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Updated: May 11, 2026
10:37
Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: August 27, 2013
A novel function of HPV16-E6/E7 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Young-Suk Jung1, Ikuko Kato, Hyeong-Reh Choi Kim
1Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
Summary
Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 oncoproteins E6 and E7 promote cancer progression by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This cellular change enhances tumor cell invasion and metastasis, particularly in head and neck cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 is a key factor in cancers, especially head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs).
- HPV16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins disrupt cellular signaling, influencing tumor development.
- Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes in inducing EMT.
- To determine if HPV16 influences EMT markers in HNSCC cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Stable expression of HPV16 E6 or E7 in MDCK epithelial cells.
- Analysis of morphological changes, EMT-transcription factor expression (Slug, Twist, ZEB1, ZEB2), and epithelial/mesenchymal markers.
- Assessment of cell migration and invasion.
- Correlation analysis of HPV16 status and EMT markers in patient-derived HNSCC cell lines.
Main Results:
- HPV16 E6 or E7 expression induced a morphological shift from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype.
- Both E6 and E7 upregulated EMT-transcription factors, particularly ZEBs, and switched epithelial markers to mesenchymal ones.
- HPV16 E6 and E7 expression increased cell migration and invasion.
- A correlation was observed between HPV16 positivity and ZEB1 expression in HNSCC cell lines.
Conclusions:
- HPV16 oncogenes (E6 and E7) induce EMT-like processes.
- Upregulation of EMT transcription factors by HPV16 contributes to tumor cell invasion and metastasis.
- HPV16 may play a significant role in HNSCC progression through EMT induction.
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