Dr Angela Pine
-
Email
acpine@essex.ac.uk -
Location
Colchester Campus
Profile
Biography
Research Interests: My research focuses on the early detection, prevention and management of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated diseases. My group investigates factors associated with persistent infection and develops novel treatment modalities. We work closely with other universities, industry and key stakeholders to develop diagnostic solutions and improve access to cervical screening whilst reducing health inequalities globally. Investigating the impact of health-literacy on HPV vaccination uptake and cervical screening guidance adherence. Specialising in functional nucleic acids (DNAzymes, RNA-cleaving DNAzymes), nucleic acid based nanoparticles, molecular biology, and cancer research. Skilled in predictive modelling of nucleic acid interactions, computational modelling and machine learning using R as well as having 'wet-lab' expertise. I have a passion for biologically inspired engineering, designing and developing new ways to use biological design in innovations that answer unmet scientific need. Trained as an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist. Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science. Member of the IBMS Cellular Pathology Specialist Advisory Panel. Masters by dissertation in Cell & Molecular Biology. Scholarship PhD in Cell & Molecular Biology, developing a novel gene therapy and nanoparticle delivery system for castrate resistant prostate cancer (end-stage) resulting in 2 patents (Pine et al., 2023). Founder of 10zyme, a company that aims to make cervical screening accessible to all. Member of the HPV Coalition delivering a roadmap to the UK governments on the elimination of HPV-related cancers.
Qualifications
-
PhD Cell & Molecular Biology University of Essex, (2021)
-
MSc by dissertation Cell & Molecular Biology University of Essex, (2016)
-
BSc Biomedical Science University of Essex, (2014)
Appointments
University of Essex
-
Lecturer, School of Life Sciences, University of Essex (1/10/2022 - present)
Research and professional activities
Research interests
HPV and HPV-related cancers
Diagnostic development
Therapeutic design & development
Nanoparticle delivery of nucleic acid based treatments
Human microbiomes and disease (focus on microbiomes of the female reproductive tract)
Mental health impact of HPV/HPV-related cancer diagnosis
Patient experiences of the NHS cervical screening programme in England, Scotland, and Wales
Awareness and knowledge of HPV and cervical cancer
Assessing the mental health impact of an HPV diagnosis
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally with 80% of us getting an infection in our lifetime. High-risk types of HPV are known to cause certain cancers including cervical cancer. HPV infections are usually controlled by the immune system over time, and pose little threat. However, in some infections can persist and the virus can cause DNA damage, cell changes and eventually cancer. HPV has no treatment and a diagnosis can only be monitored over time to ensure changes to cells are treated before cancer can develop. A diagnosis can negatively impact mental health due to the lack of treatment, association with cancer as well as due to the sexual nature of transmission and issues around latency. Assessing the mental health impact of HPV diagnosis.
Role of the vaginal micro and mycobiomes in HPV persistence.
The vaginal microbiome is known to be changed in patients with persistent HPV infections. However, the exact role the microbiome plays and exact differences are still being determined. We examine the vaginal micro and mycobiomes of patients with HPV infections and investigate changes over time in relation to HPV persistence and immune system failure in clearing high-risk infections.
HPV and cervical cancer awareness and prevention in Bihar, India
Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue that affects women worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India. Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding cervical cancer and its prevention among the general population and healthcare professionals in rural Bihar, India. Providing essential insights for policymakers and healthcare providers to develop effective programs aimed at improving women's health and reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in rural Bihar.
Teaching and supervision
Current teaching responsibilities
-
Anatomy and Physiology (BS161)
-
Biomedical Science: Practice and Employability (BS214)
-
Cell Biology (BS225)
-
Cell Biology and Cellular Pathology (BS238)
-
Principles of Molecular Virology (BS310)
-
Research Project in Biomedical Science (BS831)
Publications
Journal articles (2)
Pine, AC., Brooke, GN. and Marco, A., (2023). A computational approach to identify efficient RNA cleaving 10-23 DNAzymes.. NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics. 5 (1), lqac098-
Pine, AC., Fioretti, FF., Brooke, GN. and Bevan, CL., (2016). Advances in genetics: widening our understanding of prostate cancer. F1000Research. 5, 1512-1512
Thesis dissertation (2)
Pine, AC., (2021). The Development of Gene Therapy by way of DNAzymes, and a Computational Tool that Predicts Efficient DNAzymes.
Pine, AC., (2017). Novel Techniques to Target Androgen Signalling in Prostate Cancer
Contact
Follow me on social media
