Negative-strand RNA viruses, so named because of the polarity of their genomic RNA to mRNA, include important human and non-human pathogens. This volume covers major advances in reverse genetics techniques over the past decade, state-of-the-art basic science and the clinical implications of experimental findings. This should rekindle interest in negative-strand RNA viruses among readers, including those in other disciplines, leading to further progress in understanding these important viruses and in developing effective measures of control.
Reverse genetics, the genetic manipulation of RNA viruses to create a wild-type or modified virus, has led to important advances in our understanding of viral gene function and interaction with host cells. Since many severe viral human and animal pathogens are RNA viruses, including those responsible for polio, measles, rotaviral diarrhoea and influenza infections, it is also an extremely powerful technique with important potential application for the prevention and control of a range of human and animal viral diseases. Reverse Genetics of RNA Viruses provides a comprehensive account of the very latest developments in reverse genetics of RNA viruses through a wide range of applications within each of the core virus groups including; positive sense, negative sense and double stranded RNA viruses. Written by a team of international experts in the field, it provides a unique insight into how the field has developed, what problems are being addressed now and where applications may lead in the future. It will prove invaluable to bioscience, medical and veterinary students, those starting research in this area as well as other researchers and teachers needing to update their knowledge of this fast-moving field. An authoritative, comprehensive overview of reverse genetics in RNA Viruses. Includes numerous examples of cutting- edge applications of reverse genetics within each of the RNA viral groups. Written by a team of international experts, including some of the leading researchers in the field.
This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with new and updated chapters that highlight the latest methods and approaches for the manipulation of RNA viruses. The chapters in this book explore the fundamental role in studying RNA viruses; identifying markers of host range, disease, and transmission; and aid readers with the further development of in silico computational biology tools and artificial intelligence algorithms that can help predict the emergence of certain pathogens. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Reverse Genetics of RNA Viruses: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about this developing field.
Negative strand RNA viruses have a unique mechanism of replication. Their genome is a single strand RNA that has to be transcribed as soon as the virus enters the host in order to carry out viral replication. As a result, a viral-specific RNA polymerase is packaged in the virion and is ready for transcription after virus entry. This novel replication mechanism dictates the assembly and RNA synthesis of negative strand RNA viruses. In recent years, many discoveries have been made with regard to the entry, replication and assembly of this class of viruses. This book will present updated coverage of the fundamental knowledge about negative strand RNA viruses.
RNA Viruses: A Practical Approach is wide ranging in scope, from emerging technology such as reverse genetics and retrovirus vectors, to money saving tips - how to make your own silica particles for high efficiency RNA extraction and liposomes for cell transfection! Chapter one covers the fundamentals of investigating RNA virus genome structure at a molecular level. Chapters two and three describe techniques for mutagenesis of RNA genomes and analysis of transcription. Chapter four deals with RNA virus-encoded proteinases, an important aspect of the control of RNA virus gene expression. Chapter five considers retrovirus oncogenesis and chapter six analysis of RNA virus quasispecies. Chapter seven describes systems for investigation of in vitro replication of positive-stranded viruses and chapter eight the packaging of RNA virus genomes. In addition to the technical aspects of reverse genetics and retrovirus vectors, both of the final two chapters also consider ethical aspects of these new technologies.
Human coronaviruses caused the SARS epidemic that infected more than 8000 people, killing about ten percent of them in 32 countries. This book provides essential information on these viruses and the development of vaccines to control coronavirus infections.
This book describes the basic features of virus replication, and points out how these features lead into the diverse biologies and genetics of the various viruses.
Coronaviruses are the RNA viruses with the largest genome known to date (27 to 32 kb). Members of this virus family affect most domestic animal species, causing important socio-economical losses, and also infect humans. Human coronaviruses were known to cause the winter common cold, a mild infection without important pathological consequences except in immuno-compromised patients. Recently, two new human coronaviruses have emerged, one causing the Severe and Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) that infected more than 8000 individuals, leading to more than 800 deaths in 32 countries. This epidemic mobilized the World Health Organization, which launched travel restrictions to certain parts of the world for the first time in the last 50 years. The fact that coronaviruses, as many other viruses, crossed the species barrier to infect humans has posed a serious challenge to scientists involved in animal and human health. Control of coronavirus-induced diseases can only be the consequence of research on virus molecular biology and pathogenesis. This book contains information on virus genome structure, mechanism of replication and transcription, and the development of tools that make possible reverse genetic studies to understand virus-host interactions and the molecular basis of virus pathogenesis. The book also provides essential information for the development of classical and recombinant vaccines to control coronavirus infections.
