How metabolism affects DNA methylation in EBV-related stomach and throat cancers
Methionine and PI3K Metabolism Drive CIMP in EBV Epithelial Cancers
This project looks at whether changing methionine and PI3K-driven metabolism can reverse abnormal DNA methylation in EBV-linked gastric and nasopharyngeal cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11334347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are focusing on EBV-positive gastric and nasopharyngeal cancers and analyzing tumor cells' gene activity to find weak points. They use RNA sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 screens on tumor-derived cells to identify genes that become essential when DNA methylation is lowered with decitabine or when PI3K signaling is blocked with alpelisib. The team is also studying how methionine metabolism supplies the chemical groups that drive the tumor's high DNA methylation. The goal is to find targets and drug combinations that could lead to more precise treatments for EBV-associated epithelial cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with EBV-positive gastric cancer or EBV-positive nasopharyngeal carcinoma would be the most relevant candidates for therapies arising from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are EBV-negative or driven by unrelated pathways are unlikely to benefit from approaches focused on EBV-associated methylation and PI3K biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted treatments that reverse harmful DNA methylation or block PI3K activity to slow or kill EBV-positive stomach and nasopharyngeal cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Hypomethylating drugs and PI3K inhibitors have shown activity in other cancers, but combining methylation reversal with PI3K-targeted approaches specifically for EBV-positive epithelial cancers is a newer strategy with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Gewurz, Benjamin Elison
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.