How polyomaviruses get into cell nuclei
Investigating the nuclear entry mechanism of SV40
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11301881
The team is mapping how polyomaviruses that can cause kidney problems, brain disease, and a skin cancer enter the nucleus of human cells.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11301881 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses a laboratory model virus (SV40) to learn steps that related human polyomaviruses use to reach and cross the cell nucleus. Researchers will focus on two nuclear membrane protein complexes and use cell-based and biochemical experiments to follow virus movement and interactions. By dissecting the molecular steps in cultured cells, they hope to identify points where infections could be blocked. The work is laboratory-based at the University of Michigan and does not appear to involve clinical treatment or patient procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by BK virus-related kidney disease, JC virus-related brain disease (PML), or Merkel cell carcinoma would be the most relevant patient groups for eventual therapies stemming from this work.
Not a fit: Patients without polyomavirus-related conditions or those affected by unrelated diseases are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new targets for drugs or other treatments to prevent or limit diseases caused by human polyomaviruses such as BK nephropathy, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have clarified some early steps of polyomavirus entry, but the exact mechanism by which these viruses enter the nucleus remains unclear, so this work builds on partial knowledge and seeks new details.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TSAI, BILLY — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: TSAI, BILLY
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: Cancers