The Bilimoria laboratory
is conducting basic and
applied research on
virus-induced apoptosis.
We have developed highly
efficient cell culture
models for Chilo
iridescent virus (CIV;
genus Iridovirus; family
Iridoviridae: isometric,
cytoplasmic viruses with
circularly permuted
dsDNA). Research
emphasis is on: (i)
genes and regulatory
elements governing viral
apoptosis; (ii) viral
genes for engineering
transgenic
pest-resistant plants;
and (iii) functional
genomics and
transcriptional
regulation of iridovirus
replication. We were
awarded a U.S. Patent
for CIV virion protein
extract, which inhibits
host expression and
induces apoptosis or
programmed cell death.
We have now cloned and
expressed the gene
responsible for viral
apoptosis and host
shutoff. This gene
has been designated
iridoptin. One goal of
our program is to use
iridoptin and other
viral genes toward
generating transgenic,
pest-resistant plants as
well as testing the
potential of iridoptin
in killing cancer
cells. A central goal is
to elucidate the
mechanisms of apoptosis
induction by iridoptin.
The focus on
iridoviruses is a
reflection of the
enormous economic and
ecological impact of
insect pests and
amphibian die offs as
well as challenges in
viral apoptosis, gene
expression strategy, and
cancer therapy. We are
the first to identify an
apoptosis-inducing gene
in the family
Iridoviridae and to
establish a complete
transcriptional map for
genus Iridovirus.
In earlier studies, we
established spheroidin
as the inclusion-body
polypeptide of insect
poxviruses, established
and characterized the
first cell culture
models for baculovirus
host specificity, and
derived the first
attached sub-lines from
insect cultures.
Our research has been
supported by various
agencies including the
following: Texas
Advanced Technology;
Texas Advanced Research
Program; Institute for
Biotechnology, TTU;
Cenargen, EMBRAPA,
Brazil.
Publications
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