The laboratory has worked on the regulatory genes of the AIDS retrovirus HIV-1. We are particularly interested in understanding the mechanism of action of the tat gene. This essential positive regulatory gene is unique among transcriptional activators in that the gene product interacts with an RNA structure at the end of the HIV-1 genome.

Institutions

Bu

Research Description

The laboratory worked on the regulatory genes of the AIDS retrovirus HIV-1. We are particularly interested in understanding the mechanism of action of the tat gene. This essential positive regulatory gene is unique among transcriptional activators in that the gene product interacts with an RNA structure at the end of the HIV-1 genome. It is our hope that by understanding the mechanism of action of this gene, we will be able to design effective antiviral therapeutics. We are also examining the action of similar genes from HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).

Awards

- N.Y. State Regents Scholarship Incentive Award, 1964
- NIH Predoctoral Trainee, 1968-1973
- Anna Fuller Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1974
- U.S. PHS Postdoctoral Trainee, 1975-1976
- Foundations of Microbiology Lecturer, A.S.M., 1987-1988
- Elected to Steering Committee, American Association of Medical Group on Research Advancement 2003-2006

Affiliations

- American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
- American Society for Microbiology (ASM)
- American Society for Virology (ASV)
- AAMC Group on Research Advancement and Development

Funded Research

1C06 RR16549-01A1, Peter R. Shank, PI, 6/1/2002-5/31/2005
NIH, NCRR, Research Facilities Construction

1C06RR15471 Peter R. Shank, PI, 10/1/2000-9/30/2005
NIH, NCRR, Research Facilities Construction

NAG5-13579, Peter R. Shank, PI, 9/1/2003-6/30/2006
NASA

DE-FG02-02CH11127, Peter R. Shank, PI, 9/30/2002-12/1/2005
Department of Energy

P30-AI42853 Peter R. Shank, Core Director, 10/1/2007-9/31/2012
CFAR, Charles CJ Carpenter, PI
Immunovirology and Laboratory Services Core Director,
Lifespan/Tufts/Brown Center for AIDS Research

Teaching Experience

Biomed 156 Virology is a course focusing on current topics in animal virology
Bioimed 018 The Biology of AIDS is a relatively new course dealing with the biomedical aspects of the AIDS epidemic

View My Full Publication List in pdf format