HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS TYPE-16 E6 PROTEIN UP-REGULATES THE EXPRESSION OF THE HIGH-MOBILITY GROUP PROTEIN HMG-I(Y) GENE IN MOUSE 10T1 2 CELLS/

Using a differential hybridization technique, we have identified a mou se cellular gene, high mobility group protein HMG-I(Y), whose expressi on is up-regulated by the E6 protein of human papillomavirus (HPV) typ e 16. This gene was overexpressed in Eh-expressing mouse 10T1/2 cells, but not in G418-resistant 10T1/2 cells. The expression of the HMG-I(Y ) gene was up-regulated by the transient expression of E6 from a zinc- inducible human metallothionein-IIA gene promoter. Expression was foun d to be more efficient at a confluent cell density than at a subconflu ent cell density. The up-regulation of HMG-I(Y) gene expression by E6, in particular at a confluent cell density, may be part of an altered genetic program in host cells infected with HPV-16.