HIV-1 proteins and how they alter cell cycles to keep the virus alive
Official title: Deciphering the roles and interplay of HIV-1 proteins in cell cycle disruption and latency reversal
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11553199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at understanding how HIV-1 proteins Vif and Vpr disrupt human cell division and help the virus persist, using advanced imaging to reveal new mechanisms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $929,114 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AI195411-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11553199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Anyone living with HIV-1 or at risk for HIV could potentially benefit from advances arising from this work, though participation is not currently described as a clinical trial.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient participation is not described in this grant; results may influence future patient-focused therapies rather than current treatment changes.
What this research studies
This project looks at how HIV-1 proteins Vif and Vpr change how infected human cells divide and survive. Researchers will use high-spatiotemporal imaging and quantitative immunofluorescence to watch the effects in real time. They have found that Vif can cause a long lethal arrest in cells, while Vpr can push cells into a genome-duplicating state, and together these proteins help keep infected cells alive while still producing virus. The work could uncover new targets to complement antiretroviral therapy and move toward strategies that disrupt HIV-1 persistence. The study is conducted in a lab setting but focuses on human biology with potential implications for people living with HIV."
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal new ways to target HIV-1 persistence and improve strategies toward a cure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified distinct roles for Vif and Vpr in cell cycle disruption, with new imaging approaches offering deeper mechanistic insight in this project.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suzuki, Aussie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Suzuki, Aussie
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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.