The Viral-Like Behavior of Pancreatic Cancer

 

Repeat elements comprise approximately 60% of the genome, which is derepressed in the setting of cancer. Repeat RNAs have shown viral-like properties including being sensed by pattern recognition receptors, which are part of our innate immune response to viruses. These repeat elements can replicate and mobilize in the genome through retrotransposition, which can be inhibited with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) that are used as antiviral drugs. Finally, these repeat RNAs are packaged in extracellular vesicles and delivered to the surrounding tumor microenvironment, leading to an inflammatory response similar to a viral infection.

Originally published on May 1, 2025

Lecture Presenter

David T. Ting, MD

David T. Ting, MD

Associate Professor
Harvard Medical School
Assistant Physician, Hematology/Oncology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Associate Clinical Director of Innovation
Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital

David T. Ting, MD is a physician scientist, cancer biologist, and bioengineer. He is currently associate clinical director for innovation at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ting received his BS in chemical engineering and biology from MIT, his MD from Harvard Medical School, and medical oncology training at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Ting’s lab works on understanding RNA expression patterns in cancer to gain biological insight into the role of tumor heterogeneity in cancer progression, develop biomarkers applicable to the clinic, and to identify novel therapeutic avenues against cancer.

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the role of repeat elements in cancer progression
  • Utilize spatial transcriptomics in human tissues

Sponsored by:

University of Utah School of Medicine, Department of Pathology, and ARUP Laboratories