Cynthia L. Hemenway

Professor B.S.,Biology, Bradley University, 1976 M.S.,Biology, Illinois State University, 1980 Ph.D., Biology, Columbia University, 1986 Postdoctoral, Plant Molecular Biology, Monsanto Company, 1986-1988 Staff Scientist, Monsanto Company, 1989-1991 Email:cindy_hemenway@ncsu.edu Office: 30A Polk Hall Phone: (919) 515-5719 (office) Phone: (919) 515-1230 (lab) Fax: (919) 515-2047

Research Interests Plant virus RNA replication Transgenic plants

Research: Plant virus, RNA replication, transgenic plants

Single-stranded RNA viruses constitute the largest group of plant viruses, and many are agronomically important. Although several of these viruses have been extensively characterized in terms of their particle structure, genome organization, modes of transmission, and host range, very little is known about the molecular biology or biochemistry of the events during infection. We are interested in understanding the biochemical mechanisms of RNA replication and will utilize potato virus X (PVX) as a model system for this analysis. Specifically, we are determining which viral and host proteins are required and are identifying the cis-acting sequences and structures necessary for replication. Simultaneously, we have developed an in vitro replication system that will enable us to analyze the biochemical reactions catalyzed by these proteins. We are also interested in characterizing the protein/RNA, RNA/RNA, and protein/protein interactions that are critical for initiation of replication and the regulation of these complexes. These studies will help to understand the basic biochemistry of replication of an RNA genome and may be beneficial in developing novel antiviral strategies.

Selected publications

Pillai-Nair, N., Kim, K.-H., and Hemenway, C. 2003. Cis-acting elements in the 3' terminus of potato virus X RNA differentially affect minus- and plus-strand RNA accumulation. Journal of Molecular Biology. 326, 701-720.

Batten, J. S., Yoshinari, S., and Hemenway, C. 2003. Potato virus X: A model system for virus replication, movement, and gene expression. Mini-Review. Molecular Plant Pathology 4, 125-131.

Kim, K.-H., Kwon, S.-J., and Hemenway, C. 2002. Cellular protein binds to sequences near the 5' terminus of potato virus X RNA that are important for virus replication. Virology. 301, 305-312.

Hemenway, C. and Lommel, S. A. 2000. Manipulating plant viral RNA transcription signals. Genetic Engineering. 22, 171-194..

Plante, C.A., Kim, K.-H., Pillai-Nair, N., Ostam, T.A.M., Buck, K.W., and Hemenway, C. 2000. Soluble, template-dependent extract from Nicotiana benthiana plants infected with potato virus X transcribe both plus- and minus-strand RNA templates. Virology. 275, 444-451.