Scientists uncover new weapon in cancer fight

Scientists from Leeds University have found a way to target and destroy a key protein linked with the development of cervical and other cancers.

The E7 protein is produced early in the lifecycle of the human papillomavirus, which accounts for almost all cases of cervical cancer, and blocks the body’s natural defences against the uncontrolled division of cells that can lead to cancer.

Researchers at the university’s School of Molecular and Cellular Biology have synthesised a molecule, called an RNA aptamer, that latches onto the protein and targets it for destruction, significantly reducing its presence in cells developed in the laboratory.

There are many types of human papillomavirus. Some are transmitted by sexual contact and associated not only with cervical cancer but also head and neck cancer. Although an increasing proportion of young women in the UK are vaccinated against the virus, most women in their mid-20s or older are not vaccinated and many may already have the virus.

Lead researcher Nicola Stonehouse said: “We therefore need to maintain screening and to develop novel therapeutic strategies.

“Currently, if you have advanced cervical cancer or head and neck cancer – both of which are associated with human papillomavirus – you really have little choice but surgery. If we can use this aptamer to target the carcinogenic protein, we might be talking about much less radical surgery in the future.”

The team received funding from the charity Yorkshire Cancer Research and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.