Mechanisms of Q1 bacteriophage infection and replication in E. coli using single-molecule studies

Summary for a non-specialist audience
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed RNA viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, to the forefront of virology research. Viruses with pandemic potential, however, are highly complex and can contain tens of proteins. Q13 is a bacteriophage - a virus that specifically infects bacteria - and it serves as a model virus due to its simple structure, consisting of only four proteins. By studying how Q13 infects and hijacks E. coli bacteria as a model organism, we gain insights into the behaviour of more complex RNA viruses. This project will explore how the Q13 RNA, which is its genetic material, is inserted into the host cell and how it takes control to form hubs of viral activity. Additionally, we will investigate the role of the viral RNA in the production of new viruses, including how it is used to create more viral components like proteins through translation or RNA via replication. This research will employ cutting-edge microscopy techniques to visualise single-molecule interactions in unprecedented detail, ultimately contributing to our fundamental understanding of virus biology and aiding the development of effective anti-viral strategies.
Summary of BBSRC priority areas addressed in the proposed research
This project addresses the BBSRC priority areas of understanding the rules of life and synthetic biology, in addition to the Cross Council Priority of nanoscience.