How cancer-causing viruses behave in low-oxygen tumor environments
Transcription and Replication of Oncogenic Viruses in Hypoxia
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11189599
This project looks at how several viruses that can cause cancer copy themselves and change activity in low-oxygen parts of tumors to help people with virus-linked cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11189599 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania will work together to study Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) to see how low-oxygen (hypoxic) tumor conditions change viral gene activity and replication. They will use cell and molecular experiments that mimic hypoxia, examine viral antigens that control transcription and replication, and measure related metabolic changes. The teams will share techniques and samples to identify common mechanisms these viruses use to drive cancer in hypoxic microenvironments. Findings will be used to look for biomarkers or molecular targets relevant to people with virus-associated cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with cancers known to be linked to MCPyV, EBV, or KSHV—such as Merkel cell carcinoma, certain lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, or related HIV-associated cancers—are most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not driven by these specific viruses or whose disease biology is unrelated to low-oxygen tumor environments are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets or biomarkers that lead to better treatments for cancers caused by these viruses.
How similar studies have performed: Decades of research have characterized these viruses in other contexts, but studying their transcription and replication specifically under hypoxia is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ROBERTSON, ERLE S. — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: ROBERTSON, ERLE S.
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 Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus