Human papillomavirus 16 E6 modulates the expression of miR-496 in oropharyngeal cancer

• Published in: Virology (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 2018-08, Vol.521, p.149-157
• Main Authors: Sais, Dayna, Zhang, Xiaoying, Marques, Tânia Monteiro, Rose, Barbara, Khoury, Samantha, Hill, Meredith, Deutsch, Fiona, Lyons, J. Guy, Gama-Carvalho, Margarida, Tran, Nham
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0042-6822; 1096-0341
• DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2018.05.022

Human papillomavirus (HPV), notably type 16, is a risk factor for up to 75% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). It has been demonstrated that small non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs play a vital role in the cellular transformation process. In this study, we used an LNA array to further investigate the impact of HPV16 on the expression of microRNAs in oropharyngeal (tonsillar) cancer. A number of miRNAs were found to be deregulated, with miR-496 showing a four-fold decrease. Over-expression of the high risk E6 oncoprotein down-regulated miR-496, impacting upon the post-transcriptional control of the transcription factor E2F2. These HPV specific miRNAs were integrated with the HPV16 interactome to identify possible mechanistic pathways. These analyses provide insights into novel molecular interactions between HPV16 and miRNAs in oropharyngeal cancers. •HPV16 dysregulates the expression of miRNAs in Oropharyngeal cancers.•MiR-496 and miR-33 are significantly dysregulated by HPV16 E6.•The transcription factor E2F2 is directly influenced by miR-496.•A interactome analysis is a potential new method for identification of molecular pathways involved in HPV positive oropharyngeal caners.