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Determining the role of endogenous retroviruses in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases.

Project

Determining the role of endogenous retroviruses in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases.

Project Details

Retroviral sequences remain dormant in the human genome and occupy nearly 7-8% of the genomic sequence. We have shown that one of these viruses termed HERV-K (HML-2) is activated in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and transgenic animals that express the envelope protein of HERV-K develop ALS like symptoms. Hence, we are now using a wide variety of structural biology and virology tools to determine the mechanism by which its expression is regulated and causes neurotoxicity to motor neurons. 

Category
Neuroscience
Institute or Center
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
University
7
Project Listed Date
NIH Mentor

Dr. Avindra Nath

UK Mentor

Prof. Peijun Zhang

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