Epigenetic and childhood factors associated with the susceptibility of human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and cancer development

The broad objectives are to provide in-depth understanding on the variables and molecular epidemiology that involve human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the disease progression. Acquisition of HPV infections in early life is a complex pathway dependent on the combination of epigenetic, immune, genetic factors which are not yet well identified. Our first aim is to evaluate these early childhood HPV infections role and epigenetics among young adults and discover the possible long-term consequences of them. Research in DNA methylation as a source of cancer biomarkers for early detection and diagnosis has moved to the leading edge of translational research. Our second aim to validate and discover new epigenetics biomarkers among the Finnish population that could provide long term impact in disease detection. These both aims will guide us to modify and assess the most effective screening and HPV-vaccination strategies for the future.