Understanding how certain retroviruses assemble and form particles
Official title: Deltaretrovirus Morphology and Particle Assembly
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11136940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses that can cause blood cancers in people and cattle are put together, using special imaging techniques to learn more about their shapes and how they grow, which could help us find better ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $532,594 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM151775-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11136940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals affected by lymphoid leukemias related to human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV) or those at risk of such conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral related lymphoid leukemias or other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex assembly processes of deltaretroviruses, which are linked to lymphoid leukemias in both humans and cattle. By utilizing advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, the study aims to uncover the unique morphologies and assembly pathways of these viruses, which are notoriously difficult to propagate in cell cultures. The research will focus on the distinct structures and dynamics involved in the formation of virus particles, potentially leading to new insights into their replication and pathogenicity. This could enhance our understanding of how these viruses operate and may inform future therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating diseases associated with deltaretroviruses.
How similar studies have gone: While research on retrovirus assembly is ongoing, the specific focus on deltaretroviruses and their unique assembly mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mansky, Louis M. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mansky, Louis M.
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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.