The work proposed for this fellowship is part of a larger project that the long term goal of exploiting virus gene products to treat human malignancy. Epstein-Barr virus,2 a human herpesvirus, is associated with several human malignancies. Herpesviruses respond well to antiviral therapy. Treatment of EBV related tumors with antiviral therapy could be possible. In this proposal, the mechanism of regulation of the EBV thymidine kinase (TK) gene will be investigated. Such knowledge may reveal a mechanism to upregulate its expression in latently infected EBV+ tumor cells by treatment with drugs that induce the proper viral and/or cellular transcription factors. This project represents necessary groundwork for testing the hypothesis that induction of EBV TK gene expression, coupled with effective antiviral treatment, may be a successful means of eradicating EBV+ tumor cells. This project will also yield basic research information on the control of gamma-herpesvirus early gene expression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32CA085157-01
Application #
6079229
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-EVR (01))
Program Officer
Lohrey, Nancy
Project Start
1999-12-06
Project End
Budget Start
1999-07-01
Budget End
2000-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1999
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
076593722
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02215