How low oxygen helps Epstein-Barr virus survive and contribute to cancer
Project 4: Regulation of EBV Latency and Oncogenesis by Hypoxia
This project looks at how low-oxygen conditions help Epstein-Barr virus keep infected cells alive and contribute to cancers such as Burkitt lymphoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will study how fluctuations in oxygen levels change the way EBV behaves in cells that can become cancerous. They will examine viral proteins that interact with the cell's low-oxygen (hypoxia) response, measure changes in DNA methylation tied to oxygen-sensing enzymes, and test how those changes affect viral genome maintenance. The team will use laboratory models and patient-derived tumor or blood samples and apply molecular methods to track proteins, enzymes, and DNA modifications. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that allow EBV-infected cells to survive under stress and identify possible targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-positive cancers (for example Burkitt lymphoma or other EBV-associated tumors) or individuals willing to donate blood or tumor tissue would be the most relevant participants or sample donors.
Not a fit: People without EBV-associated disease or with cancers driven by unrelated causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets or biomarkers to help prevent or treat EBV-associated cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies link hypoxia and DNA methylation to cancer biology and early data show EBV proteins interact with these pathways, but applying these findings to patient therapies is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Paul M. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Paul M.
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.