Harnessing the molecular clock to activate diverse strains of latent HIV

Summary In this project, we will determine if this activation potential by BMAL-1 is consistent across the many diverse strains and subtypes of HIV. This information will tell us as to whether modulating circadian rhythms can be a viable approach to eliminating latently infected cells in regions where the HIV burden is highest such as sub-Saharan Africa.

Project Details

Project description: HIV cannot be eradicated from infected individuals by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and treatment must continue lifelong. This is due to the presence of silently or ‘latently’ infected cells which harbour HIV that is not active. One strategy to eliminate these long-lived latently infected cells is to turn on the virus inside the cell. Recently we have discovered that latent HIV can be activated by modulating one of the transcription factors that drive the circadian rhythm, brain and muscle ARNT-Like 1, or bmal-1. In this project, we will determine if this activation potential by BMAL-1 is consistent across the many diverse strains and subtypes of HIV. This information will tell us as to whether modulating circadian rhythms can be a viable approach to eliminating latently infected cells in regions where the HIV burden is highest such as sub-Saharan Africa. During this project, the student will learn and apply a range of molecular techniques including transfection, RNA interference, western blotting and real time PCR.