Assembly and host interactions of influenza virus polymerase in the living cell

Ziel

Currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza virus strains (H5N1) could cause a devastating pandemic if they became transmissible between humans. Thus understanding of the mechanisms whereby influenza virus adapts from avian to mammalian hosts is of great significance. Recent studies have highlighted the importance for transmissibility of mutations in the viral polymerase - a trimeric complex possessing activities essential for transcription and replication of the viral RNA. The mechanism of polymerase assembly and the host factors involved are not clear yet, nor are the molecular functions affected by the mutations related to avian-to-mammal transmission. To clarify these and to complement the extensive studies of atomic resolution structure of the polymerase and its host-specific variants performed in the Host laboratory, we propose to investigate in living cells the intracellular trafficking, assembly and interactions with host cell factors of the human and avian variants of the polymerase subunits. State-of-the-art two-colour fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS) and confocal microscopy techniques will be used to monitor these phenomena in a non-invasive way. The project is inter-disciplinary as it combines advanced cell biophysics with structural and molecular biology in order to address a very topical issue in virology. The results will contribute to understanding of the relationships between the atomic structure of influenza virus polymerase and its function in the infected cell. New insight into adaptation of the influenza virus replication machinery to mammalian hosts can be used to elaborate new strategies for development of anti-viral compounds targeting polymerase or its interactions with host cell factors. Pursuing this multidisciplinary project in a prestigious international environment and learning state-of-the-art techniques will provide the applicant an excellent training for a future independent research position

Wissenschaftliches Gebiet

• natural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirology
• medical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesRNA virusesinfluenza
• natural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsmutation
• natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyconfocal microscopy
• natural sciencesbiological sciencesmolecular biology

Programm/Programme

• FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013)

Thema/Themen

• FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008 - Marie Curie Action: "Intra-European Fellowships for Career Development"

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008
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Finanzierungsplan

Koordinator