How Kaposi's sarcoma virus changes human cell RNAs
"Project 1" KSHV short and long noncoding RNAs and alteration of host IncRNA expression
Researchers are looking at how Kaposi's sarcoma virus changes RNAs in infected cells from people with HIV-related cancers to better understand what drives tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project maps viral and human noncoding RNAs and microRNA interactions using sequencing methods such as qCLASH, RNA-seq, and miRNA-seq. The team compares infected and uninfected human endothelial cells, a model for Kaposi's sarcoma, to find RNA and splicing changes linked to cancer-like behaviors. They combine multiple datasets to identify disturbed pathways that affect proliferation, cell movement, blood-vessel growth, and metabolism. Findings may come from cell models and patient-derived samples and could point toward new biomarkers or targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with HIV who have Kaposi's sarcoma or related KSHV-associated lymphomas, or those willing to donate tumor or blood samples, would be most relevant for participation or sample collection.
Not a fit: People without KSHV infection or those with cancers unrelated to KSHV/HIV are unlikely to directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or biomarkers to help prevent, detect, or treat Kaposi's sarcoma and related HIV-associated cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown KSHV microRNAs and viral long noncoding RNAs change host RNAs and are linked to cancer-like cell behaviors, but translating those findings into treatments remains largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Renne, Rolf F — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Renne, Rolf F
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.