Investigating how IRE1 Alpha affects coronavirus infections
Role of IRE1 Alpha in Coronavirus Infections
This study is looking at how a protein called IRE1α affects the way the COVID-19 virus spreads and causes illness, especially in people with obesity and diabetes, to find new ways to treat COVID-19.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11041095 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the role of IRE1α, a protein involved in the cellular response to stress, in the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The study aims to understand how IRE1α contributes to the severity of COVID-19, particularly in patients with conditions like obesity and diabetes. By using cell culture models and patient specimens, the researchers will investigate the stages of the viral life cycle influenced by IRE1α and evaluate potential treatments that target this protein. The goal is to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could help manage COVID-19 infections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with COVID-19, especially those with comorbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or hypertension.
Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or do not have any of the associated comorbidities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for COVID-19 that target the IRE1α pathway, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of IRE1α inhibitors for treating COVID-19 is novel, there is ongoing research into targeting cellular stress responses in various diseases, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fink, Susan Leilani — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Fink, Susan Leilani
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.