Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 oncoproteins target numerous cellular proteins for ubiquitin-mediated degradation. In the case of p53 this is mediated by the E6AP ubiquitin ligase. However, there are conflicting reports concerning how central E6AP is to the global function of the HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6 oncoproteins. To investigate this further we have analysed the effects of E6AP removal upon the stability of endogenously expressed E6 protein. We show that when E6AP is silenced in HPV-positive cells, E6 protein levels are dramatically decreased in a proteasome-dependent manner. Further, we show that when E6AP is depleted in HeLa cells, E6 has a greatly decreased half-life. In addition, overexpression of E6AP stabilises ectopically expressed HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6 in a manner that is independent of its ubiquitin ligase activity. These results demonstrate that the stability of HPV E6 is critically dependent upon the presence of E6AP.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.