Beatriz G Pogo, MD

Fifteen percent of human cancers are associated with or caused by viruses. We are investigating if a virus similar to the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is involved in human breast cancer pathogenesis. We have found viral sequences similar to MMTV in 38% of the human breast cancers tested. They were expressed as RNA and proteins. A complete proviral structure has been detected with the characteristics of a replicative competent virus.

Recently, we isolated and characterized a beta retrovirus from primary cultures of human breast cancer cells. The retrovirus is able to infect epithelial and lymphocytic human cells. Its potential for malignant transformation is being investigated. Epidemiological studies on breast cancer and retroviral incidence are also carried out by analyzing samples from different geographical locations. The transcriptional profile of breast cancer cells carrying the virus was also investigated. Together, these studies will help to determine if a retrovirus is involved in human breast cancer pathogenesis.