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Mikuličić S, Shamun M, Massenberg A, Franke AL, Freitag K, Döring T, Strunk J, Tenzer S, Lang T, Florin L. ErbB2/HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase regulates human papillomavirus promoter activity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1335302. [PMID: 38370412 PMCID: PMC10869470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1335302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a major cause of cancer. While surgical intervention remains effective for a majority of HPV-caused cancers, the urgent need for medical treatments targeting HPV-infected cells persists. The pivotal early genes E6 and E7, which are under the control of the viral genome's long control region (LCR), play a crucial role in infection and HPV-induced oncogenesis, as well as immune evasion. In this study, proteomic analysis of endosomes uncovered the co-internalization of ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase, also called HER2/neu, with HPV16 particles from the plasma membrane. Although ErbB2 overexpression has been associated with cervical cancer, its influence on HPV infection stages was previously unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of ErbB2 in HPV infection, focusing on HPV16. Through siRNA-mediated knockdown and pharmacological inhibition studies, we found that HPV16 entry is independent of ErbB2. Instead, our signal transduction and promoter assays unveiled a concentration- and activation-dependent regulatory role of ErbB2 on the HPV16 LCR by supporting viral promoter activity. We also found that ErbB2's nuclear localization signal was not essential for LCR activity, but rather the cellular ErbB2 protein level and activation status that were inhibited by tucatinib and CP-724714. These ErbB2-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as ErbB2 depletion significantly influenced the downstream Akt and ERK signaling pathways and LCR activity. Experiments encompassing low-risk HPV11 and high-risk HPV18 LCRs uncovered, beyond HPV16, the importance of ErbB2 in the general regulation of the HPV early promoter. Expanding our investigation to directly assess the impact of ErbB2 on viral gene expression, quantitative analysis of E6 and E7 transcript levels in HPV16 and HPV18 transformed cell lines unveiled a noteworthy decrease in oncogene expression following ErbB2 depletion, concomitant with the downregulation of Akt and ERK signaling pathways. In light of these findings, we propose that ErbB2 holds promise as potential target for treating HPV infections and HPV-associated malignancies by silencing viral gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snježana Mikuličić
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Merha Shamun
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Annika Massenberg
- University of Bonn, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Bonn, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Franke
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kirsten Freitag
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tatjana Döring
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Johannes Strunk
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
- Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON) Mainz, Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lang
- University of Bonn, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Life & Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Bonn, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany
| | - Luise Florin
- Institute for Virology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Abrahams-October Z, Lloyd S, Pearce B, Johnson R, Benjeddou M. Promoter haplotype structure of solute carrier 22 member 2 (SLC22A2) in the Xhosa population of South Africa and their differential effect on gene expression. Gene X 2022; 820:146292. [PMID: 35143948 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SLC22A2 is abundantly expressed in the kidney and facilitates the transport of endogenous and exogenous cationic compounds. It plays a pivotal role in the transport of pharmacologically important compounds such as metformin, cisplatin, lamivudine and cimetidine. Polymorphisms within SLC22A2 could potentially contribute to the inter-individual variable response to drugs. The SLC22A2 gene is known to show polymorphism variability amongst populations of different ethnicities. The present study was undertaken to characterize the promoter haplotype structure of the SLC22A2 gene in the Xhosa population of South Africa. In addition to this, we also investigate the effects of the observed promoter haplotypes on gene expression levels in vitro. We identified six known single nucleotide polymorphisms in the promoter region, namely rs60249401 (G424A), rs113150889 (G289A), rs55920607 (C246T), rs59695691 (A195G), rs572296424 (G156A), rs150063153 (A95C/G) and one novel SNP at location 6:160258967 (A209T). While these polymorphisms appeared in other African and non-African populations, their minor allele frequencies differed considerably from the non-African populations and could be considered to be African specific. A total of nine promoter haplotypes were characterized and the functional significance of each haplotype on promoter activity was determined using a luciferase reporter assay system. Amongst the nine observed haplotypes, three haplotypes (i.e. haplotypes 7, 8 and 9) displayed a significant decrease in expression level when compared to the wild-type with p -values of: 0.0317, <0.0001 and 0.0013 respectively. The data presented here shows African specific promoter haplotypes to cause a decrease in SLC22A2 gene expression levels, which in turn may have an impact on the pharmacokinetic profiles of cationic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainonesa Abrahams-October
- Precision Medicine Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Sheridon Lloyd
- Precision Medicine Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Brendon Pearce
- Precision Medicine Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, 7505 Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Mongi Benjeddou
- Precision Medicine Unit, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Robert Sobukwe Road, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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The Myb-related protein MYPOP is a novel intrinsic host restriction factor of oncogenic human papillomaviruses. Oncogene 2018; 37:6275-6284. [PMID: 30018400 PMCID: PMC6265261 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0398-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The skin represents a physical and chemical barrier against invading pathogens, which is additionally supported by restriction factors that provide intrinsic cellular immunity. These factors detect viruses to block their replication cycle. Here, we uncover the Myb-related transcription factor, partner of profilin (MYPOP) as a novel antiviral protein. It is highly expressed in the epithelium and binds to the minor capsid protein L2 and the DNA of human papillomaviruses (HPV), which are the primary causative agents of cervical cancer and other tumors. The early promoter activity and early gene expression of the oncogenic HPV types 16 and 18 is potently silenced by MYPOP. Cellular MYPOP-depletion relieves the restriction of HPV16 infection, demonstrating that MYPOP acts as a restriction factor. Interestingly, we found that MYPOP protein levels are significantly reduced in diverse HPV-transformed cell lines and in HPV-induced cervical cancer. Decades ago it became clear that the early oncoproteins E6 and E7 cooperate to immortalize keratinocytes by promoting degradation of tumor suppressor proteins. Our findings suggest that E7 stimulates MYPOP degradation. Moreover, overexpression of MYPOP blocks colony formation of HPV and non-virally transformed keratinocytes, suggesting that MYPOP exhibits tumor suppressor properties.
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Graves CA, Abboodi FF, Tomar S, Wells J, Pirisi L. The translational significance of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in head and neck cancer. Clin Transl Med 2014; 3:60. [PMID: 25632320 PMCID: PMC4302251 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-014-0039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Positive markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in head and neck cancers complicate clinical management and are associated with reduced survival. We discuss recent translational discoveries in EMT and suggest additional actionable molecular pathways, biomarkers, and clinical agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Graves
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Bldg. 1 Room B43 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29208 USA ; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Wm. Jennings Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Fadi F Abboodi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Bldg. 1 Room B43 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Swati Tomar
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Bldg. 1 Room B43 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - James Wells
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Wm. Jennings Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Lucia Pirisi
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Bldg. 1 Room B43 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
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Regulatory elements in the viral genome. Virology 2013; 445:197-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2013.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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The transcription factors TBX2 and TBX3 interact with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L2 and repress the long control region of HPVs. J Virol 2013; 87:4461-74. [PMID: 23388722 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01803-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The minor capsid protein L2 of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) has multiple functions during the viral life cycle. Although L2 is required for effective invasion and morphogenesis, only a few cellular interaction partners are known so far. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified the transcription factor TBX2 as a novel interaction partner of HPV type 16 (HPV16) L2. Coimmunoprecipitations and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the L2-TBX2 interaction and revealed that L2 also interacts with TBX3, another member of the T-box family. Transcription of the early genes during HPV infection is under the control of an upstream enhancer and early promoter region, the long control region (LCR). In promoter-reporter gene assays, we observed that TBX2 and TBX3 repress transcription from the LCR and that this effect is enhanced by L2. Repression of the HPV LCR by TBX2/3 seems to be a conserved mechanism, as it was also observed with the LCRs of different HPV types. Finally, interaction of TBX2 with the LCR was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation, and we found a strong colocalization of L2 and TBX2 in HPV16-positive cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I-II tissue sections. These results suggest that TBX2/3 might play a role in the regulation of HPV gene expression during the viral life cycle.
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