Replication, Population Dynamics, Genetics, & Evolution of Retroviruses

Ravi Subramanian
Postdoctoral Fellow
Ph.D. University of Kentucky 2007
B.Sc. University of St. Andrews, 2003

Thesis Title
Characterization of the Molecular Mechanism of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Membrane Fusion

Current Research
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are proviruses present within the human genome which are produced as a result of viral infection of the germ line. Examples of HERV expression have been observed in tumors, ranging from RNA transcripts to virus particles visible in electron micrographs. As HERVs represent some 7% of the human genome sequence, endogenous proviruses may play an important role in the regulation of host gene expression leading to tumor formation.

This research project will attempt to address the role of HERVs in the development of breast cancer by examining various cell lines as well as primary mammary epithelial and tumor cells. Our goal will be to identify the provirus or proviruses that are differentially expressed in these various cell types. By identifying a provirus or proviruses whose expression is altered, we can localize the genetic modification leading to breast cancer development to a single locus, perhaps identifying novel host factors involved in breast cancer development.

Publications

1. Subramanian RP, Geraghty RJ. Herpes simplex virus type 1 mediates fusion through a hemifusion intermediate by sequential activity of glycoproteins D, H, L, and B. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Feb 20;104(8):2903-8.
2. Subramanian RP, Dunn JE, Geraghty RJ. The nectin-1alpha transmembrane domain, but not the cytoplasmic tail, influences cell fusion induced by HSV-1 glycoproteins. Virology. 2005 Sep 1;339(2):176-91.