Understanding how HIV uses a specific RNA sequence to replicate
Official title: Structure of HIV Rev response element
Funded at Trustees of Indiana University · NIH-11094065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the HIV virus that helps it make copies of itself, and by understanding how a specific protein interacts with this part, the researchers hope to find new ways to treat HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $192,181 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI181621-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094065 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV, particularly those who have experienced treatment failure due to drug resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not infected with HIV or those who are in the early stages of HIV infection and have not yet developed resistance to current therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the Rev-response element (RRE) of HIV, which is crucial for the virus's ability to replicate. By examining how the viral Rev protein interacts with the RRE, the study aims to uncover the structural details of this complex, which is essential for the export of viral RNAs from the host cell nucleus. The researchers will employ innovative RNA-scaffold techniques to visualize the binding sites and understand the mechanisms involved in HIV replication. This knowledge could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for HIV treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new treatments for HIV that are effective against drug-resistant strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified viral targets for HIV treatment, suggesting that this approach has the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
Trustees of Indiana University
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Kyung H — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Choi, Kyung H
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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.