# GENETICS OF THE ROTAVIRUSES

> **NIH NIH R01** · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · 1992 · $157,899

## Abstract

We plan to continue our investigations into the genetics and
pathogenesis of rotaviruses, with the long-term goal of defining,
at a molecular level, the roles of the viral genes that control
various aspects of pathogenesis.  This information will be useful in
formulation of strategies for the control of rotavirus-induced
disease.  In addition, these studies will provide basic information
on the interaction of enteric viruses with the host, and may reveal
unique pathogenic pathways characteristic of rotavirus infection.

Research on the "genetics of the rotaviruses" will focus on three
main areas.  (1) Studies of basic rotavirus genetics will include the
following.  We will systematically isolate a set of nonsense
mutants ("amber" chain terminating  mutants) from the model
rotavirus SA11.  The amber mutant collection will be placed into
genetic groups by reassortment tests and those groups reconciled
with the existing groups of ts mutants.  We will exploit the amber
mutant collection with its good phenotypic properties to examine
mutant groups for specific defects in protein synthesis, the
synthesis of single-stranded and doubled-stranded RNA, the
activity of virion-associated enzymes, and defects in
morphogenesis.  In vitro complementation experiments will be
performed with the amber mutants to elucidate pathways of viral
morphogenesis.  (2) Studies of rotavirus variability will include the
following.  We will examine the ability of amber mutations to be
suppressed by virus-coded suppressor genes, to determine if amber
mutations are subject to the same suppression pathways as ts
mutations.  We will continue to carry persistently-infected
permissive cell lines, to examine the evolution of the viral
genome and antigens in this unique infection.  (3) We will continue
our examination of in vivo pathogenesis of the rotaviruses using a
mouse model system.  Reassortment of genome segments in
immune hosts will be examined to determine if selection occurs
via immunity to nonserotype-specific antigens.  A new collection
of rotavirus reassortants will be constructed using, as parents, the
bovine-origin rotaviruses B223 and B641.  These reassortants will
be used as probes to identify viral determinants of passive
immunity and protection, determinants of active immunity and
protection, determinants of the ability to replicate in the
intestine, and determinants of virulence.  Finally, the potential of
rotavirus amber mutants as immunogens will be examined.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126766
- **Project number:** 5R01AI016687-13
- **Recipient organization:** BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FXKMA43NTV21
- **Principal Investigator:** ROBERT Franklin RAMIG
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1992
- **Award amount:** $157,899
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1980-03-01 → 1993-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126766

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126766, GENETICS OF THE ROTAVIRUSES (5R01AI016687-13). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126766. Licensed CC0.

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