Small DNA Tumour Viruses

Download or read book Small DNA Tumour Viruses written by Kevin Gaston and published by Caister Academic Press Limited. This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Small DNA tumor viruses are a fascinating group of double-stranded DNA viruses, made up of the polyomavirus, the adenovirus, and the papillomavirus families. These viruses continue to provide fundamental insights into mammalian cell transformation, cell cycle control, and tumor formation. The causal link between papillomaviruses and some human cancers is well known, and a role for polyomavirus in human cancer has recently been established. Adenoviruses do not cause cancer in humans, but, as well as providing excellent tools for the study of host cell processes, these viruses have been exploited as delivery vehicles in gene therapy for diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and cancer. A common feature of small DNA tumor viruses is their heavy reliance on the host for survival and replication. Understanding the virus-host relationship is critical to understanding the tumorigenic process and how these viruses subvert the host's immune system. In this timely book, leading scientists from around the world review current hot topics in this area, providing a fascinating overview of the molecular biology of these viruses and their interactions with the host. The topics covered include: HPV infections and the production of HPV virion stocks * viral oncoproteins and their functions * the replication and maintenance of viral genomes * virus-induced alterations in cellular miRNAs * viral deregulation of DNA damage responses * the initiation of viral DNA replication * induction of genomic instability by viral oncoproteins * targeting of PML proteins and PML nuclear bodies by these viruses * adenoviruses and gene therapy. The book will be essential reading for scientists and researchers working on small DNA tumor viruses and their associated diseases. It is also a recommended text for anyone involved with DNA replication, DNA damage responses and genome instability, virus-host interactions, and viral tumorigenesis or antiviral drug development.