Such maps should also be applicable to the identification of genome regions that interact with one another. By demarcating the sub-genome modules that are and are not tolerably exchanged between viruses, recombination hot and cold spot maps should be applicable to the rational design of "recombination resistant" vaccines and drugs against viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C. For example, the group has shown that obligatory maintenance of the delicate network of co-evolved intra-genomic interactions that define the biology of virus species, severely limits the types of recombination events that are tolerable in nature. With a focus on combining computational and wet-lab experimental approaches Darren’s group tests hypothesis relating to genetic recombination, the evolution of genome-scale secondary structures and fitness trad-offs. Using computational recombination-analysis tools developed at the IDM, his group are searching for recombination hot- and cold-spots within the genomes of all currently described virus families.
Darren Martin’s main research interests lie in studying the role that genetic recombination plays during virus evolution.Īs a mechanism that generates virus sequence diversity, recombination participates in the evolution of enhanced pathogenicity, drug resistance, and vaccine escape. The CBIO Division is part of the Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences and is located within the IDM. It aims to perform world-class bioinformatics research and provide high-quality bioinformatics education, training, and services.
The Computational Biology (CBIO) Group is the centre of Bioinformatics activities at the University. Selected publications | Contact details | Collaborationsĭivision of Computational Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, & Member of the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine(IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town
0 kommentar(er)
