Understanding how Hepatitis B causes liver cancer
Hepatitis B virus integrations in KMT2B drive hepatocellular carcinoma
This research explores how the Hepatitis B virus changes a specific gene to cause liver cancer, hoping to find new ways to help patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143851 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Liver cancer caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious global health problem with limited treatment options. We've found that HBV can insert itself into a gene called KMT2B in liver cancer cells, which might be a key step in how the cancer develops. This project uses patient-derived cancer cells and special lab models to understand exactly how these HBV insertions lead to cancer growth. By uncovering this process, we hope to identify new targets for future medicines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with Hepatitis B-related liver cancer could potentially benefit from future treatments developed based on this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients whose liver cancer is not related to Hepatitis B virus infection may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new treatments specifically targeting the way Hepatitis B causes liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of KMT2B in HBV-related liver cancer is new, similar gene changes are known to drive other cancers like leukemia, suggesting a plausible mechanism.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — Newark, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Jian — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Cao, Jian
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.