| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S51936/02 |
| Title: |
Mathematical Virology: A Novel Approach to Virus Capsid Classification and Assembly |
| Principal Investigator: |
Twarock, Professor R |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Mathematics |
| Organisation: |
University of York |
| Scheme: |
Advanced Fellowship (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 February 2005 |
Ends: |
31 December 2008 |
Value (£): |
180,293
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Algebra & Geometry |
Biophysics |
| Mathematical Physics |
Structural biology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
Healthcare |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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In this interdisciplinary project on the interface of mathematics, biophysics and structural biology we develop new mathematical methods for the description of virus capsids and their assembly, with the ultimate goal of providing the mathematics needed for the design of new anti-viral therapeutics.Based on a novel mathematical approach we derive a classification of virus structures not presently covered by the standard tool for virus capsid classification, the Caspar-Klug theory. We derive models for virus capsid assembly both via a local rules approach based on these new techniques, and via a connection of our approach with pattern formation techniques. All models will be refined in close collaboration with biologists and implications for the design of new anti-viral therapeutics will be discussed.Via a connection of the approach with group theory, the structures of non-isometric viruses will be described and corresponding image reconstruction methods and Raman spectroscopy techniques derived; these are an important tool for data analysis in virology. Related mathematical considerations shall furthermore be used for the description of multishell phenomena such as scaffolding -- an important target for the design of anti-viral drugs for larger and more complex viruses -- and a discussion of fullerene cages as inhibitors for virus capsid assembly.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.york.ac.uk |