Circular viral RNAs made during infections
Roles for virus-derived circular RNAs during RNA virus infections
Researchers are looking at unusual circular forms of viral RNA made by hepatitis C, enterovirus 71, and SARS‑CoV‑2 to see how they change infected cells and viral behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11363819 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Scientists discovered that infected cells produce hundreds of virus-derived circular RNAs (vcircRNAs) and some of these can be turned into new viral proteins. The team will use lab-grown infected cells and molecular techniques to map which vcircRNAs are made and how abundant they are. They will test whether changing vcircRNA levels alters viral replication, virus-made proteins, or cell responses in model systems. The goal is to learn whether these vcircRNAs help the virus or help cells fight infection and whether they point to new ways to block these viruses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recent hepatitis C, enterovirus 71 (EV71), or SARS‑CoV‑2 infection, or those able to donate relevant clinical samples, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients without these specific viral infections or who cannot provide samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new viral components or mechanisms that become targets for future antiviral drugs or diagnostics.
How similar studies have performed: This area is relatively new: initial studies show vcircRNAs exist and some can be translated, but translating that knowledge into therapies has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sarnow, Peter — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Sarnow, Peter
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.