As additional events in host cells, alterations at the levels of DNA, RNA and protein have been investigated. Concerning abnormalities in RNA regulation, however, it is pointed out that epigenetic alterations in ATL are thought to be earlier events during its long oncogenic processes of ATL. In contrast, the most important events at the final stage are constitutive activation of the key functional effector proteins probably independent of the virus-derived proteins Tax and HBZ, and genetic mutations affect expression of effector proteins. Thus, genetic and functional alterations in the framework of the final stage of multistep oncogenesis of ATL are highly important.
Author(s) Details:
Mitsuru Sakitani,
Institute CCC, Kobe, Hyogo, 651-2242, Japan.