Understanding how HIV-1 enters the nucleus and integrates into DNA
Official title: Elucidating HIV-1 nuclear trafficking to integration sites
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11109699 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the HIV-1 virus gets into the center of human cells and mixes its genetic material with ours, focusing on how a specific protein helps the virus find its way inside, which could help us understand how the virus survives and spreads.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $592,281 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI181627-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11109699 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who have already achieved viral suppression may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS, enters the nucleus of human cells and integrates its genetic material into the host's DNA. The study focuses on the interaction between the viral capsid and a host protein called CPSF6, which plays a crucial role in guiding the virus to specific areas within the nucleus known as nuclear speckles. By using advanced technologies, the researchers aim to uncover the steps involved in this process, which is vital for the virus's replication and persistence in the body.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating HIV infection by targeting the viral integration process.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding viral mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying HIV-1 integration is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Francis, Ashwanth Christopher — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Francis, Ashwanth Christopher
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.