How Epstein–Barr virus helps some cancers grow
Tumorigenesis by the Epstein Barr Virus
This project looks at how Epstein–Barr virus, especially its BART long noncoding RNAs, helps tumors grow and how EBV-infected cells might affect HPV-infected cells, aiming to help people with EBV-linked cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126019 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team compares cancer cells with and without EBV grown in lab dishes and as tumors in mice to see how the virus changes gene activity. They use RNA sequencing to measure viral and cellular RNAs and focus on the BART long noncoding RNAs that are much more active in tumors. They study viral proteins such as LMP1 and LMP2 and how these proteins and viral RNAs are packaged into exosomes and passed to other cells. The researchers also examine whether EBV-infected cells alter the growth or gene expression of HPV-infected cells, which could affect cancers involving both viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-linked cancers (for example nasopharyngeal carcinoma) or tumors known to carry EBV, and patients with suspected EBV/HPV co-infection, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to EBV (and have no EBV/HPV co-infection) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new markers or targets for diagnosing or treating EBV-associated cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown EBV proteins and exosomes can change cell growth, but the prominent role of BART long noncoding RNAs in tumors is less established and represents a newer area of study.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raab-Traub, Nancy Joan — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Raab-Traub, Nancy Joan
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.