Regulation of EBV Latency and Tumor Growth by Oxygen Levels
Official title: Project 4: Regulation of EBV Latency and Oncogenesis by Hypoxia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11413554 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how low-oxygen conditions help Epstein-Barr Virus–related cancers survive and grow, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat 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, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $85,071 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA281867-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11413554 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with EBV-associated cancers or those at risk of Burkitt lymphoma and related malignancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without EBV-associated cancers may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This grant investigates how oxygen availability shapes EBV latency and cancer development, focusing on how the virus interacts with the host’s hypoxic response. The work explores EBV proteins that may alter cellular hypoxia pathways and tests whether these changes help infected cells endure nutrient-poor environments. It also examines how oxygen-sensing enzymes influence EBV’s epigenetic marks and the maintenance of the viral genome during latency. The project aims to uncover mechanisms that drive Burkitt lymphoma and related cancers, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new strategies to disrupt EBV-driven cancer progression and improve outcomes for patients with EBV-associated malignancies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has shown a link between hypoxia, epigenetic changes, and viral oncogenesis, supporting the plausibility of these approaches.
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.