How Kaposi sarcoma virus changes replication and metabolism in low-oxygen tumor areas
Project 1: KSHV reprograms replication and metabolic activities in hypoxia
This project looks at how Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) copies itself and changes cell metabolism in low-oxygen parts of tumors to help people with KSHV-linked cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189600 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare viral and host DNA replication in low-oxygen (hypoxic) versus normal-oxygen cell environments using lab-grown cells and animal models. They will study both the virus's latent and lytic phases and measure which viral antigens and host replication proteins change under hypoxia. The team will analyze metabolic shifts that help the virus persist through cell division and enable spread to daughter cells. These are laboratory and preclinical experiments intended to point toward targets for future clinical work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with KSHV-related conditions such as Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, or KSHV-positive multicentric Castleman disease would be most relevant to this research and future trials.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or whose cancers are driven by other causes are unlikely to benefit directly from these lab-focused findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal viral or cellular targets to stop KSHV persistence or reduce growth of KSHV-associated tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has described KSHV replication in normal-oxygen cell cultures, but detailed studies of how hypoxia alters viral replication and metabolism are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Erle S. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Erle S.
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.