How Epstein-Barr virus reshapes the 3D DNA architecture of B cells
Remodeling of the host epigenome during EBV infection
Researchers are looking at whether Epstein–Barr virus changes how B cells' DNA folds and turns genes on, which may help the virus cause B‑cell lymphomas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be giving a patient perspective: scientists will examine B cells infected with Epstein–Barr virus and map the 3‑D folding of their DNA to see which genes are switched on or off. The team will focus on a viral protein called LMP1 and a host protein PARP1, building on prior work showing LMP1 can activate PARP1 and alter gene activity. Experiments will use primary human B cells, laboratory models, and molecular mapping methods to identify changes in chromatin structure and gene programs caused by infection. The overall aim is to find molecular points to target that could lead to new ways to prevent or treat EBV‑positive B‑cell lymphomas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with EBV‑positive B‑cell lymphomas or healthy donors willing to provide blood samples for B‑cell isolation.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are EBV‑negative or whose conditions do not involve B cells are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for drugs or therapies to prevent or treat EBV‑positive B‑cell lymphomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown EBV proteins like LMP1 can change gene activity and activate PARP1, but identifying widespread 3‑D chromatin reorganization as a key mechanism is a newer and less tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tempera, Italo — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Tempera, Italo
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.