How plant viruses affect gene expression and chromatin dynamics
Official title: Modulation of host chromatin dynamics and gene expression by viral biomolecular condensates
Funded at University of Missouri Kansas City · NIH-10882241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific plant virus affects the way plant cells work, especially how they manage their genes, and it's designed to help students learn about these exciting scientific techniques along the way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri Kansas City NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $469,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AI183280-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10882241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the molecular mechanisms of viral infections and their effects on cellular functions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to viral infections or chromatin dynamics may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain plant viruses, specifically the Pea enation mosaic virus 2, influence the behavior of chromatin and gene expression in host cells. By using advanced techniques like ATAC sequencing and RNA sequencing, the study aims to understand how a viral protein called p26 interacts with the nucleolus and alters chromatin structure. This could reveal mechanisms by which viruses manipulate host cellular processes, potentially leading to new insights in virology and gene regulation. The project also emphasizes training for undergraduate researchers in these methodologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for controlling viral infections by understanding how viruses manipulate host gene expression.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using plant viruses to study chromatin dynamics is relatively novel, similar methodologies have shown promise in other areas of virology and gene regulation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: May, Jared Paul — University of Missouri Kansas City
- Study coordinator: May, Jared Paul
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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.