Retroviruses


Book Description

For over 25 years the study of retroviruses has underpinned much of what is known about information transfer in cells and the genetic and biochemical mechanisms that underlie cell growth and cancer induction. Emergent diseases such as AIDS and adult T-cell lymphoma have widened even further the community of investigators directly concerned with retroviruses, a development that has highlighted the need for an integrated understanding of their biology and their unique association with host genomes. This remarkable volume satisfies that need. Written by a group of the field's most distinguished investigators, rigorously edited to provide a seamless narrative, and elegantly designed for clarity and readability, this book is an instant classic that demands attention from scientists and physicians studying retroviruses and the disorders in which they play a role.




Human Retroviruses


Book Description

The first book to specifically cover the molecular biology of retroviruses - of immense importance since the high profile of HIV. International contributors provide detailed reviews of the latest knowledge. An excellent text for both medical and non-medical researchers, it also serves as an illuminating introduction for scientists active in other areas.




Discovering Retroviruses


Book Description

Approximately eight percent of our DNA contains retroviral sequences that are millions of years old. Through engaging stories of scientific discovery, Anna Marie Skalka explains our evolving knowledge of these ancient denizens of the biosphere and how this understanding has significantly advanced research in genetic engineering, gene delivery systems, and precision medicine. Discovering Retroviruses begins with the pioneer scientists who first encountered these RNA-containing viruses and solved the mystery of their reproduction. Like other viruses, retroviruses invade the cells of a host organism to reproduce. What makes them “retro” is a unique process of genetic information transfer. Instead of transcribing DNA into RNA as all living cells do, they transcribe their RNA into DNA. This viral DNA is then spliced into the host’s genome, where the cell’s synthetic machinery is co-opted to make new virus particles. The 100,000 pieces of retroviral DNA in the human genome are remnants from multiple invasions of our ancestors’ “germline” cells—the cells that allow a host organism to reproduce. Most of these bits of retroviral DNA are degenerated fossils, but some have been exploited during evolution, with profound effects on our physiology. Some present-day circulating retroviruses cause cancers in humans and other animals. Others, like HIV, cause severe immunodeficiencies. But retroviruses also hold clues to innovative approaches that can prevent and treat these diseases. In laboratories around the world, retroviruses continue to shed light on future possibilities that are anything but “retro.”




Retroviruses


Book Description

Leading scientists in the field review the genomics, molecular biology and pathogenesis of these important viruses, comprehensively covering all the recent advances.




Retroviral Proteases


Book Description

Methods included in this volume apply to the expression and characterization of retroviral proteases and their inhibitor/substrate design.




Plague


Book Description

On July 22, 2009, a special meeting was held with twenty-four leading scientists at the National Institutes of Health to discuss early findings that a newly discovered retrovirus was linked to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), prostate cancer, lymphoma, and eventually neurodevelopmental disorders in children. When Dr. Judy Mikovits finished her presentation the room was silent for a moment, then one of the scientists said, “Oh my God!” The resulting investigation would be like no other in science. For Dr. Mikovits, a twenty-year veteran of the National Cancer Institute, this was the midpoint of a five-year journey that would start with the founding of the Whittemore-Peterson Institute for Neuro-Immune Disease at the University of Nevada, Reno, and end with her as a witness for the federal government against her former employer, Harvey Whittemore, for illegal campaign contributions to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. On this journey Dr. Mikovits would face the scientific prejudices against CFS, wander into the minefield that is autism, and through it all struggle to maintain her faith in God and the profession to which she had dedicated her life. This is a story for anybody interested in the peril and promise of science at the very highest levels in our country.




Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus and Lung Cancer


Book Description

Retroviruses have been of great importance to biomedical science for the past half century. Initially, studies on oncogenic animal retroviruses provided important insights into molecular processes in carcinogenesis – most notably the existence and mechanisms of action of oncogenes and proto-oncogenes. Moreover, several human diseases are caused by retroviruses, including AIDS, adult T-cell leukemia and the neurological disease HAM/TSP. The topic of this volume is a relatively unknown animal retrovirus, jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, the causative agent of transmissible lung cancer in sheep –ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The disease was first documented in South Africa in the 1800s, it has a wide geographical distribution, and it is of economic importance in high endemic regions. However, until very recently the nature of the etiologic agent was unclear, and relatively few laboratories actively studied the disease.




Neurotropic Viral Infections


Book Description

This second edition is a comprehensive study of the viruses that affect the brain and the central nervous system. Along with a focus on the viruses themselves, it addresses the diseases they cause, current treatments and preventive measures. Also discussed are the unique aspects of how viruses cause disease and why certain hosts are more susceptible (e.g., polymorphisms, age, co-morbidities). Because there are 29 cutting edge chapters, written by experts in the fields, Neurotropic Viral Infections has been divided into two separate volumes. Volume 1, Neurotropic RNA Viruses, includes 14 chapters on RNA viruses that cause human disease of the central nervous system ranging from Bornavirus to polio to West Nile. Volume 2, Neurotropic Retroviruses, DNA Viruses, Immunity and Transmission, includes 15 chapters divided into two parts. Part 1 includes 7 chapters on retroviruses and DNA viruses that cause human disease of the central nervous system ranging from HIV to varicella zoster virus. Part 2 includes chapters on transmission of these viruses by transplantation, bites by bats and insects, clinical management of the infections, and beneficial uses of attenuated viruses. Neurotropic Viral Infections is a unique resource, bridging basic, clinical, and translational approaches.​




Human Retrovirus Protocols


Book Description

A cutting-edge collection of basic and state-of-the-art methods optimized for investigating the molecular biology of this class of retrovirus. These readily reproducible techniques range from methods for the isolation and detection of human retroviruses to cutting-edge methods for exploring the interplay between the viruses and the host. Here, the researcher will find up-to-date techniques for the isolation and propagation of HIV, HTLV, and foamy virus from a variety of sources. There are also assays for determining the cell tropism of HIV-1, the coreceptor usage of HIV-1, and human gene expression with HIV-1 infection by microarrays, as well as for phenotyping HIV-1 infected monocytes and examining their fitness. Highlights include the detection and quantification of HIV-1 in resting CD4+, a new cloning system for making recombinent virus, cDNA microarrays, and the determination of genetic polymorphisms in two recently identified HIV-1 co-factors that are critical for HIV-1 infection.




Aquaculture Virology


Book Description

Aquaculture Virology, Second Edition covers all the known virus families, and specific diseases that affect each aquatic organism. Descriptions of each disease includes disease name, structure and composition of virus, classification and virus replication, epidemiology, pathology and immunity, diagnostic methods (gross pathology, histopathology, cell culture, PCR, sequencing, ELISA, etc.) and prevention and control. This is an excellent reference of updated foundational and practical knowledge from experts in both academia and research.Those interested in fish viral diseases will find the book an excellent source for high quality illustrations of viral structure, diagrams of pathogenesis of diseases, and many images of gross pathology and histopathology lesions, using the same format in all chapters to facilitate the reading and studying. This second edition of the book will cover all virus families and the specific diseases relevant to aquaculture with current information delivered in a systematic and succinct way to the researcher, teacher, student, diagnostic laboratory staff, clinical veterinarian, aquaculture disease practitioner, farmer, and all people that are interested in viruses in general. - Provides unique, comprehensive information on animal pathogens and viruses found in aquaculture and fisheries - Presents high-quality illustrations of viral structure, diagrams of viral disease processes, gross pathology, and histopathology lesions to aid in understanding - Incorporates all updated changes in taxonomy since the first edition - Includes a new chapter on the impact of climate change on the manifestations of different aquatic animal viral diseases - Describes aquatic viruses of the major aquatic animals, fish, crustaceans, and mollusks