Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are high-risk for cervical carcinogenesis. The viral oncoprotein E6 promotes malignant transformation primarily by targeting which tumor suppressor protein for degradation?

• A Retinoblastoma protein (Rb)
• B BRCA1
• C APC
• D p53 ✓

Explanation

The HPV E6 oncoprotein binds to and targets p53 for ubiquitin-mediated degradation, disrupting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The E7 oncoprotein targets the Rb protein for degradation, releasing E2F. APC is involved in colorectal carcinogenesis via the WNT pathway. BRCA1 is a DNA repair protein linked to breast and ovarian cancer.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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