Steven Gameiro
Steven Gameiro completed his Honors BSc in Biology and Medical Sciences at The University of Western Ontario. He is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, under the supervision of Dr. Joe Mymryk.
Oral infections with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are responsible for more than 70% of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), with 90% being positive for high-risk HPV type-16 (HPV16+). HPVs vary genetically both between and within types. HPV16 intratype variants are defined by a unique combination of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the viral E6 gene that encodes for a key viral oncoprotein. Variations within this gene—leading to amino acid changes—could lead to alterations in the steady state levels or activity of its product, thereby having a major influence on tumourigenesis. In fact, these intratype variants have been shown to influence viral persistence, progression to precancerous lesions, and development of cancer within the context of cervical cancers. The same variant-specific effects observed in cervical cancers could be true for HPV16+ OSCC. In collaboration with the Translational Head & Neck Cancer Research Program, my work aims to characterize the frequency of these intratype variants present in a Southwestern Ontario cohort of HPV16+ OSCC, and determine their impact on pathogenesis. If we find evidence that clinical outcome is influenced by a specific intratype variant, determination of HPV16 subtype may allow a personalized treatment plan to maximize clinical benefit. This information will also feedback into the laboratory, by identifying key viral polymorphisms that need to be studied mechanistically. This analysis will represent the most extensive study determining the frequency of HPV16 intratype variants and the first using a Canadian cohort.
