Grant: Operating Grant

All viruses must use the host cell's protein synthesis machinery to decode the viral genetic instructions (messenger RNAs) in order to make the building blocks of new virus particles. Many viruses therefore manipulate the protein synthetic machinery to their own advantage. We are studying a herpes virus protein called vhs, which destroys cellular messenger RNAs. We discovered that it also modifies the messenger RNA decoding process (translation), and showed that this modification is needed for efficient virus growth. We will now determine exactly how vhs reprograms translation. The results will improve our understanding of how viruses take over the host cell machinery, and may lead to improved ways of preventing and treating virus infections.