How gammaherpesviruses cause DNA damage in B cells
Defining mechanisms of gammaherpesvirus-driven genomic instability in B cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-11294172
Researchers aim to find out whether lifelong gammaherpesvirus infections cause DNA damage in B cells that raises the risk of lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11294172 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project examines how Epstein–Barr-like herpesviruses drive B cells to divide and acquire genetic damage that can lead to cancer. Using a mouse model (murine gammaherpesvirus 68) and laboratory molecular methods, the team studies how viral proteins interact with the cell's DNA-repair and tumor-suppressor systems, including p53. They follow infected cells over time to map when and how genomic instability develops. The work aims to identify the steps that allow some infected B cells to survive and become lymphoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with prior EBV infection or people with EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas would be the most relevant patient groups for future translation of these findings.
Not a fit: People with cancers not linked to EBV or with non–B-cell conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets to prevent or treat EBV-related B-cell lymphomas by stopping virus-driven DNA damage.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular and animal studies have shown viral effects on B-cell behavior and implicated p53, but directly linking specific viral mechanisms to genomic instability and lymphoma risk remains an active and partly novel area.
Where this research is happening
LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS — LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FORREST, JAMES CRAIG — UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- Study coordinator: FORREST, JAMES CRAIG
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.