Deciphering the molecular portrait of cytomegalovirus infection at the single cell level

Ongoing Projects, Projects

Project title: UNIRI PROJECTS FOR MATERIALLY DEMANDING RESEARCH - Deciphering the molecular portrait of cytomegalovirus infection at the single cell level

Funding source: University of Rijeka

Project code: uniri-mzi-25-26

Coordinator: Assoc. prof. Berislav Lisnić, PhD

Research Team:

      • Assoc. prof. Vanda Juranić Lisnić, PhD
      • Prof. Astrid Krmpotić, MD, PhD
      • Marko Šustić, MD, PhD
      • Asst. prof. Maja Cokarić Brdovčak, PhD
      • Andrea Mihalić

Total funding: 69.248,44 €

Project implementation period: 01.10.2025. - 30.09.2029.

Brief description: Single-cell RNA sequencing technology (scRNA-Seq) has enabled gene expression measurement in individual cells and thereby revolutionized our understanding of various biological processes. For example, the application of scRNA-Seq has resulted in the identification of previously unknown cell types in various tissues, provided deeper insight into tumor cell heterogeneity, and enabled precise mapping of cellular developmental trajectories and changes in transcriptional networks during cell differentiation, thus advancing our understanding of physiological processes in health and disease.

The aim of this project is to apply scRNA-Seq to investigate gene expression changes in individual cells following cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection of the brain, heart, ovaries, and adrenal glands, or lungs following mouse immunization with recombinant CMV vaccine (rCMV). Human CMV (HCMV) is one of the most widespread viruses globally, and can cause severe neurological and other long-term sequelae in children infected during pregnancy or birth. To a lesser or greater extent, HCMV is also implicated as a risk factor for tumors, cardiovascular diseases, immunosenescence, as well as metabolic and autoimmune disorders in adults. Within the scope of other active projects, and using animal models, our laboratory investigates the consequences of CMV infection or rCMV immunization in brain, ovaries, heart, adrenal glands or lungs. The purpose of this project is to enhance the ongoing investigations using scRNA-Seq analysis, in order to gain deeper insights into mechanisms of immune response and emergence of functional deficits caused by CMV, and thus enhance the capacity of the Medical Faculty of the University of Rijeka to conduct competitive research using cutting-edge technologies.