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EBV Modulation of Genome Stability in B-cell Lymphoma

Award Number: K99CA312752
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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EBV Modulation of Genome Stability in B-cell Lymphoma - Project Summary Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is etiologically linked to multiple aggressive B cell malignancies, including Burkitt lymphoma (BL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD). These lymphomas arise from germinal center B cells, where antibody diversification introduces uracils into DNA through activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Under normal conditions, base excision repair (BER) and mismatch repair (MMR) resolve these lesions to maintain genome stability. However, persistent uracils promote mutations and chromosomal alterations that contribute to malignant transformation. Re-analysis of EBV-positive BL tumor sequencing reveals mutational signatures consistent with defects in both BER and MMR, suggesting that EBV may suppress uracil repair to promote lymphomagenesis while protecting its own viral genome. While EBV's effects on DNA damage signaling have been studied, its direct impact on uracil processing remains poorly understood. This K99/R00 proposal outlines a transition plan for Dr. Jessica Stewart to define how EBV suppresses uracil excision, alters DNA repair pathway utilization, and promotes mutagenesis. In the mentored phase (K99), she will (Aim 1) investigate how EBV suppresses uracil excision and identify viral gene products that impair uracil repair, and (Aim 2) dissect the function of FAM72A—a host factor upregulated by EBV that antagonizes nuclear uracil glycosylase UNG2—through structural studies, interactome mapping, and small- molecule screening. In the independent phase (R00), she will (Aim 3) define how unresolved uracils alter DNA repair pathway usage and identify repair vulnerabilities that support EBV-driven B cell transformation. Dr. Stewart's long-term goal is to establish an independent research program focused on how oncogenic viruses reshape host DNA repair networks to drive malignant transformation. Building on her expertise in uracil biochemistry and DNA repair, she will receive advanced training in viral recombination, structural biology, repair pathway analysis, and in vivo modeling of EBV-associated tumors under the mentorship of a multidisciplinary advisory committee with expertise in virology, DNA repair, and cancer biology. The outstanding research environment at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center will provide the resources, collaborations, and professional development needed to support her transition to independence. This work aligns with NCI's mission to define cancer mechanisms and inform therapeutic strategies for virus- associated malignancies.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $117,144 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL	104 AIRPORT DR STE 2200	CHAPEL HILL	NC	27599	ORANGE	USA	Cancer Research Manpower	000	1	5/12/2026	NEW	$117,144
														Subtotal = $117,144

Grand Total All Awards = $117,144

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EBV Modulation of Genome Stability in B-cell Lymphoma

Award Number: K99CA312752

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: TRAINING/TRAINEESHIP

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 06/01/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 05/31/2028

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