Exploitation of ATP-sensitive potassium ion (K_ATP) channels by HPV promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation by contributing to MAPK/AP-1 signalling

The study found that ATP-sensitive potassium ion (KATP) channels were active in HPV-positive cells and necessary for the expression of HPV oncoproteins. The regulatory subunit of the KATP channel complex, SUR1, was upregulated in both HPV-positive cervical cancer cells and patients with cervical disease, dependent on the E7 oncoprotein. Inhibiting the KATP channels hindered cell proliferation by inducing a cell cycle phase arrest. The findings propose that targeting these channels could be a potential therapy for HPV-driven cervical cancer.