Human papillomavirus E7 oncogene DNA sequence (HPV E7 DNA)

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 oncogene DNA sequence is a primary driver of oncogenesis in high-risk HPV infections, such as those caused by HPV-16 and HPV-18 (Source: National Cancer Institute). This gene encodes the E7 oncoprotein, which disrupts the host cell cycle by binding to and promoting the degradation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (pRb) (Source: UniProt). The loss of pRb function leads to the release of E2F transcription factors, driving the cell into the S-phase and promoting malignant transformation (Source: Journal of Virology). As a therapeutic target, the E7 DNA sequence is particularly attractive for gene-editing modalities like CRISPR/Cas9, which can specifically cleave the viral genome to induce frameshift mutations and permanent gene inactivation (Source: Molecular Therapy). Disruption of the E7 sequence has been shown to restore pRb levels, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HPV-positive cancer cells (Source: Nature Communications). Beyond gene editing, the sequence is targeted by antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA to prevent the translation of the E7 protein (Source: Frontiers in Oncology). Therapeutic vaccines also utilize the E7 DNA sequence to induce a robust T-cell mediated immune response against infected cells (Source: Vaccines).

Other names

HPV E7 geneHuman papillomavirus early protein 7 geneE7 oncogene sequenceHPV16 E7 geneHPV18 E7 gene

Targeted disruption or silencing of the E7 gene to prevent the expression of the E7 oncoprotein, thereby restoring pRb-mediated cell cycle control and inducing apoptosis in HPV-transformed cells.