Single-molecule imaging provides a method for the direct observation of polyomavirus infection that is not possible using conventional, ensemble, techniques. The infection mechanisms of the polyomaviruses, with the exception of SV40, are not well-understood. It has been suggested that the murine polyoma virus is internalized independently of clathrin or caveolae. We propose to use single-molecule imaging techniques to characterize the internalization and endocytic pathways of the murine polyoma virus and the human polyomavirus, JCV. Single-molecule imaging studies of MPV and JCV will characterize the broad range of endocytic pathways necessary for viral infection. Comparisons to SV40 and influenza will provide a broad understanding of viral infection that will be essential in the development of antiviral drugs.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AI060232-03
Application #
7023778
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F04 (20))
Program Officer
Park, Eun-Chung
Project Start
2004-03-01
Project End
2006-11-30
Budget Start
2006-03-01
Budget End
2006-11-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$38,347
Indirect Cost
Name
Harvard University
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
082359691
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02138
Hess, Gaelen T; Humphries 4th, William H; Fay, Nicole C et al. (2007) Cellular binding, motion, and internalization of synthetic gene delivery polymers. Biochim Biophys Acta 1773:1583-8