How Epstein-Barr virus turns genes on and off to hide or cause cancer
Epigenetic Regulation of Epstein-Barr Virus
['FUNDING_R01'] · WISTAR INSTITUTE · NIH-11296858
This work looks at how Epstein-Barr virus controls gene activity in people with EBV-linked infections and cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WISTAR INSTITUTE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296858 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The research team will map chemical tags on viral and human DNA and proteins that help EBV stay dormant or switch into cancer-promoting programs. They will study nucleosome placement, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and key viral and cellular proteins that bind the viral genome. Lab models of infected B cells and tumor cells, together with molecular assays and genome-mapping techniques, will be used to reveal how the virus adapts to different host environments. The project builds on prior findings about viral proteins (like BNRF1) that interact with host chromatin machinery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-positive conditions such as certain lymphomas, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or other EBV-associated tumors would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients without evidence of EBV infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatment for unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat EBV-driven cancers by targeting the viral or host epigenetic mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular studies have identified viral and host epigenetic factors in EBV latency, but translating these findings into therapies is still largely unproven.
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.