Zhou, Hongzhao
(2023)
Characterizing Merkel Cell Polyomavirus Life Cycle Regulators and Viral Encoded Circular RNAs.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
This dissertation, initiated in 2018, delves into the characterization of viral circular RNAs (circRNAs) and investigates the regulators of the Merkel Cell polyomavirus (MCV) life cycle. In Chapter 2, we examined Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) circRNAs, which are expressed in infection-associated diseases. The expression of these circRNAs fluctuates based on the viral life cycle, and they are incorporated into viral particles for pre-emptive delivery. This hints at their potential function in the early phases of virus infection. Chapter 3 discusses our exploration of circMCV-T, which reveals the dynamic interplay between MCV linear RNA, circRNA, and miRNA. This insight deepens our understanding of the intricate relationships between these different RNA types in the context of MCV infection. Finally, in Chapter 4, we explore several of MCV’s self-encoded viral restriction mechanisms, designed to favor viral latency over lytic replication. Our findings shed light on these intricate, latency-promoting mechanisms, which can now be studied using advanced recombinase technology. Overall, the work comprising this dissertation significantly enhances our understanding of viral circRNAs and elucidates the intricate interactions of various RNA types within the MCV life cycle. Furthermore, it has facilitated the development of effective tools for MCV research. As such, this work not only deepens our knowledge in this field but also opens up promising avenues for future exploration.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
8 December 2023 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
31 July 2023 |
| Approval Date: |
8 December 2023 |
| Submission Date: |
9 August 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
180 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Medicine > Microbiology and Molecular Genetics |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Merkel Cell Polyomavirus, Circular RNA, Replication Kinetics |
| Date Deposited: |
08 Dec 2023 16:12 |
| Last Modified: |
08 Dec 2023 16:12 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/45292 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}