We work on viruses and viral vectors. We are interested in the molecular and structural biology of how RNA viruses package their genetic material and how they select their own RNA from the cell so specifically. We focus on lentiviruses like HIV, the cause of AIDS. We also use lentiviruses as vectors for gene delivery and collaborate with other Departments working towards genetic treatments for disease.

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Kenyon JC, Tanner SJ, Legiewicz M, Phillip PS, Rizvi TA, Le Grice SFJ, Lever AM. SHAPE Analysis of the FIV Leader RNA reveals a structural switch potentially controlling Viral Packaging and Genome Dimerization Nucleic Acids Res. 2011 39(15):6692-704

Zhao J, Sinclair J, Houghton J, Bolton E, Bradley A, Lever A. Cytomegalovirus beta2.7 RNA transcript protects endothelial cells against apoptosis during ischemia/reperfusion injury. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2010; 29:342-5

L’Hernault, A., Greatorex J.S., Crowther, A., Lever, A.M.L. Dimerisation of HIV-2 genomic RNA is linked to efficient RNA packaging, normal particle maturation and viral infectivity. Retrovirology 2007; 4: 90 [Read More...]