How Kaposi sarcoma virus uses cell signals to enter cells and drive cancer
Molecular mechanisms governing the ubiquitination signaling during KSHV cell entry and tumorigenesis
This research looks at whether blocking a specific protein change can stop KSHV from entering cells and causing AIDS-related cancers in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873751 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is studying how Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) hijacks a cell protein called CADM1 and adds a small tag called ubiquitin to promote virus entry and tumor growth. They use a proteomics 'Ubi-Scan' to find proteins carrying ubiquitin tags and run siRNA screens to pinpoint the enzymes (Ubc13 and Mib1) responsible. Laboratory work shows CADM1 tagged at lysine 437 helps activate inflammation signals (STAT3 and NF-κB) and supports survival of KSHV-linked tumor cells. Researchers plan to block CADM1 ubiquitination in models to see if that prevents infection and stops tumor cell survival, which could guide future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who have Kaposi sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, multicentric Castleman disease, or documented KSHV infection would be most directly relevant.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or with cancers not caused by KSHV are unlikely to benefit from findings focused on this virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new drug targets to prevent KSHV entry or stop KSHV-driven cancers like Kaposi sarcoma in people with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies suggest targeting ubiquitination can affect viral entry and tumor behavior, but translating these findings to effective treatments for KSHV-related cancers in patients is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shembade, Noula Dattu — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shembade, Noula Dattu
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.