How Kaposi’s sarcoma virus reprograms cell metabolism to stay hidden and drive cancer
KSHV-mediated metabolic reprogramming for LANA expression and viral persistency
This project looks at how the virus behind Kaposi’s sarcoma changes cell metabolism to help it persist in the body and promote tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11328800 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using 3‑dimensional human cell models to see how Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) changes production of small molecules like spermidine and proline to support the viral LANA protein. They study how those metabolic shifts help the virus keep its DNA inside cells (latency) and encourage cancerous growth. The team compares 3D versus 2D cell systems because 3D models better reflect how cells behave in the body. Findings may point to metabolic pathways that could later be targeted in patient-focused treatments or trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Kaposi’s sarcoma or other KSHV-associated lymphomas, or patients willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples, would be most relevant for related future studies.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not linked to KSHV or those needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to gain direct short-term benefits from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify metabolic targets to reduce viral persistence or tumor growth, opening paths to new treatments for KSHV-related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting cancer metabolism has shown promise in preclinical studies, but applying these approaches specifically to KSHV-driven LANA persistence is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jung, Jae U — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Jung, Jae U
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.