EBV microRNA overload and cancer in people with HIV
"Project 2" Microprocessor overload in gamma-herpesviral oncogenesis
This project looks at how tiny Epstein–Barr virus RNAs may help cause certain cancers, especially in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285398 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze tumor samples and genetic data from people with EBV-associated cancers, including those co-infected with HIV, to measure viral non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. They will map which human genes these viral RNAs bind and how strongly they silence immune and other cancer-related pathways. Lab experiments will test how those viral RNAs change immune responses and tumor cell behavior in controlled models. The combined patient-sample analysis and laboratory work aims to pinpoint viral RNA actions that could be targeted by future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who have EBV-associated lymphomas or EBV-positive gastric cancer and who can provide tumor samples or clinical data would be ideal candidates to engage with this work.
Not a fit: Patients without EBV-associated cancers or those unwilling to share samples or data are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets or biomarkers to improve diagnosis or treatment of EBV-related cancers in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and patient-sample studies have shown EBV microRNAs are abundant and can dampen immune responses, but turning those findings into patient therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Flemington, Erik K — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Flemington, Erik K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.