Human cytomegalovirus US28 found in glioblastoma promotes an invasive and angiogenic phenotype.

ABSTRACT: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections are seen often in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumors, but whether the virus contributes to GBM pathogenesis is unclear. In this study, we explored an oncogenic role for the G-protein-coupled receptor-like protein US28 encoded by HCMV that we found to be expressed widely in human GBMs. Immunohistochemical and reverse transcriptase PCR approaches established that US28 was expressed in approximately 60% of human GBM tissues and primary cultures examined. In either uninfected GBM cells or neural progenitor cells, thought to be the GBM precursor cells, HCMV infection or US28 overexpression was sufficient to promote secretion of biologically active VEGF and to activate multiple cellular kinases that promote glioma growth and invasion, including phosphory

SUBMITTER: Soroceanu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3206211 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature