Catálogo de Investigaciones | 2011-2012

CIENCIAS 48 Structural and functional bioinformatics analysis of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 proteins Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most widespread sexually transmitted virus in the USA. With over 150 different types identified, HPV may cause warts (common, plantar, anogenital), anal lesions, genital cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and other conditions. Fifteen types are “high risk” and may become carcinogenic, causing cervical intraepithelial neplasia (CIN), and vulvar-, penile- or anal intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN, PIN and AIN, respectively). Unfortunately, it remains to be elucidated how and why a few HPV strains lead to cancers while most do not even though both “high-” and “low risk” types can cause abnormal cell growth. Previous research has shown that HPV proteins E6 and E7 of carcinogenic strains inactivate the tumor suppressor proteins p53 and pRb. The aim of this investigation is to perform a structural and functional comparative bioinformatics analysis of E6 and E7 in carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic HPV types. The results of this investigation should aid in the understanding of the carcinogenic nature of HPV. taisha martínez mentor dra. mónica m. arroyo hpv cancer bioinformatics structural biochemistry