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Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Lois Pollack, Dr. Gary Whittaker,
Dr. Brian Crane
Contact Information: E-mail: grw7@cornell.edu - Phone: 607-253-4019
Sponsor: Cornell-Nanobiotechnology Center
Grant Number: N/A
Title: Dynamics of Viral Fusion Proteins
Annual Direct Cost: $123,677
Project Period: 04/01/07-03/31/08
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Viruses are the ultimate nano-machines, programmed to invade cells to deliver genomic material. We propose to unravel critical steps in this attack by studying the conformational dynamics of proteins responsible for fusion of viral and host cell membranes. Three research groups will collaborate to measure the conformational changes upon activation of fusion proteins from viruses, including influenza, VSV and SARS. X-ray techniques will reveal the pre and post-fusion structures of these proteins, and, for the first time, the dynamics that accompany this process. This work may enable engineering of novel nano-scale devices or reagents for delivery of macromolecules into living cells.
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