HBV integrations in KMT2B may drive liver cancer
Official title: Hepatitis B virus integrations in KMT2B drive hepatocellular carcinoma
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11370878 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how hepatitis B can cause liver cancer by studying HBV inserts in the KMT2B gene and how these changes affect liver cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $424,058 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272578-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11370878 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma or those providing tumor-derived cell lines and data may contribute via samples and data sharing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HBV-related liver cancer or without access to relevant samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses patient-derived liver cancer cell lines and tumor RNA data to study HBV DNA insertions in KMT2B, and how these inserts create truncated KMT2B proteins that promote cancer. It combines lab experiments with mouse models to see if blocking or reversing these changes stops tumor growth. The goal is to translate these findings into strategies that could prevent or treat HBV-related liver cancer in people. If successful, the work could reveal a new target for therapies in HBV-associated HCC. Participation would involve research using patient-derived material and animal studies under strict oversight.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to treat or prevent HBV-related liver cancer by targeting the KMT2B truncation.
How similar studies have gone: Related HBV-integrations in cancer genes have shown functional effects, but the specific KMT2B truncation in HCC is an area of active investigation with promising early results.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Jian — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cao, Jian
Related research
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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.