Virus Structures

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: UNLISTED

Abstract

Dr David Bhella, Lead Investigator and Dr Edward Hutchinson as a Co-Investigator, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR)
University of Glasgow.
The virus structure programme aims to understand how proteins are assembled into functional virus particles. We are investigating several viruses of medical and veterinary importance including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus and Zika virus, with a primary focus on influenza (flu) virus. Flu viruses cause frequent outbreaks of respiratory infections and can cause severe disease. When we grow flu virus in the lab, it typically produces spherical virus particles. On the other hand, flu that has recently been isolated from clinical infections is also able to form extremely long, filamentous virus particles. These function of these filaments is unknown, though they have been shown to be important for transmission in animals. We are therefore working to define the role filaments play during flu infections. More broadly, we are investigating the identity and structure of the virus and host proteins that make up virus particles and how these relate to viruses’ form and function. To do so, we are developing new approaches to studying virus composition and structure; in particular, by pioneering methods for determining the shape of virus-related molecules within the cell. These studies may allow us to define new ways to treat flu and other viruses.

Technical Summary

The virus structure programme aims to integrate structural biology, imaging, proteomics and molecular biological techniques to address key questions concerning the biology of medically important viruses. In the forthcoming quinquennium we aim to develop two exciting new avenues of research: in-situ structural biology – structure analysis of macromolecular assemblies within the virus infected cell, and viral proteomics – characterisation of the protein content of purified virions. Several viruses of medical and veterinary importance will be considered, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus and Zika virus, and structural and proteomic approaches will be applied to study filamentous influenza A viruses (IAV). Our investigations will address fundamental questions in IAV biology, including the importance of host proteins in virion infectivity and morphology and the function of viral filaments in the infectious process.
The capacity to determine structures for virus-associated macromolecular assemblies within the infected cell has huge potential to revolutionise our understanding of virus biology by providing detailed insights into the molecular interactions that underpin critical stages of viral replication cycles. Integration of proteomics into a programme of virus structure research combined with the shared focus on IAV of the two lead investigators presents exciting opportunities for exchange of knowledge, ideas and expertise that will drive our research to address key biological aspects of this important pathogen.

People

ORCID iD

Publications

10 25 50

Related Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Award Value
MC_UU_12014/7 01/05/2013 31/03/2023 £2,823,000
MC_UU_12014/8 Transfer MC_UU_12014/7 01/05/2013 31/03/2023 £4,034,000
MC_UU_12014/9 Transfer MC_UU_12014/8 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £1,436,000
MC_UU_12014/10 Transfer MC_UU_12014/9 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £2,955,000
MC_UU_12014/11 Transfer MC_UU_12014/10 01/04/2016 31/03/2023 £570,000
 
Title Creation of image and animation for "Images on the Clyde" exhibition. 
Description An image was created along with an accompanying animation to contribute to a BBSRC funded exhibition at Glasgow Science Centre. 
Type Of Art Image 
Year Produced 2015 
Impact Seen by a large public audience. 
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xfi_bUgRyU
 
Title Digital model of influenza A virus 
Description Working with a student from Glasgow school of Art, and colleague Ed Hutchinson, we created a detailed digital model of influenza A virus, based on cryoEM and proteomic data. 
Type Of Art Artefact (including digital) 
Year Produced 2017 
Impact News coverage in local print media 
 
Description Participation in Workshop on Biophysics and Structural Biology 17-24 Jan 2019
Geographic Reach Africa 
Policy Influence Type Influenced training of practitioners or researchers
Impact This workshop was organised by the University of Cape Town. The primary aim was teaching of biophysical methods to young African scientists. The secondary aim was to initiate discussions on how South Africa might pursue ambitions to grow its capabilities in Structural Biology Research. I taught on Cryo-EM and gave a case study on establishing a Cryo-EM national centre.
 
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Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
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Description Cryo-Electron Microscopy Equipment Grants
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Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
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Organisation Government of Scotland 
Department Scottish Funding Council
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2017 
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Description Cryo-Electron Microscopy Research Infrastructure - The Scottish Macromolecular Imaging Centre (SMIC).
Amount £60,000 (GBP)
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Description R01
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Organisation National Institutes of Health (NIH) 
Sector Public
Country United States
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End 07/2018
 
Description Response Mode
Amount £751,764 (GBP)
Funding ID MR/M000451/1 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2014 
End 11/2017
 
Description Structural characterisation of the calicivirus entry pathway and its role in defining virulence
Amount £848,091 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/T002239/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2020 
End 12/2022
 
Title Development of a specimen holder for cryogenic focussed ion beam milling 
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Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Provided To Others? No  
Impact Once fully developed this design will improve access to FIB-SEM technology. 
 
Title Establishment of Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging 
Description I led a successful consortium bid to secure funding for a Scottish national centre for CryoEM. Based in the University of Glasgow, this centre will provide access to world-class structural biology resources for Scotland and Northern England. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact The centre is still in the installation phase. 
 
Title A global map of the Zika virus phosphoproteome reveals host-driven regulation of viral budding 
Description Mass spectrometry data (raw and processed) describing proteins from Zika virus particles 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Publication under review 
URL http://researchdata.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/1222
 
Title Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal to mediate endosome escape 
Description CryoEM datasets of calicivirus bound to receptor fragment Two datasets: https://dx.doi.org/10.6019/EMPIAR-10192 https://dx.doi.org/10.6019/EMPIAR-10193 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2019 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Publication Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement Conley MJ, McElwee M, Azmi LB, Gabrielsen M, Byron O, Goodfellow IG, Bhella D Nature (2019) PMID: 30626974 The paper was widely reported and featured in the Diamond Light Source annual review 2019/20 https://www.diamond.ac.uk/docroot/flippingbooks/DiamondAnnualReview2020/86-87/ Reporting: http://www.virology.ws/2019/02/14/a-portal-for-rna-exit/ http://www.microbe.tv/twiv/twiv-534/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+twivmp3+%28This+Week+in+Virology+-+MP3+Edition%29 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-find-a-new-way-to-fight-norovirus-qbtttd5gz?fbclid=IwAR3RdkImGrc36czjK9-2wgzcO_IYNU_rcDfHPgrY4qnec-RIvLMsNwut7o4 https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17346160.glasgow-norovirus-breakthrough-lead-first-treatment-winter-vomiting-bug/ 
URL https://dx.doi.org/10.6019/EMPIAR-10193
 
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Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2020 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None 
 
Title Cryo-electron tomogram of a pseudotype virus particle generated during coinfection of Influenza A virus and Respiratory Syncytial virus in lung cells. 
Description Tomogram produced by cryo-electron tomography of cells infected with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A virus. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Published in Nature communications https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-022-01242-5 
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Description Cryo-EM dataset 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
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URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/empiar/EMPIAR-10384
 
Title Structure of respiratory syncytial virus matrix layer 
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Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Published in http://doi.org/doi:10.15252/embj.2021109728 
URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/emdb/EMD-13855
 
Title Structure of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii Nodavirus: A new genus within the Nodaviridae? 
Description CryoEM dataset of images of MrNV virus like particles 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Publication Structure of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus: A new genus within the Nodaviridae? Ho KL , Gabrielsen M , Beh PL , Kueh CL , Thong QX, Streetley J , Tan WS , Bhella D PLoS Biol 16 (2018) PMID: 30346944 Reported in Diamond website https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Science/Research/Highlights/2018/Secrets-of-the-Deadly-White-tail-Virus-Revealed.html 
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Title Structure of the herpes-simplex virus portal-vertex 
Description Cryo-EM dataset of herpes simplex virions. 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Publication Structure of the herpes simplex virus portal-vertex McElwee M, Vijayakrishnan S, Rixon FJ, Bhella D PLoS Biol. 16 (2018) PMID: 29924793 Reported on Diamond light source webpage https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Science/Research/Highlights/2018/State-of-the-art-imaging-and-image-processing-offer-new-insights-into-Herpes-simplex-virus-.html 
URL https://dx.doi.org/10.6019/EMPIAR-10189
 
Title The cryo-EM structure of vesivirus 2117 highlights functional variations in entry pathways for viruses in different clades of the vesivirus genus. 
Description Cryo-EM image dataset 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None 
 
Title Tobacco mosaic virus, imaged on a JEOL CRYOARM 300 and Direct Electron Apollo 
Description A very high resolution cryo-EM dataset of tobacco mosaic virus. The data were processed to 1.85 angstroms resolution 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2023 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact highlighted by EMPIAR and EMDB as highest resolution helical reconstruction deposited to date. 
URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/empiar/EMPIAR-11404/
 
Title Tomogram of respiratory syncytial virus filamentous virion 
Description Example cryo-electron tomogram of respiratory syncytial virus 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2022 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact Published in doi:10.15252/embj.2021109728 
URL https://www.ebi.ac.uk/emdb/EMD-13856
 
Description Calicivirus attachment and entry 
Organisation Cornell University
Department Baker Institute for Animal Health
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Calicivirus bound to it's receptor and identified structural changes that occur - possibly a first step towards uncoating
Collaborator Contribution Provided purified virus and protein
Impact Papers in Journal of Virology Pubmed 18550656, 21865392, 27902397
Start Year 2007
 
Description Calicivirus attachment and entry 
Organisation European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Department European Molecular Biology Laboratory Heidelberg
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Calicivirus bound to it's receptor and identified structural changes that occur - possibly a first step towards uncoating
Collaborator Contribution Provided purified virus and protein
Impact Papers in Journal of Virology Pubmed 18550656, 21865392, 27902397
Start Year 2007
 
Description Calicivirus attachment and entry 
Organisation University of Cambridge
Department Virology
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Calicivirus bound to it's receptor and identified structural changes that occur - possibly a first step towards uncoating
Collaborator Contribution Provided purified virus and protein
Impact Papers in Journal of Virology Pubmed 18550656, 21865392, 27902397
Start Year 2007
 
Description Diamond light source X-ray microscopy 
Organisation Diamond Light Source
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Collaboration to help develop methods for X-ray tomography of virus infected cells. Provided specimens for imaging
Collaborator Contribution working to generate 3D X-ray tomograms of viruses and virus infected cells
Impact Work ongoing
Start Year 2015
 
Description Focussed Ion Beam Milling of Virus infected cells 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department Physics and Astronomy Department
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Conceived and performed experiments to explore the use of FIB-SEM to image the virus infected cell, secured funding to add cryo-capability to instrument, collaborated on design of bespoke components to allow transfer of frozen hydrated cells into the FIB-SEM microscope.
Collaborator Contribution Worked to help us develop this technology using their microscope, providing access to the instrument.
Impact Preliminary data collected. Work is multidisciplinary - with Physics dept, Grant funding secured (MR/M000451/1)
Start Year 2012
 
Description In situ structure analysis of respiratory syncytial virus inclusion bodies 
Organisation Boston University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This collaborative project aims to study the structure and morphogenesis of replication compartments generated by RSV. Using multiple imaging modalities we used correlative microscopy to locate and characterise these structures in virus infected cells. My lab grew virus infected cells on EM grids, imaged them using light microscopy and prepared them for cryogenic imaging. My lab processed image data, interpreted results and will prepare the manuscript.
Collaborator Contribution Fluorescent live-cell RNA probes were provided by Phil Santangelo's laboratory at Georgia Tech X-ray microscopy was performed at Diamond Light Source FIB-Milling and Cryo-EM were performed at Diamond Light Source (and eBIC). Funding was secured in partnership with Rachel Fearns at University of Boston - an NIH award which subcontracted the imaging work to my group. The Fearns laboratory provided recombinant viruses.
Impact Data have been generated and are being prepared for publication
Start Year 2014
 
Description In situ structure analysis of respiratory syncytial virus inclusion bodies 
Organisation Diamond Light Source
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution This collaborative project aims to study the structure and morphogenesis of replication compartments generated by RSV. Using multiple imaging modalities we used correlative microscopy to locate and characterise these structures in virus infected cells. My lab grew virus infected cells on EM grids, imaged them using light microscopy and prepared them for cryogenic imaging. My lab processed image data, interpreted results and will prepare the manuscript.
Collaborator Contribution Fluorescent live-cell RNA probes were provided by Phil Santangelo's laboratory at Georgia Tech X-ray microscopy was performed at Diamond Light Source FIB-Milling and Cryo-EM were performed at Diamond Light Source (and eBIC). Funding was secured in partnership with Rachel Fearns at University of Boston - an NIH award which subcontracted the imaging work to my group. The Fearns laboratory provided recombinant viruses.
Impact Data have been generated and are being prepared for publication
Start Year 2014
 
Description In situ structure analysis of respiratory syncytial virus inclusion bodies 
Organisation Georgia Institute of Technology
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution This collaborative project aims to study the structure and morphogenesis of replication compartments generated by RSV. Using multiple imaging modalities we used correlative microscopy to locate and characterise these structures in virus infected cells. My lab grew virus infected cells on EM grids, imaged them using light microscopy and prepared them for cryogenic imaging. My lab processed image data, interpreted results and will prepare the manuscript.
Collaborator Contribution Fluorescent live-cell RNA probes were provided by Phil Santangelo's laboratory at Georgia Tech X-ray microscopy was performed at Diamond Light Source FIB-Milling and Cryo-EM were performed at Diamond Light Source (and eBIC). Funding was secured in partnership with Rachel Fearns at University of Boston - an NIH award which subcontracted the imaging work to my group. The Fearns laboratory provided recombinant viruses.
Impact Data have been generated and are being prepared for publication
Start Year 2014
 
Description Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging 
Organisation University of Dundee
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Consortium partners contributed financially to the establishment of SCMI and agree to subscribe to the centre on an annual fee for access basis.
Collaborator Contribution The partners are users of the national cryo-EM facility SCMI
Impact We have established a national centre for structural biology research by cryo-EM
Start Year 2018
 
Description Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging 
Organisation University of Edinburgh
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Consortium partners contributed financially to the establishment of SCMI and agree to subscribe to the centre on an annual fee for access basis.
Collaborator Contribution The partners are users of the national cryo-EM facility SCMI
Impact We have established a national centre for structural biology research by cryo-EM
Start Year 2018
 
Description Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging 
Organisation University of St Andrews
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Consortium partners contributed financially to the establishment of SCMI and agree to subscribe to the centre on an annual fee for access basis.
Collaborator Contribution The partners are users of the national cryo-EM facility SCMI
Impact We have established a national centre for structural biology research by cryo-EM
Start Year 2018
 
Description Structural studies of Adenovirus Factor X interaction 
Organisation Cardiff University
Department School of Medicine
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Adenovirus bound to Factor X, an interaction which directs the virus to the liver. Based on our low-resolution EM structure we constructed an atomic resolution model which guided mutagenesis studies to ablate binding.
Collaborator Contribution Several papers in high impact journals
Impact Papers in Cell, Blood and Molecular therapy Pubmed 19603000, 19429866, 18267072
 
Description Structural studies of Adenovirus Factor X interaction 
Organisation Osaka University
Country Japan 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Adenovirus bound to Factor X, an interaction which directs the virus to the liver. Based on our low-resolution EM structure we constructed an atomic resolution model which guided mutagenesis studies to ablate binding.
Collaborator Contribution Several papers in high impact journals
Impact Papers in Cell, Blood and Molecular therapy Pubmed 19603000, 19429866, 18267072
 
Description Structural studies of Adenovirus Factor X interaction 
Organisation University of Glasgow
Department BHF Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We solved the structure of Adenovirus bound to Factor X, an interaction which directs the virus to the liver. Based on our low-resolution EM structure we constructed an atomic resolution model which guided mutagenesis studies to ablate binding.
Collaborator Contribution Several papers in high impact journals
Impact Papers in Cell, Blood and Molecular therapy Pubmed 19603000, 19429866, 18267072
 
Description Structural studies of Macrobrachium Rosenbergii virus 
Organisation Putra Malaysia University
Department Department Of Chemical And Environmental Engineering
Country Malaysia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution We provided training and support, access to cryo-microscopy equipment and intellectual input to a project to solve the structure of this important pathogen that affects the Malaysian aquaculture industry.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Kok Lian Ho brought purified virus-like particles for imaging and 3D reconstruction in Glasgow.
Impact http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2017/01/26/103424 Paper currently under review with Scientific Reports
Start Year 2016
 
Description Structural studies of respiratory virus interactions with Surfactant Protein D 
Organisation University College London
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Structural analysis of rhinovirus interactions with SpD.
Collaborator Contribution Provided reagents
Impact None
Start Year 2015
 
Description Structure of Paramyxovirus Nucleocapsids 
Organisation Pasteur Institute, Paris
Department Department of Virology
Country France 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Provided low-resolution structural data to facilitate solution of X-ray structure of Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Solved structure of helical assembly to allow modelling of authentic nucleocapsid structure.
Collaborator Contribution Publication of high impact papers
Impact Paper in Science (Pubmed 19965480) Paper in Journal of General Virology (Pubmed 23677789)
Start Year 2006
 
Description Structure of RSV RNA dependent RNA polymerase 
Organisation Boston University
Country United States 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Structural analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus RdRp complexes
Collaborator Contribution Providing protein preparations and expertise
Impact Secured grant funding (MR/M000451/1) Visiting researcher from Shionogi - 1 year
Start Year 2012
 
Description Structure of RSV RNA dependent RNA polymerase 
Organisation Shionogi & Co., Ltd.
Country Japan 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Structural analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus RdRp complexes
Collaborator Contribution Providing protein preparations and expertise
Impact Secured grant funding (MR/M000451/1) Visiting researcher from Shionogi - 1 year
Start Year 2012
 
Description Structure of Respiratory Syncytial Virus 
Organisation Medical Research Council (MRC)
Department MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Designed experiments, collected and processed preliminary data.
Collaborator Contribution Use of LMB cryomicroscope to collect higher quality EM data on RSV. Training in helical reconstruction provided by Dr Jude Short of LMB to support our project.
Impact Data collection ongoing Secured grant funding (MR/M000451/1
Start Year 2013
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Flagship Video - Massimo Palmarini 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR's main publicity video used for all advertising of CVR things
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/KEzc2RDGThA
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Short - Colin Loney, Lauren Orr, Jay Allan, Xinyi Huang, Matthew Turnbull and Selim Terhzaz 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR short highlighting our light microscopy facilities
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/yY_Pyjg2Cvs
 
Description 04/08/2021 - CVR Short - Michaela Conley 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR short explaining Michaelas recent publication on viral tunnels
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://youtu.be/SGoCtvfvMtE
 
Description 09/03/2021 Colin Loney CVR insight 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Colin took part in an activity which is a type of "meet the researcher" we run at the CVR to go out on social media platforms to introduce various people within the centre.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/status/1369264037473755137
 
Description 24th Annual Glasgow Virology Workshop June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The CVR hosted the 24th Glasgow Virology Workshop (GVW) on Friday VV June 2019 (Sir Charles Wilson Building, University of Glasgow). This annual one-day meeting aims to communicate the latest innovative science in the world of virology, and to promote interactions between scientists and a variety of stakeholders throughout the world. This meeting is an informal and welcoming one day event comprising a mix of presentations from both external and internal speakers, along with networking sessions. It is rounded off by an evening ceilidh to provide attendees with a more relaxed opportunity to engage with one another. The annual event attracts a wide age range of attendees (from undergraduate students through to healthcare professionals, members of the biotech industry to retired professors), providing an ideal opportunity to catch up with former colleagues, establish new collaborations, and listen to truly inspirational science.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Animations for national news broadcast 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact I created digital animations to illustrate the mutations in the SARS2 S protein arising in variants of concern. These were broadcast on the ITN news at ten.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2020,2021
 
Description Annual PCR Workshops September 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Each year the CVR runs a series of 6 individual workshops for Higher Biology school pupils. Around 100 pupils attend each workshop and travel from schools throughout Scotland. The workshops are fully booked each year and run in collaboration with the Glasgow Science Centre and supported by Thermo Fisher. The workshops require the support of around 15-20 volunteers from the CVR and wider MVLS each year. The workshops provide pupils with experience and knowledge they would not normally receive until attending university.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Annual PCR Workshops September 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact Each year the CVR runs a series of 6 individual workshops for Higher Biology school pupils. Around 100 pupils attend each workshop and travel from schools throughout Scotland. The workshops are fully booked each year and run in collaboration with the Glasgow Science Centre and supported by Thermo Fisher. The workshops require the support of around 15-20 volunteers from the CVR and wider MVLS each year. The workshops provide pupils with experience and knowledge they would not normally receive until attending university.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Article in Microbiology Today - the magazine of the microbiology society 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact David Bhella wrote an article entitled 'Are Viruses Alive?' This was read by microbiology society members and led to an online poll seeking and activity on social media.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.microbiologysociety.org/publications/microbiology-today/past-issues.cfm/publication/what-...
 
Description Article in Microbiology Today - the magazine of the microbiology society 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact David Bhella wrote an article on cryogenic electron microscopy, detailing the recent breakthroughs in the technology and looking to the future.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
URL http://www.microbiologysociety.org/publications/microbiology-today/past-issues.cfm/publication/futur...
 
Description Article in Microbiology Today - the magazine of the microbiology society 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other audiences
Results and Impact An article was written by PhD student Andrew Burns, on the depiction of viruses in the cinema
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/microbiology-in-popular-culture.html
 
Description Article in The Biochemist 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact We wrote an article on virus structure and symmetry for a special edition of 'The Biochemist'. The magazine of the biochemical society.

Read by members of the society
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description BBC Radio Scotland - Alain Kohl and David Bhella interviews January 2015 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Two of Principal Investigators David Bhella and Alain Kohl were interviewed by BBC Radio Scotland to provide information for a programme related to Plague and virus research. The purpose of the activity was to share their expertise with the BBC programme producer and researchers. The programme aired on BBC Scotland on Sunday 15th March 2015 and features part of David Bhella's interview.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description CVR Stoker Award 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Every year, CVR early career scientists nominate and vote for an established, outstanding virologist who has made a significant contribution to their field. In 2019 CVR early career researchers presented the award to Professor Ann Palmenberg - plus podcast
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description David Bhella - Herpes Structure - Press Release July 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following the publication of a high-profile paper, Prof David Bhella worked with the UofG and MRC Comms teams to create a press release:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archiveofnews/2018/july/headline_596519_en.html

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-unlock-secrets-of-herpes-virus-7jnfsw2r5?fbclid=IwAR1jb2wl2ZSTt2c9swELKbogzJc24-_-5bz5-VimNoctibu-HLSoyPx4-EM
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description David Bhella Press Release 10 January 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact To highlight a paper in Nature, David Bhella worked with the UofG and MRC press teams to produce a press release to highlight a research paper. The press release was shared on the UofG and MRC websites. The story received extensive media coverage including coverage in the Scotsman, Herald, Daily Record, Daily express inews and The Times - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-find-a-new-way-to-fight-norovirus-qbtttd5gz?fbclid=IwAR2E-o5AEqw8wgQbWsZoXhW5eAihHswN7azQIApwvIrFaFQjccTqnO1QXbQ

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/17346160.glasgow-norovirus-breakthrough-could-lead-to-first-treatment-against-the-winter-vomiting-bug/?fbclid=IwAR181jO8QBgtb34PPozrJ-M26-jnHIsfxXZPZCrNjYo1KnFWQe7VudzZV2A

The story was shared across CVR, UofG and MRC social media channels to increase audience reach.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description David Bhella Press Release 5 July 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Following the publication of a paper, Dr David Bhelle worked with the UofG press team to produce a press release for an important publication. The press release was circulated and shared on the UofG website. The story received widespread media coverage, which was shared on CVR, UofG and MRC social media channels:

https://www.gla.ac.uk/news/archiveofnews/2018/july/headline_596519_en.html
https://mrc.ukri.org/news/browse/nobel-prize-winning-technology-reveals-common-herpes-virus-structure/
https://www.healtheuropa.eu/technology-herpes-virus-structure/86954/
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/scientists-unlock-secrets-of-herpes-virus-7jnfsw2r5?fbclid=IwAR2rl8rgaPFCiXmAVBP-WotUdToIoPlkqnEs75IP7PNEh2P4kIU71N1SrsA
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description David Bhella UofG Press release - Official opening of the SCMI Sep 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact To mark the official opening of the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging, the CVR worked with the UofG press team to issue a press release. The story was picked up by the BBC with coverage on the website and radio:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-45478170?fbclid=IwAR0ehUdNlQt2ERR38m9FHFqVw-mrgTlb1xg3jPmO0uik9lNs2AQ5auvmLH0

This was also shared on CVR, UofG and MRC social media channels
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description David Bhella and Gillian Slack - Cafe Scientifique - April 2015 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Two of our researchers gave engaging talks at the event on the subject of Ebola virus and emerging viruses, followed up by discussions and Q&As with the audience members.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Dr David Bhella - BBC Influenza Commentary January 2016 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Dr David Bhella provided commentary on the structure of Influenza virus along with providing images. His commentary and images were featured on a BCC Brainwaves radio show along with the show webpage - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06wcdk1. The show was aired twice on 19th and 24th January on the BBC Scotland radio show.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Glasgow Science Festival 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact ~40 students attended a workshop where they investigated a fictional virus outbreak by molecular biology and diagnostic methods

The workshop received excellent evaluation feedback from participants
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011,2012,2013,2014
 
Description Glasgow Science Festival Science Sunday - June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact CVR researchers took a range of popular activities (build a virus, glovebox chamber game and Biolegomatics along to the Science Sunday event as part of the Glasgow Science Festival. 10 researchers from the CVR volunteered for the event and they estimated that they interacted with around 200 people over the course of the day. The activity was also supported by social media activity. MP Patrick Grady also made a point of visiting the stand to try an activity, take a photograph and tweet about the day. Stand visitors tend to have a keen interest in science but it is an opportunity for families to have a fun day out and learn something new.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://twitter.com/CVRinfo/with_replies
 
Description HSV portal paper publicity 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact University of Glasgow press office released a press release concerning our paper: McElwee, M., S. Vijayakrishnan, F. Rixon, D. Bhella 2018. The structure of the herpes simplex virus portal-vertex. PLOS Biology 16(6): e2006191
Leading to articles in The Times (6/07/2018)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Interview for BBC Radio Scotland Drive time show 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Radio interview to discuss implications of our publication: Conley, M.J., M. McElwee, L. Azmi, M. Gabrielsen, O. Byron, I. G. Goodfellow and D. Bhella 2019. Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement. Nature 565: 377-381
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Interview with The Naked Scientists Podcast and Radio show 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Interview to discuss the implications of our paper: Conley, M.J., M. McElwee, L. Azmi, M. Gabrielsen, O. Byron, I. G. Goodfellow and D. Bhella 2019. Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement. Nature 565: 377-381
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description James Streetly - I'm a Scientist June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact James Streetly, Facility Manager for the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging, applied and was accepted to participate in the MRC I'm a Scientist competition as part of the MRC Festival 2019. James formed part of a panel of scientists who would spend 1 hour per day logged into an online forum where they would answer questions from school pupils from schools across the UK. Ultimately, pupils were asked to vote for an overall winner based on the scientist they believed had provided the best responses
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description MP/MSP invitations - official opening of the SCMI Sep 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Prior to the official opening of the SCMI, the CVR extended an invitation to 11 MPs/MSPs with an interest in healthcare, science and technology. We did not receive any acceptance for the reception itself but the invitations led to a visit to the centre from Jo Swinson MP on 25 September.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch/
 
Description Meet the expert 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact We regularly conduct drop in meet the expert activities at Glasgow Science Centre, involving a range of activities: Build a virus - young children make models of viruses, Strawberry DNA children and adults extract DNA from fruit, Diagnosing viral diarrhoea - children and adults perform a mocked up latex agglutination test, Virus culture - children and adults look at (formaldehyde fixed) viral cultures.
In November 2014, I will be running a microscopy themed school activity in partnership with the Scottish Microscopy Group.

These activities achieve a high degree engagement depth with detailed one-to-one discussions.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2010,2011,2012,2013,2014
 
Description Microscopy and Analysis article - SCMI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A magazine, newsletter or online publication
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Interview with Microscopy and Analysis led to large article concerning the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging
https://microscopy-analysis.com/editorials/editorial-listings/scotland-shakes-cryo-electron-microscopy
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://microscopy-analysis.com/editorials/editorial-listings/scotland-shakes-cryo-electron-microsco...
 
Description Microscopy primary school event 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact I arranged for 1 months loan of Royal Microscopical Society microscope kit to local primary school.
I then attended for an afternoon and gave talk about viruses to P1 students - we used the previously developed build a virus activity.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description October 2017 - James Streetley The Conversation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact In October 2017, CVR PhD student James Streetley produced an article published in The Conversation. Although not a virology topic, writing for this channel provides an excellent development opportunity in science writing for a lay audience. the article was shared on social media reaching an audience of 464 contacts on Facebook alone.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description October 2017 - James Streetly Bhella Group - The Conversation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact PhD student James Streetley writes an article for The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/trio-behind-method-to-visualise-the-molecules-of-life-wins-2017-nobel-prize-in-chemistry-85209. the article was also shared on CVR Facebook and Twitter channels for wider distribution.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
URL https://www.facebook.com/centreforvirusresearch
 
Description PCR Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact We provide a schools workshop on molecular biology, as part of this day workshop I give a careers talk with examples from my own research. 100 school students each year plus teachers. In 2012 the workshop expanded from 4 to 6 days reaching another ~48 students. In 2016 the workshop was revised as the subject matter moved in to the Higher Biology Curriculum. This workshop was delivered at Glasgow science centre previously, it is now delivered in the teaching laboratories of the University of Glasgow.
We have excellent documented feedback on this project and in the process of applying for funding to roll out the workshop on a national level. We are in dialog with the University of Glasgow to deliver the workshop to a larger audience through use of the University teaching labs in 2016. This is largely owing to the 'curriculum for excellence' initiative which has moved teaching of PCR from advanced higher biology to higher biology which is taken by a greater number of students each year.

Teaching resources adopted by Learning Teaching Scotland to teach higher biology.
Article in Nexxus magazine. Workshop previously praised in HMIE report.
Evaluation student feedback is very positive each year.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019
 
Description PCR Workshops - Widening Participation 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Local
Primary Audience Schools
Results and Impact These workshops are ran in collaboration with Glasgow Science Centre and reached over 300 local high-school students.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Press release - SCMI 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact University of Glasgow Press Office issued a press release concerning the launch of the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging.
Led to articles in national press and on-line:
Print:
The Times, The Sun, The i, The Herald, The Evening Express, The Yorkshire Post, The Press and Journal, The Courier.

On-line:
BBC News, STV, Glasgow Live, AOL, Business Insider, The Insider, Microscopy and Analysis, Cambridge Network, My Science.

https://mrc.ukri.org/news/browse/cutting-edge-microscope-revealed-at-opening-of-new-5m-structural-biology-centre/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-45478170
http://tinyurl.com/y8woy4w6
http://tinyurl.com/ya44btyg
http://tinyurl.com/ya5mhk3u
http://tinyurl.com/ycokhxoa
https://www.myscience.org/news/wire/cutting_edge_electron_microscope_revealed_at_opening_of_new_5m_structural_biology_centre-2018-glasgow
https://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/cutting-edge-microscope-5m-structural-biology-centre/
https://microscopy-analysis.com/editorials/editorial-listings/uk-cryo-em-centre-opens-jeol-microscope
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/scottish-centre-macromulecular-imaging-officially-13226921
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Press release and interviews - Calicivirus Paper 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact University of Glasgow issued a press release about our paper (Conley, M.J., M. McElwee, L. Azmi, M. Gabrielsen, O. Byron, I. G. Goodfellow and D. Bhella 2019. Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement. Nature 565: 377-381).
Leading to reporting in regional and national newspapers:
The Daily Express, The Daily Record, The Herald, The i, The Scotsman, The National, The Sun, The Times, The Yorkshire Post.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
 
Description Radio interview - SCMI launch 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Radio interview with BBC radio Scotland concerning the launch of the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Twitter Video - Calicivirus Paper 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact UoG MVLS press office released a video on twitter to publicise our paper:
Conley, M.J., M. McElwee, L. Azmi, M. Gabrielsen, O. Byron, I. G. Goodfellow and D. Bhella 2019. Calicivirus VP2 forms a portal-like assembly following receptor engagement. Nature 565: 377-381
It has been viewed more than 18,000 times on UoG MVLS feed and more than 15,000 times on UoG feed.
https://twitter.com/UofGlasgow/status/1084406604487946240
https://twitter.com/UofGMVLS/status/1083078582698762240/
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://twitter.com/UofGMVLS/status/1083078582698762240/video/1
 
Description YouTube Video - Herpes Simplex Portal Vertex 
Form Of Engagement Activity A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press)
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact UoG Press office prepared a short video about our paper
McElwee, M., S. Vijayakrishnan, F. Rixon, D. Bhella 2018. The structure of the herpes simplex virus portal-vertex. PLOS Biology 16(6): e2006191
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ZoNdHUF7A