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 sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesmicrobiologyvirologynatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsgenomesviral genomesmedical and health scienceshealth sciencesinfectious diseasesDNA virusesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantivirals 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 See on map Region Bayern Mittelfranken Erlangen, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00