PreTect HPV-Proofer

PreTect HPV-Proofer detects mRNA from oncogene active HPV types in cervical samples and thereby identifies women at risk of developing cervical cancer.

PreTect detection

PreTect detection is based on the synergy of two key technologies, the NASBA amplification technology, and the Molecular Beacons real-time detection technology. Together these technologies constitute a rapid, highly specific and easy to perform test targeted at HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45.

The significance of the cytological diagnosis ASCUS and other borderline Pap smear results remains a major problem in cervical cancer screening. These diagnoses reflect up to 10% of the total number of samples taken necessitating retesting and thereby lowering the productivity of the screening program.

Expression of HPV E6/E7 oncogenes is essential for development of cervical cancer. PreTect HPV-Proofer offers identification of mRNA encoding these oncogenes giving an exact diagnosis and avoiding borderline results.mRNA based detection of HPV E6/E7 oncogenes.

PreTect HPV-Proofer detects RNAs from the E6 and E7 region of the viral genome. E6/E7 mRNA will be present when the virus is actively producing oncogene proteins.

The E6 product from high-risk HPV types interacts with the antioncogenic regulator p53 and ubiquitin degradation pathway protein E6AP, leading to the degradation of the p53 protein. Absence of functional p53 protein makes the cell highly susceptible to DNA damage and prevents the activation of p53-mediated apoptosis.

E7 controls the cell cycle by interacting with the antioncogenic regulator P105 RB and other RB-associated proteins, displacing the E2F transcription factor. This results in the unregulated activation of the cell cycle in the infected cell.

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