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Paris, June 26, 2009
Virus-host cell interactions at heart of a new international joint unit
The agreement to create a new international joint unit called “Unit of Virus Host Cell Interaction” (UVHCI)(1) was signed on June 26th 2009. CNRS, the Grenoble branch of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Université Joseph Fourier established this research unit, the only one of its kind in France in the sphere of biology and medicine, to develop interdisciplinary methods and a technological platform for structural biology.
Sited in Grenoble's 'Polygone scientifique', this international joint unit (UMI) grew out of a partnership between Université Joseph Fourier, the Grenoble branch of EMBL and CNRS, with the objective of conducting research on structural and molecular biology. In particular, this UMI will encourage interdisciplinary research on the interactions between viruses and their host cells, and stimulate the development of associated techniques.
A series of research themes are being built around the theme of virus structure:
• Virus assembly and maturation,
• Interaction between viruses and host cells,
• Gene expression in virus and host,
• Cellular biology of infected cells,
• Innate immunity and the development of anti-pathogenic molecules.
The UMI is notably conducting important research on flu and AIDS viruses.
The “Unit of Virus Host Cell Interaction” UMI is also developing methods and technological platforms for structural biology, such as high-throughput protein expression and crystallization, electron microscopy, image analysis and equipment for X-ray and neutron diffraction.
The UMI is directed by Stephen CUSACK, Director, Senior scientist at EMBL and Rob RUIGROK, Professor at Université Joseph Fourier.
Notes:
1) UVHCI : Biologie structurale des interactions entre virus et cellule hôte
Contact information:
CNRS press office
Cécile Pérol
T 01 44 96 43 90 l cecile.perol@cnrs-dir.fr
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