Tissue culture equipment

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The proper functioning of our organs and tissues is intrinsically linked to the cells that compose them. The smooth operation of these cells is in part dependent on the correct partitioning of proteins within the right cellular compartments. For example, proteins involved in the expression of our genes are targeted within the nucleus, since this is where our chromosomes are found. This nuclear targeting is typically achieved through pores that line the nuclear envelope and which specifically import proteins containing a unique postal code, i.e. a given sequence of amino acids. This process is fairly well understood for soluble proteins. However, some proteins are incorporated in the inner lipid envelope of the nucleus by a mechanism that is poorly understood. While some believe a different postal code exists for such proteins, it is not clear whether this is generally the case. Since viruses are obligatory parasites and thus rely on cellular functions to multiply and since they are much simpler organisms than we are, they constitute excellent and "easier" models to study cells. Using a virus called herpes simplex virus type 1, we have recently shown the targeting of one of the viral proteins to the nuclear envelope. Surprisingly, in contrast to known cellular proteins, this viral protein is not uniquely targeted to the nuclear membrane but can also be found elsewhere in the cells as well as onto mature viruses released outside the cells, suggesting a much more complex scenario than initially anticipated. This protein gives us a very unique opportunity to probe nuclear targeting. This presently funded research program aims to elucidate this very complex biological machinery and, in the long run, to define whether the nuclear targeting machinery is universal, how it is regulated and whether viruses can modulate or perhaps even monopolize it. Equally important, it also contributes to the training of numerous highly qualified personal that will partake in the knowledge based job market of our country. Unfortunately, this may all come to an end if the present equipment grant is not funded, since several of our old instruments no longer work properly and must be replaced.