How a Common Virus Can Turn Deadly in Certain Cancers

In parts of the world where it's common, a virus called Epstein-Barr (EBV) is found in over 90% of people with a specific type of throat cancer. This virus, the first known human DNA tumor virus, can cause big changes in how our chromosomes are organized. When EBV interacts with human DNA, it can rearrange the 3D structure of chromosomes. This can lead to what scientists call "enhancer infestation" and a switch in certain genetic markers. One key player in this process is a protein called KDM5B. Normally, KDM5B helps keep our genome stable. But EBV hijacks this protein, causing abnormal activation of certain genes. This leads to increased activity of a gene called MYC, more DNA damage, and changes in how cancer cells behave. These changes can give cancer cells both epithelial and immune features, making them more likely to spread. A big study involving multiple centers and different types of data confirms that these changes are a sign of chromosome instability. This instability can be used to predict the risk of cancer spreading to distant parts of the body. The study shows how a latent virus can alter the host's genetic landscape, promoting changes that make cancer more aggressive and likely to metastasize. This research is important because it shows how a common virus can have serious consequences in certain types of cancer. Understanding these mechanisms can help in developing better treatments and strategies to combat the spread of cancer.