Oncolytic potential of an E4-deficient adenovirus that can recognize the stabilization of AU-rich element containing mRNA in cancer cells

Oncol Rep. 2019 Feb;41(2):954-960. doi: 10.3892/or.2018.6865. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Abstract

AU-rich elements (AREs) are RNA elements that enhance the rapid decay of mRNA. The fate of ARE-mRNA is controlled by ARE-binding proteins. HuR, a member of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision (ELAV) family of RNA-binding proteins, is involved in the export and stabilization of ARE-mRNA. In the vast majority of cancer cells, HuR constitutively relocates to the cytoplasm, resulting in the stabilization of ARE-mRNA. Previously, we described that the adenovirus gene product, E4orf6, which is necessary for virus replication, participates in ARE-mRNA export and stabilization. In the present study, we showed the oncolytic potential of E4orf6-deleted adenovirus dl355, which is expected to be replicated selectively in cancer cells. Virus production and cytolytic activity of dl355 were higher in cancer cells than in normal cells. HuR-depletion downregulated dl355 replication, demonstrating that ARE-mRNA stabilization is required for the production of this virus. Tumor growth was inhibited in nude mice by an intratumoral injection of dl355. Furthermore, dl355 had a stronger oncolytic effect than E1B55k-deleted adenovirus. These results indicate that dl355 has potential as an oncolytic adenovirus for a large number of cancers where ARE-mRNA is stabilized.

MeSH terms

  • AU Rich Elements / genetics
  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Adenovirus E4 Proteins / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Nucleus
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • ELAV-Like Protein 1 / genetics
  • ELAV-Like Protein 1 / metabolism
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Nude
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Oncolytic Virotherapy / methods*
  • Oncolytic Viruses / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Vero Cells
  • Virus Replication / genetics
  • Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Substances

  • Adenovirus E4 Proteins
  • E4orf6 protein, adenovirus
  • ELAV-Like Protein 1
  • RNA, Messenger