Understanding how rotavirus affects calcium signaling in children

Dissecting Rotavirus Viroporin and Enterotoxin Calcium Signaling Pathways

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10906840

This study is looking at how rotavirus affects calcium signals in young children, especially those under 5, to help us understand why it can cause severe diarrhea and find better ways to treat it.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906840 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms by which rotavirus infection disrupts calcium signaling in children, particularly those under 5 years old. By using advanced live imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific calcium signaling events that occur during rotavirus infection, which may contribute to severe diarrheal diseases. The research focuses on the role of a viral protein, NSP4, in causing these disruptions and how it affects both infected and surrounding cells. The findings could lead to better understanding and treatment options for pediatric diarrheal diseases.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 5 years old who are experiencing rotavirus infections or related diarrheal diseases.

Not a fit: Patients over the age of 5 or those not infected with rotavirus may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for rotavirus infections, potentially reducing mortality and morbidity in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on rotavirus and calcium signaling has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Houston, 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.
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.