Abstract B69: Study of superoxide dismutase-2 protein in HPV-mediated cell transformation

Oxidative stress reflects an imbalance in the maintenance of the intracellular redox state resulting in the accumulation of oxidant species that may contribute to tumorigenesis. The superoxide dismutase 2 protein (SOD2) contributes to cell homeostasis by catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide anion radicals in oxygen and hydrogen peroxide, preventing the direct inactivation of biomolecules. SOD2 protein can be induced by the activation of the NF-kB pathway in several cell types following treatment with interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), both proinflammatory cytokines. In addition, previous studies from the group have shown a direct correlation between increased levels of SOD2 protein and severity of uterine cervix lesions. The aim of this study is to elucidate the involvement of SOD2 in the pathogenesis associated with HPV and in the effect of proinflammatory cytokines. Methods: Primary human keratinocytes transduced with HPV16 oncogenes and cervical cancer derived cell lines were treated with the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα, and IL-1beta. The expression of SOD2 protein involved in IL-1 β and TNFα signaling pathways was determined by Western blot and ELISA. Results: Preliminary results suggest the presence of higher levels of SOD2 expression in uterine cervix-derived tumor cell lines when compared to normal primary keratinocytes. Treatment with IL-1β and TNFα induces SOD2 protein accumulation in in the HPV16 positive cervical-derived tumor line, SiHa. On the other hand, no SOD2 induction was observed in the HPV-negative cervical cancer derived cell line C33. Further replications and additional experiments are needed for conclusions. Citation Format: Gabriela Avila Fernandes Silva, Rafaella Almeida Lima Nunes, Enrique Boccardo, Luisa Lina Villa, Lara Termini. Study of superoxide dismutase-2 protein in HPV-mediated cell transformation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR International Conference held in cooperation with the Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG) on Translational Cancer Medicine; May 4-6, 2017; Sao Paulo, Brazil. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B69.