Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) comprises nearly 10% of gastric carcinoma cases worldwide. Recently, it was recognised to have unique clinicopathologic characteristics, including male predominance, lower rates of lymph node involvement, and better prognosis. EBVaGC is further characterised by abnormal hypermethylation of tumour suppressor gene promoter regions, causing down-regulation of their expression. In the present review, we critically discuss the role of EBV in gastric carcinogenesis, summarising the role of viral proteins and microRNAs with respect to aberrant methylation in EBVaGC. Given the role of epigenetic dysregulation in tumourigenesis, epigenetic modifiers may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6448-56 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | World Journal of Gastroenterology |
| Volume | 20 |
| Issue number | 21 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Print publication - 7 Jun 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CpG Islands
- DNA Methylation
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Epstein-Barr Virus Infections/complications
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genes, Tumor Suppressor
- Herpesvirus 4, Human
- Humans
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Stomach Neoplasms/complications
- Viral Proteins/metabolism