Herpes simplex virus capsid assembly and DNA packaging.

Description of projects available to graduate students:
We study the molecular basis of HSV-1 capsid assembly and DNA packaging. The work in my lab is divided into two areas. The primary focus of the lab is to understand the process of DNA cleavage and packaging within infected cell nuclei. Combining genetic and biochemical approaches, we have identified functional domains of the cleavage/packaging proteins by introducing targeted mutations throughout their genes. The goal of these studies is to clarify how HSV-1 DNA is encapsidated and how the seven essential cleavage/packaging proteins participate in the encapsidation events. In addition, biochemical studies are being carried out to develop an in vitro system for HSV-1 DNA packaging. Such a system would facilitate more detailed analysis of the encapsidation process by providing the opportunity to manipulate the conditions of packaging outside an infected cell.

The second area of interest focuses on the process of capsid assembly. We have developed the methodology to assemble capsids in vitro using partially purified capsid proteins. The focus of this project will be defining important interactions between capsid proteins and to determine the role of cellular proteins in the assembly process.

Techniques graduate student will learn:
Various methods including: PCR, cloning, southern blot analysis, tissue culture, virus growth and titering, immunofluorescence and eGFP microscopy, genetic manipulaton of the virus to generate recombinant herpesviruses, recombinant baculoviruses for protein expression.