Human papillomavirus 18 E7 protein (HPV18 E7)

The HPV18 E7 protein is a 105-amino-acid oncoprotein expressed by high-risk human papillomavirus type 18, featuring three conserved regions: CR1 (N-terminal, residues 1-15, disordered), CR2 (residues 16-40, disordered, contains LxCxE motif for pRb binding), and CR3 (C-terminal zinc-binding domain with two Cys-X-X-Cys motifs coordinating Zn2+, forming a folded globular structure that supports dimerization). It lacks enzymatic activity but functions by binding host proteins like retinoblastoma (pRb) and PTPN14, promoting G1-to-S cell cycle transition, viral replication in quiescent cells, keratinocyte proliferation and migration, and inhibition of differentiation, thereby contributing to carcinogenesis.

Other names

E7 proteinHPV18 E7 oncoprotein