Understanding the human virome through deep RNA sequencing
Official title: Investigating the Human Virome Using Deep RNA-seq: Supplement to: The Oro-Respiratory-Gut Virome Axis over Space and Time
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11529212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are using advanced RNA sequencing to map RNA viruses living in our bodies, helping us understand how these invisible players affect health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,919 |
| NIH project number | 3U54AG089323-02S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11529212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals whose health concerns relate to viral infections or unexplained symptoms where virome data could inform clinical care.
✕Less likely to help
People without contributing samples or without conditions influenced by the virome may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project analyzes viruses present in human body sites by enriching viral particles and applying deep RNA sequencing, complemented by DNA metagenomics to capture both RNA and DNA viruses and their hosts. The effort includes optimizing RNA-seq methods with a reference viral mock community and applying these approaches across diverse human sample types that are already studied with other virome methods. It also investigates small circular RNA viruses and replicons that have been recently discovered in various ecosystems, using new tools and in-house pipelines. The work aims to provide a more detailed picture of RNA viral populations in high-value samples and integrate findings with existing virome analyses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A more complete understanding of RNA viruses in humans could inform disease prevention, diagnosis, and potentially targeted therapies in the future.
How similar studies have gone: Previous virome studies have shown that deep sequencing can reveal diverse viral populations, but adding RNA-focused analysis and circular RNA exploration is an emerging approach with promising potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Collman, Ronald G — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Collman, Ronald G
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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.