How a virus alters metabolism to promote infection
Official title: METTL16 and S-adenosylmethionine cycle in KSHV infection
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11084092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma changes the way our cells use certain nutrients to help it infect and survive, and it hopes to find new ways to treat the cancer that can result from this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $674,661 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA291244-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kaposi’s sarcoma or those at high risk for KSHV infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have KSHV infection or related malignancies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) manipulates cellular metabolic pathways to enhance its ability to infect and persist in host cells. The study focuses on the role of a specific protein, METTL16, in reprogramming the methionine/S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) cycle during both latent and lytic phases of infection. By examining the molecular interactions and modifications that occur during KSHV infection, the research aims to uncover potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how KSHV contributes to cancer development, particularly Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating KSHV-related cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in targeting metabolic pathways in viral infections, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
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.