A new study published in the peer-reviewed OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology identified differentially expressed host and viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in six Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) associated tumours.

The study reports several drug candidates for repurposing and targeting EBV latent infection: glyburide, levodopa, nateglinide, and stiripentol, among others. 

The authors, Anamika Thakur and Manoj Kumar, PhD, from the Institute of Microbial Technology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Chandigarh, India, note: “This is the first integrative analysis, to the best of our knowledge, in regard to the potential therapeutic targets and drug repurposing candidates against the EBV tumours.”

EBV is associated with several types of malignancies, such as gastric carcinoma, Burkitt lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 

“Epstein-Barr virus is a major planetary health burden especially in the oncology clinic. The study makes a contribution toward antiviral drug innovation for treatment of EBV infection and prevention of EBV-related tumours,” says Vural Özdemir, MD, PhD, DABCP, Editor-in-Chief of OMICS.

Article: Integration of human and viral miRNAs in Epstein-Barr virus-associated tumours and implications for drug repurposing

Source: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc/ Genetic Engineering News