Chair
- Maureen Sartor
Dissertation Title
Epigenetic Effects in Head and Neck Cancer and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) Exposure
Research Interests
Siyu has current research experience working with Dr. Maureen Sartor to investigate differential splicing status between high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and HPV- groups from 36 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. For HPV+ samples, a further study is conducted regarding HPV integration status. HNSCC is one of the most common malignancies in the world, and 5-year survival rate is only 40% to 50%. Even through a growing proportion of HNSCC cases are associated with HPV infection, currently there is no distinction in the treatment of HPV+ or HPV- patients. The objective of her research is to set up differential profile based on HPV status and find novel biomarkers for case prognosis, so as to bring new treatments to HNSCC patients. At the same time, she is analyzing Whole-Genome Bisfulfite Sequencing (WGBS) and hmeDIP-seq data, linking differential methylation and differential hydroxymethylation to HPV status and integration status, thereby further exploring the mechanism of HPV in HNSCC. She plans to compare the role of HPV in HNSCC to HPV in cervical cancer and disclose the deeper correlation of HPV pathogenesis with corresponding treatments.