Molecular studies designed to generate therapeutic approaches for the treatment of hepatitis C

The work in our laboratory deals with the molecular biology of hepatitis C virus and the design of therapeutic approaches for the treatment of the disease associated with this pathogen. We are attempting to find out why it is so hard to grow this virus in culture. The factors that the cell supplies the virus in terms of attachment to the host cell (the receptor), RNA synthesis, and packaging are being identified. In addition the weaknesses or the Achilles heel(s) of the virus are being targeted through gene therapy using a mouse model containing portions human liver. The protease of the virus is being targeted with a molecule called modified BID and the RNA genome is being targeted with a new technology called RNA interference where small RNA nucleotides target the genetic material of the virus for destruction. Understanding the molelcules of hepatitis C virus is providing new avenues of treatment.