How SARS-CoV-2 and human cells battle to control viral genes
Emerging mechanisms of viral gene regulation from battles between host and SARS-CoV-2
This work looks at how the coronavirus and our cells fight over viral gene control to uncover new ways to stop the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136265 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will map how SARS‑CoV‑2 uses and changes its RNA regulatory regions (like the 5' and 3' untranslated regions) and how human cell factors respond. They plan to use biochemical experiments, molecular assays, and cell-based models to follow viral RNA behavior and identify host proteins the virus relies on. By tracing these virus–host interactions, researchers aim to reveal new points where drugs could block replication or prevent resistance. The lab-based work may also use human-derived samples collected at Johns Hopkins to connect findings to real infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with recent or past SARS‑CoV‑2 infection or healthy volunteers willing to provide clinical samples such as nasal swabs or blood.
Not a fit: People without SARS‑CoV‑2 exposure or those not willing to donate samples are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new antiviral targets that stop the virus from copying itself or becoming drug-resistant.
How similar studies have performed: Antivirals targeting polymerase or spike have shown mixed results, and targeting virus–host gene regulation is a newer, largely preclinical approach with encouraging early lab evidence but limited clinical proof so far.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Chang — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Chang
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.