Raman spectroscopy: the gateway into tomorrow's virology

In the molecular world, researchers act as detectives working hard to unravel the mysteries surrounding cells. One of the researchers' greatest tools in this endeavor has been Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique that measures the unique Raman spectra for every type of biological molecule. As such, Raman spectroscopy has the potential to provide scientists with a library of spectra that can be used to unravel the makeup of an unknown molecule. However, this technique is limited in that it is not able to manipulate particular structures without disturbing their unique environment. Recently, a novel technology that combines Raman spectroscopy with optical tweezers, termed Raman tweezers, evades this problem due to its ability to manipulate a sample without physical contact. As such, Raman tweezers has the potential to become an incredibly effective diagnostic tool for differentially distinguishing tissue, and therefore holds great promise in the field of virology for distinguishing between various virally infected cells. This review provides an introduction for a virologist into the world of spectroscopy and explores many of the potential applications of Raman tweezers in virology. Originally published in Virology Journal, 2006 Vol. 3, No. 51

Raf-Induced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Augments Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Infection

Recombinant green fluorescent protein encoding Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (rKSHV.152) infection of β-estradiol stimulated human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) or HFF/ΔB-Raf([FF]):ER (expressing a weaker form of B-Raf) could be enhanced to levels comparable to that of HFF/ΔB-Raf([DD]):ER cells by pretreating cells with soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conversely, VEGF expression and infection efficiency typically observed in β-estradiol stimulated HFF/ΔB-Raf([DD]):ER cells could be lowered significantly by treating with VEGF small interfering RNA. In addition, we observed enhancement of the KSHV infection in HFF cells transfected with human VEGF(121). These results confirm the ability of Raf-induced VEGF to augment KSHV infection of cells