Search for therapeutic strategies in cells transformed by human papillomavirus

• Grant number: 10/20054-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Morphology - Cytology and Cell Biology
• Principal Investigator: Aurora Marques Cianciarullo
• Grantee: Aurora Marques Cianciarullo
• Host Institution: Instituto Butantan. Secretaria da Saúde (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Dirce Sakauchi

Abstract

Cervical carcinoma expresses E6 and E7 oncoproteins from high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which neutralize cellular tumor suppressor function. The E6 oncoprotein codified by the virus is multifunctional, presenting several cellular targets; however, it is not clear yet if all of these activities are related with the tumor malignancy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, mitochondria, transferrin receptor (TfR), transferrin (Tf), ferritin (Fe), clathrin, cytochrome c, porin and F0F1-ATPase, in human cells transformed and non-transformed by HPV, to search strategies against carcinogenesis. Cellular lineages HPV-negatives were transfected with vectors containing complete E6 and E7 genes sequence, used as positive controls. Cells will be analyzed through immunofluorescence assays, cellular fractionation for mitochondrial isolating in cells HPV-positives and HPV-negatives, for ultrastructural immunocytochemistry and western blotting. The anti-apoptogenic factors detected will be explored as therapeutic strategies for vaccine development against cervical and anogenital cancers. (AU)