Understanding how viral genes influenced human evolution
Official title: Hosts Going Viral: Building The Tools And Systems To Determine How Human-Relevant Biology Evolved Through The Capture Of Viral Genes In Our Distant Ancestors
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11124835 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viral genes that have become part of our DNA over time might help us understand important processes in our bodies, like how the placenta forms, which could give us new insights into human health and diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM154844-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124835 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the genetic and evolutionary aspects of human biology, particularly those with conditions related to placental function or viral infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to genetic evolution or viral gene interactions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in human evolution, focusing on how certain viral genes have been preserved and repurposed over time. By examining the proteins produced by these genes, the study aims to uncover their functions and contributions to critical biological processes, such as placental formation. The research employs advanced techniques in evolutionary biology, protein biochemistry, and immunology to generate and analyze these proteins, which could lead to new insights into human biology and disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of human evolution and potentially lead to new therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to viral genes.
How similar studies have gone: While the study of ERVs is an emerging field, previous research has shown promising results in understanding their role in evolution and disease, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mccarthy, Kevin Raymond — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Mccarthy, Kevin Raymond
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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.