The Human Papillomavirus Type 11 Upstream Regulatory Region Triggers Hair-Follicle-Specific Gene Expression in Transgenic Mice

The study demonstrated that the upstream regulatory region (URR) of human papillomavirus type 11 (HPV11) triggered hair-follicle-specific gene expression in transgenic mice, specifically in the epithelial cells of the hair bulge region. This expression was developmentally regulated, appearing only after birth, and was modulated by treatments with dexamethasone and ultraviolet B light. The research provided insights into the transcriptional regulation of low-risk HPV types and suggested that environmental factors could influence gene expression in these models. The findings also highlighted differences in expression patterns between HPV11 and HPV18 URRs, suggesting that variations in regulatory elements might affect specificity and transcriptional activity.