Dr Hossein Ashrafi
Faculties, departments and locations
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
- Penrhyn Road
Associate professor in Pathology/Cancer Biology
- Email:
- [email protected]
About
I received my PhD from Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Glasgow in 1998 where I worked on viral causes of cancer. In the same year I was offered a postdoctoral fellowship in the Medical Oncology Laboratory at Glasgow University's Medical School, I was awarded a Royal Society Developing World Study Visit fellowship for distinguished postdoctoral work on relationship between papillomavirus and immune response.
I joined 鶹, London in 2009 where I currently am an Associate Professor in Pathology, Course Leader for MSc Cancer Biology, fellow of Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), Fellow of Higher Education (FHEA). I teach on a range of Medical Science modules, supervise PhD research students, and lead an active research group on the interactions between the human host, viral pathogen and cancer, and also therapeutic approaches toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers.
Qualifications
- PhD in Pathology/Cancer Biology – Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow
- Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, 鶹 London
- DVM, University of Tehran. This is a professional doctorate degree together with one year research
Domains
- I have extensive experience teaching at all levels of higher education, engaging with students from diverse backgrounds. My modules are wide-ranging and include large cohorts (e.g., ~180 students), requiring efficient module management to ensure high-quality operational delivery. I contribute to the teaching, assessments, and design of learning and teaching material for the following modules: Cellular and Molecular Biology of cancer (LS7008 - Teach and lead), Pathobiology (LS5009), Immunology and the Biology of Disease (LS7002), Clinical Application of Biomedical Sciences (LS6007), Research Techniques and Scientific Communications (LS7001), Research Project (LS7010), Foundation Project-based Learning (FX3002).
- Since 2010 (at KU), I have supervised eight MSc students per year across the MSc Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology programs. This supervision has had a significant impact, contributing to conference papers and abstracts, as well as the publication of a research paper in a Q1 journal, with few students as co-authors. Additionally, the preliminary data generated under my supervision have provided the foundation for subsequent PhD studies and facilitated valuable knowledge exchange between students, academics, and clinicians.
- My teaching style, rooted in research-informed strategies, has inspired and supported students in achieving personal development goals and progressing towards PhD study. Evidence of my impact includes being awarded “Best Teacher of Postgraduates Winner” (2014) in 鶹's Student-led Learning and Teaching Awards.
- I serve as an External Examiner for the BSc in “Comparative Pathology” at the Royal Veterinary College, London, (2022-Present) contributing to maintaining academic standards and ensuring the quality of the programme's delivery and assessment. In this capacity, I provided expert input on curriculum design, assessment strategies, and alignment with industry and academic benchmarks, ensuring the programme meets professional and educational standards. These roles reflect my commitment to quality assurance and academic excellence in higher education.
Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (2009 – 2010), 鶹 London, UK
Course director
Courses taught
I have several goals to accomplish in the near future and some long term. I currently lead an active research programme with focus on the following subjects below:
- An investigation on the association of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types with colonic adenomata and adenocarcinomas: a UK population based study
- Association of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and upper Gastrointestinal cancers
- Investigation on the prevalence, type distribution and pathogenesis of High-Risk HPV Types in Oral Mucosal Lesions: A UK population-based study.
- Therapeutic approaches (using natural products) toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers
- Association of human papillomavirus (HPV) and urinary system cancers (prostate, bladder and renal)
Qualifications
- Qualifications: DVM, PhD, FIBMS, FHEA
- Expertise: Pathology and Cancer Biology
Specialisms
- Cancer Biology and Pathology: Developing therapeutic strategies and screening tools for HPV-associated cancers, and focusing on areas with clear societal and clinical impact.
Scholarly affiliations
- 鶹 London
My success is rooted in a commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering partnerships with leading researchers and clinicians in the UK, Qatar, Turkey, and beyond. These collaborations have amplified the reach and impact of my research, enabling cross-border innovation.
I also actively disseminate my findings at international conferences, such as the International Papillomavirus Conference and Leaders in Oncology Summit, sharing insights with global audiences to drive new collaborations and research advancements.
The societal impact of my research findings is substantial, addressing critical public health challenges like the role of HPV in cancer development. For example, my collaborative work with clinicians at Kingston Hospital, along with clinicians as co-authors in publications, has contributed to vaccine development efforts, highlighting the potential for next-generation formulations that offer broader protection against high-risk HPV types. These contributions align with global health priorities, advancing cancer prevention strategies and improving patient outcomes.
I actively contribute to knowledge exchange by disseminating the outcomes of my research through teaching and learning networks, and by presenting at national and international forums. My leadership extends beyond the classroom, fostering impactful collaborations between academia and clinical institutions—exemplified by the 鶹–Kingston Hospital partnership. These initiatives not only promote high-quality research but also enrich the educational environment and align with institutional priorities.
Through an inclusive, innovative, and research-led approach to teaching, I enhance the academic experience and prepare students for meaningful, future-facing careers. My collaborative work with Kingston Hospital has driven influential research on HPV-related cancers, leading to Q1 publications co-authored with clinicians and securing multiple funded projects. In partnership with the KERI Director, I am currently developing a business plan for Biobanking at Kingston Hospital, further advancing translational research and institutional development.
I have made significant contributions to research networks and the broader research environment through impactful leadership, fostering collaboration, and advancing research culture both internally and externally. Below are highlights of my achievements.
Internal Contributions and Research Leadership at 鶹
As a research leader and a core member of the Interdisciplinary Cancer Theme, I have played a pivotal role in promoting an inclusive and dynamic research culture. My efforts include:
- Establishing the 鶹-Kingston Hospital "HPV and Cancer Research Seminar": I created this platform to facilitate knowledge exchange among academics, clinicians, and students, driving interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing innovative research.
- Mentoring and Development: I have successfully mentored senior lecturers through the “Beyond Barriers Staff Mentoring Scheme,” supporting their career progression and enhancing their research outputs. Additionally, I have guided early-career researchers and PhD students, helping them achieve academic excellence.
- Leadership in Research Ethics and Compliance: As a member of the Faculty Research Ethics Reviewer (FREC) committee and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Governance Group, I ensure high ethical standards and regulatory compliance across research projects.
Contributions to External Research Networks
I have cultivated extensive external research networks through international collaborations, editorial roles, and academic service:
- International Collaborations: I have partnered with institutions such as Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar), Akdeniz University (Turkey), Strathclyde University (UK), and Valdospan GmbH (Austria). These collaborations have led to high-impact publications on HPV-related cancer research.
- Editorial and Review Activities: As an editorial board member for prestigious journals like Scientific Reports – Nature (Q1) and Viruses and Guest Editor – Viruses, I contribute to scientific excellence by regularly reviewing manuscripts. I have also served as a grant reviewer for major funding bodies.
- Presenting Research Internationally: I am a regular keynote speaker, session chair, and participant at conferences such as the International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC) and the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Congress. These platforms allow me to share research insights, expand networks, and inspire further exploration in the field.
My leadership has translated research into meaningful outcomes with societal and academic impact:
- Impact Case Studies: As Principal Investigator of multiple high-impact studies on HPV and cancer, I have generated evidence supporting novel therapeutic strategies and public health interventions. My collaborations with Kingston Hospital, for instance, have provided ground-breaking insights into the link between HPV and cancers in various organs, with implications for vaccine development and cancer prevention.
Public and Civic roles
- As a civic advocate for HPV awareness, I actively engage with the wider community to raise awareness of HPV-related cancers through public talks and media appearances, including interviews with Press, amplifying the societal impact of my research.
Publications
Transcriptomic analysis of HPV-positive oesophageal tissue reveals upregulation of genes linked to cell cycle and DNA replication
Shafiq, Muhammad Osama, Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Bilge, Ugur, Pasha, Yasmin and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2024, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (26), 1, pp 56
Concurrent high risk HPV35, HPV45, and HPV59 infections in prostate and bladder cancer tissues of a single patient : a case report
Ahmed, M. Yahya, Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Salman, Nadia Aziz, Sandhu, Sarbjinder and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2024, Heliyon (10), 15, pp e35074
Regulatory effect of 'Ficus carica' latex on cell cycle progression in human papillomavirus-positive cervical cancer cell lines : insights from gene expression analysis
Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Bilge, Ugur, Ghanbari, Arshia and Ashrafi, Hossein, 2023, Pharmaceuticals (16), 12, pp 1723
'Ficus carica' latex modulates immunity-linked gene expression in human papillomavirus positive cervical cancer cell lines : evidence from RNA seq transcriptome analysis
Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Bilge, Ugur, Naughton, Declan and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2023, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (24), 17, pp 13646
'Ficus carica' latex modulates immunity-linked gene expression in human papillomavirus positive cervical cancer cell lines: Evidence from RNA seq transcriptome analysis
Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Bilge, Ugur, Naughton, Declan and Ashrafi, Hossein, 2023, International Journal of Molecular Sciences (24), 17, pp 13646
Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus in prostate cancer from a UK based population
Ahmed, M. Yahya, Salman, Nadia Aziz, Sandhu, Sarbjinder, Cakir, M. Okan, Seddon, Alan M., Kuehne, Christian and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2023, Scientific Reports (13), 1, pp 7633
Scoring systems of metabolic syndrome and prediction of cardiovascular events : a population based cohort study
Motamed, Nima, Ajdarkosh, Hossein, Karbalaie Niya, Mohammad Hadi, Panahi, Mahshid, Farahani, Behzad, Rezaie, Nader, Nikkhah, Mehdi, Faraji, Amir H., Hemmasi, Gholamreza, Perumal, Dhayaneethie, Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Safarnezhad Tameshkel, Fahimeh, Gholizadeh, Esmaeel, Khoonsari, Mahmoodreza and Zamani, Farhad, 2022, Clinical Cardiology
The ability of the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) to predict Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) : a cohort study
Motamed, Nima, Nikkhah, Mehdi, Karbalaie Niya, Mohammad Hadi, khoonsari, Mahmoodreza, Perumal, Dhayaneethie, Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Faraji, Amir Hossein, Maadi, Mansooreh, Ajdarkosh, Hossein, Safarnezhad Tameshkel, Fahimeh, Moradi-Lakeh, Maziar, Miri, Seyyed Mohammad, Arsang-Jang, Shahram and Zamani, Farhad, 2021, Clinics and Research in Hepatology and Gastroenterology (45), 6, pp 101567
Evaluation of Sovodak (sofosbuvir/daclatasvir) treatment outcome in COVID-19 patients compared with Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) ; a randomized clinical trial
Yadollahzadeh, Mahdi, Eskandari, Mohana, Roham, Maryam, Zamani, Farhad, Laali, Azadeh, Kalantari, Saeed, Yassin, Zeynab, Movahedi, Erfaneh, Farrokhpour, Mohsen, Zeiaei, Mohamad Taghei, Motamed, Nima, Aliakbar, Amirhossein, Soleimany, Fatemeh, Karampoor, Sajad, Ashrafi, Gholam Hossein, Safarnezhad Tameshkel, Fahimeh, Ranjbar, Mitra, Jamshidi Makiani, Mahin and Karbalaie Niya, Mohammad Hadi, 2021, Immunopathologia Persa
PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in gastric cancer : epigenetics and beyond.
Fattahi, Sadegh, Amjadi-Moheb, Fatemeh, Tabaripour, Reza, Ashrafi, Gholam Hossein and Akhavan-Niaki, Haleh, 2020, Life sciences (262), pp 118513
Signal transduction pathway mutations in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers : a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tabibzadeh, Alireza, Tameshkel, Fahimeh Safarnezhad, Moradi, Yousef, Soltani, Saber, Moradi-Lakeh, Maziar, Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Motamed, Nima, Zamani, Farhad, Motevalian, Seyed Abbas, Panahi, Mahshid, Esghaei, Maryam, Ajdarkosh, Hossein, Mousavi-Jarrahi, Alireza and Niya, Mohammad Hadi Karbalaie, 2020, Scientific Reports (10), pp 18713
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is not independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease event : a cohort study
Motamed, Nima, Ajdarkosh, Hossein, Ahmadi, Maral, Perumal, Dhayaneethie, Ashrafi, G Hossein, Nikkhah, Mehdi, Faraji, Amir Hossein, Maadi, Mansooreh, Khoonsari, Mahmoodreza, Rezaie, Nader, Farahani, Behzad, Safarnezhad Tameshkel, Fahimeh, Ameli, Mitra, Panahi, Mahshid, Karbalaie Niya, Mohammad Hadi and Zamani, Farhad, 2020, World Journal of Hepatology (12), 6, pp 323-331
Prevalence and type distribution of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in breast cancer : a Qatar based study
Sher, Gulab, Salman, Nadia Aziz, Kulinski, Michal, Fadel, Rayyan Abdulaziz, Gupta, Vinod Kumar, Anand, Ambika, Gehani, Salahddin, Abayazeed, Sheraz, Al-Yahri, Omer, Shahid, Fakhar, Alshaibani, Salman, Hassan, Sara, Chawdhery, M. Zafar, Davies, Giles, Dermime, Said, Uddin, Shahab, Ashrafi, G. Hossein and Junejo, Kulsoom, 2020, Cancers (12), 6, pp 1528
Designing a potent L1 protein-based HPV peptide vaccine : a bioinformatics approach
Yazdani, Zahra, Rafiei, Alireza, Valadan, Reza, Ashrafi, Hossein, Pasandi, MarziehSharifi and Kardan, Mostafa, 2020, Computational Biology and Chemistry (85), pp 107209
Biological activities for 'Ficus carica' latex for potential therapeutics in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical cancers
Ghanbari, Arshia, Le Gresley, Adam, Naughton, Declan, Kuhnert, Nikolai, Sirbu, Diana and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2019, Scientific Reports (9), 1013
DNA methyltransferases and gastric cancer : insight into targeted therapy
Fattahi, Sadegh, Golpour, Monireh, Amjadi-Moheb, Fatemeh, Sharifi-Pasandi, Marzieh, Khodadadi, Parastesh, Pilehchian-Langroudi, Maryam, Ashrafi, Gholam Hossein and Akhavan-Niaki, Haleh, 2018, Epigenomics (10), 11, pp 1477-1497
Synergistic effects of various Her inhibitors in combination with IGF-1R, C-MET and Src targeting agents in breast cancer cell lines
Stanley, Aryan, Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Seddon, Alan M. and Modjtahedi, Helmout, 2017, Scientific Reports (7), 3964
Association of high risk human papillomavirus and breast cancer : a UK based study
Salman, Nadia Aziz, Davies, Giles, Majidy, Farida, Shakir, Fatima, Akinrinade, Hilda, Perumal, Dhayaneethie and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2017, Scientific Reports (7), pp 43591
A systematic review and meta-analysis of Seroprevalence of Varicella Zoster virus : a nationwide population-based study
Amjadi, Omolbanin, Rafiei, Alireza, Haghshenas, Mohammadreza, Navaei, Reza Alizadeh, Valadan, Reza, Hosseini-Khah, Zahra, Omran, Akbar Hedayatizadeh, Arabi, Mohsen, Shakib, Reza Jafari, Mousavi, Tahoora and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2017, Journal of Clinical Virology (87), pp 49-59
Conicity index and waist-to-hip ratio are superior obesity indices in predicting 10-Year cardiovascular risk among men and women.
Motamed, Nima, Perumal, Dhaya, Zamani, Farhad, Ashrafi, Hossein, Haghjoo, Majid, Saeedian, F S, Maadi, Mansooreh, Akhavan-Niaki, Haleh, Rabiee, Behnam and Asouri, Mohsen, 2015, Clinical Cardiology (38), 9, pp 527-534
Human papillomavirus and cancer : immunological consequences of MHC Class I down-regulation
Ashrafi, Gholam Hossein and Perumal, Dhaya, 2015, International Biological and Biomedical Journal (1), 1, pp 1-7
A population based study on hepatitis B virus in Northern Iran, Amol.
Keyvani, Hossein, Sohrabi, Masoudreza, Zamani, Farhad, Poustchi, Hossein, Ashrafi, Hossein, Saeedian, Fatemeh, Mooadi, Mansooreh, Motamed, Nima, Ajdarkosh, Hossein, Khonsari, Mahmoodreza, Hemmasi, Gholamreza, Ameli, Mitra, Kabir, Ali and Khodadost, Mahmoud, 2014, Hepatitis Monthly (14), 8, pp e20540
Prevalence and type distribution of high-risk human papillomavirus in patients with cervical cancer: a population-based study.
Haghshenas, Mohammadreza, Golini-Moghaddam, Tahereh, Rafiei, Alireza, Emadeian, Omid, Shykhpour, Ahmad and Ashrafi, G Hossein, 2013, Infectious Agents and Cancer (8), 20
HPV-16 E5 down-regulates expression of surface HLA class I and reduces recognition by CD8 T cells
Campo, M.S., Graham, S.V., Cortese, M.S., Ashrafi, G.H., Araibi, E.H., Dornan, E.S., Miners, K., Nunes, C. and Man, S., 2010, Virology (407), 1, pp 137-142
Effects of human papillomavirus type 16 E5 deletion mutants on epithelial morphology: functional characterization of each transmembrane domain
Barbaresi, S., Cortese, M. S., Quinn, J., Ashrafi, G. H., Graham, S. V. and Campo, M. S., 2010, Journal of General Virology (91), 2, pp 521-530
Assessment of transcriptomal analysis of varicella-zoster-virus gene expression in patients with and without post-herpetic neuralgia
Ashrafi, G. H., Grinfeld, Esther, Montague, Paul, Forster, Thorsten, Ross, Alan, Ghazal, Peter, Scott, Fiona, Breuer, Judith, Goodwin, Roslyn and Kennedy, Peter G. E., 2010, Virus Genes (41), 2, pp 192-201
All 4 di-leucine motifs in the first hydrophobic domain of the E5 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 are essential for surface MHC class I downregulation activity and E5 endomembrane localization
Cortese, Marc S., Ashrafi, G. Hossein and Campo, M. Saveria, 2010, International Journal of Cancer (126), 7, pp 1675-1682
Vaccination of sarcoid-bearing donkeys with chimeric virus-like particles of bovine papillomavirus type 1
Ashrafi, G. H., Piuko, K., Burden, F., Yuan, Z., Gault, E. A., Muller, M., Trawford, A., Reid, S. W. J., Nasir, L. and Campo, M. S., 2008, Journal of General Virology (89), 1, pp 148
Three rare cases of anthrax arising from the same source
Babamahmoodi, F, Aghabarari, F, Arjmand, A and Ashrafi, G, 2006, Journal of Infection (53), 4, pp e175-e179
Down-regulation of MHC class I is a property common to papillomavirus E5 proteins
Ashrafi, G, Brown, D R, Fife, K and Campo, M, 2006, Virus Research (120), 1-2, pp 208-211
The E5 oncoprotein of BPV-4 does not interfere with the biosynthetic pathway of non-classical MHC class I
Araibi, E, Marchetti, B, Dornan, E. S., Ashrafi, G. H., Dobromylskyj, M, Ellis, S. A. and Campo, M. S., 2006, Virology (353), 1, pp 174-183
E5 protein of human papillomavirus 16 downregulates HLA class I and interacts with the heavy chainvia its first hydrophobic domain
Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Haghshenas, Mohammad, Marchetti, Barbara and Campo, M. Saveria, 2006, International Journal of Cancer (119), 9, pp 2105-2122
Similarities and differences between the E5 oncoproteins of bovine papillomaviruses type 1 and type 4: Cytoskeleton, motility and invasiveness in E5-transformed bovine and mouse cells
Tsirimonaki, E, Ullah, R, Marchetti, B, Ashrafi, G, McGarry, L, Ozanne, B and Campo, M, 2006, Virus Research (115), 2, pp 158-168
The E5 protein of BPV-4 interacts with the heavy chain of MHC class I and irreversibly retains the MHC complex in the Golgi apparatus
Marchetti, B, Ashrafi, G. H., Dornan, E. S., Araibi, E. H., Ellis, S. A. and Campo, M. S., 2005, Oncogene (25), 15, pp 2254-2263
E5 protein of human papillomavirus type 16 selectively downregulates surface HLA class I
Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Haghshenas, Mohammad R., Marchetti, Barbara, O'Brien, Philippa M. and Campo, M. Saveria, 2005, International Journal of Cancer (113), 2, pp 276-283
Downregulation of major histocompatibility complex class I in bovine papillomas
Araibi, E. H., Marchetti, B, Ashrafi, G.H. and Campo, M.S., 2004, Journal of General Virology (85), 10, pp 2809-2814
The bovine papillomavirus oncoprotein E5 retains MHC class I molecules in the Golgi apparatus and prevents their transport to the cell surface
Marchetti, Barbara, Ashrafi, G Hossein, Tsirimonaki, Emmanouella, O'Brien, Philippa M and Campo, M Saveria, 2002, Oncogene (21), 51, pp 7808-7816
Down-regulation of MHC class I by bovine papillomavirus E5 oncoproteins
Ashrafi, G Hossein, Tsirimonaki, Emmanouella, Marchetti, Barbara, O'Brien, Philippa M, Sibbet, Gary J, Andrew, Linda and Campo, M Saveria, 2002, Oncogene (21), 2, pp 248-259
Binding of bovine papillomavirus type 4 E8 to ductin (16K proteolipid), down-regulation of gap junction intercellular communication and full cell transformation are independent events
Ashrafi, G. Hossein, Pitts, John D, Faccini, AnnaMaria, McLean, Pauline, O’Brien, Vincent, Finbow, Malcolm E and Campo, Saveria, 2000, Journal of General Virology (81), 3, pp 694-689
A Mutational Analysis of the Transforming Functions of the E8 Protein of Bovine Papillomavirus Type 4
O'Brien, V, Ashrafi, G. H, Grindlay, G. Joan, Anderson, Ruth and Campo, M. Saveria, 1999, Virology (255), 2, pp 385-394
Pathogenesis of human papillomavirus : immunological responses to HPV infection
Ashrafi, G. Hossein and Salman, Nadia Aziz (2016). In: Rajkumar, Rajamanickam, (ed.), Human papillomavirus : research in a global perspective. Rijeka, Croatia: Intech, pp 243-253