Wang receives NIDCR grant to study Epstein-Barr Virus and cancer

Chong Wang, PhD, assistant professor of basic sciences, received an NIH R00 grant from the National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research for his exploration of Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen leader protein. 

Wang received his PhD from Fudan University in China before pursuing postdoctoral training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School. He has sustained interest in the Epstein-Barr Virus for much of his career, including its role in myriad cancers, such as head and neck cancer and B cell lymphoma.

“EBV is a tumor virus, transmitted primarily through saliva,” Wang explained. “Its infection is associated with many oral diseases, like oral hairy leukoplakia and head and neck cancer, like nasopharyngeal cancer.” 

EBV’s role in causing cancers, particularly head and neck cancers, is what inspired Wang to pursue a grant through the NIDCR. “Studying EBV will help us understand its role in oral-associated diseases, and may identify therapeutic targets that align with NIDCR’s aim,” he explained. 

Specifically, Wang plans to examine Epstein-Barr Virus nuclear antigen leader protein, or EBNALP, “an EBV-encoded gene essential for EBV to transform naive B cells into proliferating lymphoblastoid cell lines.” He hopes to illuminate the process by which transcription occurs. 

“EBNALP is a transcription factor that regulates gene expression. However, the mechanism through which EBNALP regulates host gene expression, and its role in EBV-associated diseases, remain elusive,” he explained. “Studying EBNALP will help us better understand EBV oncogenesis, and may identify preventive or therapeutic targets for EBV-associated oral and other disorders.” 

Wang hopes that the $744,716 grant will lead to new insights into EBNALP’s role in regulating gene expression, including new targets for deactivating that mechanism. Moreover, he hopes to increase understanding of this virus that wreaks havoc on the body. 

“Cancer development is a complex process involving numerous genetic and epigenetic changes,” he explained. “Epstein-Barr Virus is the first known tumor virus that contributes to the development of several types of cancer, including Burkitt’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, gastric carcinomas and more. Our research aims to deepen our understanding of how EBV infection contributes to cancer development and identify potential therapeutic targets. By using a range of techniques, including conventional molecular biology, epigenetics, 3D genome organization, and genome-wide CRISPR screening to investigate different aspects of EBV-associated carcinogenesis, we hope to uncover new avenues for cancer prevention and treatment.”