How Kaposi sarcoma virus disrupts cell RNA processing
Disruption of Cellular RNA Processing by Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus
Researchers are looking at how the virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma changes how cells handle RNA to better understand AIDS‑related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is studying a viral protein called SOX that breaks down cellular RNA during Kaposi sarcoma virus replication. They will track when and where SOX acts and which human and viral RNA messages it targets using lab experiments on infected cells and molecular mapping techniques. The work aims to show how SOX suppresses normal cell gene expression while allowing viral genes to be expressed. Findings will help explain how KSHV drives cancer growth in people with HIV and could point to ways to stop that process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV, especially those diagnosed with or at high risk for Kaposi sarcoma, would be the most relevant patient group for follow-up studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without HIV or without Kaposi sarcoma are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal molecular targets for new treatments or prevention strategies for Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Previous molecular studies have shown viral proteins can trigger host RNA decay, and this project builds on that work to map how the SOX protein is regulated and targets specific RNAs.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glaunsinger, Britt a — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Glaunsinger, Britt a
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.