DNA positioning and interactions in herpesvirus reactivation

The chromatin organization within the cell nucleus is controlled at multiple levels. Herpesviruses such as Herpes simplex 1 virus replicate and maintain their genome in the host cell nucleus and utilize the host cells' nuclear structures during lytic and latent infection. Besides post-translational modifications of nucleosomes modulation of host chromatin looping is an integral part of the lytic and latent life cycle, yet the mechanisms of the regulation of reactivation are not fully understood.
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Table of contents

Project duration
-
Core fields of research
Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking
Research areas
Nanobiology
Department
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Faculty
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Funding
Research Council of Finland

Project description

Understanding the intranuclear mechanisms of herpesvirus reactivation and its effects on host chromatin structure and dynamics is crucial for basic research and the development of oncolytic virus therapies and novel antivirals aimed at blocking virus reactivation. This project aims to refine the understanding of the mechanisms of virus reactivation and the roles of chromatin organization and phase separation. The research will be conducted using an interdisciplinary approach that combines cell biology and biophysics with advanced imaging techniques, protein structure prediction algorithms, and biophysical modeling.

Publications

Publication
2024
Available through Open Access
Microscopy and Microanalysis.
Leclerc, Simon
Kapishnikov, Sergey
Ruokolainen, Visa
Huusko, Inka
Mattola, Salla
Rogers, David
O´Connor, Stephen
Aho, Vesa
Fahy, Kenneth
Vihinen-Ranta, Maija
Publication
2024
Available through Open Access
PLoS pathogens.
Leclerc, Simon
Gupta, Alka
Ruokolainen, Visa
Chen, Jian-Hua
Kunnas, Kari
Ekman, Axel A.
Niskanen, Henri
Belevich, Ilya
Vihinen, Helena
Turkki, Paula
Perez-Berna, Ana J.
Kapishnikov, Sergey
Mäntylä, Elina
Harkiolaki, Maria
Dufour, Eric
Hytönen, Vesa
Pereiro, Eva
McEnroe, Tony
Fahy, Kenneth
Kaikkonen, Minna U.
Jokitalo, Eija
Larabell, Carolyn A.
Weinhardt, Venera
Mattola, Salla
Aho, Vesa
Vihinen-Ranta, Maija
Publication
2022
Available through Open Access
Molecular Microbiology.
Mattola, Salla
Aho, Vesa
Bustamante‐Jaramillo, Luisa F.
Pizzioli, Edoardo
Kann, Michael
Vihinen‐Ranta, Maija
Publication
2021
Available through Open Access
Scientific Reports.
Galibert, Lionel
Hyvönen, Amira
Eriksson, Reetta A. E.
Mattola, Salla
Aho, Vesa
Salminen, Sami
Albers, Justin D.
Peltola, Sanna K.
Weman, Saija
Nieminen, Tiina
Ylä-Herttuala, Seppo
Lesch, Hanna P.
Vihinen-Ranta, Maija
Airenne, Kari J.

Project team