Effects of β-HPV on DNA damage response pathways to drive carcinogenesis: a review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• The DNA damage response (DDR) is crucial for maintaining genomic stability.
• Beta human papillomaviruses (β-HPVs) express E6 and E7 oncogenes that inhibit the DDR.
• This inhibition enhances UV-induced mutations, facilitating carcinogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding β-HPV pathomechanisms.
• To highlight strain-dependent variations in β-HPV infection.
• To identify therapeutic targets at the β-HPV-DDR interface.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on β-HPVs and DDR.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms of E6 and E7 oncogenes.
• Comparison of β-HPV pathomechanisms with other HPV genera.

Main Results:

• β-HPVs attenuate DDR, promoting genomic instability and cancer.
• E6/E7-mediated DDR inhibition is key to β-HPV oncogenicity.
• Significant divergence exists between β-HPVs and other HPV genera.

Conclusions:

• The 'hit-and-run' hypothesis provides a framework for β-HPV pathomechanism.
• Understanding strain variations is critical for β-HPV research.
• Targeting the β-HPV-DDR interaction offers potential for novel cancer therapies.