Research statement: Opportunities to investigate the pathogenesis of herpesvirus infections are available in this molecular virology laboratory. Research is focused on understanding how herpesviruses replicate in susceptible cells. The delineation of events leading to the maturation of infectious virus is important because it will contribute to understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. In one aspect of the work, research is focused on understanding cells infected with either human or equine herpesviruses and the events leading to naturally aborted and persistent infections. Understanding the aborted productive and persistently infected cell is important to virologists studying viral latency, as well as cancer. In a second aspect, research is focused on how the chromosomes of human herpesviruses replicate themselves during the first round of DNA replication. This point in the maturation of human herpesviruses appears to be pivotal in establishment and reactivation from the latent infection, and a focal point for targeting anti-herpetic drugs used in the treatment of the disease. Contemporary protocols used in protein and nucleic acid chemistry, such as cloning, RT-PCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme mapping, electron microscopy (see image), and antibody identification are currently used in this research. A variety of herpesvirus strains and mutants are also available.
In addition to these opportunities, the laboratory is interested in the physical properties of macromolecules and polymers. This interest focuses on how their properties contribute to the morphology and ultrastructure of biological and synthetic structures. Again, contemporary techniques such as low voltage, ultrahigh resolution electron microscopy and flourescent microscopy (enhanced green fluorescence) are utilized. |
