How double-stranded RNA viruses like rotavirus copy and package their genes
Genome structure, transcription and packaging of dsRNA viruses
Researchers are learning how certain non-enveloped viruses that can cause illness in people, such as rotavirus, copy and protect their genetic material.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247109 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this work as scientists using powerful microscopes and lab experiments to take very detailed pictures of virus particles and their enzyme machinery. They capture snapshots of virus particles at different steps—dormant, starting to make RNA, and actively copying—to see how the capsid and enzymes are arranged and how RNA is capped and packaged. The team compares viruses with different numbers of capsid layers and with or without mRNA‑capping turrets to identify shared and unique features. Although this is primarily lab-based work on virus particles and related animal viruses, the findings could point to new drug or vaccine targets for human infections like rotavirus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not directly enroll patients, but people with recent rotavirus infection or those willing to donate clinical samples could be relevant for follow-on translational studies.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to dsRNA viruses (for example bacterial infections) are unlikely to receive any direct benefit from this basic virology research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal vulnerabilities in rotavirus and related pathogens that help guide development of new antivirals or improved vaccines.
How similar studies have performed: High-resolution structural studies of related viruses have previously revealed enzyme and capsid arrangements and informed hypotheses for antivirals, but translating these findings into new treatments remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Z Hong — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Z Hong
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.