TRIM26 restricts Epstein-Barr virus infection in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells through K48-linked ubiquitination of HSP-90ß.

The tripartite interaction motif (TRIM) family of proteins is known for their antiviral activity through different mechanisms, such as interfering with viral components, regulating immune responses, and participating in autophagy-mediated defense pathways. In this study, we investigated the role of tripartite interaction motif 26 (TRIM26), which is encoded by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene, in regulating Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. We found that TRIM26 expression was induced upon EBV infection and that it indirectly targeted EphA2, a crucial epithelial receptor for EBV entry. Our results showed that TRIM26 interacted with heat shock protein 90-beta (HSP-90ß) and promoted its polyubiquitination, which led to its degradation via the proteasome pathway. This, in turn, affected EphA2 integrity and suppressed EBV infection. These findings suggest that TRIM26 could be a valuable target for developing therapeutic interventions against EBV infection and its associated pathogenesis.

TRIM72 inhibits cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by attenuating FAK/akt signaling in colorectal cancer.

TRIM72 (MG53), a membrane repair protein with E3-ligase activity, plays a crucial role in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study examined TRIM72 expression in primary CRC tumors and paired liver metastases using RT-PCR. Findings revealed significantly lower TRIM72 levels in liver metastases compared to primary tumors (p < 0.001). Aberrant TRIM72 expression correlated with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stages. Overexpression of TRIM72 inhibited CRC cell migration, intravasation, and EMT in vitro and in vivo, while TRIM72 knockout increased migration and invasion. TRIM72 interacted with Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), implicating the FAK/Akt signaling axis in colon cancer spread. Lower TRIM72 levels were associated with reduced survival rates, highlighting its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target in CRC.

Advancing therapeutic strategies for Epstein-Barr virus-associated malignancies through lytic reactivation.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widespread human herpes virus associated with lymphomas and epithelial cell cancers. It establishes two separate infection phases, latent and lytic, in the host. Upon infection of a new host cell, the virus activates several pathways, to induce the expression of lytic EBV antigens and the production of infectious virus particles. Although the carcinogenic role of latent EBV infection has been established, recent research suggests that lytic reactivation also plays a significant role in carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of EBV reactivation and recent findings about the role of viral lytic antigens in tumor formation. In addition, we discuss the treatment of EBV-associated tumors with lytic activators and the targets that may be therapeutically effective in the future.