Dr Sally Roberts
School of Cancer Sciences
University of Birmingham
Birmingham
Investigating how HPV causes cervical cancer
Dr Sally Roberts works at the School of Cancer Sciences in Birmingham. She is investigating how human papillomaviruses (HPV) cause cells to multiply out of control, leading to cervical cancer. Dr Roberts is an expert in this field and her work should 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.
Studying virus proteins
In particular, Dr Roberts and her team are studying 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 interfere with their attachment to neighbouring cells - something that happens when cancer spreads.
The team are finding out more about what these proteins do and how they contribute to cancer. They are one of only a few groups worldwide able to carry out this complex research.
HPV can also switch off crucial cancer protection mechanisms within cells. The researchers are delving into the molecular 'nuts and bolts' of cancer cells, to find out 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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