How a common RNA tag affects Kaposi's sarcoma virus
Regulation of KSHV replication by N6-methyladenosine (m6A)
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · NIH-11143804
This project looks at whether a small chemical mark on viral RNA called m6A changes how the Kaposi's sarcoma virus grows and reactivates in people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11143804 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping where m6A marks occur on KSHV RNA and how those marks change when the virus is dormant versus active. They use infected human cell models, sequencing, and molecular tools including CRISPR to alter m6A-related proteins (writers, erasers, and readers) and watch the effects on viral gene activity. The team is focusing on the m6A reader YTHDF2 and other factors that may block or promote viral replication in cell types linked to Kaposi's sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma. Findings will point to molecular steps that could be targeted to stop KSHV from reactivating or driving tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with KSHV-associated conditions (Kaposi's sarcoma or primary effusion lymphoma) or people living with HIV known to carry KSHV who can provide clinical samples or join translational follow-up.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatment options are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to prevent or treat Kaposi's sarcoma and KSHV-related lymphomas in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies, including work showing the m6A reader YTHDF2 can limit KSHV lytic replication, support the approach, but moving from these findings to patient treatments is still early and novel.
Where this research is happening
PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH — PITTSBURGH, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GAO, SHOU-JIANG — UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- Study coordinator: GAO, SHOU-JIANG
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome