How HIV-1 transcription is controlled by a protein in human DNA-remodeling complexes
Official title: TAR RNA binding to INI1/SMARCB1 and its role in HIV-1 transcription and latency reactivation
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11420767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a human protein in chromatin remodeling complexes interacts with HIV-1 RNA to influence viral transcription and latency, with the goal of finding new angles to disrupt reservoirs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $3,204,071 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI198154-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Participants and samples would be relevant for researchers studying HIV latency and transcription; implications may guide future translational or clinical work.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science project does not involve direct patient participation today and may not provide immediate benefit to individual patients.
What this research studies
This project examines how the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes, especially INI1/BAF47, interact with HIV-1 TAR RNA to affect transcription and latency. Using molecular and biochemical approaches, the team will explore how INI1’s domains bind TAR RNA and how this impacts transcriptional pausing and elongation. The work aims to map the mechanisms by which chromatin remodeling promotes or restricts HIV-1 transcription in latent reservoirs, which could reveal new targets for latency reversal strategies. Findings could inform approaches to disrupt viral persistence and move toward functional cure strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new molecular targets to reactivate latent HIV-1 for clearance or to better control viral transcription.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked chromatin remodeling to HIV transcription regulation, with emerging evidence supporting roles for INI1 and TAR RNA in this process.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalpana, Ganjam V — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Kalpana, Ganjam V
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.