**3.1. Epstein: Barr virus**

The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an oncovirus that is associated with breast cancer, gastric cancer, and numerous other cancers. Recent studies showed that EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) leads to increased mitochondrial fission [46]. Further, molecular studies showed that LMP2A activates the NOTCH pathway, which alters the expression of Drp1 and then increases mitochondrial fission. Although increased Drp expression does not directly increase mitochondrial fission, the recruitment of Drp by mitochondria and activation of GTPase leads to mitochondrial fission. Therefore, the EBV-induced changes in mitochondrial function, due to the LMP2A protein, may play a major role in the pathogenesis of several cancers [47].
