How a small RNA-protein complex controls when genes are read
Structural understanding of 7SK-snRNP mediated transcriptional regulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11132898
This work looks at how the 7SK‑snRNP complex controls gene reading in cells, which is important for people with HIV and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11132898 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will determine the three-dimensional shapes of the 7SK small nuclear RNA and its protein partners (including HEXIM and pTEFb) to understand how they keep gene transcription paused and how HIV's Tat protein overrides that control. The team will use structural biology tools (for example cryo‑EM and NMR), biochemical binding measurements, and calorimetry to visualize and measure these molecular interactions. They will compare how HEXIM1 and HEXIM2 behave and test whether other cellular factors use the same mechanism. This is lab-based molecular work aimed at revealing how viral and cellular regulators control transcription rather than a direct clinical treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV or patients with breast cancer who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples or to be contacted about future related clinical studies would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment changes or quick personal health benefits should not expect direct benefit because this is basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular targets for drugs that block HIV replication or that modify gene activity in some cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Related structural and biochemical studies have clarified parts of the HIV transcription machinery, but solving the full RNA–protein complexes remains an active and only partially completed research goal.
Where this research is happening
CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD UNIVERSITY — CAMBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'SOUZA, VICTORIA MANUEL — HARVARD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: D'SOUZA, VICTORIA MANUEL
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus, Breast Cancer