TIP60 which is targeted for degradation by HPV oncoprotein E6, acetylates Sp1, a positive regulator of TERT. We show that TIP60-mediated acetylation of Sp1, inhibits Sp1 function at the TERT promoter, thereby reducing TERT expression and thus the growth of HPV-positive cervical cancer cells, HeLa. The gene discussed is KAT5; the disease is cervical cancer.