Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 DNA is closely associated with human cancers. It has been identified as an aetiological agent in cervical cancers and, recently, in colonic neoplasms. To further understand the role of HPV 16 DNA in colorectal carcinogenesis, NIH3T3 cells were transformed with high molecular weight DNA from colonic cancer cells and the expression of HPV 16 DNA detected. Both human Alu and HPV 16 DNA sequences were found in the type II foci of CC-M2T cells by Southern blot hybridisation. Additionally, 100% tumorigenicity in nude mice was seen. This study shows the transfection of HPV DNA from colonic cancers into NIH3T3 mouse cells and suggests that HPV type 16 might be associated with the malignant transformation of colonic cells.