How rotavirus copies its genetic material and builds new virus particles
Rotavirus Genome Replication and Virion Assembly
Learning how the rotavirus enzyme copies viral RNA to help protect infants and young children from severe diarrhea.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322544 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about lab scientists who want to understand the rotavirus 'copying' enzyme (RdRp) and how it is switched on during virus particle assembly. They will use biochemical tests and 3-D structural imaging to watch how viral proteins interact and how new genome segments are made. The team studies early assembly steps of the virus particle to find weak points where drugs or vaccines might block replication. This is laboratory research done with virus components and imaging techniques rather than a clinical treatment for patients today.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: There is no patient enrollment—this is laboratory research aimed at eventually benefiting infants and young children who get rotavirus.
Not a fit: People with non-rotavirus illnesses or those needing immediate clinical treatment will not directly benefit from this basic lab research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for antiviral drugs or improved vaccines that better protect infants and young children from severe rotavirus disease.
How similar studies have performed: Structural and biochemical studies of polymerases from viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 have helped guide antiviral development, so this is a well-established approach applied to rotavirus.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald Esstman, Sarah Marie — Wake Forest University
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald Esstman, Sarah Marie
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.