How Kaposi's sarcoma virus turns stem cells into tumors in low-oxygen areas
Project 2: KSHV induces tumorigenesis by harnessing differentiation in hypoxia
['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11189604
Researchers are looking at how the virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma makes stem cells become the tumor cells seen in Kaposi's sarcoma, especially in low-oxygen body areas, to help people with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11189604 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project looks at how Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) hijacks mesenchymal stem cells and low-oxygen (hypoxic) signals to produce the abnormal spindle cells and blood-vessel growth of Kaposi's sarcoma. Scientists will use infected cell models, molecular analyses of hypoxia-induced pathways (including HIF signaling), and tissue samples to trace the stepwise changes from stem cell to tumor cell. The team will test how viral signals drive a mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndT) that creates the vascular tumor phenotype. The goal is to map the viral and cellular signals that could be blocked to prevent or slow tumor formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Kaposi's sarcoma (especially AIDS-related KS) or those willing to donate lesion tissue or blood samples would be the most relevant candidates for participation or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate therapy change or those without Kaposi's sarcoma are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new treatments or ways to prevent Kaposi's sarcoma, particularly for people with HIV/AIDS.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies, including the investigators' prior work, have suggested a stem-cell origin and involvement of hypoxia/HIF in KS, but the detailed viral mechanisms being explored here remain relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YUAN, YAN — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: YUAN, YAN
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.
Conditions: AIDS associated cancer, AIDS related cancer, Cancers