Replication, Population Dynamics, Genetics, & Evolution of Retroviruses

Jamie Henzy
Predoctoral Student
ALM, Harvard University
BA, University of Kentucky

Thesis Topic
Envelope function in the human endogenous retrovirus (HERV) family, HERV-K(HML-2)

Current Research
I am interested in the relationship between endogenized retroviruses and their hosts over time, especially regarding the envelope gene, which can mediate infection of other cells. In particular, I work with the envelope protein of a family of retroviruses (HERV-K) that first infected our ancestors over thirty million years ago, and that may still harbor infectious members.