The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) awarded a $582,618 Project Grant under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to The Ohio State University to conduct research on the role of RNA epigenetic modifications in SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis. The five-year grant, which runs from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2030, aims to determine how N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and pseudouridine (Ψ) modifications in SARS-CoV-2 RNA impact viral replication, gene expression, immunity, and disease. The researchers will use CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out host RNA modification enzymes in human bronchial epithelial cell cultures and mouse models to assess the effects on SARS-CoV-2 infection. They will also generate recombinant SARS-CoV-2 viruses lacking specific m6A and Ψ modification sites to evaluate the roles of these RNA epigenetic marks. Additionally, the project will investigate the use of live attenuated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines lacking m6A and Ψ modifications to enhance mucosal and adaptive immune responses in a hamster model.
Generated 3/4/25, 6:40 AM