Investigating how a viral gene contributes to Kaposi's sarcoma development
Official title: (PQ6) vGPCR-Mediated Paracrine Transformation for Kaposi Sarcoma
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10892646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain viral gene might help cause Kaposi's sarcoma, a type of cancer that can happen with AIDS, and it's using special animal models to find out more about how this gene affects tumor growth, which could lead to better treatments for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $577,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA250065-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma or those at high risk due to HIV/AIDS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unrelated to HIV/AIDS or those not diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the role of a specific viral gene, vGPCR, in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a common cancer associated with AIDS. The researchers will use innovative animal models and a specialized microphysiological platform to explore how this gene influences tumor growth and the mechanisms behind it. By dissecting the interactions between tumor cells and their environment, the study seeks to uncover new insights into KS oncogenesis, which could lead to better treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating Kaposi's sarcoma and potentially other AIDS-related malignancies.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of paracrine transformation has been proposed before, this research utilizes novel models and approaches, making it a potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Young-Kwon — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Hong, Young-Kwon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Precision 3D Imaging to Monitor Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new portable 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D will help doctors measure KS skin lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in people living with HIV.
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Precision 3D Imaging to Track Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) with SkinScan3D
A new 3D imaging tool called SkinScan3D helps doctors monitor Kaposi sarcoma lesions more accurately and quickly, especially in settings with high KS burden like East Africa and in U.S. clinics with HIV patients.
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Kaposi Sarcoma care and research in Africa during ART era
A collaborative program to better understand and improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Kaposi sarcoma for people living with HIV in Zambia and Tanzania.
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Kaposi Sarcoma in Africa: ART Era Research Network
A collaborative program in Africa and the United States will study Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV on ART to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Kaposi Sarcoma in Africa in the ART Era
This grant supports research to improve how Kaposi sarcoma is detected, treated, and understood in people living with HIV in Zambia and Tanzania during ART, with collaboration between African hospitals and a U.S. center.
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Faster detection and connection to care for people with HIV who develop Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa
This project aims to speed up finding people with HIV diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa and help them get linked to care more quickly.
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.