Which HPV protein is responsible for inactivating the tumor suppression gene p53?

The protein responsible for inactivating the tumor suppressor gene p53 in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV) is E6. The E6 protein of high-risk HPV types, particularly HPV type 16 and 18, binds to p53, leading to its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation by the proteasome. This process results in the loss of p53 function, which is crucial for regulating the cell cycle and inducing apoptosis in response to DNA damage. The inactivation of p53 allows infected cells to bypass growth control mechanisms, contributing to oncogenesis.

HPV infects epithelial cells and in the case of high-risk strains, the disruption of p53 and other tumor suppressor pathways, like those involving the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein through E7, plays a significant role in the development of cervical and other anogenital cancers. Understanding the function of the E6 protein in this context highlights how viral proteins can manipulate host cellular mechanisms to favor viral replication and survival, leading to cancer development.