Understanding how a virus causes cancer by disrupting cell growth control
Official title: Mechanisms of KSHV-induced endothelial cell loss of contact inhibition of proliferation
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10873786 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus linked to AIDS affects certain cells in the body, which can lead to a type of cancer called Kaposi’s Sarcoma, and it aims to understand why these cells stop growing normally, so we can learn more about cancer in people with AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $537,089 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285193-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10873786 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with AIDS or those at high risk for AIDS-related cancers, particularly Kaposi’s Sarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have AIDS or are not at risk for AIDS-related malignancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) leads to the development of Kaposi’s Sarcoma, a cancer associated with AIDS. The study focuses on how KSHV-infected endothelial cells lose their ability to control cell growth, a process known as contact inhibition of proliferation (CIP). By using primary human lymphatic endothelial cells, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which KSHV disrupts CIP, including the role of specific viral components and cellular changes. This could provide insights into the fundamental processes of cancer development in patients with AIDS.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Kaposi’s Sarcoma in patients with AIDS.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding viral mechanisms in cancer can lead to significant advancements in treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gottwein, Eva Henriette — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gottwein, Eva Henriette
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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.