Multi-scale look at how coronavirus envelope protein E works and could be targeted
Official title: Multi-scale Computational Analysis of Structure, Dynamics and Function of Protein E from Corona Viruses
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11386537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small grant to study the envelope protein E in SARS-CoV-2 and related coronaviruses to learn how it helps viruses assemble and cause disease, with the goal of guiding future drugs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 19, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $204,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI194473-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to patient participation; this is a computational study using viral proteins.
✕Less likely to help
There are no direct patient participants in this computational project.
What this research studies
This project uses advanced computer simulations to understand how the coronavirus envelope protein E forms channels, how calcium and protons affect it, and how E protein clustering helps virus particles form. By combining atomistic and coarse-grained modeling, the team aims to reveal how the channel opens and how ions move through it. The insights could point to ways to block the protein's functions and prevent infection in future outbreaks. The work focuses on SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV to identify targets for antiviral strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could inform development of antiviral strategies that disrupt the E protein’s channel activity and virus assembly, potentially helping to prevent or treat coronavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous simulations and molecular studies have shown promise in revealing how viral proteins function, supporting the feasibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cui, Qiang — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Cui, Qiang
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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.