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Course
| Subject: | Biology |
| Views: | 66,472 |
Educator
| Name: | Columbia University in the City of New York (Columbia University) |
| Type: | University |
Instructor
Name
Vincent Racaniello
Lecture Description
In our virology series we now move into synthetic mode, as RNA viruses carry out synthesis of mRNAs and viral genomes. It all starts with the RNA dependent RNA polymerase, encoded in the viral genome. We'll see how RNA synthesis is primed, what controls the switch from synthesis of mRNAs to genomes, and how dsRNA viruses never release their genomes into the cytoplasm. We conclude with a brief visit to the amazing world of non-templated RNA synthesis.
Course Index
- What is a virus?
- The Infectious Cycle
- Genomes and Genetics
- Structure of viruses
- Attachment and Entry
- RNA Directed RNA Synthesis
- Transcription and RNA Processing
- Viral DNA Replication
- Reverse transcription and integration
- Lost in translation
- Assembly
- Infection Basics
- roviral Reverse Transcription
- Intrinsic and Innate Defenses
- Adaptive Immunity
- Mechanisms of Pathogenesis
- Acute Infections
- Persistent Infections
- Transformation and Oncogenesis
- Vaccines
- Antivirals
- Evolution
- Emerging Viruses
- Unusual infectious agents
- HIV and AIDS
- Viral gene therapy
Course Description
In this course, Prof. Vincent Racaniello gives 26 video lectures on Virology. The basic thesis of the course is that all viruses adopt a common strategy. The strategy is simple:
1. Viral genomes are contained in metastable particles.
2. Genomes encode gene products that promote an infectious cycle (mechanisms for genomes to enter cells, replicate, and exit in particles).
3. Infection patterns range from benign to lethal; infections can overcome or co-exist with host defenses.
Despite the apparent simplicity, the tactics evolved by particular virus families to survive and prosper are remarkable. This rich set of solutions to common problems in host/parasite interactions provides significant insight and powerful research tools. Virology has enabled a more detailed understanding of the structure and function of molecules, cells and organisms and has provided fundamental understanding of disease and virus evolution.
The course will emphasize the common reactions that must be completed by all viruses for successful reproduction within a host cell and survival and spread within a host population. The molecular basis of alternative reproductive cycles, the interactions of viruses with host organisms, and how these lead to disease are presented with examples drawn from a set of representative animal and human viruses, although selected bacterial viruses will be discussed.
