How rotavirus proteins help the virus infect cells
STRUCTURAL STUDIES ON ROTAVIRUS
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11259572
Researchers are mapping the shapes and interactions of rotavirus proteins to understand how the virus copies itself and makes infectious particles, with the goal of helping infants and young children affected by rotavirus.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259572 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are using advanced high-resolution imaging to take detailed 3D pictures of rotavirus proteins and the virus inside infected cells. They will focus on key viral proteins such as VP3, NSP2, and NSP4 to see how viral RNA is made and how new infectious particles form. The team will apply cryo-electron microscopy, single-particle reconstruction, and cellular cryo-tomography to capture molecular events during replication. This lab-based work uses virus samples and cell systems to reveal steps that could point to ways to block the virus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Relevant participants would include infants and young children with rotavirus infection or families willing to provide clinical samples such as stool for research at participating sites.
Not a fit: People without rotavirus infection or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify weak points in rotavirus replication that lead to new antiviral drugs or improvements to vaccines for infants and young children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous structural studies have successfully resolved many rotavirus capsid proteins including VP3, improving understanding of entry steps, but the later replication and morphogenesis stages targeted here are less well characterized.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PRASAD, BIDADI VENKATARAM — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: PRASAD, BIDADI VENKATARAM
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: Breast Cancer Anti-Estrogen Resistance 3, Breast Cancer Anti-Estrogen Resistance 3 Protein