How the coronavirus proofreading and capping machinery works to copy and protect its genome
Official title: Mechanistic insights into multifaceted roles of coronavirus exoribonuclease complex
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11335674 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the coronavirus proofreads its RNA and adds a cap to its genome, which helps it replicate accurately and hide from the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $382,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150607-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11335674 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with or at risk for COVID-19 or related coronavirus infections could benefit from future therapies developed from these insights.
✕Less likely to help
This basic science study does not involve patient participation or direct treatment during the project period.
What this research studies
This project explores how the viral ExoN complex (nsp14-nsp10) coordinates with the viral polymerase during RNA replication and transcription, and how it is influenced by other viral factors. The work also investigates how ExoN’s RNA cleavage and capping activities are linked in the viral life cycle. Understanding these mechanisms could point to new therapeutic targets to disrupt virus replication. The study uses biochemical and biological models to reveal these processes in a controlled lab setting. Findings may inform future strategies to combat COVID-19 by hindering the virus’s ability to replicate and evade immunity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new points of intervention to hinder coronavirus replication and improve antiviral strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that dissecting viral proofreading and capping mechanisms can reveal targets for antiviral drugs, making this a promising and logical next step.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yang — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yang
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.