Understanding how HIV RNA structures affect the virus's gene expression

Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11059975

This study is looking at how HIV-1 RNA behaves inside infected cells and how it interacts with proteins, which could help us understand how the virus works and find new ways to fight it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059975 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the complex structures formed by HIV-1 RNA in infected cells and how these structures interact with viral and host proteins. By analyzing these interactions, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that regulate HIV-1 gene expression and replication. The team will explore various stages of the viral life cycle, including RNA synthesis, alternative splicing, nuclear export, and translation of viral mRNAs. This comprehensive approach could lead to new insights into how HIV operates at a molecular level.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the virus and potential new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are not interested in experimental treatments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating HIV/AIDS by targeting the RNA structures that play critical roles in the virus's life cycle.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding RNA structures in other viruses, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights for HIV as well.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.