Effect of HPV integration on 3D genome structure and function in cervical cancer

In human cells, DNA is folded such that distant points on the linear genome may lie close together in 3D space. This allows interactions between some regions of DNA while separating others, thus dictating the connections between genes and regulatory elements, and exerting control over gene activity. When 3D genome organization is disrupted, the wiring of genes and regulatory elements can be altered and lead to aberrant interactions that inappropriately activate pro-cancer programs.

Viral infections cause 10% of cancers, of which 50% are attributable to human papillomaviruses (HPV). Cervical cancer is an HPV-driven disease, and in over 80% of cases, viral DNA becomes inserted (“integrated”) into the DNA of infected cells, leading to genome disruption. I will profile DNA folding in cervical cancer cells to investigate how HPV integration disrupts the organization and regulation of the host genome, and how this dysregulation contributes to cancer.

My study will contribute to understanding the role of HPV integration in cervical cancer. Findings in this context may improve our understanding of genome dysregulation in other HPV-associated cancers, and provide general insights into how viral integration can promote cancer progression.