Understanding how viral RNAs fold and work inside cells
Official title: Structure, function, and dynamics of viral RNAs and RNA-containing complexes
Funded at New York Structural Biology Center · NIH-11329500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A NIH-funded program studies how viral RNAs shape themselves in 3D and interact with cellular machinery to reveal how they cause disease or could be used as therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York Structural Biology Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2016 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $4,156,666 |
| NIH project number | 2R35GM118070-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11329500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable to a specific patient population in this project.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation or benefit in this basic science project.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on the 3-D structures of viral RNAs and how those shapes enable their functions in cells. Researchers will map how RNA folds, binds proteins, and changes activity, aiming to link structure to function. The work uses advanced structural biology methods to study viral RNA, with findings meant to inform basic biology and potential biotech applications. By understanding these RNA mechanisms, scientists hope to uncover new ways to combat viral diseases or harness RNA for therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new RNA-based treatments or diagnostic approaches for viral diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that RNA structure can strongly influence function, supporting potential for meaningful advances but the project remains exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
New York Structural Biology Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kieft, Jeffrey S — New York Structural Biology Center
- Study coordinator: Kieft, Jeffrey S
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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.