NIH-funded research P01 program project

How a virus contributes to cancer development in low-oxygen environments

Official title: Project 2: KSHV induces tumorigenesis by harnessing differentiation in hypoxia

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914918 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a virus linked to Kaposi's sarcoma might help cancer grow in areas of the body where there's not enough oxygen, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$455,512
NIH project number5P01CA281867-02
Project IDNIH-10914918 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 due to HIV/AIDS.

Less likely to help

Patients with cancers unrelated to HIV/AIDS or those without any form of Kaposi's sarcoma may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) influences the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in areas of the body with low oxygen levels. It focuses on the role of hypoxia, a condition common in solid tumors, and how KSHV may exploit this environment to promote the transformation of mesenchymal stem cells into cancerous cells. By studying the interactions between KSHV and the body's cells, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to tumor formation and progression in KS. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for treating this type of cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with HIV/AIDS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the role of hypoxia in cancer can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Yuan, Yan — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Yuan, Yan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.