How HPV keeps infected cells in the anogenital lining
Human papillomavirus regulation of the Hippo signaling pathway
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON · NIH-11323970
Researchers will map how high-risk HPV changes a cell-control pathway so infected cells stay in the tissue layer where anogenital cancers can begin, to help people at risk for these cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323970 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is examining how the HPV E7 protein alters the Hippo signaling pathway to make infected cells remain in the basal layer of the tissue lining. They will use human epithelial cells and laboratory 3-D tissue models, along with molecular assays and imaging, to watch how cells divide, differentiate, and persist. The work builds on earlier findings that E7 degrades the tumor suppressor PTPN14 and activates YAP1, and aims to link those molecular changes to long-term retention of infected cells. Results could point to specific molecules to target to stop persistent infection before it leads to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or prior high-risk HPV infection or with anogenital precancerous lesions would be the most relevant candidates for sample donation or future clinical follow-up related to this research.
Not a fit: People without HPV exposure or those with advanced metastatic cancer are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to prevent or interrupt persistent high-risk HPV infections and reduce the chance of anogenital cancers developing.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies, including work from this group, have shown E7 affects PTPN14 and activates YAP1, but applying those findings to explain long-term retention of infected cells in human tissue is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WHITE, ELIZABETH A — TUFTS UNIVERSITY BOSTON
- Study coordinator: WHITE, ELIZABETH A
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Anogenital cancer, Cancer Burden