In this review, we provide an updated understanding of the roles of epigenetic factors in regulating EBV latent gene expression and promoting NPC progression. We also explore the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion in NPC. Particularly, we discuss the potential roles of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in reversing immune suppression and augmenting antitumour immunity. Furthermore, we highlight the advantages of combining epigenetic therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor to reverse immune resistance and improve clinical outcomes. Epigenetic drugs have the potential to modulate both epigenetic mediators and immune factors involved in NPC. However, further research is needed to fully comprehend the diverse range of epigenetic modifications in NPC. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between epigenetic mechanisms and immune evasion during NPC progression is crucial for the development of more effective treatments for this challenging disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  4. Norhanom AW, Yadav M
    Br. J. Cancer, 1995 Apr;71(4):776-9.
    PMID: 7710943
    Herbal medication has been practised by the rural Malaysian Malays for a long time. However, the long-term side-effects have never been studied. In the present study, 48 species of Euphorbiaceae were screened for tumour-promoter activity by means of an in vitro assay using a human lymphoblastoid cell line harbouring the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome. Twenty-seven per cent (13 out of 48) of the species tested were found to be positive, and in four species, namely Breynia coronata Hk.f, Codiaeum variegatum (L) Bl, Euphorbia atoto and Exocoecaria agallocha, EBV-inducing activity was observed when the plant extracts were tested at low concentrations of between 0.2 and 1.2 micrograms ml-1 in cell culture. This observation warrants attention from the regular users of these plants because regular use of plants with tumour-promoting activity could well be an aetiological factor for the promotion of tumours among rural Malaysian Malays.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  5. Mabruk MJ
    Expert Rev Mol Diagn, 2004 Sep;4(5):653-61.
    PMID: 15347259
    In situ hybridization is a method for detecting specific nucleic acid sequences within individual cells. This technique permits visualization of viral nucleic acid or gene expression in individual cells within their histologic context. In situ hybridization is based on the complementary binding of a labeled nucleic acid probe to complementary sequences in cells or tissue sections, followed by visualization of target sequences within the cells. It has been used widely for the detection of viral nucleic acid sequences within individual cells. This review will define the technical approaches of in situ hybridization and its current application to detect viral nucleic acids within formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples, with special reference to the Epstein-Barr virus.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  6. Permeen AM, Sam CK, Pathmanathan R, Prasad U, Wolf H
    J Virol Methods, 1990 Mar;27(3):261-7.
    PMID: 2157729
    The presence of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) DNA in biopsies from the post-nasal space (PNS) of patients suspected of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) was detected by in situ cytohybridization with an EBV DNA probe labelled with the novel labelling compound digoxigenin. The digoxigenin probe was hybridised to cryostat sections of NPC biopsies and subsequently detected by an enzyme immunoassay procedure. It was found that in situ cytohybridization using the digoxigenin probe was much more rapid and sensitive (96 h compared to five weeks) than the current method of using 3H-labelled probe. Using the digoxigenin EBV probe, it was found that in all the eighteen NPC biopsies tested, EBV DNA was detected in malignant epithelial cells and infiltrating lymphocytes. EBV DNA was also detected in some normal epithelial cells in these NPC biopsies. EBV DNA was not detected in epithelial cells of non-malignant biopsies.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  7. Fåhraeus R, Fu HL, Ernberg I, Finke J, Rowe M, Klein G, et al.
    Int J Cancer, 1988 Sep 15;42(3):329-38.
    PMID: 2843473
    Expression of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) encoded nuclear antigens (EBNA 1 to 6) and membrane-associated protein (LMP) was investigated by immunoblotting in 83 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) biopsies and 25 other tumor and normal tissue specimens from the head and neck region. Fifty-eight of the 83 NPC biopsies were large enough to yield parallel data on virus DNA and viral expression. All 16 cases of clinically diagnosed and histologically confirmed NPCs from North Africa contained EBV DNA and expressed EBNA-1. Of 31 clinically diagnosed NPCs from China, 29 contained EBV DNA and 25 of these expressed EBNA-1. One control tissue biopsy from the oropharynx of NPC patients contained EBV DNA, but none expressed EBNA-1. The latent membrane protein (LMP) was detected in 22/31 of the Chinese and in 10/16 of the North African NPC biopsies. None of the NPC biopsies or control tissues expressed detectable amounts of EBNA 2 or any of the other 4 nuclear antigens which are invariably expressed in EBV-transformed B cells. A smaller number of tumors from Malaysia and East Africa exhibited a similar pattern of expression. EBV was rescued from a nude-mouse-passaged North African NPC tumor by co-cultivation of the tumor cells with umbilical cord blood lymphocytes. The tumor expressed EBNA 1 and LMP, but not EBNA 2 or the other 4 EBNAs. The resulting LCLs expressed all 6 nuclear antigens, EBNA 1 to 6 and LMP. Our data suggest that expression of the EBV genome is regulated in a tissue-specific fashion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  8. Peh SC, Danielle Quen QW
    Med J Malaysia, 2003 Jun;58(2):196-204.
    PMID: 14569739
    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is believed to have a pathogenic role in lymphomas of the upper-aerodigestive tract. This study aims to elucidate the virus association pattern in nasal and nasal-type NK/T-cell lymphomas, and in sequential biopsies of these tumours. A total of 31 cases of previously diagnosed as lethal midline granuloma. Stewart's granuloma, nasal T-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (T-NHL) and NK/T-cell lymphomas from all anatomical sites were retrieved from the files for the study. Reviews of these cases confirm 8 nasal T-NHL, 19 nasal and 4 extranasal lymphomas of NK/T-cell phenotype from 10 Malays, 18 Chinese, 2 Indian and 1 Kadazan. The male: female ratio was 2.4: 1. All T- and NK/T-cell lymphomas strongly expressed TIA-1 and 63% expressed CD2. The majority of NK/T-cell lymphoma occurred in Chinese (13/23), of which 12/13 (92%) of these cases were associated with EBV. Of the 15 nasal and 9 tonsillar B-cell lymphomas included for a comparison study, only 3 (20%) of the nasal cases were associated with EBV (1 male Chinese, 1 female Chinese and 1 male of other ethnic group). Eight cases of NK/T-cell tumours with sequential biopsies show persistence of EBV, irrespective of the interval and sites of subsequent presentations. This study confirms the cytotoxic nature of NK/T-cell tumour and that EBV is strongly associated with the disease regardless of the anatomical site of presentation and ethnicity. However, nasal and paranasal lymphomas of all phenotypes appear to show higher predilection of EBV association in the ethnic Chinese when compared to non-Chinese.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  9. Tan EL, Sam CK
    Exp Oncol, 2007 Sep;29(3):166-74.
    PMID: 18004239
    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a human gammaherpesvirus is intimately associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), with the incidence of the virus detected in malignant tissues being close to 100% in NPC endemic areas. The viral latent gene, latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), has all the typical characteristics of an oncogene and extensive studies have shown beyond doubt its abilities in cellular transformation giving rise to malignant phenotypes. The present study compares the gene sequence and biological properties of LMP1 gene derived from two patients with different stages of NPC--one presented with dysplastic, pre-malignant lesion and the other with malignant lesion.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  10. Chai SJ, Pua KC, Saleh A, Yap YY, Lim PV, Subramaniam SK, et al.
    J Clin Virol, 2012 Sep;55(1):34-9.
    PMID: 22739102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.05.017
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated cancer that is the fifth most common cancer in Malaysia. Early and accurate diagnoses are critical for patient prognosis. Unfortunately, early detection of NPC is still a challenge and the cost of more accurate imaging protocols is prohibitive in developing countries like Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  11. Yee PH, Sim SP
    J Biomed Sci, 2010;17:77.
    PMID: 20858288 DOI: 10.1186/1423-0127-17-77
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is commonly found in Southern China and South East Asia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is well associated with NPC and has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Moreover, various chromosome rearrangements were reported in NPC. However, the underlying mechanism of chromosome rearrangement remains unclear. Furthermore, the relationship between EBV and chromosome rearrangement with respect to the pathogenesis of NPC has not been established. We hypothesize that during virus- or stress-induced apoptosis, chromosomes are initially cleaved at the base of the chromatin loop domain structure. Upon DNA repair, cell may survive with rearranged chromosomes.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  12. See HS, Yap YY, Yip WK, Seow HF
    World J Surg Oncol, 2008;6:18.
    PMID: 18275617 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7819-6-18
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a human epithelial tumour with high prevalence amongst Chinese in Southern China and South East Asia and is associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The viral genome harbours an oncogene, namely, the latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) gene and known variants such as the 30-bp deletion and loss of XhoI restriction site have been found. Less is known about the relationship between these variants and the population characteristics and histological type.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  13. Karim N, Pallesen G
    Malays J Pathol, 2003 Jun;25(1):45-7.
    PMID: 16196377
    Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has consistently been detected in the tumour cells of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and lymphoepithelial-like carcinoma of the salivary glands, and have occasionally been found in similar tumours at other sites. Moreover, recent studies from various parts of the world including the Orient have shown about 10% of gastric carcinomas to be EBV-associated. We studied 50 gastric carcinomas from Malaysia to investigate its association with EBV in the Malaysian population. They comprised 37 intestinal and 13 diffuse type carcinomas from 32 male and 18 female patients, age range from 29 to 86 years with an ethnic distribution of Malay: Chinese: Indian with the ratio of 4: 27: 19. EBV gene and gene-expression were examined in sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue using commercially available probes for detecting EBV encoded RNAs (EBERs) by in situ hybridization and monoclonal antibodies to EBV latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) by standard immunohistochemistry. Five of 50 gastric carcinomas showed EBER intranuclear positivity in all tumour cells but no cases expressed LMP-1. The EBV-associated cases were classified as intestinal type in 4 and diffuse type in one case and all were histologically unremarkable. EBV-positive tumours were found in 3 Chinese and 2 Indian patients with none in the small Malay group. Four EBV-positive tumours were in male patients, with age-range of 65 to 86 years. We conclude that our findings of about 10% of Malaysian gastric carcinomas being EBV-associated is in line with the results from other parts of the world and from other ethnic groups.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  14. Goh SH, Hew NF, Norhanom AW, Yadav M
    Int J Cancer, 1994 May 15;57(4):529-31.
    PMID: 8181855
    Inhibition of tumour promotion by various vitamin E compounds (tocopherols and tocotrienols) and some of their dimers was examined by an in vitro assay utilizing the activation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) early antigen (EA) expression in EBV-genome-carrying human lymphoblastoid cells. The results reveal that gamma- and delta-tocotrienols derived from palm oil exhibit a strong activity against tumour promotion by inhibiting EBV EA expression in Raji cells induced by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA). However, alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and dimers of gamma-tocotrienol or gamma-tocopherol lack this activity.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  15. Tan LP, Tan GW, Sivanesan VM, Goh SL, Ng XJ, Lim CS, et al.
    Int J Cancer, 2020 04 15;146(8):2336-2347.
    PMID: 31469434 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32656
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is originated from the epithelial cells of nasopharynx, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated and has the highest incidence and mortality rates in Southeast Asia. Late presentation is a common issue and early detection could be the key to reduce the disease burden. Sensitivity of plasma EBV DNA, an established NPC biomarker, for Stage I NPC is controversial. Most newly reported NPC biomarkers have neither been externally validated nor compared to the established ones. This causes difficulty in planning for cost-effective early detection strategies. Our study systematically evaluated six established and four new biomarkers in NPC cases, population controls and hospital controls. We showed that BamHI-W 76 bp remains the most sensitive plasma biomarker, with 96.7% (29/30), 96.7% (58/60) and 97.4% (226/232) sensitivity to detect Stage I, early stage and all NPC, respectively. Its specificity was 94.2% (113/120) against population controls and 90.4% (113/125) against hospital controls. Diagnostic accuracy of BamHI-W 121 bp and ebv-miR-BART7-3p were validated. Hsa-miR-29a-3p and hsa-miR-103a-3p were not, possibly due to lower number of advanced stage NPC cases included in this subset. Decision tree modeling suggested that combination of BamHI-W 76 bp and VCA IgA or EA IgG may increase the specificity or sensitivity to detect NPC. EBNA1 99 bp could identify NPC patients with poor prognosis in early and advanced stage NPC. Our findings provided evidence for improvement in NPC screening strategies, covering considerations of opportunistic screening, combining biomarkers to increase sensitivity or specificity and testing biomarkers from single sampled specimen to avoid logistic problems of resampling.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  16. Tan EL, Looi LM, Sam CK
    Singapore Med J, 2006 Sep;47(9):803-7.
    PMID: 16924363
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an important cancer in Malaysia and is one of the major causes of cancer mortality in this country. This study evaluates the diagnostic and prognostic values in the quantitative relationship between the cell-free Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) load and the tumour burden.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  17. Plieskatt JL, Rinaldi G, Feng Y, Levine PH, Easley S, Martinez E, et al.
    J Transl Med, 2014;12:3.
    PMID: 24393330 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-3
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a solid tumor of the head and neck. Multimodal therapy is highly effective when NPC is detected early. However, due to the location of the tumor and the absence of clinical signs, early detection is difficult, making a biomarker for the early detection of NPC a priority. The dysregulation of small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) during carcinogenesis is the focus of much current biomarker research. Herein, we examine several miRNA discovery methods using two sample matrices to identify circulating miRNAs (c-miRNAs) associated with NPC.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  18. Kok YY, Chu WL, Phang SM, Mohamed SM, Naidu R, Lai PJ, et al.
    J Zhejiang Univ Sci B, 2011 May;12(5):335-45.
    PMID: 21528487 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.B1000336
    This study aimed to assess the inhibitory activities of methanol extracts from the microalgae Ankistrodesmus convolutus, Synechococcus elongatus, and Spirulina platensis against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in three Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cell lines, namely Akata, B95-8, and P3HR-1. The antiviral activity was assessed by quantifying the cell-free EBV DNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. The methanol extracts from Ankistrodesmus convolutus and Synechococcus elongatus displayed low cytotoxicity and potent effect in reducing cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)<0.01 µg/ml) with a high therapeutic index (>28000). After fractionation by column chromatography, the fraction from Synechococcus elongatus (SEF1) reduced the cell-free EBV DNA most effectively (EC(50)=2.9 µg/ml, therapeutic index>69). Upon further fractionation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the sub-fraction SEF1'a was most active in reducing the cell-free EBV DNA (EC(50)=1.38 µg/ml, therapeutic index>14.5). This study suggests that microalgae could be a potential source of antiviral compounds that can be used against EBV.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
  19. Yap YY, Hassan S, Chan M, Choo PK, Ravichandran M
    Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 2007 Jun;136(6):986-91.
    PMID: 17547993
    OBJECTIVES: This study examines the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

    STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-six postnasal biopsy samples and 71 fine-needle aspirate samples of neck masses were obtained from patients who were clinically suspect for NPC. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples, and EBNA1, EBNA2, and LMP genes of EBV were detected by PCR. PCR results were compared with NPC histopathology findings.

    RESULTS: The sensitivity of PCR to detect EBNA1 (97.14%), EBNA2 (88.57%), and LMP (91.43%) genes of EBV in nasopharyngeal biopsy samples were higher than those in fine-needle aspirate samples.

    CONCLUSION: Detection of EBV by PCR in tissue obtained from nasopharyngeal biopsy and fine-needle aspirate samples of neck masses is a relatively inexpensive, reliable, and accurate method of diagnosing NPC. Detection of EBV genes is on par with histopathological examination (HPE) and superior to fine-needle aspirate cytology.

    SIGNIFICANCE: PCR is an ideal tool for suggesting NPC and guiding the diagnostic workup in occult primary tumors, facilitating earlier diagnosis and reducing morbidity and mortality.

    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics*
  20. Tan EL, Selvaratnam G, Kananathan R, Sam CK
    BMC Cancer, 2006;6:227.
    PMID: 16995954
    Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common epithelial neoplasm among the Chinese populations in Southern China and South East Asia. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is known to be an important etiologic agent of NPC and the viral gene products are frequently detected in NPC tissues along with elevated antibody titres to the viral proteins (VCA and EA) in a majority of patients. Elevated plasma EBV DNA load is regarded as an important marker for the presence of the disease and for the monitoring of disease progression. However, other serum/plasma parameters such as the levels of certain interleukins and growth factors have also been implicated in NPC. The objectives of the present study are, 1) to investigate the correlations between plasma EBV DNA load and the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, TGF-beta1 and SCF (steel factor) and 2) to relate these parameters to the stages of NPC and the effect of treatment.
    Matched MeSH terms: Herpesvirus 4, Human/genetics
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