Research OverviewViral Replication Viral replication refers to the propagation of biological viruses in the host cells during infection. The term usually refers to the replication of large numbers of viral genomes-the genetic material of the virus. The genome is reproduced by an enzyme which is called the viral replicase. Model Organisms and Model Viruses Biologists work with a number of model organisms (also called model systems) that are thoroughly studied, have relatively short life-cycles, have well-characterized genetic material, and are easy to maintain, reproduce and manipulate in laboratory settings. Examples of animal model organisms include mice, zebrafish, and fruit flies... Complete Information... | Research DescriptionResearch Area: Pathobiology, Biomolecular and Metabolic Engineering, Genome Sciences Research Specialty: Molecular plant-virus interactions
Research in our laboratory is multidisciplinary with efforts directed at understanding virus biology and its role in disease as well as studies aimed at engineering viruses and other biological components for application in nano-based systems and devices. We utilize a multitude of approaches in our studies and collaborate with scientists in fields ranging from structural biology to microfabrication. Our goal is to utilize discoveries in virus biology to develop new approaches for their control and use.
Virus Host Interactions:
Viruses cause significant reductions in food, fiber and forage throughout the world. Yet despite their importance we still understand relatively little of the disease processes through which viruses function to reduce crop productivity. Our biological studies focus on understanding how viruses cause disease or induce resistance responses. To examine these interactions we utilize Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) as an important pathogen model. Current studies are directed at understanding the structure and function of the viral replicase and its multifunctional role in virus biology and host responses. Specifically, we are interested...
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Additional Information
CAREER Award Recipient, National Science Foundation *Secondary Appointments: Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics; Member of the Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering Graduate Programs, University of Maryland, College Park |
Representative PublicationsCulver, JN, Padmanabhan, MS. (2007). Virus-induced disease: altering host physiology one interaction at a time. Annu. Rev. Phytopathol. 45:221-243..
Yi H, Rubloff, GW, Culver, JN. (2007) TMV Microarrays: Hybridization-based assembly of DNA-programmed viral nanotemplates. Langmuir, 23:2663-2667.
Padmanabhan MS, Shiferaw H, Culver, JN (2006). The Tobacco mosaic virus replicase protein disrupts the localization and function of interacting Aux/IAA proteins. Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact.19:864-873.
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