Genetic variability and phylogenetic analysis of the long control region in human papillomavirus types 18 and 51 from central China.

backgroundHigh-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the main pathogenic factor of cervical cancer. Both HPV-18 and HPV-51 belong to HR-HPV.

methodsClinical samples were collected and processed to isolate single-positive HPV-18 and HPV-51 specimens. These specimens were then subjected to amplification of long control region (LCR) fragments and sequencing. Finally, a set of bioinformatic analyses was performed, including the evaluation of sequence variations, construction of phylogenetic trees, and prediction of transcription factor binding sites.

resultsA total of 43 HPV-18 LCRs were successfully sequenced, yielding 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), while sequencing of 56 HPV-51 LCRs revealed 42 SNPs. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that HPV-18 variants clustered exclusively within lineage A, whereas HPV-51 variants were predominantly grouped in the same lineage. JASPAR predictions indicated potential functional consequences, with 11 HPV-18 mutation sites and 12 HPV-51 mutation sites possibly disrupting transcription factor binding sites.

conclusionThis study describes the genetic variations of the LCR of HPV-18 and HPV-51 in central China, which may disrupt binding sites of transcription factors. It provides important insights into the evolutionary characteristics and potential carcinogenic mechanisms of HPV in Central China.