Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Molecular Landscape

摘要: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a unique epithelial malignancy arising from the superior aspect of pharyngeal mucosal space, associated with latent Epstein-Barr virus infection in most cases. The capacity to characterize cancer genomes unprecedented detail now providing insights into genesis and molecular underpinnings this disease. Herein, we provide an overview aberrations that likely drive nasopharyngeal tumor development progression. contributions major virus-encoded factors, including proteins, small RNAs, microRNAs, along their interactions pathways regulating cell proliferation survival are highlighted. We review recent analyses clearly define role genetic epigenetic variations affecting human genome NPC. These findings point impact DNA methylation histone modifications on gene expression programs promote malignancy. allow NPC cells evade immune recognition elimination, which crucial for expressing potentially immunogenic viral also described. Finally, potential utility detecting host factors diagnosis prognosis discussed. Altogether, studies summarized herein have greatly expanded our knowledge biology NPC, yet much remains be uncovered. Emerging techniques using analyzing well-annotated biospecimens patients will ultimately lead greater level understanding, enable improvements precision therapies clinical outcomes.