How astroviruses infect cells and cause illness
Mechanisms of astrovirus infection
This work will identify how astroviruses enter and hijack cells to help people and animals affected by astrovirus infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180499 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research will map the viral proteins and pinpoint where the virus cuts them to make functional pieces. Scientists will use lab-grown cells and genetic CRISPR screens to find the human or animal proteins the virus needs to replicate. They will also study how infected cells remodel their membranes to form virus replication sites, using cell and possibly animal models to test ideas. The team aims to build tools and knowledge that can support future diagnostics and treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with recent or confirmed astrovirus infection or those willing to donate blood, stool, or tissue samples for laboratory study.
Not a fit: People without astrovirus exposure or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal diagnostic markers or drug targets that help prevent or treat astrovirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Methods like CRISPR screens and protein mapping have identified targets for other viruses, but detailed, astrovirus-specific work is still relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lennemann, Nicholas J — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Lennemann, Nicholas J
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.