Understanding how certain viruses start their protein production
Official title: IRES-mediated initiation of picornavirus translation
Funded at Suny Downstate Medical Center · NIH-11047287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses can trick our cells into making their proteins, even when our immune system is trying to fight them off, and it could help us find new ways to treat infections caused by these viruses.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Suny Downstate Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brooklyn, United States) |
| Project start | November 14, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $237,165 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188505-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals infected with picornaviruses or those at high risk for infections caused by these viruses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with viral infections caused by other virus families that do not utilize IRES mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how picornaviruses, which include significant human pathogens, initiate the process of protein production despite the body's immune responses. It focuses on the internal ribosomal entry sites (IRESs) found in the 5' untranslated regions of viral RNA, which allow these viruses to bypass normal translation initiation mechanisms. By studying the interactions between viral RNA and cellular proteins, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that enable these viruses to effectively hijack the host's translation machinery. This could lead to new insights into viral behavior and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel anti-viral therapies that specifically target the mechanisms used by these viruses to initiate protein production.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting viral translation mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Suny Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hellen, Christopher Ulrich Tristram — Suny Downstate Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Hellen, Christopher Ulrich Tristram
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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.