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Mechanisms of Influenza virus assembly and budding

Objetivo

Influenza virus is an enveloped virus of significant medical importance. One of the least understood aspects of influenza virus biology is the process of virus particle assembly and budding. Recently we have found a new role for the cytoplasmic tail of the influenza virus M2 protein, the mediation of membrane scission. The research described in this proposal is designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of influenza virus assembly and budding as mediated by the M2 protein.

This research has three main objectives:

1. To determine the structure and function of the M2 cytoplasmic tail
2. To determine the molecular mechanism by which the M2 amphipathic helix alters membrane curvature
3. To analyze and reconstitute influenza virus budding in vitro

Each of these objectives will be addressed using a similar collection of experimental protocols. To better elucidate the functions of the M2 cytoplasmic tail, mutations will be made throughout the region and incorporated into recombinant viruses. These mutants will then be assessed for function through a variety of assays including: viral assays (growth rate and budding efficiency), protein assays (cholesterol association, protein localization and ion channel activity) and in vitro budding assays performed in giant unilamellar vesicle systems. These functional studies will be supported by structural studies of the M2 cytoplasmic tail, as obtained by NMR, and modelling of M2 amphipathic helix-membrane interactions by molecular dynamics simulations.

The successful completion of this research project will inform as to the structure and function of the M2 cytoplasmic tail. This research has significant implications in the understanding of influenza virus assembly and budding, establishes an in vitro model system for the investigation of virus budding that can be utilized to study the budding of many different enveloped viruses and provides the molecular details necessary for future drug discovery research.

Ámbito científico (EuroSciVoc)

Programa(s)

Tema(s)

Convocatoria de propuestas

FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria

Régimen de financiación

MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)

Coordinador

UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Aportación de la UE
€ 100 000,00
Dirección
THE REGISTRY CANTERBURY
CT2 7NZ Canterbury, Kent
Reino Unido
Región
South East (England) Kent East Kent
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
Sin datos