How viruses reveal the role of the m5C chemical tag on RNA
Employing viruses to unravel the functional significance of the m5C epitranscriptome
Researchers will look at whether an RNA chemical mark called m5C changes how certain viruses infect people and cause illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258502 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a chemical tag on RNA called 5-methylcytosine (m5C) that appears in the genomes of several RNA viruses. Researchers will map m5C sites by sequencing, make viral mutants that lack specific m5C marks, and study how those changes affect virus replication in cells and small animal models. The team will also identify the host enzymes that add m5C and test how altering those enzymes changes infection and disease. Techniques include molecular biology, biochemical assays, high-throughput sequencing, and animal infection experiments to connect RNA chemistry with viral behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or currently have infections with the viruses studied (for example chikungunya or Coxsackievirus) or who are willing to donate blood or tissue samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to RNA virus infections or those not infected by the viruses in this project are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to block or weaken viruses like chikungunya and Coxsackievirus and lead to new antiviral strategies.
How similar studies have performed: This is a relatively new area of research with preliminary lab data showing m5C sites in several viruses, but translating those findings into treatments remains novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Rockefeller University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rice, Charles M — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Rice, Charles M
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.