Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 replicates and produces RNA in infected cells
Official title: Live-cell imaging of SARS-CoV-2 replication organelle formation and RNA synthesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10930020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 virus copies itself in our airway cells, using special imaging tools to see what happens in real-time, and it hopes to find new ways to treat the virus by understanding the role of certain proteins in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $235,550 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI175795-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930020 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or are at risk of infection, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with SARS-CoV-2 or those who have fully recovered from COVID-19 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the processes involved in the replication of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. By using advanced imaging techniques, researchers will observe how the virus interacts with human airway cells in real-time. The study aims to identify the role of specific host proteins in the formation of structures that the virus uses to replicate and produce its RNA. This knowledge could lead to the development of new therapies targeting these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that effectively target and inhibit the replication of SARS-CoV-2, potentially reducing the severity of COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar imaging techniques to study viral replication, indicating a promising approach for understanding SARS-CoV-2.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ambrose, Zandrea — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Ambrose, Zandrea
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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.