How Epstein-Barr virus changes DNA patterns in epithelial cancers
Epigenomic Drivers of EBV Epithelial Cancers
This project looks at how Epstein-Barr virus alters DNA methylation and chromatin organization in EBV-positive epithelial cancers to find new targets for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11334340 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had an EBV-positive epithelial cancer, the researchers would study how the virus creates lasting changes to DNA methylation (CIMP) and 3D genome structure in my tumor. They will focus on viral factors like EBNA1 and host proteins such as PARP1, UHRF1, PI3K, and ARID1A using cell-based models and molecular mapping of methylation and chromatin conformation. The team will test whether viral genome maintenance and DNA-damage responses drive the CpG Island Methylator Phenotype and how somatic mutations help form a specific viral latency state. Results will be coordinated across linked projects at the Wistar Institute to point toward strategies that could reverse or target these epigenetic changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with EBV-positive epithelial cancers, such as EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma or EBV-positive gastric carcinoma.
Not a fit: Patients with EBV-negative tumors or non-epithelial cancers (for example unrelated blood cancers) are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to target EBV latency and the epigenetic changes that help tumors grow, leading to more precise treatments for EBV-positive epithelial cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked EBV to DNA methylation changes in cancers and early-stage work on epigenetic targeting shows promise, but approaches remain experimental.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Paul M. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Paul M.
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.