Understanding how a protein complex helps HPV infect cells
Official title: Mechanism of gamma-secretase action during HPV infection
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10768764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called gamma-secretase helps the human papillomavirus (HPV) get into our cells, which is important because HPV can lead to certain cancers, and the researchers want to understand this process better to find ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 24, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $588,560 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI150897-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10768764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for HPV infection or those with HPV-related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HPV or do not have HPV-related health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a protein complex called gamma-secretase in the infection process of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is linked to various cancers. The study aims to uncover how gamma-secretase facilitates the entry of HPV into cells by promoting the insertion of a viral protein into the cell membrane. By identifying the interactions between HPV and gamma-secretase, the researchers hope to clarify the mechanisms that allow HPV to hijack cellular pathways for its own replication. This work involves advanced techniques in molecular biology and proteomics to analyze these interactions in detail.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HPV-related cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting viral entry mechanisms can be effective in treating viral infections, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsai, Billy — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Tsai, Billy
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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.