High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Oncogenic E6/E7 mRNAs Splicing Regulation

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Virology

Background:

• Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are linked to various cancers, notably cervical and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
• The oncogenic E6 and E7 proteins of high-risk HPV subtypes (e.g., HPV16, HPV18) are critical for cellular transformation.
• Alternative splicing of the E6/E7-coding region influences the E6/E7 expression balance, impacting cell fate and potentially leading to apoptosis when disrupted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the relationship between HPV E6/E7 transcripts and cancer progression.
• To summarize known splicing sites and cis-regulatory elements in the high-risk HPV E6/E7-coding region.
• To explore the role of splicing factors in regulating oncogenic E6/E7 mRNA splicing.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on alternative splicing in high-risk HPV E6/E7 transcripts.
• Analysis of existing data on splicing sites, regulatory elements, and splicing factor interactions.
• Synthesis of information on the impact of splicing on viral oncogene expression and cancer development.

Main Results:

• Established connections between specific E6/E7 transcripts and cancer progression.
• Identified key splicing sites and cis-regulatory elements within the E6/E7-coding region of high-risk HPVs.
• Highlighted the significant role of cellular splicing factors in modulating HPV E6/E7 mRNA splicing.

Conclusions:

• Alternative splicing of HPV E6/E7 transcripts is a critical regulatory mechanism influencing oncogenesis.
• Understanding splicing factor interactions and regulatory elements is crucial for comprehending HPV-driven cancer development.
• Targeting E6/E7 splicing represents a potential therapeutic strategy for HPV-associated malignancies.