How a cell enzyme called TAO2 helps the flu virus use our cells
Kinase Regulation of Nuclear Speckle Function and Splicing during Influenza Virus Infection
Testing whether blocking a common cell enzyme called TAO2 can stop the flu virus from making key RNA pieces and help people with influenza.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169709 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a human cell enzyme named TAO2 that helps control how RNA is processed inside the nucleus and how the flu virus copies its genes. They will map the proteins TAO2 interacts with, identify which proteins it phosphorylates, and see how those interactions change when cells are infected with influenza. The team will use chemical inhibitors and protein depletion in human cells to watch effects on viral RNA processing and virus replication. Findings come from lab experiments using human cells and molecular assays rather than direct patient treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with influenza or individuals willing to provide nasal or throat samples for related clinical follow-up would be most relevant for future translational steps.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical benefit should not expect direct help because the project is basic laboratory research on molecular mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a new way to treat influenza by targeting a host protein that the virus needs to replicate.
How similar studies have performed: Lab studies targeting host RNA-processing or splicing factors have shown promise as antiviral strategies, but targeting TAO2 for flu is a novel approach with only preliminary laboratory data so far.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lynch, Kristen W — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Lynch, Kristen W
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.