Title of Project: Post-Transcriptional Mechanisms involved in Viral Gene Expression
1. Project Description: RNA viruses like Dengue, LaCrosse and West Nile virus express their genes as mRNAs in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The host cell, however, has a very effective mRNA decay machinery that destroys mRNAs - especially those that lack poly(A) tails. How these viruses interface with this cellular machinery is currently unclear but has significant implications for viral growth and the cellular response to viral infection.
We wish to understand aspects of viral mRNA stability of these important viral pathogens. We have developed (and recently patented) a system that faithfully reproduces mRNA decay in a test tube. The goal of this project is to prepare viral mRNA-like molecules and assess how they behave in our in vitro mRNA decay system. This project will provide exposure and training in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, RNA biology and virology.
2. Faculty mentor: Drs. Jeff Wilusz ( jeffrey.wilusz@colostate.edu ) and Carol Wilusz (carol.wilusz@colostate.edu )
3. Number of Student Positions: 2
4. Location of research: Research will be conducted in the Microbiology Facility, Room B325
5. Expectations of the Student:
6. Pre-requisites:
Required: Student must be a microbiology major. Preference will be given to students who have completed or are currently enrolled in MIP420.
7. To Apply: Student candidates for the project need to provide a resume and a one page letter (electronically to Dr.C. Wilusz at cwilusz@lamar.colostate.edu) describing why they want to take the project, what skills qualify them for the proposed work, and what their future goals are. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come first serve basis.
