E5HPV16 mRNA EXPRESSION PATTERN ANALYSIS IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL LESIONS IN VIRAL STATUS CONTEXT

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Persistent human papilloma virus (HPV) genital infections can lead to pre-malignant or malignant cervical lesions.
• The oncogenic roles of HPV E6 and E7 genes are established, but the function of the E5 gene remains under investigation.
• Understanding the specific roles of HPV genes is crucial for diagnosing and managing cervical cancer progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of the HPV E5 gene in cervical oncogenesis.
• To correlate HPV E5 gene expression with viral status and molecular targets (p21, EGFR) in patients with abnormal cervical cytology.
• To determine if E5 expression patterns can differentiate between cervical lesions with varying progression risks.

Main Methods:

• HPV DNA detection and genotyping using the Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test.
• Quantification of HPV16 E2, E6, E5, and host p21 and EGFR transcripts using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR).
• Analysis of viral DNA status (episomal vs. integrated/mixed) in relation to gene expression levels.

Main Results:

• Significantly high E5 expression was observed in low-grade cervical lesions, correlating with moderate E6 and low p21 levels.
• High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) specimens showed integrated/mixed viral forms.
• In mixed viral forms, moderate E5 expression was noted, with high p21 levels correlating with high E6 expression.

Conclusions:

• The expression pattern of the HPV E5 gene may play a role in the progression of cervical lesions.
• E5 expression levels, in conjunction with viral status and other gene expressions (E6, p21), could help discriminate between lesions with different cancer risks.
• Further research into E5's role may offer new diagnostic or prognostic markers for cervical cancer.