In this regard, our current analysis of HNSCC-derived cells have identified multiple alterations underlying the decreased tumor suppressive effect of TGF-β in HNSCC, underscores the presence of TP53 mutations in a subset of HPV+ HNSCC cases, and revealed wide spread mutations and copy number variations in epigenetic modifiers, particularly of the Trithorax gene group. This evidence concerns the gene TP53 and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.