UROP Project

Investigating Virus-Host Cell Interactions During the Nuclear Translocation of HIV-1

Lentivirus, HIV-1, Capsid core, Uncoating, Virus Nuclear Translocation

Research Mentor: Dr. Satya Prakash Singh, Satya
Department, College, Affiliation: Biological Science, Arts and Sciences
Contact Email: ssingh7@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Dr. Ashwanth Francis Dr. Francis
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: acfrancis@bio.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:

Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Biology
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

HIV-1 belongs to the genus Lentivirus, a group of retroviruses characterized by a prolonged incubation period before disease manifestation in their hosts. Lentiviruses, including HIV-1, simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), infect a variety of mammalian species, including humans and non-human primates. Following entry into the cytoplasm of a target cell, HIV-1 undergoes reverse transcription to generate a DNA copy of its RNA genome. This viral DNA is subsequently transported into the nucleus, where it integrates into the host genome, establishing a stable and productive infection.
Although numerous viral and host factors involved in HIV-1 infection have been identified, many aspects of the molecular mechanisms governing viral replication and nuclear translocation remain poorly understood. In the Kasha Laboratory, we employ a range of molecular and cellular biology approaches to investigate the mechanisms of HIV-1 infection. Our research utilizes fluorophore-labeled chimeric viruses to visualize the uncoating process and nuclear translocation of individual viral particles in living cells using advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. By examining viral trafficking and replication dynamics at different time points and subcellular locations, particularly in the absence of key host factors or in the presence of antiviral compounds, we gain valuable insights into the cellular pathways that regulate HIV-1 infection. These studies contribute to a deeper understanding of virus-host interactions and may reveal novel therapeutic targets for antiviral intervention.

Research Tasks: Mammalian cell culture
Fluorescence and live-cell microscopy
Molecular cloning
Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
Agarose gel electrophoresis
SDS-PAGE
Western blotting

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Interest in learning molecular biology techniques and about viruses
Team work, participate in various lab activities
Knowledge to use MS Word and Power Point