A JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C) has been awarded for our research project.

Elucidating the Mechanisms of Mumps Virus Inclusion Body Formation and RNA Synthesis Regulated by Phase-Separation Chaperones

Funding Program: JSPS KAKENHI – Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
Principal Investigator: Hiroshi Katoh
Project Period: April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2029

Mononegaviruses form membrane-less organelles, known as inclusion bodies, through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) following infection. These dynamic condensates serve as the sites of viral RNA synthesis. Because biomolecular condensates contain highly concentrated macromolecules, specialized phase-separation chaperones are thought to play essential roles in preventing aberrant protein aggregation and maintaining the liquid-like properties required for their function.

This project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the formation and regulation of mumps virus inclusion bodies by characterizing candidate phase-separation chaperones during infection. By clarifying how these host factors control the physical properties and functions of viral condensates, we seek to uncover the mechanisms underlying viral RNA synthesis and reveal a fundamental replication strategy shared among mononegaviruses.

The findings are expected to provide new insights into virus–host interactions, the biology of biomolecular condensates, and potential antiviral strategies targeting phase separation.

https://kaken.nii.ac.jp/ja/grant/KAKENHI-PROJECT-25K10372/