Welcome

We are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA replication, repair, and packaging in double-stranded DNA viruses. We employ bioinformatics, molecular genetics, biochemical, and structural biology approaches. We are also interested in understanding the origin and evolution of viruses. 

Genome encapsidation into preformed empty capsid shells is a common phenomenon in many bacteriophages (eg, T4 and lambda), eukaryotic viruses (eg, herpes viruses), and nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) such as Mimivirus and Marseillevirus. Two major types of DNA packaging systems are found in viruses: a terminase-portal-mediated DNA packaging system, which is operative in many tailed bacteriophages, and a HerA/FtsK-type ATPase-mediated packaging system in many viruses with inner lipid membranes. While terminase-portal packaging systems have been studied in many viruses, such as T4, lambda, SPP1, and HCMV, for over two decades, FtsK-ATPase-mediated packaging mechanisms have not been extensively investigated. We seek to employ amoeba-infecting viruses as model systems.

Mimivirus and other NCLDVs code for several proteins involved in DNA precursor biosynthesis, replication, and repair. Some of these are predicted to be of an ancient lineage with probable pre-eukaryotic origins and are considered pivotal in major evolutionary transitions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of these important enzymes will help us decipher how large, complex double-stranded DNA viruses are assembled. It will also help us understand the origins and evolution of large DNA viruses.