High-risk human papillomavirus contributes to cervical carcinogenesis through two viral oncoproteins. The E6 protein promotes transformation primarily by which mechanism?

• A Binding retinoblastoma protein and releasing E2F transcription factor
• B Activating telomerase through direct binding to hTERT promoter
• C Inhibiting apoptosis by upregulating BCL-2 expression
• D Recruiting a ubiquitin ligase complex that degrades p53 ✓

Explanation

HPV E6 binds the E6-associated protein (E6AP), a ubiquitin ligase, and directs ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of p53, removing the DNA damage checkpoint and apoptotic response. Degradation of RB and release of E2F is the function of E7, not E6. BCL-2 upregulation is characteristic of follicular lymphoma via translocation, and telomerase activation in HPV infection occurs indirectly through E6 mediated effects.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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