Dissecting mechanisms of human papillomavirus replication

Supervisor: Dr. Joanna Parish [Email Address Removed]

This application is open to any self-funded student who is able to obtain the correct visa for study in the United Kingdom

Applications should hold a relevant degree at the level of a 2:1 or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must be able to demonstrate a good command of English and a high standard of scientific English written work. Applicants with relevant practical experience will have an advantage.

To Apply: Please forward your CV and Covering Letter to [Email Address Removed] ensuring that your email subject is the title of the this studentship.

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) infect epithelial cells and result in benign warts or, in some cases, cancer. HPV infection causes almost 100% of cervical carcinomas and is a major cause of other anogenital and oropharyngeal carcinomas. HPV is a small DNA virus that is maintained in host cells independently of the cellular chromosomes. Infections are established in the basal cells of epithelium where expression of viral early genes is initiated to support virus replication by modulation of cell cycle control. Subsequent viral genome amplification and expression of the capsid proteins to complete the virus life cycle is dependent on cellular differentiation.
We study virus-host interactions that are important for replication of HPV genomes and differentiation-dependent viral genome amplification. Using a combination of cell and molecular biology techniques, this project will dissect the function of a novel interaction important for HPV replication. Taking advantage of an established three-dimensional primary cell culture system that we use to model the HPV life cycle, the student will determine the function of this interaction in the maintenance and amplification of HPV genomes.