The E6/E7 oncogenes of human papilloma virus and estradiol regulate hedgehog signaling activity in a murine model of cervical cancer.

Human papilloma virus oncogenes and estradiol are major etiologic factors associated with cervical cancer. In order to understand the mechanism by which these two factors promote carcinogenesis, the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway was evaluated during the normal growth of cervical epithelium and in the presence of E6/E7 oncogenes and exogenous estradiol. Hh signaling activity was determined in live animals (i.

Phenotypic differences in a cryptic predator: factors influencing morphological variation in the terciopelo Bothrops asper (Garman, 1884; Serpentes: Viperidae).

The terciopelo Bothrops asper, is a cryptic lancehead pitviper widely distributed in humid environments of Middle America and the north-western portion of South America. Throughout its extensive distribution range, the terciopelo exhibits great morphological variation in external characters, a situation that has complicated its proper separation from other related species. In this paper, we analyzed the phenotypic variation of B.