Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( 🔒 ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Need Help

Unveiling Therapeutic Targets for Precision Intervention in HPV-Associated Oral Cancers through Genomic Analysis

Award Number: R03DE036395
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/08/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/07/2028

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Unveiling Therapeutic Targets for Precision Intervention in HPV-Associated Oral Cancers through Genomic Analysis - Oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause approximately 5% of all human tumors. While vaccination and cervical screening have reduced cervical cancer incidence, the incidence of HPV-associated head and neck cancers (HNC), particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), has increased sharply. Notably, over 90% of HPV-positive OPSCCs are caused by HPV16. HPV genomes can exist episomally or integrate into the host genome, with integration observed in 50–70% of tumors. Integration may influence clinical outcomes, yet its impact on host gene regulation in head and neck cancers remains poorly understood. HPV-positive cancers in the cervix and head & neck differ in immune landscape, viral integration, and clinical behavior. Most studies focus on protein targets, but long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) comprise the majority of the human transcriptome and are dysregulated in HPV-associated cancers. Viral oncogenes E6 and E7 can modulate lncRNA expression, further implicating these molecules in cancer development. This proposal will use Gene Co-expression Network methods to study the differences and communalities between between HPV16 driven cervical cancer and OPSCC. Since OPSCC are molecularly and clinically distinct based on viral genome integration status, we will further focus on differences in gene expression modules between episomal and integrated OPSCC. Specifically, we will focus on potential regulatory role of lncRNAs in these processes. Aim 1: Compare cervical and OPSCC TCGA datasets using WGCNA to identify lncRNA-associated regulatory modules and hub lncRNAs, with validation in secondary datasets. Aim 2: Identify lncRNAs associated with HPV16 integration status specifically in OPSCC and validate candidates using additional datasets, clinical samples, and cell culture models. This research will elucidate lncRNA-mediated regulatory networks in HPV-positive head and neck cancers, providing testable hypotheses for future mechanistic studies and therapeutic strategies, directly addressing the rising incidence and unique biology of HPV-positive OPSCC.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $284,714 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA	845 N PARK AVE RM 538	TUCSON	AZ	85721	PIMA	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	1	7/9/2026	NEW	$284,714
														Subtotal = $284,714

Grand Total All Awards = $284,714

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Unveiling Therapeutic Targets for Precision Intervention in HPV-Associated Oral Cancers through Genomic Analysis

Award Number: R03DE036395

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 07/08/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 07/07/2028

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer