Evaluation of MYB transcription factor expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and its correlation with HPV status and clinicopathological parameters

• Grant number: 25/19159-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Laura Cristina Sichero Vettorazzo
• Grantee: Isabelli Porto Alves
• Host Institution: Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo Octavio Frias de Oliveira (ICESP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 24/13024-0 - Cellular transcription factors as prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in tumors induced by human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16)., AP.R

Abstract

Persistent infections by high-risk oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated withthe development of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, penile cancer, as well as anal andoropharyngeal tumors. Among these, HPV-16 is the most prevalent type worldwide in cervicalcarcinomas, followed by HPV-18. In neoplasms of other anogenital sites and the oropharynx,HPV-16 is detected in nearly all HPV-attributable tumors. HPV transcription and replicationare regulated by the binding of cellular and viral transcription factors (TFs) to cis-elements inthe non-coding region of the viral genome, known as the LCR (long control region). Theregion of the HPV genome required for the immortalization of primary human keratinocyteshas been mapped to LCR-E6-E7. Thus, in the context of HPV infections, it is reasonable topropose that many TFs regulating the expression and, consequently, the levels of viraloncoproteins may influence the clinical outcome of infections or serve as potentialbiomarkers. Over the past two decades, our laboratory has been focused on identifying TFsas potential therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers for HPV-associated diseases. In aprevious study by our group, MYB was identified as a potent activator of HPV-16 and HPV-18transcription in cervical cancer-derived cell lines. In this project, we aim to correlate theexpression of the TF MYB with HPV status in cell lines and tumor samples fromoropharyngeal cancers. Furthermore, it will be possible to associate MYB levels with clinicaland histopathological parameters. The results of this study are expected to provide a deeperunderstanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in HPV-associated tumorigenesis andgenerate knowledge with potential impact on the clinical management of these diseases.