Deciphering ancient lentiviral gene expression

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Hanna-Mari Baldauf
• Subject Area: Virology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 532744755

Viruses are intracellular parasites hijacking the cellular machinery for their own purposes. Lentiviruses infect primates, carnivores, artiodactyls and perissodactyls. Recently, endogenous lentiviruses were found in the genomes of leporids, ferrets, colugos and lemurs. However, little is known about ancient virus-host interactions. The goal of this project is to dissect ancient virus-host interactions using endogenous lentiviruses. Using biochemical approaches, we will identify putative extinct lentiviral Tat and Rev interaction partners. Furthermore, we will focus on the role of Tat and Rev during lentiviral gene expression using virology-based approaches. This project will thus pave the way for the discovery of ancient virus-host interactions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants