Download or read book Discovering Retroviruses written by Anna Marie Skalka and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2018-10-15 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.”

Download or read book Discovering Retroviruses written by Anna Marie Skalka and published by Harvard University Press. This book was released on 2018-10-15 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.”

Download or read book Retroviruses written by John M. Coffin and published by CSHL Press. This book was released on 1997 with total page 856 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Retroviruses written by Reinhard Kurth and published by Caister Academic Press Limited. This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Leading scientists in the field review the genomics, molecular biology and pathogenesis of these important viruses, comprehensively covering all the recent advances.

Download or read book Virus Hunting written by Robert C. Gallo and published by . This book was released on 1991-05-15 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Examines the discovery of AIDS and other notable discoveries, Gallo's investigation by the NIH, and provides a personal chronicle of the scientist's life.

Download or read book Human Retrovirus Protocols written by Tuofu Zhu and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2008-02-04 with total page 488 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book Retroviruses 1 written by P.K. Vogt and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 150 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 1. 1 Scope of the Review This review was intended initially as a reference source for those interested in the origins and fITst descriptions ofthe defective avian sarcoma viruses. Quite a few of these viruses have been characterized in the past few years and their varied nomenclature according to source, discoverer, date of isolation or biological properties could result in some con fusion among those attempting to follow the literature. Information will be included on the molecular biology of the sarcoma viruses, rather more of which is available than when the review was fITst conceived, although in this respect the review will inevitably be out of date by the time of publication. If any bias of content is introduced, this will be towards a more detailed coverage of the author's own area of interest, the gene products of the defective sarcoma viruses. Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) serves as the model for much of this work and will frequently be referred to for comparative purposes, as will the mammalian defective transforming viruses. Recent reviews provide more complete coverage of these topics (l-4a). This review is complemented by a discussion ofthe avian acute leukaemia viruses, which appears elsewhere in this volume [5]. As will be seen, concentrating primarily on the defective sarcoma viruses and comparing them to RSV can be justified in terms of their biochemical properties as well as their similar biology.

Download or read book Holland Frei Cancer Medicine written by Robert C. Bast, Jr. and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-03-10 with total page 2004 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

Download or read book Plague written by Kent Heckenlively and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-02-21 with total page 604 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.

Download or read book International Symposium Retroviruses and Human Pathology written by Robert C. Gallo and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 551 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For decades retroviruses have been riding the crest of a wave of experimental research directed toward the identification of an infectious agent of human neoplastic diseases. In the early 1970s, several scientists successfully demonstrated the presence of retroviruses in numerous animal species and proved their etiological role in some related diseases. Corresponding findings in humans were somewhat discouraging. Although financial support for this line· of research declined, a few dedicated retrovirologists survived and continued to collect more biological information and technological expertise that opened a new approach to the search for a human retrovirus. The rewards came with the discovery that the genes responsible for neoplastic transformation (oncogenes) are of cellular origin and can be shuttled about by retroviruses, and with the identification of a new family of Human T-cell Lymphotrophic retroViruses (HTLV) from patients with diseases ranging from leukemia to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). An understanding of the role and significance of retroviruses in human pathology requires basic knowledge of the major animal systems studied. With this perspective in mind, we present here a survey that includes general overviews, minireviews on each animal system studied with selected experimental reports and, finally, a stimulating review of the field of human retrovirology by many of the pioneer scientists who created it. We are especially grateful to Profs. C. A. Romanzi and G. C. Schito for promoting the organization of the Symposium. On behalf of the Sym posium Committee, we thank E. Soeri, L. Casarino, G. P. Gesu, M.

Download or read book Retroviruses and Disease written by Hidesaburo Hanafusa and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Retroviruses and Disease presents a relevant summary of the state of knowledge in both human nonhuman retroviruses. It highlights significant concepts regarding their commonalities and differences in terms of retroviral systems. A section of this book covers the pathogenic human retroviruses and focuses on two. These are HLTV-1 (the first human retrovirus that was isolated) and HIV (the cause of a potent immunological disorder). The life cycle of replication-competent retroviruses, including the murine leukemia viruses and its functions, is discussed in Chapters 1 and 2. The focus of the third chapter is the transformation of Rous sarcoma virus. Meanwhile, Chapter 4 discusses the multiple stages in avian leukosis virus-induced B cell lymphoma. Oncogenes, the molecular basis of human cancer, are also covered in this book. Another virus also discussed in this book is the human T cell leukemia virus. The book is a good reference for students, teachers, specialists, scientists, and researchers in microbiology.

Download or read book Neurotropic Viral Infections written by Carol Shoshkes Reiss and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-09-08 with total page 562 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.​

Download or read book Retroviruses retroelements and their restrictions written by Atsushi Koito and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2015-05-01 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Human retroviruses, HIV and HTLV have been recognized as important pathogens because of their association with lethal diseases such as AIDS and ATL. Considerable resources and efforts have been directed at understanding the interaction between these retroviruses and their host which may provide clues as to how the infection can be controlled or prevented. Among the key scientific successes is the identification of intracellular “restriction factors” that have evolved as obstacles to the replication of pathogens including infectious retroviruses. The discovery of APOBEC, which are strong mutagens of retroviral genomes and intracellular retroelements, began a new era of intense research activities into the spectrum of intrinsic anti-HIV activity, leading to the identification of TRIM5a, BST2/Tetherin, and SAMHD1. In response, HIV has evolved several accessory genes as weaponries to evade these intracellular restriction activities. The intracellular antiretroviral defenses evolved in response to endogenous retroelements that make up more than 40% of the entire mammalian genome, and which are regarded as ancestors of infectious retroviruses. LTR-type retroelements are present in all higher eukaryotes, representing about 8% of the human genome. Non-LTR retroelements can be found at extremely high copy numbers also, with a significant portion of mammalin genomes consisting of LINEs. Mammalian genomes are modified by LINEs through insertions, but also by the indirect replication of non-autonomous retrotransposons such as SINEs. LINEs insertion was shown to have played, and continue to play important roles in genomic evolution and somatic genome mosaicism-mediated physiology. And, because retrotransposition can confer genetic diversity that is beneficial to the host, the vertebrate intrinsic immunity has evolved to support a balance between retroelement insertions that confer beneficial and those that cause deleterious gene disruptions. The articles published in this Research Topic should serve not only as valuable references for the field, but provide future topics of research for investigators that should further our understanding of the retrovirus, retroelements and their restrictions.

Download or read book RNA Tumor Viruses Supplements and appendixes written by and published by . This book was released on 1984 with total page 1254 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Retrovirus Infections of the Nervous System written by Michael B.A. Oldstone and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Although retroviruses have long been associated with a variety of animal diseases, active research in the field of human retroviruses dates from the discovery of human immunodefici ency virus (HIV) in association with acquired immunodefici ency syndrome (AIDS). The enormous research efforts in this field have been directed toward understanding the nature of the virus and toward its elimination through preventive vaccin ation and the cure of the disease. Human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-l) was the first member of the human retrovirus family to be discovered. It was implicated as the cause of adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) even before the association of HIV and AIDS was established. Research on HTL V -1 has, however, been lagging behind that of HIV because of the importance of AIDS. Today HTLV-1 and possibly closely related HTLV-2 are associated with a variety of human neurologic diseases, and research activities in this field may show that human retroviruses can cause a variety of human diseases in addition to those affecting the nervous system. Papers in this volume attempt to acquaint the reader with the present state of research into retrovirus infection and related diseases of the nervous system.

Download or read book The Human Retroviruses written by Robert C. Gallo and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2012-12-02 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents twenty-four tightly focused reviews on the biology, molecular biology, pathology, and epidemiology of the human retroviruses, particularly HIV and HTLV (Types I and II), as well as animal model systems (simian retroviruses, STLV and SIV, and mouse models).Editor Robert C. Gallo is recognized as a co-discoverer of the AIDS virus.

Download or read book Retroviruses written by Ronald Swanstrom and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives a synthesis of current knowledge on ret- rovirology. Each chapter deals with a different step in the virus life cycle, detailing the molecular aspects of virus replication. The comparison of different retroviruses exemplifies variations. Specific topics include the evolution of retrovirus genomes, integration of the provirus, viral DNA transcriptional and translational control of viral gene expression, processing of viral proteins, and packaging of virion RNA. Data on HIV and HTLV-1 are covered as well as research on animal retrovirus sys- tems.