How segmented viruses shuffle genes to become new threats
US-UK Collab: Modelling reassortment at the cellular, clinical, and phylogenetic level in emerging Bunyaviruses
This project looks at how hemorrhagic fever viruses like Crimean-Congo can swap whole gene segments during coinfection and what that might mean for people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Triad National Security, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Alamos, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116968 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will build computer and mathematical models of how segmented viruses behave inside cells and during infection to simulate gene-segment swapping called reassortment. They will compare these models with laboratory data, virus genome sequences, and clinical and epidemiological patterns to link cellular events to real-world outbreaks. The team focuses on Bunyaviruses that cause diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever to identify circumstances when new, potentially dangerous virus combinations might emerge. Results are intended to inform surveillance and public-health actions to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with confirmed or suspected Bunyavirus infection, or those living in outbreak-prone regions who can provide samples, genetic data, or clinical records, would be the most relevant to contribute.
Not a fit: People without exposure to Bunyaviruses or those seeking immediate treatment for unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help public health teams spot and prepare for new virus strains before they spread widely, reducing illness and deaths.
How similar studies have performed: Similar modeling and genetic analyses have revealed reassortment in influenza, but applying these approaches to Bunyaviruses is newer and less established.
Where this research is happening
Los Alamos, UNITED STATES
- Triad National Security, LLC — Los Alamos, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Molina-Paris, Carmen — Triad National Security, LLC
- Study coordinator: Molina-Paris, Carmen
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.