How flu virus genetic messages leave the cell nucleus
Differential Nuclear Export of Influenza Virus mRNAs by RNA-Binding Proteins
Researchers are figuring out how influenza uses certain human proteins to move its mRNA out of the cell nucleus, which could point to new ways to stop the virus for people with flu.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11295041 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how influenza viral mRNAs are exported from the cell nucleus with the help of human RNA-binding proteins using lab-grown cells and viral samples. They will focus on a family of proteins called hnRNP H to see how these proteins help specific viral mRNAs (such as M, NA, and HA) reach the cytoplasm. Molecular experiments will map interactions between viral RNA and the cell's mRNA export machinery and test what happens when those interactions are changed. All work is lab-based at UT Southwestern and does not involve enrolling patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients and instead uses lab models and viral samples rather than human volunteers.
Not a fit: People with unrelated conditions will not benefit directly, and any patient-facing treatments based on this work would be long-term and require further development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new drug targets to block flu virus replication and lead to better antiviral treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown influenza co-opts host mRNA export pathways, but targeting hnRNP H proteins as specific mediators is a relatively new angle.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fontoura, Beatriz Ma — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fontoura, Beatriz Ma
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.