Identifying the gene that controls resistance to certain retroviruses in mice
Official title: Identification of the gene controlling murine retrovirus in YBR mice
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-10894752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genes in mice help them fight off infections from a virus that can cause tumors, and by understanding this, researchers hope to find new ways to help people with similar viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178056-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10894752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research would include individuals with a genetic predisposition to viral infections or those at high risk for HIV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for viral infections or those with unrelated health conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific genes in mice influence their ability to resist infections from retroviruses, particularly focusing on the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV). By studying different strains of mice, especially the YBR strain, researchers aim to uncover the genetic mechanisms that allow some mice to effectively eliminate the virus without developing tumors. The findings could provide insights into similar mechanisms in humans, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies against retroviral infections. The approach involves genetic mapping and analysis of immune responses in these mice.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding how to enhance human resistance to retroviral infections like HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to identify genetic factors influencing resistance to viral infections, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golovkina, Tatyana V — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Golovkina, Tatyana V
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.