The HPV-TP53-MALAT1 Axis: Unravelling interactions in cervical cancer development

PLoS One. 2023 Oct 9;18(10):e0291725. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291725. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical cancer, primarily driven by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, stands as a substantial global health challenge. The TP53 gene's, Arg72Pro polymorphism has emerged as a noteworthy player in cervical cancer development, particularly among individuals harboring high-risk (HR) HPV types. Additionally, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), exemplified by metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), exert critical roles in cancer biology. This study delves into unravelling the intricate connections linking HPV infection, TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism, and MALAT1 expression in the context of cervical cancer.

Materials and methods: Within a cohort of cervical cancer patients, we discerned HPV infection statuses, executed genotyping for the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism, and quantified MALAT1 expression through quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Statistical analyses meticulously probed relationships intertwining HPV infection, TP53 polymorphism, and MALAT1 expression.

Findings: Our investigation revealed a striking prevalence of the TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphism among HPV-positive subjects, accompanied by a robust and statistically significant correlation linking MALAT1 overexpression (p<0.01) and HR-HPV positivity (p<0.03). Importantly, a subset of MALAT1 overexpression cases unveiled a concomitant TP53 Pro72Pro polymorphism. In contrast, HPV-negative invasive cervical carcinoma samples exhibited no discernible shifts in MALAT1 expression.

Conclusion: The contours of our findings sketch a compelling landscape wherein HR-HPV infection, TP53 polymorphism, and MALAT1 expression intertwine significantly in cervical cancer. The voyage ahead entails delving deeper into molecular underpinnings to decipher MALAT1's nuanced role and its dance with TP53 within HPV-associated cervical carcinogenesis. This expedition promises insights that may engender targeted therapeutic interventions and bespoke prognostic markers, tailored to the realm of HR-HPV-related cervical cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / complications
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • RNA, Long Noncoding* / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53* / genetics
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / pathology

Substances

  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • TP53 protein, human
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53
  • MALAT1 long non-coding RNA, human

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the grant within the programme "Facilitation of the Scientific-Research Activities" of Petre Shotadze Tbilisi Medical Academy to EK, which supported the provision of resources and infrastructure, and the grant "Die Role von HPV being Krebs in Georgien" [KFZ: 01DK20029] funded by Bundesministerium fuer Building und Forschung to AMK, which supported the data analysis and manuscript preparation.