HMGB2 stabilizes p53 by interfering with E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation in human papillomavirus-positive HeLa cells

Cancer Lett. 2010 Jun 1;292(1):125-32. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2009.11.015. Epub 2009 Dec 24.

Abstract

We investigated the effect of HMGB2 on the stability of p53 protein in HeLa cells. Overexpression of HMGB2 led to accumulation of the p53 protein, whereas HMGB2 knockdown with siRNA resulted in a substantial decrease in the p53 protein level. The HMGB2-dependent increase of p53 stability was specific for HPV-positive HeLa cells as HCT116 and MCF7 cell lines did not demonstrate this response. Co-expression of HMGB2 and HPV E6 prevented HPV E6 protein-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of p53. FACS analysis exhibited that HeLa cells transfected with HMGB2 displayed decreased cell proliferation, with a concomitant increase of the p53 protein and arrest of the cell cycle, predominantly in G1 phase. Our findings collectively suggest that HMGB2 could stabilize p53 by interfering with E6/E6AP-mediated p53 degradation in HPV-positive HeLa cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Cycle
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / pharmacology*
  • HMGB2 Protein / antagonists & inhibitors
  • HMGB2 Protein / genetics*
  • HMGB2 Protein / pharmacology
  • HeLa Cells / drug effects
  • HeLa Cells / virology*
  • Humans
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral / pharmacology*
  • Protein Stability / drug effects
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacology*
  • Transfection
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / chemistry*
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitination / drug effects

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 18
  • HMGB2 Protein
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Tumor Suppressor Protein p53