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Our goal is to understand how flaviviruses manipulate human and mosquito hosts to replicate and cause disease, thus identifying novel targets for the design of effective antiviral interventions.
Mass spectrometry based approaches to identify novel viral RNA- host protein interactions and regulators of vRO formation
Characterization of host regulators of Dengue virus infection using RNA-centric proteomics
RNA viruses rely on interactions with diverse host RNA-binding proteins to establish infection. Our lab investigates novel Dengue virus RNA–mosquito protein complexes that influence the viral life cycle using RNA-centric mass spectrometry. Dengue virus also remodels endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes to generate specialized viral replication organelles (vROs). We use quantitative proteomics to profile ER membrane proteins during DENV infection and identify critical regulators of vRO formation and function.
Deciphering nuclear roles of DENV capsid in rRNA biogeneiss, chromatin remodeling and apoptosis
Exploring the multifaceted roles of DENV capsid protein in viral pathogenesis
The Dengue virus (DENV) capsid, traditionally known for packaging the viral genome in the cytoplasm, also shuttles into the nucleus, suggesting important functions beyond its canonical role. Interestingly, it localizes to the nucleolus, a hub for ribosome biogenesis and cellular stress responses. This unexpected localization raises new questions about how the capsid interacts with nuclear and nucleolar proteins to influence host nuclear processes. Our lab is actively investigating these interactions to uncover how nucleolar capsid imoacts rRNA biogenesis, chromatin architecture and gene regulation to impact infection outcomes.
Model systems for antiviral screening: Sub-genomic replicons, hepatobiliary organoids and ex-vivo midgut cultures
Developing novel platforms for antiviral screening
We are developing innovative model systems to accelerate antiviral discovery against flaviviruses. Subgenomic replicons allow us to study viral RNA replication and screen for inhibitors in safe BSL-2 settings. Human liver organoids provide a physiologically relevant platform to evaluate host–virus interactions and drug responses in a tissue context. Complementing this, ex vivo mosquito midgut cultures enable us to capture the screen for inhibitors of viral infection in the natural vector. Together, these systems bridge human and mosquito models, offering powerful tools for mechanistic studies and antiviral screening
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