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Disruption of cell cycle control by human papillomaviruses with special reference to cervical carcinoma
S. A. Southern1, C. S. Herrington
1Department of Pathology, University of Liverpool, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.
Abstract:
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) play a major role in neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells. The viral genome is small in size and only encodes a limited number of proteins, so one of the major functions of the viral proteins is to modulate the function of key cellular proteins involved in cell cycle control and DNA replication. During this process important host cell cycle checkpoints are lost which may lead to the accumulation of genetic abnormalities and eventual malignant transformation. This review briefly describes the normal cell cycle and also the mechanisms by which HPVs interfere with cell cycle control both as part of their productive life cycle and in the process of neoplastic transformation.
Insights
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) disrupt cell cycle control, leading to genetic abnormalities and cancer. This review explains how HPVs interfere with cell cycle checkpoints during infection and neoplastic transformation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are oncogenic viruses implicated in neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells.
- The limited coding capacity of the HPV genome necessitates viral proteins modulating host cellular machinery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms by which HPVs interfere with host cell cycle control.
- To explain HPV's role in both its productive life cycle and neoplastic transformation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HPV's interaction with cellular proteins.
- Analysis of HPV's impact on cell cycle checkpoints and DNA replication.
Main Results:
- HPV proteins modulate key cellular proteins governing cell cycle and DNA replication.
- Disruption of host cell cycle checkpoints by HPV leads to genetic instability.
- This genetic instability contributes to malignant transformation.
Conclusions:
- HPVs actively manipulate the host cell cycle for their replication and to drive neoplastic progression.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies against HPV-associated cancers.