HTLV-1 Research Project
Computational Analysis of Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Genomics and Pathogenesis
Project Overview
This advanced bioinformatics research project investigates Human T-lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus that infects approximately 5-10 million people worldwide and causes severe diseases including Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1 Associated Myelopathy/Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Through computational genomics and systems biology approaches, we analyze viral genetic diversity, host-pathogen interactions, and molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Our research combines genomic sequence analysis, transcriptomics, and network biology to understand how HTLV-1 establishes persistent infection and drives oncogenesis. By integrating multi-omics data and employing machine learning techniques, we aim to identify biomarkers for disease progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Project Details
- Status: Ongoing
- Duration: 2023-2024
- Role: Computational Biologist
- Field: Viral Genomics, Oncology
- Institution: Research Collaboration
Research Focus Areas
Genomic Variability
Analyze genetic diversity, mutation patterns, and evolutionary dynamics of HTLV-1 strains across different geographic regions.
Host-Virus Interactions
Investigate molecular mechanisms of viral integration, gene expression regulation, and immune evasion strategies.
Disease Biomarkers
Identify genetic and transcriptomic signatures associated with disease progression and clinical outcomes.
Computational Methods
Genomic Analysis
- Whole genome sequencing data analysis
- Comparative genomics and phylogenetic reconstruction
- Mutation landscape characterization
- Integration site analysis and mapping
- Structural variant detection
Systems Biology Approaches
- RNA-seq differential expression analysis
- Pathway enrichment and network analysis
- Machine learning for biomarker discovery
- Host-pathogen interaction modeling
- Multi-omics data integration
Key Research Contributions
- Characterized genomic diversity of HTLV-1 isolates from endemic regions with high-resolution variant calling
- Identified novel mutations in Tax and HBZ viral oncogenes associated with increased transforming potential
- Analyzed host transcriptome profiles in HTLV-1 infected cells revealing dysregulated immune pathways
- Developed computational models predicting disease progression risk based on viral and host genetic factors
- Discovered potential therapeutic targets through network analysis of virus-host protein interactions
- Contributed to understanding of viral latency mechanisms and reactivation triggers
Technology Stack
Research Impact
500+
Samples Analyzed
15+
Countries Studied
Novel
Biomarkers
High
Clinical Impact
Clinical & Research Applications
🔬 Diagnostic Development
Biomarker discovery for early detection of ATL and HAM/TSP in asymptomatic carriers.
💊 Therapeutic Targets
Identification of viral and host proteins as potential targets for antiviral and anticancer therapies.
🧬 Precision Medicine
Personalized risk assessment and treatment strategies based on genomic profiles.
Interested in Viral Genomics Research?
Let's discuss computational virology, cancer genomics, or research collaborations.