Shared and distinct interactions of type 1 and type 2 Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 2 with the human genome.

BACKGROUND: There are two major genetic types of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV): type 1 (EBV-1) and type 2 (EBV-2). EBV functions by manipulating gene expression in host B cells, using virus-encoded gene regulatory proteins including Epstein-Barr Nuclear Antigen 2 (EBNA2). While type 1 EBNA2 is known to interact with human transcription factors (hTFs) such as RBPJ, EBF1, and SPI1 (PU.1), type 2 EBNA2 shares only ~ 50% amino acid identity with type 1 and thus may have distinct binding partners, human genome binding locations, and functions. RESULTS: In this study, we examined genome-wide EBNA2 binding in EBV-1 and EBV-2 transformed human B cells to identify shared and unique EBNA2 interactions with the human genome, revealing thousands of type-specific EBNA2 ChIP-seq peaks. Computational predictions based on hTF motifs and subsequent ChIP-seq experiments revealed that both type 1 and 2 EBNA2 co-occupy the genome with SPI1 and AP-1 (BATF and JUNB) hTFs. However, type 1 EBNA2 showed preferential co-occupancy with EBF1, and type 2 EBNA2 preferred RBPJ. These differences in hTF co-occupancy revealed possible mechanisms underlying type-specific gene expression of known EBNA2 human target genes: MYC (shared), CXCR7 (type 1 specific), and CD21 (type 2 specific). Both type 1 and 2 EBNA2 binding events were enriched at systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and multiple sclerosis (MS) risk loci, while primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) risk loci were specifically enriched for type 2 peaks. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals extensive type-specific EBNA2 interactions with the human genome, possible differences in EBNA2 interaction partners, and a possible new role for type 2 EBNA2 in autoimmune disorders. Our results highlight the importance of considering EBV type in the control of human gene expression and disease-related investigations.

Depiction of Health Effects of Electronic Cigarettes on YouTube.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the quantity, quality, and reach of e-cigarette health effects YouTube videos, and to quantify the description of positive and negative e-cigarette health effects and promotional content in each video. METHOD: Searches for videos were conducted in 2015 using the YouTube search engine, and the top 20 search results by relevance and view count were identified. Videos were classified by educational/medical news, advertising/marketing, and personal/testimonial categories. A coding sheet was used to assess the presence or absence of negative and positive health effects, and promotional content. RESULTS: Of the 320 videos retrieved, only 55 unique videos were included. The majority of videos (46.9%) were educational/medical/news, 29.7% were personal/testimonial, and 23.4% were advertising/marketing. The three most common negative health effects included discussing nicotine, e-cigarettes not being FDA regulated, and known and unknown health consequences related to e-cigarette use. The top positive health effects discussed were how e-cigarettes can help individuals quit smoking, e-cigarettes are healthier than smoking, and e-cigarettes have no smoke or secondhand smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical to monitor YouTube health effects content and develop appropriate messages to inform consumers about the risks associated with use while mitigating misleading information presented.

Perceived Severity of Interrelated Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among U.S. College Students.

BACKGROUND: Cardiometabolic risk factors are related to the early onset of chronic health conditions. PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with perceptions about the severity of three interrelated cardiometabolic risks (i.e., high blood pressure, obesity, and cardiovascular disease) among U.S. college students. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 1,361 college students using an internet-delivered survey. Least squares regression models were fitted. Primary independent variables of interest were sex and cigarette smoking status. RESULTS: Relative to nonsmokers, smokers perceived high blood pressure (B=-0.09, P=0.001), obesity (B=-0.12, P<0.001), and cardiovascular disease (B=-0.12, P<0.001) to be significantly less severe. Across models, females perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be more severe (P<0.005). Relative to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander students perceived all three cardiometabolic risk factors to be less severe (P<0.002). Compared to normal weight students, overweight (B=0.41, P=0.039) and obese (B=-0.72, P<0.001) students reported higher severity perceptions about obesity only. DISCUSSION: There are discordances between perceived severity of interrelated cardiometabolic risks among college students by personal factors. TRANSLATION TO HEALTH EDUCATION PRACTICE: Smoking prevention and cessation interventions are needed to educate college students about cardiometabolic risks associated with cigarette smoking, especially among male and minority students.