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Human Papillomavirus-Encoded microRNAs as Regulators of Human Gene Expression in Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A
Daniel J García1, Marco A Pulpillo-Berrocal1, José L Ruiz1,2
1Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine "López-Neyra" (IPBLN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 18016 Granada, Spain.
Non-Coding RNA
|June 25, 2025
Summary
Novel viral microRNAs (miRNAs) from human papillomaviruses (HPVs) may drive anal cancer development by altering host gene expression. These viral miRNAs show potential as early biomarkers and therapeutic targets for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare malignancy linked to oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs).
- The role of viral non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in ASCC pathogenesis is not well understood.
- Investigating viral ncRNAs offers insights into HPV-driven tumorigenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel viral microRNAs (miRNAs) in anal lesions.
- To explore the impact of viral miRNAs on host gene expression in ASCC.
- To assess the potential of viral miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of RNA-Seq data from 70 anal biopsies (LGSIL, HGSIL, ASCC).
- Taxonomic assessment of microbial composition.
- Prediction of novel viral miRNAs using vsRNAfinder and host target analysis with TargetScan.
Main Results:
- Alphapapillomaviruses were enriched across lesion grades.
- Identification of 90 novel viral miRNAs and 177 anti-correlated miRNA-mRNA interactions.
- Target genes involved in cell cycle, EMT, lipid metabolism, immune modulation, and viral replication.
Conclusions:
- HPV-derived miRNAs, including those from low-risk types, may contribute to neoplastic transformation.
- Viral miRNAs are potential drivers of HPV-related anal cancer.
- Viral miRNAs show promise as early biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASCC.
