Understanding how a virus linked to certain cancers stays hidden in the body
Epigenomic Control of KSHV Latency
This research aims to understand how the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) hides in cells, which could help us find new ways to fight cancers like Kaposi's Sarcoma, especially in people with AIDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126602 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) can cause several cancers, including Kaposi's Sarcoma and certain lymphomas, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems like those with AIDS. This project explores how KSHV maintains a "silent" or "latent" infection within our cells, making it hard to get rid of. Researchers are looking at how a key viral protein, LANA, controls the virus's genetic material and interacts with our body's cellular machinery. By understanding these hidden mechanisms, we hope to discover new ways to stop the virus from causing cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with KSHV-associated cancers, such as Kaposi's Sarcoma, pleural effusion lymphoma, or multicentric Castleman's disease, especially those with HIV/AIDS, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without KSHV infection or KSHV-associated conditions would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that target the virus's ability to hide and cause cancer, offering better options for patients with KSHV-associated diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the basic mechanisms of viral latency are known, this specific focus on epigenomic control of KSHV and its metabolic pathways represents a novel approach to understanding and potentially treating these cancers.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lieberman, Paul M. — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Lieberman, Paul M.
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.