Investigating how a virus affects cellular processes to find new treatment targets for Kaposi's Sarcoma.
Official title: RTA-Induced Ubiquitination in KSHV: A CURE-Based Approach to Identify Novel Targets and Small Molecule Inhibitors
Funded at Towson University · NIH-11084885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus related to Kaposi's Sarcoma affects proteins in our cells, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this cancer that often affects people with HIV/AIDS, and it also gives college students a chance to get involved in important research.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Towson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Towson, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $430,285 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI186824-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11084885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HIV/AIDS who are at risk for developing Kaposi's Sarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV/AIDS or those who are not at risk for Kaposi's Sarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Kaposi's Sarcoma Herpesvirus (KSHV) induces changes in cellular proteins through a process called ubiquitination. By studying these interactions, the research aims to identify new targets for potential treatments for Kaposi's Sarcoma, a common cancer in individuals with HIV/AIDS. The project also involves undergraduate students in hands-on research, providing them with valuable experience while contributing to the fight against this disease. The approach includes advanced techniques like comparative proteomics to analyze the effects of the virus on cellular processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating Kaposi's Sarcoma and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting virus-host interactions for therapeutic development, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Towson University
Towson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ehrlich, Elana S — Towson University
- Study coordinator: Ehrlich, Elana S
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.