Mechanisms of Virus Replication and Gene Expression

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This new program from the Dept. of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland includes faculty from the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service of the USDA. The first three institutions are located on the College Park campus of the University of Maryland, while the latter two are 14 and 4 miles distant, respectively. By combining with faculty at nearby institutions, we have assembled an exceptional group of faculty with common research interests in virus replication/gene expression and vaccine development. The breadth of experimental systems, from the smallest pathogenic agents (prions and viroids) to the large poxviruses, comprising ssRNA (plus- and minus-sense) viruses: dsRNA and dsDNA viruses, and plant, fungus, and animal hosts, provide us with an opportunity to offer research training at the graduate and postdoctoral levels that is unmatched by any other institution. Most virology programs are centered either at medical schools, which focus on animal viruses or at plant pathology departments, which concentrate on plant viruses. However, viral processes inside cells are strikingly similar regardless of host. To gain a complete understanding of the intracellular virus life-cycle, which is required for the development of the next generation of virus vaccines and virus-based gene expression systems, students must learn to appreciate and incorporate all knowledge of virus/cell interactions. Through innovative rotations, monthly group meetings, and advanced team-taught classes, trainees will gain such a functional knowledge that will prepare them for research careers centered on combating current and emerging viruses that threaten human health. At the core of the training program are 13 well-funded investigators with proven research and training records, who currently interact by attending monthly group meetings and a yearly retreat. The proposed program will provide financial support for five graduate students and five postdoctoral fellows. New graduate students will be mentored by a team of faculty who will aid the students in the logistics of conducting research both on and off the University of Maryland campus. The Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, with which all graduate trainees will be affiliated, has an exceptional record at attracting minority, physically disadvantaged, and women students. An innovative program has also been designed to help attract additional underrepresented students to the training program.