Understanding how rotavirus replicates and assembles its genome
Official title: Rotavirus Genome Replication and Virion Assembly
Funded at Wake Forest University · NIH-11013295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the rotavirus, which causes bad diarrhea in little kids, makes copies of itself and puts its parts together, with the hope of finding new ways to create medicines that can help fight off this virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | January 14, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $219,953 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI116815-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11013295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old who are at risk of rotavirus infection or have been diagnosed with rotavirus-related diarrhea.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are adults or those who do not have rotavirus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which rotavirus, a virus that causes severe diarrhea in young children, replicates its genetic material and assembles its structure. The study focuses on the role of a specialized enzyme called RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and how it interacts with other viral proteins during the replication process. By examining these interactions, the research aims to uncover potential targets for antiviral therapies that could help combat rotavirus infections. The approach involves detailed biochemical assays and structural analysis to understand the viral replication machinery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antiviral treatments for rotavirus infections, significantly improving outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in targeting viral replication mechanisms in other RNA viruses, suggesting that this approach could also be effective for rotavirus.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald Esstman, Sarah Marie — Wake Forest University
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald Esstman, Sarah Marie
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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.