Investigating how KSHV behaves in low oxygen environments
Official title: Project 1: KSHV reprograms replication and metabolic activities in hypoxia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914914 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Kaposi's Sarcoma virus behaves in low-oxygen environments, which could help us understand how it causes cancer and lead to better treatments for those affected.
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) | $468,525 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA281867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914914 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with KSHV-associated cancers or those at high risk for such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have KSHV infections or related cancers are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) replicates and interacts with host cells in environments with low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia. The study aims to analyze the differences in viral and host DNA replication processes when compared to normal oxygen conditions. By using advanced cell culture techniques, researchers will explore the metabolic changes that occur in infected cells and how these changes support the virus's ability to persist and replicate. This research could provide insights into the mechanisms of KSHV-associated cancers and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for cancers associated with KSHV by targeting the unique replication processes in hypoxic conditions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on KSHV in hypoxic environments is relatively novel, similar studies on other viruses have shown promising results in understanding viral behavior under low oxygen conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robertson, Erle S. — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Robertson, Erle S.
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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.