How viruses change the way our DNA is packed
Investigating chromatin mechanisms using viral systems
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11391900
This project looks at how viruses reshape the three-dimensional packaging of DNA inside human cells to learn how that can affect health.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11391900 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are using viruses as a live test to see how the cell's DNA packaging (called chromatin) is rearranged during infection. They combine modern 3D chromosome-mapping tools with infections by adenoviruses and herpesviruses to watch changes over time. Most work is done in the lab using infected cells and advanced molecular techniques that map which parts of the genome touch each other. The goal is to reveal basic chromatin functions that viruses exploit and to identify points where interventions might later help patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with current or recent adenovirus or herpesvirus infections, or individuals willing to donate blood or tissue samples for lab studies, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to viral infection or chromatin-linked disorders are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal vulnerabilities that lead to new ways to block viral effects or treat diseases tied to abnormal chromatin regulation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous chromatin mapping and virus–host interaction studies have driven key discoveries in molecular biology, but applying 3D chromatin methods to active viral infections is a relatively new and growing approach.
Where this research is happening
CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — CORAL GABLES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AVGOUSTI, DAPHNE CHRISTINA — UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: AVGOUSTI, DAPHNE CHRISTINA
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.