Mutation, evolution and infectious disease: Part 2 of 3

Part 2 of 3
Harmit Singh Malik, Ph.D. sees battles raging within a cell's nucleus as genes jockey for evolutionary dominance. These clashes can have a long-term impact on organisms, as they sometimes alter the function of essential genes. His work has offered novel explanations for host-pathogen interactions and for the evolution of structural DNA elements (centromeres) that are critical for proper cell division. Recently, Malik and colleagues have turned their attention to the phenomenon of "viral mimicry," in which viral proteins can resemble host proteins to hijack important cellular functions. His lab showed that host proteins can evolve to defeat viral mimicry, providing yet another nuance to a never-ending "arms race" between hosts and viruses.
KCTS 9, the Pacific Science Center and Science on Tap present monthly discussions from the world of science in a laid back, social way at T.S. McHughs. Grab a beverage and pull up a stool, no science background required.