MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF AN RNA VIRUS FOUND IN LEISHMANIA

The purpose of this study is to continue to characterize a virus we have
discovered in Leishmania braziliensis. Leishmania is an important human
pathogen, the causative agent of leishmaniasis. The study of
bacteriophages and viruses has provided important leads in our
understanding of the control of gene expression, RNA processing and
translation. These considerations highlight the potential value of a
Leishmania virus for the study of unique gene regulation and expression
mechanisms in kinetoplastid parasites. Specifically we would propose to:
1) Begin to understand the intimate relationship of the virus with the
parasite. 2) Continue to investigate the replicative and translational
strategy of the virus. 3) Attempt to infect other strains of Leishmania.
4) Use this virus as a vector. 5) Exploit this system as an experimental
model for studying the translational mechanisms of Leishmania.