How viruses affect brain development and cause birth defects
Official title: Molecular mechanisms linking viral replication and neuropathogenesis
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11015877 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how viruses like Zika can affect brain development and cause serious birth defects, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these viruses interact with our cells to find ways to protect babies from these risks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $567,423 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI170857-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11015877 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals who may be at risk of viral infections that affect fetal brain development.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those whose conditions are unrelated to viral infections affecting brain development may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how certain viruses, like Zika and cytomegalovirus, can disrupt brain development and lead to serious birth defects such as microcephaly. The study focuses on the interaction between a viral protein and a human protein called ANKLE2, which is crucial for proper brain cell division. By using models to understand these interactions, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind viral neuropathogenesis and its connection to hereditary disorders. This could help identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent or mitigate the effects of these viruses on brain development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing birth defects caused by viral infections during pregnancy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding viral interactions with host proteins, making this approach promising for uncovering new insights into viral neuropathogenesis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Priya Shirish — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Shah, Priya Shirish
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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.