How a specific RNA influences the life cycle of human papillomavirus
Official title: Regulation of the Human Papillomavirus Life Cycle by the Long Noncoding RNA DINO
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11093356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific RNA called DINO affects the behavior of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in skin cells, which could help us find new ways to manage HPV infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,426 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170633-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with HPV infections, particularly those from medically underserved populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV infections or are not at risk for HPV-related diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a long non-coding RNA called DINO in the life cycle of human papillomavirus (HPV). The study focuses on how DINO expression changes during the differentiation of epithelial cells, which are the primary sites of HPV infection. By examining patient-derived cell lines, the researchers aim to understand how DINO may regulate the replication of HPV genomes, potentially leading to new strategies for controlling HPV infections. The approach combines molecular biology techniques to analyze RNA expression and its effects on viral behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to limit the spread of human papillomavirus and its associated diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of long non-coding RNAs in viral life cycles is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary studies suggest that similar approaches have shown promise in understanding other viral infections.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Munger, Karl — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Munger, Karl
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.