# Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2024 · $268,615

## Abstract

Core 3. Imaging
Summary
The purpose of the CRNA Imaging Core is to provide CRNA investigators with access to cutting edge imaging
approaches and expertise in both light microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The Core will
collaborate with CRNA investigators to use high-resolution light microscopy to localize and track HIV-1 RNA-
protein complexes in their cellular context and to use single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to
determine structures of RNAs, RNA-protein complexes, and HIV-related protein complexes. The Core will work
to bridge the resolution gap between the two approaches by integrating live cell and superresolution light
microscopy approaches, facilitated by the rapidly improving methods in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). The
overall goal is to be able to determine 3D structures of HIV RNA-protein complexes both in vitro and in their
cellular context. The Core lab is co-led by two PIs. The component at the University of Michigan is focused on
cryo-EM and is directed by PI Melanie Ohi. The lab at the University of Wisconsin, run by PI Nathan Sherer, will
provide resources and expertise in light microscopy approaches. The University of Michigan Core lab will serve
as a repository for materials and protocols. The Core team will focus on three aims that include utilizing single
particle cryo-EM approaches to determine structures of RNAs, RNA-protein complexes and HIV-1-related protein
complexes; developing effective “sample-to-structure” pipelines for efficient analysis of samples that will leverage
the Core’s ability to image at resolutions ranging from ~50 Å to sub-3 Å; and moving towards using correlative
light and electron microscopy (CLEM) and cryo-ET to detect and determine structures inside cells. In support of
its training mission, the Core will also develop innovative educational programs for CRNA trainees seeking to
become independent practitioners of these methods and techniques.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11093097
- **Project number:** 3U54AI170660-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** ALICE TELESNITSKY
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $268,615
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-06-09 → 2027-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11093097

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11093097, Center for Structural Biology of HIV RNA (3U54AI170660-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11093097. Licensed CC0.

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