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Using the E1A Minigene Tool to Study mRNA Splicing Changes
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Using the E1A Minigene Tool to Study mRNA Splicing Changes

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RNA elements that control human papillomavirus mRNA splicing-targets for therapy?

Stefan Schwartz1, Chengjun Wu2, Naoko Kajitani1

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

Journal of Medical Virology
|February 16, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly HPV16, cause significant global cancer burdens. Targeting HPV16 RNA splicing offers a novel therapeutic strategy against these infections and associated cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for over 4.5% of global cancers, with HPV type 16 (HPV16) implicated in more than half of these cases.
  • While prophylactic vaccines exist, effective antiviral drugs for HPV infections are lacking, necessitating the urgent identification of novel therapeutic targets.
  • Alternative RNA splicing is a critical mechanism for gene expression in HPVs, including HPV16, and precise regulation is essential for viral function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of cis-acting RNA elements in HPV16 that regulate viral mRNA splicing.
  • To discuss the role of cellular trans-acting factors interacting with these RNA elements.
  • To explore the potential of exploiting HPV16 RNA splicing as a therapeutic target for HPV infections and cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of existing research on HPV16 RNA splicing mechanisms.
  • Analysis of cis-acting RNA elements within HPV16 mRNAs.
  • Investigation of interactions between viral RNA elements and cellular splicing factors.

Main Results:

  • HPV16 extensively utilizes alternative RNA splicing for its gene expression.
  • Specific cis-acting RNA elements on HPV16 mRNAs, in conjunction with cellular proteins, precisely control the splicing process.
  • Disruptions in this delicate splicing mechanism can lead to altered mRNA levels or dysfunctional viral transcripts.

Conclusions:

  • Papillomavirus RNA splicing is a sensitive process, making it a viable target for therapeutic intervention.
  • Understanding the interplay between HPV16 cis-acting RNA elements and cellular factors is key to developing novel antiviral strategies.
  • Targeting HPV16 RNA splicing presents a promising avenue for treating HPV-associated cancers and infections.
Keywords:
cellular effecthuman papillomavirusmRNA/Splicingoncogenesoncogenesisvirus classification

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