Activation of telomerase by HPVs

Telomerase extends the ends of linear chromosomes, and its expression leads to cellular immortalization. In HPV-associated cancers, telomerase is universally detected, and this occurs by activation of the catalytic subunit of telomerase, hTERT. The expression of hTERT is affected by both high-risk HPV E6 and E7. Seminal studies over the last two decades have identified the transcriptional, epigenetic, and post-transcriptional roles high-risk E6 and E7 have in telomerase regulation. This review will summarize these findings and highlight the importance of telomerase activation as an oncogenic pathway in HPV-associated cancer development and progression.