Ribosomal frameshifting in HIV-1 infection and its effects on inflammation and brain health
Official title: Ribosomal Frameshifting in HIV-1 Infection, Inflammation and Neurotoxicity
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11421516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at the University of Rochester will explore how HIV-1 may change human cell machinery to boost its own replication and cause inflammation and brain-related problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $601,307 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS143478-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421516 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with HIV/AIDS and potentially those at risk for HAND may benefit from future therapies based on these findings.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals with no HIV infection are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project investigates how HIV-1 manipulates the body's protein-making system to help the virus replicate, focusing on specific cellular RNA and protein modifications. Researchers will use genome-wide CRISPR screening and molecular analyses to identify host factors that influence ribosomal frameshifting, a process the virus uses to produce essential enzymes. The team will examine how changes in tRNA and ribosomal proteins relate to HIV-associated inflammation and neurotoxicity, with the aim of understanding potential therapeutic targets. The study combines virology, neurobiology, and molecular biology to connect virus behavior with brain health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to reduce HIV-driven inflammation and protect brain function in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Related research has shown that host cell factors influence HIV replication and inflammation, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Yiping — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Yiping
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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.