The Viral Genome Associated Proteome

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyze the comprehensive proteome associated with viral DNA. This systems biology approach that will combine functional proteomics and genomics has the name Viral Genome Associated Proteome (VGAP). It is based on a modification and refinement of the Hybridization Capture of Chromatin Associated Proteins for Proteomics (HyCCAPP) technology. All proteins associated with viral DNA, initially using Herpes simplex virus for proof of concept, will be cross-linked by paraformaldehyde treatment, the viral DNA will be selectively precipitated, and all proteins associated with the viral genome will be analyzed by mass spectrometry. The results will reveal all cellular and viral proteins that physically interact with the viral genome at a certain time and that are involved among others in regulation of viral genome structure, viral gene expression, DNA repair and cellular intrinsic immunity.
The development of VGAP, a new method for the specific analysis of the viral genome-associated proteome will provide a new tool for the research of DNA viruses. In theory VGAP should be applicable to all DNA viruses, and we think it will be possible to analyze proteins associated with the DNA of all DNA viruses, so the entire field of virology should profit from the establishment of viral HyCCAPP. DNA viruses include important human pathogens like herpesviruses, human papillomaviruses and adenoviruses. A plethora of novel viral DNA-protein interactions will be discovered that will spark new research projects and can serve as new targets for antiviral therapy and vaccination strategies. Although beyond the scope of this proposal, so far unknown cellular proteins that are needed for efficient viral replication can be used for screening of small molecule libraries and novel small molecule inhibitors identified for antiviral therapy.

Fields of science

• natural sciences › biological sciences › biochemistry › biomolecules › proteins › proteomics
• natural sciences › biological sciences › microbiology › virology
• natural sciences › biological sciences › genetics › genomes › viral genomes
• medical and health sciences › health sciences › infectious diseases › DNA viruses
• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › pharmacology and pharmacy › pharmaceutical drugs › antivirals

Programme(s)

• H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme
• H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility

Topic(s)

• MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF)

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-IF-2015

See other projects for this call

Funding Scheme

MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel

Coordinator

UNIVERSITATSKLINIKUM ERLANGEN

Net EU contribution

€ 171 460,80

Address

Maximiliansplatz 2
91054 Erlangen
Germany

Region

Bayern › Mittelfranken › Erlangen, Kreisfreie Stadt

Activity type

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Links

Other funding

€ 0,00