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Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 genotypes in head-and-neck carcinomas
Markus Hoffmann1, Claudia Lohrey, Andreas Hunziker
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Christian-Albrechts-University, Arnold-Heller-Str. 14, D-24105 Kiel, Germany.
Oral Oncology
|March 10, 2004
Summary
Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is linked to head and neck cancers. Specific HPV16 variants, not gene disruptions, were prevalent in HNSCC tumors, suggesting a role in cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is a known cause of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCC).
- HPV16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 are crucial for carcinogenesis by inactivating tumor suppressors p53 and pRB.
- Previous reports suggested E6 gene disruption might occur in HPV16-positive HNSCC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the status of the HPV16 E6-E7 gene region in HNSCC tumors and metastases.
- To identify HPV16 genotypes present in HNSCC and assess their potential role in carcinogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Genomic PCR was used to analyze the HPV16 E6-E7 gene region in 24 HNSCC patient samples (tumor and metastasis).
- Sequence analysis was performed on the E6-E7 segments to determine HPV16 genotypes.
Main Results:
- No disruptions of the HPV16 E6-E7 gene region were found in any of the analyzed HNSCC samples.
- Three HPV16 E6-E7 genotypes were identified: prototype (6/21 cases), E6 variant T350G (8/21 cases), and E6-E7 variant A131G/C712A (7/21 cases).
- The prevalence of E6 variants T350G and A131G, previously linked to increased oncogenic potential in cervical cancer, was high in the studied HNSCC samples.
Conclusions:
- HPV16 E6-E7 gene disruption is not a common mechanism in the development of HNSCC.
- Specific HPV16 E6-E7 variants, such as T350G and A131G, are prevalent in HNSCC and may contribute to head and neck cancer development.