The laboratory studies the molecular virology of Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). KSHV is the infectious cause of Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS). KS is a highly vascularized hyperplasia that is the most common tumor in AIDS patients and is currently the most commonly reported tumor in regions of Africa. KSHV is also associated with two B-cell lymphoproliferative diseases, primary effusion lymphoma and AIDS-associated multicentric Castleman's disease. The laboratory is interested in how the virus alters the host cell to induce tumors. KSHV encodes over 80 genes and many are involved in altering host cell signal transduction. The laboratory focuses on how initiation of signal transduction pathways by viral genes leads to viral pathogenesis in endothelial and B-cells.
We are currently working on how KSHV-induced signaling induces persistent STAT3 activation and subsequent AKT activation, pathways commonly activated in many types of tumors. This pathway is also involved in KSHV driven differentiation of blood endothelial cells to lymphatic endothelium and we are interested in the role of differentiation in the biology of KSHV. We also have a major focus on viral-induced angiogenesis. KS tumors are highly vascularized and KSHV induces many genes involved in angiogenesis. Ongoing studies in the lab examine the role of KSHV-induced angiogenesis in KSHV biology.
