How West Nile and related viruses use cell 'ubiquitin' tags to help infection
CRISPR-Cas9 base editing approaches to discover ubiquitination events promoting flavivirus infection
['FUNDING_R21'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11231671
Researchers will use precise gene editing in human cells to change tiny protein tags and find which ones help West Nile–type viruses grow, with the goal of helping people affected by these infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11231671 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses CRISPR-based 'base editing' tools in human cell models to make targeted changes to sites where a small protein tag called ubiquitin is attached. Scientists will first create many small mutations at ubiquitin sites that change during West Nile virus infection and screen which changes make infection easier or harder. They will also alter key parts of the cellular enzymes that add or remove these tags when those enzymes interact with a viral protein. The work is laboratory-based and aims to reveal host cell steps the virus exploits, creating starting points for future antiviral ideas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People affected by flavivirus infections (for example West Nile or related viruses) are the ultimate beneficiaries, though this grant supports laboratory research rather than a patient trial.
Not a fit: People with unrelated conditions (for example bacterial infections) or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal new targets for antiviral drugs or treatments against West Nile and related flaviviruses.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work has mapped many ubiquitin changes during flavivirus infection, but using CRISPR base editing to functionally test those sites is a newer approach with limited prior clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: JOHNSON, JEFFREY R — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: JOHNSON, JEFFREY R
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections