Frequent recombination occurs in retroviral populations.
We dissect the mechanisms of these template switching events, determine the frequency of recombination, and delineate the interaction between genetically distinct retroviruses. Interactions between viral RNA and proteins specifically select viral RNA for virion assembly. We study the proteins and RNA components that are critical to the specific packaging by using chimeric viral proteins or RNA sequences from two different viruses. Retroviral vectors are currently the most popular means for gene delivery. In collaboration with Dr. Vinay Pathak, we construct safer and more efficient retroviral vectors for human gene therapy.