Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) awarded the Regents of the University of Minnesota $437,250 under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to conduct fundamental research on measles virus (MEV) polymerase structure and function. Spanning from May 1, 2026, through December 31, 2030, this project will deliver integrated structural biology research aimed at understanding the viral RNA synthesis machinery. The research deliverables include characterization of MEV polymerase in various functional states (initiation, elongation, and termination); investigation of polymerase-nucleocapsid dynamics; and analysis of viral co-factor regulation of RNA synthesis. The University of Minnesota will employ cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), protein-RNA biochemistry, and viral minigenome systems to generate new structural and mechanistic insights into viral replication pathways.

This research directly supports NIGMS's mission to advance fundamental understanding of biological processes with potential applications for disease treatment and prevention. The anticipated outcomes include identification of novel therapeutic targets for antiviral interventions that could help mitigate MEV outbreaks, addressing a significant public health need despite the availability of existing vaccines. The project represents a discrete investigator-initiated research effort typical of NIGMS Project Grants, which support meritorious basic research across diverse biomedical disciplines at qualified research institutions.