Our past work has identified important changes in viral gene expression that underlie the development of HPV-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasias (top left). A series of molecular studies that we have published in the Journal of Virology over the last few years has revealed how one of the viral proteins (E4) is post-transcriptionally modified to facilitate its deposition as amyloid-like fibrils (bottom left). An image of E4 staining in a patient biopsy of a cervical neoplasia prepared using a cross-reactive E4 antibody prepared in the lab is shown in the MRC Strategic Plan www.mrc.ac.uk/strategicplan to illustrate to potential of such research in the development of diagnostic strategies for disease stratification.
