How the COVID-19 virus copies its genetic code and how to block it
Kinetic and structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase specificity and inhibition
Researchers are mapping how the coronavirus's copying enzyme works so scientists can design safer, more effective antiviral drugs for people with COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks closely at the SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase (the viral enzyme that copies the virus's RNA) using detailed biochemical and structural experiments. The team will measure how the enzyme adds and removes nucleotide building blocks using rapid single‑turnover kinetic tests and determine atomic structures to see how drugs fit into the enzyme. That information will guide design and testing of nucleotide‑analog inhibitors related to drugs like remdesivir. The work is done in a laboratory setting at the University of Texas at Austin to support development of better antivirals for current and future coronavirus strains.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with active or recent SARS‑CoV‑2 (COVID‑19) infection or those at high risk of severe COVID‑19 would be the most likely to benefit from therapies developed using these findings.
Not a fit: Individuals with illnesses unrelated to coronaviruses or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory research itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective and less toxic antiviral medicines to treat COVID‑19 and future coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches have produced effective polymerase inhibitors for HIV and hepatitis C, and remdesivir has shown some clinical promise against COVID‑19, but targeted SARS‑CoV‑2 polymerase inhibitors remain under active development.
Where this research is happening
Austin, United States
- University of Texas at Austin — Austin, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Kenneth Allen — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Kenneth Allen
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.