How hepatitis B virus can trigger liver cancer by reshuffling DNA
Unveiling a Novel Mechanism of Oncovirus-Induced Carcinogenesis
['FUNDING_R03'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11238896
Researchers are seeing whether pieces of hepatitis B virus that insert into human DNA can rearrange chromosomes and turn on cancer-causing genes in people with HBV-related liver tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project maps where HBV DNA inserts into human genomes from HBV-positive tumors and lab cell lines using long-read DNA sequencing. The team will search for viral integration-bridged chromosome translocations that may move strong gene enhancers next to oncogenes (a process called enhancer hijacking). They will test the effects of these rearrangements in lab models using gene-editing (CRISPR) and drugs that block BET bromodomain proteins, combined with bioinformatics analyses. The goal is to link specific viral insertions and structural changes to abnormal gene activity that could drive tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic hepatitis B infection, especially those with HBV-positive liver tumors or who can donate tumor tissue or blood samples, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not linked to HBV, such as non-HBV liver cancers or cancers in other organs, are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this work could reveal new mechanisms behind HBV-related liver cancer and point to biomarkers or drug targets for better detection and treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Long-read sequencing and enhancer-hijacking studies have clarified mechanisms in other cancers, but linking HBV integration specifically to enhancer hijacking is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CAO, JIAN — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: CAO, JIAN
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.