Investigators and Program Directors
David G. Anders
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center, Viral Disease
Ph.D., Kansas State University (1983)
Postdoctoral training, The Johns Hopkins University
E-mail: anders@wadsworth.org
Research Interests
My laboratory studies human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication, latency, and pathogenesis. HCMV can be transmitted perinatally, with sometimes tragic consequences for the developing fetus or newborn. It is a devastating opportunistic pathogen for transplant recipients, AIDS patients, and other immune compromised individuals, and also is implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Several projects are ongoing. First, we located the cis-acting "origin" that directs lytic-phase DNA replication (oriLyt), and demonstrated that when cloned, this origin can mediate DNA replication in a transient transfection assay. Current research aims to understand how this origin works and how it is regulated. Second, we defined the HCMV genes encoding proteins essential for oriLyt-mediated DNA synthesis, and are using genetic, biochemical, and structural methods to understand the functions of these replication and regulatory proteins. Lastly, we are making recombinant viruses to investigate aspects of viral latency and pathogenesis.
The long-term objectives of this work are to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of cytomegalovirus replication, to provide a rational basis for developing effective anti-HCMV strategies, and to expand our general understanding of the molecular mechanisms of viral replication, latency, and pathogenesis.
Contact Information
E-mail: anders@wadsworth.org