Activation of the c-fos gene by the HPV16 oncoproteins depends upon the cAMP-response element at -60.

The E6 and the E7 genes of the high-risk types of human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) are associated with the induction or maintenance of malignant growth. The molecular mechanism by which these oncogenes contribute to the malignant phenotype is not clear. To study the effects of E7 on cellular processes, we constructed a stable cell line that inducibly expressed the E7 gene of HPV16. By using this cell line, we provide evidence that expression of E7 of HPV16 stimulates c-fos gene expression. Also, by doing transient transfection experiments, we show that the expression of either E6 or E7 induces transcription from the c-fos promoter. Analysis of a series of c-fos promoter mutants indicates that the activation by both E6 and E7 is dependent on the cyclic AMP response element. To further investigate the mechanism(s) of the activation of the c-fos gene and their relation to the oncogenic properties of E6 and E7, several mutants of the E6 and E7 genes were analyzed. The results of these studies indicate that the CR1 and CR2 regions in the E7 protein, and sequences distinct from the p53-binding region in the E6 protein, are critical for activation of the c-fos promoter.