Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) drive cervical cancer development, and integration of viral DNA into the host genome occurs in over 80% of patients. HPV integration is considered a key step in disease progression, and is associated with genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic dysregulation; however, its effect on 3D genome structure and function is unknown. We hypothesize that (1) HPV integration disrupts the 3D organization of the host genome, leading to pathogenic rewiring of genetic regulatory networks, and also that (2) 3D genome organization may inform or constrain HPV-mediated dysregulation. To address this, we are leveraging a well-characterized dataset of cervical cancer samples and integrating matched data from a variety of sequencing modalities. This work is expected to deepen our understanding of the multi-omic dysregulation mediated by HPV integration and the interplay between them, and potentially identify novel vulnerabilities for targeted therapies.
Effect of HPV integration on 3D genome structure and function in cervical cancer
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre respectfully acknowledges that we operate on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) nations who have cared and nurtured this land for all time. We give thanks, as uninvited guests, to be able to live and work on these lands.
