R-loops regulate HPV replication

What is it about?

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the etiological agents of genital and oropharyngeal cancers. Although prophylactic vaccines are effective in blocking initial infection by these viruses, they are not effective against existing lesions. Understanding the mechanisms regulating HPV pathogenesis is therefore important for the identification of biomarkers and for the development of therapeutics. Our work demonstrates that high levels of trimeric RNA: DNA structures called R-loops are present in HPV-positive cells derived from low-grade cervical lesions as well as in squamous cell carcinomas. These elevated R-loop levels are necessary for both viral gene expression and DNA replication. Our studies demonstrate that R-loops are critical cellular regulators of HPV pathogenesis, and they may be useful as biomarkers for viral infection or therapeutic targets.

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Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Why is it important?

R-loop levels are elevated in HPV positive pre-cancers and cancers. The altered R-loop levels are critical for HPV pathogenesis, providing a possible biomarker for viral infection.