Understanding how a specific RNA complex regulates gene transcription
Official title: Structural understanding of 7SK-snRNP mediated transcriptional regulation
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-10922669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein complex helps control the process of making RNA from DNA, which is important for understanding how viruses like HIV can grow and how we might find new treatments for HIV and some cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $484,772 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM144374-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals living with HIV or those affected by cancers related to transcriptional dysregulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to transcriptional regulation or those not affected by HIV or related cancers may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (7SK snRNP) complex in regulating the transcription of cellular and viral mRNAs, particularly focusing on how it interacts with the positive elongation factor pTEFb. By using advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the study aims to uncover the structural mechanisms that allow transcriptional regulators, including the HIV Tat protein, to overcome the inhibitory effects of the 7SK snRNP complex. Patients may benefit from insights gained into how these processes can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes, especially in conditions like HIV and certain cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating HIV and other diseases related to transcriptional regulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding transcriptional regulation mechanisms, particularly in the context of HIV, suggesting that this approach has a solid foundation.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: D'souza, Victoria Manuel — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: D'souza, Victoria Manuel
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using biomaterials to boost T cell immunity against cancer
This study is exploring new ways to boost the immune system's T cells, which help fight cancer, by using special materials to create artificial cells that can better activate them, with the hope of developing improved treatments for cancer patients.
-
Understanding how venom glands develop to reveal new medicines
A Corsortium at Harvard studies how venom glands form and work in different animals to uncover new ways to create and use powerful medicines for human health.
-
Muscle Mass: a Key Missing Piece in How We Model Movement
This project studies how adding muscle mass to computer models changes predictions of movement, aiming to improve mobility for people of all ages.
-
Synthetic circuit tools to precisely control human immune cells
Aims to design safe, programmable gene circuits that can steer human immune cells for better therapies.
-
HPF-X: A fast, buffer-exchanging high-pressure freezing tool for capturing rapid cellular events
A new tool called HPF-X will let scientists freeze cells at precise moments after stimulation, so we can see rapid molecular changes in neuroscience and related fields.
-
Pathways and factors to prevent early-onset colorectal tumors
This NIH grant would explore why colorectal cancer is rising in people under 50 and identify clues we can use to prevent it.
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.