Tumour virus deregulation of the cell cycle: translational control and function of RGC-32

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We have been studying a human protein (RGC-32) that may be involved in the development of many cancers. We found that RGC-32 is produced when white blood cells are infected by the cancer virus Epstein-Barr virus, suggesting that RGC-32 may be involved in Epstein-Barr virus-associated cancers. These include many lymphomas e.g. Burkitt's, Hodgkin's and post-transplant lymphoma. We have shown that if we reduce RGC-32 production in Epstein-Barr virus infected white blood cells, they stop growing. This tells us that inducing the production of RGC-32 may be an important part of how Epstein-Barr virus drives white blood cells to keep growing indefinitely and become cancer cells. We have discovered news ways in which RGC-32 production is controlled in white blood cells.Our research will obtain further information on how RGC-32 production is controlled by Epstein-Barr virus and uncover how RGC-32 controls the growth of cells. This research will therefore increase our understanding of how production of RGC-32 may contribute to cancer development. In the longer term our work could open up possibilities for designing drugs to block the production or function of RGC-32 that could help in treatment of Epstein-Barr virus associated cancers and some other cancers where RGC-32 is produced at high level (e.g. breast and colon).Specifically we will determine:1. How Epstein-Barr virus drives the production of RGC-32 in white blood cells.2. How RGC-32 controls the growth of cells by affecting the different stages of the cell growth cycle. 3. How RGC-32 associates with growth control proteins and how this affects how they function.Our research will provide important information for both basic scientists and clinicians working in the field of cancer research. It could inform longer-term therapeutic strategies that may eventually benefit patients.