The Role and Mechanism of Human Papillomavirus16 E7 (HPV16 E7) in the Proliferation and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells Through Regulating Forkhead Box Protein A1

Abstract

High-risk HPV16 is an important factor for cervical cancer. HPV16 E7 can promote the malignant transformation of cervical epithelial cells. Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) is abnormally expressed in several tumors. Our study assessed HPV16 E7's effect on cervical cancer cells. Hela cells were divided into control group; HPV16 E7 group; and siFOXA1+ HPV16 E7 group followed by analysis of HPV16 E7 and FOXA1 expression by Real-time PCR and Western blot, cell proliferation by MTT assay, Caspase 3 activity, Bax and Bcl-2 expression by Real-time PCR as well as cell invasion by Transwell assay. In HPV16 E7 group, HPV16 E7 and HOXA1 expression was significantly increased, cell proliferation was promoted, invasive ability was increased, Caspase 3 activity and Bax expression was decreased, and Bcl-2 expression was increased compared to control group (P < 0 05). Conversely, inhibition of FOXA1 expression in Hela cells overexpressing HPV16 E7 can significantly inhibit cell proliferation and invasion, and promote apoptosis (P < 0 05). HPV16 E7 protein can up-regulate FOXA1 in host cells, and promote cervical cancer cell growth, proliferation and invasion, indicating that it is one of the key factors contributing to cervical cancer.