Research

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Title :

Role of long noncoding RNAs in chikungunya virus infection

Area of research :

Life Sciences & Biotechnology

Focus area :

Virology, Molecular Biology

Principal Investigator :

Dr. Ranjith Kumar CT, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha Vishwavidyalaya, Delhi

Timeline Start Year :

2023

Timeline End Year :

2026

Contact info :

Details

Executive Summary :

Chikungunya is a rheumatic illness caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), causing high fever, musculoskeletal pain, and joint inflammation. Despite extensive research, there is no specific treatment or vaccine against CHIKV. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been studied for their role in transcription, post-transcription, and epigenetic networks. Recent studies have shown that lncRNAs play a crucial role in host antiviral responses, and viruses have developed strategies to counter these responses. However, the role of lncRNAs in chikungunya virus is yet to be explored. Preliminary data shows that lncRNAs MALAT1, EGOT, and RHOXF1 are upregulated during CHIKV infection, which inhibit antiviral innate immune responses. The proposal aims to decipher the role of lncRNAs in CHIKV infection and understand the mechanism by which CHIKV manipulates lncRNAs for propagation. These lncRNAs could be potential targets for antiviral strategies and provide novel platforms for better prognosis.

Total Budget (INR):

61,23,804

Organizations involved