Targeting abnormal epigenetic signals in aggressive B‑cell lymphoma

Project 2 Josefowicz

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11167643

This work is using drugs that block abnormal histone signals to slow or kill aggressive B‑cell lymphomas like ABC‑DLBCL and EBV‑positive lymphoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeP01 program project
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11167643 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have an aggressive B‑cell lymphoma such as ABC‑DLBCL or an EBV‑positive lymphoma, this project studies how cancer cells flip an epigenetic switch that helps them grow and resist treatment. Researchers will examine patient tumor samples and laboratory models to measure abnormal histone phosphorylation marks (H3S28ph and H3.3S31ph) and how those marks change gene activity. They will test compounds that block the enzymes responsible for those histone marks to see whether lymphoma cells lose their growth and survival advantage. The team will use those results to guide possible future patient tests or clinical trials targeting these epigenetic signals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with activated B‑cell–type diffuse large B‑cell lymphoma (ABC‑DLBCL) or Epstein–Barr virus–positive B‑cell lymphomas, especially those with treatment-resistant disease, would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with non‑B‑cell cancers or slow‑growing indolent lymphomas are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new epigenetic-targeted therapies that improve outcomes for people with aggressive B‑cell lymphomas.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies, including the investigators' own data, show laboratory sensitivity of these lymphomas to histone kinase inhibition, but clinical benefits in patients have not yet been proven.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.