1st Edition
Single-stranded RNA phages From molecular biology to nanotechnology
This is a comprehensive guide to single-stranded RNA phages (family Leviviridae), first discovered in 1961. These phages played a unique role in early studies of molecular biology, the genetic code, translation, replication, suppression of mutations. Special attention is devoted to modern applications of the RNA phages and their products in nanotechnology, vaccinology, gene discovery, evolutionary and environmental studies. Included is an overview of the generation of novel vaccines, gene therapy vectors, drug delivery, and diagnostic tools exploring the role of RNA phage-derived products in the revolutionary progress of the protein tethering and bioimaging protocols.
Key Features
- Presents the first full guide to single-stranded RNA phages
- Reviews the history of molecular biology summarizing the role RNA phages in the development of the life sciences
- Demonstrates how RNA phage-derived products have resulted in nanotechnological applications
- Presents an up-to-date account of the role played by RNA phages in evolutionary and environmental studies
Introduction.
1. History and first look.
2. Taxonomy and grouping.
3. Pili hosts.
4. Physiology and growth.
5. Distribution.
6. Ecology.
7. Genome.
8. Genetics and mutants.
9. Particles.
10. RNA.
11. Maturation protein.
12. Coat protein.
13. Replicase.
14. Lysis protein.
15. Immunology.
16. Translation.
17. Replication.
18. Evolution.
19. Expression.
20. Chimeric VLPs.
21. 3D particles.
22. VLP vaccines.
23. Non-vaccine VLPs.
24. Non-VLPs.
25. Epilogue.
Biography
Paul Pumpens, Dr. habil. biol., graduated from the Chemical Department of the University of Latvia in 1970, received his PhD in molecular biology from the Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga, and received his DSc from the Institute of Molecular Biology of the USSR Academy of Sciences in Moscow. He pioneered genetic engineering research in Latvia and was one of the first in the world to successfully clone the hepatitis B virus genome. He is an author of more than 300 scientific papers and issued or pending patents.
