Understanding how a virus causes Kaposi's sarcoma and other cancers
Citrulline-urea cycle in KSHV cellular transformation
This research explores how the Kaposi's sarcoma virus changes cell metabolism to grow, hoping to find new ways to stop these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11113950 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma and other cancers, and we've found that cells transformed by this virus rely on a different energy source, glutamine, instead of glucose. These cancer cells also hijack a natural body process called the citrulline-urea cycle, using a specific enzyme called ASS1 to help them grow and survive. We believe that by understanding how KSHV takes over this cycle, we can develop new treatments that specifically target this pathway. Our work uses advanced lab models, including 3D cell cultures and animal models, to test if blocking this hijacked process can effectively treat KSHV-related tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Kaposi's sarcoma or other cancers caused by the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not related to the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) would likely not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies for Kaposi's sarcoma and other cancers caused by KSHV, offering a different approach than current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific targeting of the citrulline-urea cycle in KSHV-induced cancers is a novel approach, understanding cancer cell metabolism has led to successful therapies in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Shou-Jiang — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Gao, Shou-Jiang
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 below.