Grant: Operating Grant - PA: Institute of Genetics (Bridge Funding)

This project will focus on a newly identified pathway that regulates the turnover rate of both viral and cellular messenger RNAs during infection by vaccinia virus. Vaccinia virus has two proteins that can remove a protective structure found at the extremity of both cellular and viral messenger RNAs. Removal of this structure is important for the replication of the virus and leads to a down-regulation of cellular gene expression. The aim of this proposal is to elucidate the mechanisms and consequences of RNA decapping during vaccinia virus infection. Our specific objectives for this grant are: A.To understand the molecular rationale for the differential decay of viral and host mRNAs. B.To understand the biological implications of decapping by the vaccinia virus. This research project will advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of virus replication, which has implications in general for treatment of viral infections.