Muntaser Ibrahim

By Muntaser E. Ibrahim and Emad-Aldin I. Osman

Part of the book: Myeloid Leukemia

By Ghimja Fessahaye and Muntaser E. Ibrahim

The Epstein Barr Virus is among the very first oncogenic viruses to be identified as culprits of human malignancies. Its role as an etiologic agent of breast cancer however remains debated despite mounting molecular evidence. In this chapter we address the challenge of multiple molecular etiologies of breast cancer (BC) with emphasis on the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) as a potential causative agent within a frame work of gene/environment interaction. We also hope to contribute to a critique of the a concept of universal single agent or gene in cancer etiology. In addition to reviewing further reasons of why EBV should be considered a tumor virus, coupling molecular targets at the initiation stage, we examine evidence for the culpability of EBV as oncogenic virus in relation to the genetic and epigenetic events that leads to carcinogenesis of cancer; and the subsequent downstream interaction including genetic and epigenetic modifiers of signaling and molecular function underlying the cancerous phenotype. The TNF family is taken as an example of how the epigenetic reprogramming process, impacts molecular targets and how these combined interplay of molecular events impinges on pathogenesis and malignancy of breast cancer in humans.

Part of the book: Breast Cancer