Replication and transcription of human papillomavirus type 58 genome in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BACKGROUND: To establish a convenient system for the study of human papillomavirus (HPV), we inserted a Saccharomyces cerevisiae selectable marker, Ura, into HPV58 genome and transformed it into yeast. RESULTS: HPV58 genome could replicate extrachromosomally in yeast, with transcription of its early and late genes. However, with mutation of the viral E2 gene, HPV58 genome lost its mitotic stability, and the transcription levels of E6 and E7 genes were upregulated. CONCLUSIONS: E2 protein could participate in viral genome maintenance, replication and transcription regulation. This yeast model could be used for the study of certain aspects of HPV life cycle.