Human papillomaviruses are the cause of most common sexually transmitted viral infections among young adults. In addition, a subset of human papillomaviruses has been shown to be the cause of over 90% of cervical malignancies in women. Our lab investigates the life cycle and pathogenesis of human papillomaviruses. Human papillomaviruses life cycle is dependent upon the differentiation program of infected epithelial cells. Viral protein expression is categorized as either early or late depending upon the state of differentiation. My thesis proposal focuses on investigating one of the HPV late viral proteins called El^E4. Currently the function of this protein has yet to be identified. Through the use of in vitro cell culture techniques established by our lab, I will investigate the viral functions of El^E4 during the productive life cycle of the virus.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31CA103648-02
Application #
6797156
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MBC-1 (29))
Program Officer
Bini, Alessandra M
Project Start
2003-09-01
Project End
2005-08-31
Budget Start
2004-09-01
Budget End
2005-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$32,814
Indirect Cost
Name
Northwestern University at Chicago
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
005436803
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60611
Wilson, Regina; Fehrmann, Frauke; Laimins, Laimonis A (2005) Role of the E1--E4 protein in the differentiation-dependent life cycle of human papillomavirus type 31. J Virol 79:6732-40