Structures and dynamics of virus ion channels
Official title: Structures and Dynamics of Proton- and Cation-Conducting Viroporins
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11514791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies the tiny channels in certain influenza and coronavirus viruses to understand how they let ions pass through and contribute to disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2009 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $99,175 |
| NIH project number | 3R01GM159321-16S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11514791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals affected by influenza B or coronavirus infections where viroporin activity is relevant to disease progression; this grant is primarily basic science, not a recruitment study.
✕Less likely to help
People without access to the related viruses or with non-viroporin-driven illness may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, this work looks at how specific virus proteins form channels in the virus membrane and how changes in their structure affect function. Researchers will use advanced spectroscopy to map where key parts of these channels are and how they move, which could reveal new targets for antiviral drugs. The findings may help develop therapies that block these channels and reduce virus damage in people who are infected. The study focuses on influenza B and SARS-CoV-2 related viruses and aims to connect basic science with potential clinical benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new antiviral strategies that inhibit virus ion channels and lessen disease severity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work on viroporins has advanced understanding of ion channels and informed drug design, supporting exploration of similar approaches here.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hong, Mei — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Hong, Mei
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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.