How low oxygen levels affect the Epstein-Barr Virus and cancer development
Official title: Project 4: Regulation of EBV Latency and Oncogenesis by Hypoxia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914924 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is connected to certain cancers like Burkitt lymphoma, behaves in low oxygen situations and how that might help it grow and affect our cells, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and tackle these cancers.
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $459,296 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA281867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914924 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with EBV-associated cancers, such as Burkitt lymphoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with Epstein-Barr Virus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of oxygen levels in the behavior of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is linked to various cancers, including Burkitt lymphoma. The team will explore how EBV adapts to low oxygen environments to survive and promote tumor growth. They will examine the virus's interaction with host cells and how it influences gene regulation related to oxygen response. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights into cancer development associated with EBV.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating EBV-related cancers by targeting the virus's ability to thrive in low oxygen conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding viral behavior in cancer, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Paul M. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Paul M.
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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.