# Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2022 · $914,670

## Abstract

Summary/Abstract
In this Project, we will analyze the structures and molecular transformations of the HIV-1 RNA molecules that
become packaged into virions as genomic RNA (gRNA). Beginning with events in the cell, we will elucidate how
transcription start site usage defines the structure of the HIV-1 RNA 5’-leader, which, in turn, dictates whether
the RNA will dimerize and function as gRNA or remain monomeric and function as messenger RNA. We will
study how the dimeric gRNA recruits the viral Gag protein to generate a complex that nucleates assembly of the
immature virion. Finally, we will look at processes that occur during virion maturation, in which the gRNA
condenses into a viral ribonucleoprotein complex, is re-packaged inside the mature capsid, anneals with the
tRNA primer, and prepares for reverse transcription. Our proposed studies will provide deep fundamental
understanding of these processes, which represent some of the most critical but incompletely elucidated
molecular mechanisms in HIV-1 replication. Importantly, we are now also poised to exploit this understanding
towards the identification, characterization and development of novel inhibitors targeted against HIV-1 RNA and
RNA complexes. Collectively, our team of investigators have a strong track record and expertise in determining
structures of large RNAs and RNA:protein complexes using state-of-the-art techniques; in analyzing their
biochemical and biophysical properties in vitro, in virions, and in cells; in visualizing the complexes as they
proceed through their programmed processes and pathways in the cell; and in applying genetic and virological
tools to identify and characterize host and viral co-factors, probe key mechanistic details, and test small molecule
inhibitors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10505793
- **Project number:** 1U54AI170660-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** ALICE TELESNITSKY
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $914,670
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-06-09 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10505793

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10505793, Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA (1U54AI170660-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10505793. Licensed CC0.

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