Dr Sally Roberts

Dr Sally Roberts

Division of Cancer Studies
Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies
Birmingham

Investigating how HPV causes cervical cancer

Dr Sally Roberts works at the Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies in Birmingham. She is investigating how human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause cells to multiply out of control, leading to cervical cancer. Finding out more about HPV could lead to better treatment and prevention strategies for cervical cancer.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that causes virtually all cases of cervical cancer. Other types of HPV can cause mouth or skin cancers. Dr Roberts and her team are studying how certain molecules produced by HPV 'hijack' the control mechanisms within cells, leading to cancer.

In particular, Dr Roberts and her team are interested in two proteins called E4 and E6, which are made by the virus. E4 helps the virus to multiply, but it also can also stop cells from developing normally. E6 causes changes in cells that interferes with attachment to neighbouring cells - something that happens when cancer spreads.

HPV can also switch off crucial cancer protection mechanisms within cells. The researchers are investigating how this happens.

By understanding more about HPV and how it takes over cells, Dr Roberts hopes to find new ways to prevent or treat cervical cancer in the future.

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