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Ploubidou Laboratory
Virus-induced oncogenesis
Molecular analysis of cytoskeletal function and dysfunction, in the pathogenesis of virus-induced human cancer
Viral gene products of DNA tumor viruses (such as human papillomavirus, the herpes viruses Epstein-Barr & human herpesvirus type 8) are involved in the establishment and maintenance of virus-induced malignancies. In these malignancies, as in most cancers, changes in the cytoskeleton result in oncogenic progression by a number of well-characterised mechanisms. Understanding how these mechanisms are triggered is critical in order to prevent viral oncogenesis.
The cytoskeleton of mammalian cells (microtubules, actin and intermediate filaments) functions in the internal organisation of the cell, in cell cycle progression and in communication within and between cells. The cytoskeleton's use and abuse in disease reflects the diversity of its functions. In fulfilling these functions, it converts numerous intra- and extra-cellular signals into structures and structure remodeling.
We are studying the molecular basis of cytoskeletal function and dysfunction, in virally-induced malignant transformation and oncogenesis. Using as a system human oncogenic viruses and the tumours associated with these viruses, we employ methods based on cultured cells and the Xenopus oocyte extract systems, combined with microscopy, molecular biology and biochemistry techniques.
Recent selected publications
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Rietdorf J, Ploubidou A, Reckmann I, Holmström A, Frischknecht F, Zettl M, Zimmermann T, Way M (2001) Kinesin-dependent movement on microtubules precedes actin-based motility of vaccinia virus. Nat Cell Biol. 3, 992-1000. [PubMed]
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Ploubidou A, Way M (2001) Viral transport and the cytoskeleton. Curr Opin Cell Biol. 13, 97-105. [PubMed]
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Ploubidou A, Moreau V, Ashman K, Reckmann I, González C, Way M (2000) Vaccinia virus infection disrupts microtubule organization and centrosome function. EMBO J. 19, 3932-3944. [PubMed]
Last update: July 10, 2008
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