How HIV's copying enzyme works and helps the virus assemble
HIV reverse transcriptase structure, function, inhibition, and roles in viral assembly and maturation
['FUNDING_R01'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11408336
This work looks at how the HIV enzyme that copies the virus's genes and helps new viruses form, to help guide better treatments for people with HIV.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11408336 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution imaging (cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography) to capture the shapes and movements of HIV reverse transcriptase during viral DNA synthesis. They will examine how reverse transcriptase interacts with a human protein called eEF1A and how the RT portion of the Gag-Pol polyprotein contributes to virus assembly and maturation. Laboratory biochemical and virological experiments, including engineered polyprotein constructs, will connect structural snapshots to how the enzyme works and responds to inhibitors. These combined approaches aim to reveal steps that drugs might better target or steps where resistance emerges.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with HIV who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples for laboratory research or who want to be considered for future clinical work informed by these findings would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without HIV or those seeking immediate changes to their clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could guide the design of more effective HIV drugs and help prevent or overcome treatment resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural and biochemical studies of HIV reverse transcriptase have led to effective antiretroviral drugs, and this project builds on that established success while addressing new mechanistic questions.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ARNOLD, EDWARD — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: ARNOLD, EDWARD
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus