Viral noncoding RNAs and AIDS-related cancers

Noncoding RNAs in gamma-Herpesvirus Biology and AIDS Malignancies

['FUNDING_P01'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11285393

This project looks at how tiny viral RNAs from herpes-family viruses may help cause cancers that occur more often in people with HIV.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11285393 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

From a patient's perspective, researchers compare short and long noncoding RNAs made by related gamma-herpesviruses (like KSHV and EBV) to find shared functions. They map which human genes these viral RNAs target, track how host long noncoding RNAs change in infected cells and tumors, and discover new viral RNA types such as circular RNAs. The team uses lab experiments, animal models, and analyses of patient tumor samples to test how these RNAs promote tumor growth. Their prior work has already identified many viral RNA targets and shown some viral RNAs are the predominant viral products in certain EBV-positive cancers.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People living with HIV who have, or are at risk for, herpesvirus-associated cancers (for example Kaposi sarcoma or EBV-positive lymphomas) would be the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People without HIV or without herpesvirus-linked tumors would be unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify viral RNAs or host pathways to target for new treatments or biomarkers to detect and monitor AIDS-related cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has mapped viral noncoding RNAs and their targets and shown these RNAs can affect tumor biology, but applying these findings to patient treatments remains early.

Where this research is happening

GAINESVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: AIDS associated cancer, AIDS related cancer, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.