• Influence of CDKN2A and p16 Gene Expression on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Suppression in Cervical Cells: A Comparative Analysis between HeLa and CaSki Cell Lines
  • Parisa kalantari,1,* Soraya kalantari,2
    1. Department of paramedical, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran
    2. Department of Medical ,Factually of Medicine, Yazd Medical Sciences , Islamic Azad University ,Yazd ,Iran


  • Introduction: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a principal etiological factor in the development of cervical cancer. Among the various molecular players involved in HPV-associated carcinogenesis, the expression levels of CDKN2A and p16 genes have garnered significant attention. However, the precise impact of their expression on HPV suppression remains to be elucidated. This study seeks to elucidate and compare the effects of CDKN2A and p16 gene expression on HPV activity in HeLa and CaSki cervical cell lines, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing HPV regulation.
  • Methods: Cultured HeLa and CaSki cells were subjected to varying levels of CDKN2A and p16 gene expression manipulation using established molecular biology techniques including transfection and gene editing methodologies. The quantification of gene expression levels was performed through real-time PCR assays. Subsequent assessment of HPV activity was conducted utilizing quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques. Statistical analyses were employed to discern the relationship between CDKN2A and p16 expression levels and HPV suppression.
  • Results: Quantitative analysis revealed significant upregulation of CDKN2A and p16 gene expression in both HeLa and CaSki cells, with levels increasing from 500 to 1200 copies/ng of RNA and 300 to 900 copies/ng of RNA, respectively. This correlated with a marked suppression of HPV activity, reducing viral load from 2000 to 800 copies/ml in HeLa cells and from 1800 to 450 copies/ml in CaSki cells. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05) between CDKN2A/p16 expression and HPV activity. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic relevance of targeting CDKN2A and p16 pathways in HPV-associated cervical carcinogenesis.
  • Conclusion: This study underscores the pivotal roles played by CDKN2A and p16 gene expression in modulating HPV activity within cervical cells. The observed variations in HPV suppression between HeLa and CaSki cell lines highlight potential differences in underlying regulatory mechanisms. These findings contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at delineating the intricate molecular pathways involved in HPV-associated carcinogenesis. Moreover, they hold promise for informing the development of targeted therapeutic interventions tailored towards mitigating the burden of cervical cancer. Further investigations are warranted to unravel the nuanced interplay between CDKN2A, p16 expression, and HPV dynamics, thereby advancing our comprehension of cervical oncogenesis.
  • Keywords: Human Papillomavirus, Cervical Cancer, HeLa Cells, Caski Cells