# Project 1:  Structure and dynamics of Gag maturation intermediates and mechanisms of viral genome enclosure

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2020 · $242,072

## Abstract

P1. Abstract
Virus maturation is critical for HIV-1 replication and occurs through an orchestrated series of Gag and Gag-Pol cleavages
that result in formation of the conical viral capsid enclosing the viral genomic ribonucleoprotein complex. HIV-1
maturation represents an attractive target for antiviral drug development as evidenced by studies of the small molecule
inhibitor bevirimat. In this project, we will employ structural, biochemical, and virological methods to generate new
insights into the structure and dynamics of the immature Gag lattice and the effects of maturation inhibitors. We will also
define the mechanism by which Integrase-RNA interactions localize the RNP within the viral capsid. Finally, we will
dissect the mechanism by which uncleaved matrix-capsid interferes with HIV-1 maturation. These studies will reveal new
fundamental aspects of HIV-1 maturation and its inhibition.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9977949
- **Project number:** 5P50AI150481-14
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Tatyana Polenova
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $242,072
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2007-08-27 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9977949

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9977949, Project 1:  Structure and dynamics of Gag maturation intermediates and mechanisms of viral genome enclosure (5P50AI150481-14). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9977949. Licensed CC0.

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