How a cell feedback loop protects against cervical cancer

Role of the YAP1-LATS2 negative feedback loop in cervical carcinogenesis

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11300192

Researchers will find out if a natural feedback loop between two cell proteins (YAP1 and LATS2) helps stop HPV from turning cervical cells into cancer in women at risk.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11300192 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This work looks at how the YAP1-LATS2 feedback loop keeps cervical cells healthy and what happens when that loop is broken. Scientists will use human cervical epithelial cells and lab models to see whether disrupting this loop lets HPV-related changes progress to cancer. The team will search for molecular signs that predict which HPV lesions might become cancerous and test how restoring the loop affects cell behavior. Findings could point to markers or targets that help prevent or treat cervical cancer driven by HPV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Women with high-risk HPV infection or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (precancerous cervical lesions) would be the most relevant group to benefit from these findings.

Not a fit: People without HPV-related cervical disease or those with unrelated cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify markers and molecular targets that help prevent HPV infections from progressing to cervical cancer or guide new treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have linked the Hippo/YAP1 pathway to several cancers, but applying the YAP1-LATS2 feedback concept specifically to HPV-driven cervical cancer is relatively new.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.