STK31 and cervical cancer: STK31 expression can be induced by the HPV16 E7 and E6/E7 oncoproteins by regulating the methylation status of STK31 in the HPV16/18-positive cells, while HPV-negative cervical cancer cells exhibit silencing of STK31. Therefore, inhibiting the tumorigenic activities of STK31 in HPV16/18-positive patients can be used in treating cervical cancer, indicating that STK31 is a crucial target.