Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women on a world-wide basis.
We have previously identified several oncogenes within the genome of HPV and our focus is now to define how these viral oncogenes are involved in malignant transformation. Our current emphasis is on the HPV E6 oncogene product which is capable of binding to and inactivating the cellular tumour suppressor protein p53. We are also studying how a polymorphism in the p53 gene may predispose women to HPV associated cervical cancer. Defining the molecular basis for viral oncogenesis in this manner may define strategies for disrupting viral transforming activities and will provide information on malignant transformation in general. My laboratory is also involved in basic research to define the involvement of p53 in cell programed death and how this may be applied toward the development of new anticancer treatments.