Methylation of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer Risk

Cancer Moonshot: HPV Vaccine Trial & Accelerated Cervical Cancer Control

DCEG researchers are testing one-dose HPV vaccines and creating new screening approaches.

We are examining the methylation of the HPV viral genome in relation to risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN 3) and cancer in specimens accumulated in cohort and case-control studies. As a general rule for multiple HPV types, increased methylation particularly of CpG sites in the L1 gene is strongly associated with increased risk of CIN 3 and cancer. The goal is to understand the etiologic meaning and possible biomarker utility of viral (and cervical) gene methylation for the prevention of cancer. This is a Cancer Moonshot priority.

For more information, contact Mark Schiffman and Nicolas Wentzensen.

Clinical Epidemiology Unit - Research Areas