How coronaviruses adapt and evolve through RNA recombination

RNA Recombination in Coronaviruses

NIH-funded research Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11063997

This study is looking at how the coronavirus, especially the one that causes COVID-19, changes and adapts over time, which helps it avoid our immune system and resist treatments, so we can find better ways to fight it and its new versions.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionScripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11063997 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how coronaviruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, utilize RNA recombination to adapt and evolve. By examining the mechanisms of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases and their mutation rates, the study aims to understand how these viruses can evade immune responses and resist antiviral therapies. The researchers will analyze patient samples and use advanced techniques like 'Tiled-ClickSeq' to identify patterns in RNA recombination that contribute to the emergence of new viral variants. This work is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat COVID-19 and its variants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those at risk of infection, particularly during outbreaks.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with coronaviruses or those with unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved antiviral therapies and strategies to prevent the emergence of new coronavirus variants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding RNA recombination in coronaviruses can lead to significant insights into viral evolution and treatment strategies.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.