February 11, 2015. 12PM-1PM. Chapman University, Argyros Forum Student Ballroom, AF 119A

Headshot of Dr. Zeynep Akyol Ataman


While Ebola has been the poster child for deadly viruses it is not alone in this category. There are other emerging zoonic viruses that can cause human mortality rates of up to 70%.
The Nipah Virus (NIV) is one them.

Zeynep Akyol Ataman, Ph.D.
, adjunct professor at
Schmid College of Science of Technology
will discuss her research in her lecture entitled , “
Understanding Nipah Virus: The Deadliest Virus You’ve Never Heard Of”


The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) classify NiV as a Category C priority pathogen due to its potential as an agent of bioterrorism. The natural reservoir host of the NiV is the fruit bats of the genus Pteropus. It is believed that the massive deforestation practices in Southeast Asia force these bats to live closer to human habitats spreading the virus to domestic animal and human populations.

This talk will focus on the structural studies that are being done using Electron Microscopy to understand how NiV works. Enveloped viruses like NiV bud from the cellular membrane with attachment (G) and fusion (F) glycoproteins. NiV-G goes through a conformational change upon receptor binding which in turn triggers NiV-F to bring the viral and cellular membranes together. It is important to study membrane proteins in the context of an actual lipid bilayer because protein insertion into the membrane is a requisite for their biochemical and structural integrity. The studies described in this talk will help shed light on attachment and fusion of one of the deadliest viruses you have never heard of.

 

 

 

The Science Forum Series
is an opportunity for faculty and special guests to present their latest research to the campus community. Each presentation is approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length. Feel free to drop in and leave as your schedule permits.