E6 Protein of Human Papillomavirus Type 6 (HPV6 E6)

The E6 protein is an early-expressed oncoprotein encoded by Human Papillomavirus type 6 (HPV-6). It primarily functions to inhibit apoptosis by degrading Bak, a pro-apoptotic Bcl2 family member. Unlike high-risk HPV E6 proteins, HPV-6 E6 lacks a C-terminal PDZ-binding motif (PBM) and does not efficiently degrade p53. It interacts with cellular proteins like E6AP/UBE3A and NHERF1, modulating Wnt signaling. Its main pathophysiological role is to promote cell survival during viral replication, leading to benign epithelial proliferations like genital warts.

Other names

HPV-6 E6 proteinHPV06 E6Human papillomavirus type 06 E protein

The E6 protein promotes the degradation of cellular proteins like Bak via ubiquitin ligase complexes, inhibiting apoptosis and promoting cell survival.