Understanding how viruses package their genetic material and its potential use in treating muscular dystrophy
Official title: Structural Mechanisms Of Genome Flow In Bacteriophage T4 And Their Biomedical Applications
Funded at Catholic University of America · NIH-11039830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how a virus called T4 packs its DNA, with the hope that understanding this process can help create new gene therapies for people with muscular dystrophy, a condition that weakens muscles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Catholic University of America NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $455,990 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI175340-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, particularly those with X-linked recessive forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-genetic forms of muscular dystrophy or those without a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the bacteriophage T4 virus efficiently packages its DNA into its capsid, focusing on the structural changes that occur during this process. By utilizing advanced techniques such as genetics, biochemistry, and cryo-electron microscopy, the researchers aim to create detailed models of the virus's packaging machinery. The ultimate goal is to apply this knowledge to develop a gene therapy for muscular dystrophy, a serious condition that leads to muscle degeneration and early death. Patients may benefit from innovative treatments derived from this fundamental understanding of viral mechanics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new gene therapies that significantly improve the lives of patients with muscular dystrophy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using bacteriophage T4 for gene therapy is innovative, similar research has shown promise in using viral mechanisms for therapeutic applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Catholic University of America
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rao, Venigalla B. — Catholic University of America
- Study coordinator: Rao, Venigalla B.
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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.