Research Overview
(see Projects for details)
(see Projects for details)
RNA virus replication: from plants to humans
We employ plant viruses as easy-to-use model systems to provide basic understanding of how viruses express genes and replicate. Because of similarities in translation and replication strategies across kingdoms, this knowledge may be relevant to major human viruses such as hepatitis A and C viruses, dengue, West Nile, and even SARS. At a more fundamental level, viruses are fascinating as the smallest, minimal replicating entities. They allow detailed understanding of what it takes to replicate, the essential property that defines life.
How cells decode the genetic code
We investigate the plethora of tricks by which viral messenger RNA usurps and controls the host translational machinery (translation factors and ribosomes). We are focussing on the structures of viral RNA sequences that recruit host translation factors in the absence of the normally required “5’ cap” modification. This research provides a better understanding of protein synthesis mechnisms and how the genetic code in nucleic acids is converted to amino acid sequence in functional proteins. This knowledge may allow us to modify viral sequences to regulate gene expression in beneficial ways.
Sustainable control of crop diseases and pests
Plants. By sequencing many isolates of barley yellow dwarf and cereal yellow dwarf luteoviruses, we strive to improve the knowledge base of plant pathologists and breeders, who work to manage these viruses. BYDV and CYDV are the most widespread and economically important viruses of wheat, barley and oats, worldwide. They are poorly characterized and vary remarkably in sequence. In a recently finished project, we determined complete nucleotide sequences of dozens of BYDV and CYDV isolates. This work revealed much genome recombination and an entirely new virus.
Aphids. Under the umbrella of the Crop Protection Research Initiative:
Aphid-Crop Interactions, of the Plant Sciences Institute of ISU, we have several projects aimed at controlling aphid pests.
In collaboration with Prof. Bryony Bonning (Entomology Dept ISU), we are:
We employ plant viruses as easy-to-use model systems to provide basic understanding of how viruses express genes and replicate. Because of similarities in translation and replication strategies across kingdoms, this knowledge may be relevant to major human viruses such as hepatitis A and C viruses, dengue, West Nile, and even SARS. At a more fundamental level, viruses are fascinating as the smallest, minimal replicating entities. They allow detailed understanding of what it takes to replicate, the essential property that defines life.
How cells decode the genetic code
We investigate the plethora of tricks by which viral messenger RNA usurps and controls the host translational machinery (translation factors and ribosomes). We are focussing on the structures of viral RNA sequences that recruit host translation factors in the absence of the normally required “5’ cap” modification. This research provides a better understanding of protein synthesis mechnisms and how the genetic code in nucleic acids is converted to amino acid sequence in functional proteins. This knowledge may allow us to modify viral sequences to regulate gene expression in beneficial ways.
Sustainable control of crop diseases and pests
Plants. By sequencing many isolates of barley yellow dwarf and cereal yellow dwarf luteoviruses, we strive to improve the knowledge base of plant pathologists and breeders, who work to manage these viruses. BYDV and CYDV are the most widespread and economically important viruses of wheat, barley and oats, worldwide. They are poorly characterized and vary remarkably in sequence. In a recently finished project, we determined complete nucleotide sequences of dozens of BYDV and CYDV isolates. This work revealed much genome recombination and an entirely new virus.
Aphids. Under the umbrella of the Crop Protection Research Initiative:
Aphid-Crop Interactions, of the Plant Sciences Institute of ISU, we have several projects aimed at controlling aphid pests.
In collaboration with Prof. Bryony Bonning (Entomology Dept ISU), we are:
- Constructing resistance genes that use coat proteins of aphid-transmitted plant viruses to transport aphid-specific peptide toxins into the aphid.
- Engineering an aphid RNA virus to deliver toxins or to knock down aphid genes by virus-induced gene silencing.
- Searching for viruses that infect soybean aphid: a major new pest of soybeans in Iowa.
