Strategic endgames - modulating transcription termination to control gene expression

Virally infected cells quickly mount defence strategies to restrict viral growth. Cells and viruses therefore continuously coevolve to outplay each other. Genome-wide studies have recently shown that influenza A virus (IAV), which causes common flu, impedes gene expression through an unexpected strategy: rather than inhibiting transcriptional activation, viruses interfere with gene-end recognition, otherwise known as transcription termination. I will use a multidisciplinary approach to determine how IAV impedes transcription termination. I will also examine the consequences this has for the infected cell and use this to learn about mechanisms that control gene expression in healthy cells. My studies may help to find novel therapies against flu or other viruses employing similar strategies. They will also help to explain general mechanisms of gene expression.