We combine molecular virology, cell biology and epidemiology to understand how DNA viruses and environmental carcinogens cooperate to drive human cancer.
High-risk human papillomavirus is etiologically linked to cervical, oropharyngeal and anogenital cancers. We investigate its role and mechanisms in these tumors and explore its possible contribution to extragenital cancers such as lung, breast and colorectal cancer.
We study how tobacco smoke and benzo[a]pyrene promote EBV reactivation and abortive lytic cycles, and how DNA damage favors viral latency in lung epithelial cells during carcinogenesis.
Chemical carcinogens rarely act alone. We dissect the molecular cooperation between viral oncoproteins and agents such as aflatoxin (with hepatitis B virus in liver cancer) and benzo[a]pyrene, including effects on p53 and oxidative stress.
Beyond classic oncoviruses, we examine MMTV-like viruses in breast cancer, Torque Teno virus in cervical disease, polyomaviruses, and the interaction between oncogenic viruses and genotoxic bacteria in colorectal cancer.
Our work spans the full translational arc, integrating clinical specimens with controlled cell models.
Detection and genotyping of oncogenic viruses (PCR, qPCR), and functional analysis of viral genes in human samples and cell lines.
In vitro models of chronic carcinogen exposure to capture early preneoplastic reprogramming of epithelial cells.
Cross-sectional studies estimating viral prevalence in Chilean patient cohorts across tumor types.
Principal Investigator: F. Aguayo
Principal Investigator: F. Aguayo
Principal Investigator: F. Aguayo · Co-I: J. C. Tapia
Principal Investigator: F. Aguayo
Co-Principal Investigator: F. Aguayo
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