How picornaviruses build and use their replication centers
Assembly of Picornaviral Replication Complexes
This project looks at how common RNA viruses like coxsackievirus and rhinovirus copy their genes and assemble inside cells to help guide new antiviral approaches.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Collins, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261158 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers are using biochemical and structural biology methods to see how these viruses assemble membrane-anchored replication centers and how the viral polymerase copies RNA. They will determine detailed molecular structures and measure enzyme activities to learn what controls copying speed and accuracy. The team will also study how viral RNA interacts with viral proteases to control protein processing during replication. These lab-based findings aim to point to vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future drugs or preventive strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at risk for picornaviral infections—such as coxsackievirus-associated myocarditis, enterovirus D68 respiratory illness, or frequent rhinovirus infections—who can provide clinical samples may be relevant to related sample-collection efforts.
Not a fit: Patients with non-viral heart disease or unrelated chronic conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for antiviral drugs or ways to prevent virus-related heart and respiratory complications.
How similar studies have performed: Structural and biochemical studies of viral polymerases have successfully guided antiviral drug development for other viruses, though applying those methods to picornaviruses is still an active area of research.
Where this research is happening
Fort Collins, United States
- Colorado State University — Fort Collins, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peersen, Olve Breien — Colorado State University
- Study coordinator: Peersen, Olve Breien
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.