title: Human papillomavirus: gene expression, regulation and prospects for novel diagnostic methods and antiviral therapies.
abstract: Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause diseases ranging from benign warts to invasive tumors. A subset of these viruses termed 'high risk' infect the cervix where persistent infection can lead to cervical cancer. Although many HPV genomes have been sequenced, knowledge of virus gene expression and its regulation is still incomplete. This is due in part to the lack, until recently, of suitable systems for virus propagation in the laboratory. HPV gene expression is polycistronic initiating from multiple promoters. Gene regulation occurs at transcriptional, but particularly post-transcriptional levels, including RNA processing, nuclear export, mRNA stability and translation. A close association between the virus replication cycle and epithelial differentiation adds a further layer of complexity. Understanding HPV mRNA expression and its regulation in the different diseases associated with infection may lead to development of novel diagnostic approaches and will reveal key viral and cellular targets for development of novel antiviral therapies.
authors.affiliation: MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection Immunity & Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow G12 8TT, Scotland, UK. sheila.graham@gla.ac.uk
authors.forename: Sheila V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Graham
mesh_terms: D021581:Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015967:Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; D006801:Humans; D027383:Papillomaviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012323:RNA Processing, Post-Transcriptional; D020871:RNA Stability; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents