How Kaposi sarcoma virus (HHV‑8) copies its DNA
Official title: Single Molecule analysis of KSHV/HHV8 DNA replication proteins
Funded at North Carolina Central University · NIH-11292425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will map how Kaposi sarcoma virus proteins interact with viral DNA to reveal targets that could help people with KSHV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina Central University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153198-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with KSHV infection or Kaposi sarcoma who are interested in future antiviral options or in contributing samples for lab research could be most connected to this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate clinical treatment or anyone without KSHV are unlikely to see direct, short‑term benefit from this laboratory research.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the virus that causes Kaposi sarcoma and other KSHV‑related diseases and aims to see the viral proteins that copy its DNA. Scientists will purify key KSHV replication proteins and use high‑resolution electron microscopy to visualize individual proteins and how they bind viral DNA. They will look at proteins alone and together to learn which shapes and interactions are essential for the virus to copy its genome. The goal is to identify virus‑specific weak points that could become targets for new antiviral drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new antiviral drug targets and eventually lead to better treatments for KSHV‑related illnesses like Kaposi sarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: Genetic and biochemical studies have characterized related herpesvirus proteins before, but using single‑molecule electron microscopy to map KSHV‑specific protein‑DNA interactions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
North Carolina Central University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costantini, Lindsey M — North Carolina Central University
- Study coordinator: Costantini, Lindsey M
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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.