Identification of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus (hrHPV)-Associated Genes in Early Stage Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Abstract

This retrospective study investigated gene expression in tumour samples from 38 patients with early stage human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of viral markers of HPV16 or HPV18 infection. Gene expression profiles of tumour samples and the corresponding normal cervical epithelium were analysed using cDNA microarrays. Several genes showed differential expression between the two groups of HPV-infected CSCC patients, although seven genes showed similar changes in both groups. The four genes encoding cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, matrix metallopeptidase 9, laminin γ-1, and epidermal growth factor receptor were up-regulated, and the three genes encoding transforming growth factor β receptor 1, interleukin-1α and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6 were down-regulated, in both HPV16(+) and HPV18(+) CSCC. These proteins are involved in cell proliferation, cell structure and cell attachment, so their expression might be involved in the mechanism of HPV-induced carcino genesis. A clearer understanding of HPV type-specific gene expression might aid diagnosis and treatment.