Richard Roller, PhD
herpesvirus assembly and spread
Herpesviruses replicate their genomes and package them into protein shells called capsids in the nucleus of the cell. The virus must then get those capsids out of the nucleus and into adjacent cells in order for the infection to spread. Our lab studies the viral proteins that are necessary for capsid exit from the nucleus and spread to adjacent cells. We use both genetic and biochemical approaches to identify critical interactions between different viral proteins and between viral and cellular proteins that guide the capsid along its way. We hope to use this information to identify targets for interrupting virus spread to prevent viral disease.
Junior status and completion of introductory biology and chemistry courses.
We have two sorts of projects for undergraduates in the lab. Genetic projects require the construction and characterization of recombinant viruses that have mutations in genes required for assembly and spread. These projects allow students to learn techniques in viral genetics and molecular biology. Biochemical projects require the expression and purification of viral spread proteins that are required for spread to allow us to identify viral and cellular proteins that associate with them. These projects allow students to learn techniques in protein biochemistry and cell biology.
