Distinct gene expression profiles of viral- and nonviral-associated merkel cell carcinoma revealed by transcriptome analysis.

摘要: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine tumor with high mortality rates. polyomavirus (MCPyV), identified in the majority of MCCs, may drive tumorigenesis via viral T antigens. However, mechanisms underlying pathogenesis MCPyV-negative MCCs remain poorly understood. To nominate genes contributing to we performed DNA microarray analysis on 30 MCCs. The MCPyV status was determined by PCR for and RNA. A total 1,593 probe sets were differentially expressed between MCPyV-positive significant differential expression defined as at least a 2-fold change either direction P-value p0.05. tumors showed decreased RB1 expression, whereas enriched immune response genes. Validation studies included immunohistochemistry demonstration RB protein increased peritumoral CD8 þ lymphocytes surrounding tumors. In conclusion, our data suggest that loss have important role Functional clinical validation are needed determine whether this tumorsuppressor pathway represents avenue targeted therapy.