Research Topic Research Topic
Research Interests
We are interested in the study of viruses. viruses only carry a small genetic capacity; so for multiplication, they must uitlitlze the host cellular machinery. Some viral proteins are used to make up viral particles, while other proteins function to help viruses replicate and modify the host cell functions. viruses try to survive in infected host while the infeceted host tries to eliminate the invading viruses. Therefore, viral infections are regarded as a battle between the invading virus and the infected host. At the molecular level, this battle occurs through interactions between viral proteins and cellular proteins and so we are interested in understanding the viral proteins-host cell proteins interaction which would be the basis for viral pathogenesis and host defense.
As a model for our study, we use an artervirus called porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). PRRSV is an emerged virus and is the single most economically important virus in pigs today worldwide. The PRRSV genome is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA of approximately 15 KB in size. We have cloned the full-length viral genome as a single molecule and developed a reverse genetics system for this virus, such that a genetically engineered infectious virus can be created in vitro. The infectious clone is the most powerful genetic tool to study the structural function of viral proteins. Using the reverse genetics system we investigate the role of viral proteins that play during infection. the viral proteins that we study include membrane glycoproteins, nucleocapsis protein, ion-channel protein, GPI-anchored protein, receptor ligand, and non-structural proteins. For cellular partners interacting with those viral proteins, we identify them using a yeast two hybrid screening and study their interactions. We somtimes infect live pigs with virus to determine the phenotypes of genetically engineered mutant viruses and the immunological reponses of the host for particular mutants.
Key Words Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Nidoviruses, Arteriviruses, Glycoprotein, Cell-Virus Interaction, Cavvine, Reverse Gnetics, Infectious Clone
Current Research Funding USDA PRRS CAP, NPB, Private Industry