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Peter Tattersall

 

Microbiology; Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics & Development

Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics

Education

B.Sc. University of Glasgow, Scotland 1968
Ph.D. University College, London 1971

Research Interests

Our research goals are to understand, at the molecular level, the mechanisms by which mammalian parvoviruses take over their host cells and complete their lytic replication cycle. For this, we combine structural, immunologic, and genetic approaches to the functional dissection of the virion’s protein shell. This is a natural entry nanomachine that targets particular cell types and traffics the virus’ linear, single-stranded DNA genome through endosomal membranes, across the cytosol and into the host cell nucleus. We are also pursuing reverse-genetic and biochemical analyses of the viral hairpin telomeres, its initiating transcriptional promoter and its non-structural proteins, in order to understand their roles in the subversion of the macromolecular metabolism of the host cell. These insights are being applied to strategies for the rapid evolution of novel viral genotypes that enhance the inherent oncotropism of these viruses, in order to develop them as more effective therapeutic tools against cancer.

Recent Publications

• Paglino, J., Burnett, E., and Tattersall, P. (2007). Exploring the contribution of distal P4 promoter elements to the oncoselectivity of Minute Virus of Mice. Virology 361:174–184.
• Burnett, E., Cotmore, S.F., and Tattersall, P. (2006). Segregation of a single outboard left-end origin is essential for the viability of parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice. J. Virol. 80:10879-83.

Contact

E-mail
peter.tattersall@yale.edu