Understanding how certain viruses stabilize their mRNA for better translation
Official title: Functional characterization of viral non-polyadenylated sequences that enable mRNA stability and translation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11114550 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses keep their genetic material stable and working without the usual protective features, which could help scientists find new ways to create better treatments for viral infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 16, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $232,800 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190255-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114550 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with viruses from the Bunyavirales order or those at risk of such infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections not related to Bunyavirales or those with other unrelated health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how non-polyadenylated mRNAs from various viruses maintain stability and promote translation, which is crucial for their survival and replication. The study focuses on the molecular mechanisms that allow these viral mRNAs to function without the typical protective structures found in eukaryotic mRNAs. By exploring the interactions between viral proteins and RNA binding proteins, the research aims to uncover new strategies for developing targeted antiviral therapies. Patients may benefit from this work as it could lead to the creation of effective treatments for viral infections caused by Bunyavirales and other similar viruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of highly specific antiviral therapies for diseases caused by certain viruses.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding viral mRNA mechanisms, but this specific approach to non-polyadenylated mRNAs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilusz, Jeremy E — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wilusz, Jeremy E
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
A new AI tool uses multiple types of patient data to help doctors find genetic causes of congenital heart disease more accurately.
-
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children
This project watches how often common vaccines prevent illnesses in kids who are in the hospital or at the emergency department, and compares them with healthy children getting well-child care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Thalamic sleep circuit changes in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how sleep-related brain activity in a key sleep regulator called the TRN affects Alzheimer’s progression and whether boosting TRN function could slow symptoms.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
UMPIRE: Keeping Kidneys Healthy for Babies with Spina Bifida
A care protocol for newborns with spina bifida aims to protect kidney function by thoughtful bladder management and monitoring from birth.
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.