Faculty
Peter Shank
Professor:
Molecular, Microbiology & Immunology
Phone: +1 401 863 2765
Phone 2: +1 401 863 9585
Peter_Shank@Brown.EDU
Read Peter Shank's full Faculty Research Profile.
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.
Interests
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).
Degrees
Ph.D.
Teaching
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
