Upon cellular differentiation the late genes of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are expressed. Recently, the CTCF DNA-binding protein has been found to be transcription factor and chromatin insulator. We examined if CTCF plays a role in viral transcription and late gene expression. Through ChIP analysis it was found that CTCF binds to two distinct regions of the Bovine Papillomavirus-1 genome. It was observed that the E2 protein and CTCF protein interact by co-immunoprecipitation. Using RNA interference, the effect of CTCF on viral transcription was examined. It was shown that E2 and L1 RNA levels are knocked out with lower levels of CTCF. Further studies should investigate if the type of interactions between E2 and CTCF, and the mechanism in which CTCF controls viral transcription.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Talbot, Alyson P.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043009-150809

Advisor

• Heilman, Destin

Year

• 2009

Sponsor

• UMass Medical

Date created

• 2009-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemistry

Rights statement

• In Copyright