Mechanisms of genomic instability in human cancer: insights from studies with human papillomavirus oncoproteins.

Genomic instability is a hallmark of most human cancers including high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital neoplasia. The two HPV-encoded oncoproteins, E6 and E7, can independently induce chromosomal abnormalities. We summarize the current state of knowledge concerning HPV-induced genomic instability and discuss its significance in the context of human carcinogenesis.