How cancer-causing DNA viruses interact with human cells
Viral-host interactions that influence the life cycle of DNA tumor viruses
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11126005
This project explores how viruses linked to cervical and oral cancers (HPV, EBV, KSHV) change cell RNAs and behavior in people with or at risk for these cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have or are at risk for HPV-related cervical cancer or virus-linked oral cancers, this work looks at how the viruses change RNA molecules and cell behavior. The researchers focus on RNA types such as long non-coding RNAs and RNA:DNA hybrids (R-loops) that can destabilize DNA and promote cancer traits. They study infected epithelial cells and related samples to see which RNAs change, how those changes affect cell growth and differentiation, and how viruses move between hidden (latent) and active (lytic) phases. The findings are intended to point toward ways to detect virus-driven changes or to block them to prevent or treat cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with HPV-positive cervical disease or with EBV/KSHV-associated oral lesions, or those willing to provide oral or cervical tissue or saliva samples for research.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are not linked to HPV, EBV, or KSHV, or those without those infections, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new markers or targets for tests and treatments to prevent or control virus-driven cervical and oral cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked viral RNAs and R-loops to genomic instability and cancer, but applying these findings specifically to HPV, EBV, and KSHV in cervical and oral tissues is a relatively new area.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOODY, CARY A — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: MOODY, CARY A
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: Cancer Induction, Cancers, Cervical Cancer