Direct cellular reprogramming facilitates development of viral T antigen-driven Merkel cell carcinoma in mice

Co-expression of MCPyV TAgs and the Merkel cell lineage determinant ATOH1, in p53-deficient keratinocytes and their neuroendocrine progeny, yields tumors closely mimicking human MCC. Direct cellular reprogramming in vivo may provide a novel approach to generate tumors for which the cell of origin is uncertain. Characterization of skin tumors arising in transgene-inducible mice expressing Merkel cell polyomavirus T antigens, plus or minus the lineage reprogramming transcription factor ATOH1, plus or minus Trp53 deletion.