How Kaposi’s sarcoma virus changes cell methylation and metabolism
METTL16 and S-adenosylmethionine cycle in KSHV infection
This project looks at how the Kaposi’s sarcoma virus uses the METTL16 protein to change a cell’s methionine/S‑adenosylmethionine (SAM) metabolism so researchers can find new ways to stop or treat KSHV‑related cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251625 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map chemical tags on RNA (m6A) that the Kaposi’s sarcoma‑associated virus (KSHV) changes during both silent (latent) and active (lytic) infection at single‑base resolution. They will study how those RNA changes alter the cell’s methionine/SAM metabolic cycle and how viral proteins (LANA and RTA) hijack the METTL16 enzyme. The team will use genetic and drug‑based approaches in laboratory infection models to block METTL16 or its target MAT2A and observe effects on viral latency and replication. Findings will be used to point to specific molecular targets for future therapies against KSHV‑related cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with KSHV infection or Kaposi’s sarcoma, or those at high risk for KSHV‑related cancers, would be the most likely to benefit or be candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are not caused by KSHV or who do not have evidence of KSHV infection would be unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new drug targets to prevent or treat Kaposi’s sarcoma by disrupting the virus’s ability to persist or replicate.
How similar studies have performed: Studies of RNA m6A marks and methyltransferases have shown important roles in viral biology, but targeting METTL16 in KSHV is a newer, largely preclinical approach with limited prior clinical success.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Shou-Jiang — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gao, Shou-Jiang
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.