Research

Mass spectrometry based approaches to identify novel viral RNA- host protein interactions and regulators of vRO formation

RNA viruses rely on interactions with diverse host RNA-binding proteins to establish infection. Our lab  focuses on identifying novel RNA-binding proteins that influence the viral life cycle in both human nad mosquito hosts using RNA-centric mass spectrometry based methods. We employ cell-culture, ex vivo, and in vivo model systems to validate these interactions and to dissect their mechanistic roles in the viral life cycle.  

Deciphering nuclear roles of DENV capsid in rRNA biogeneiss, chromatin remodeling and apoptosis

Flaviviral proteins remodel subcellular organelle proteomes to create a favorable environment for viral replication, triggering several stress response pathways in the process.  We use quantitative proteomics-based methods to monitor how organellar functions are  modulated in infected cells, with particular focus on the endoplasmic reticulum and the nucleolar stress reponse pathways. We aim to uncover how changes in organellar proteomes impact stress responses and infection outcomes across hosts.

Model systems for antiviral screening: Sub-genomic replicons, hepatobiliary organoids and ex-vivo midgut cultures

We are developing advanced model systems including mosquito midgut cultures and human hepatobiliary organoids to evaluate host–virus interactions in a more physiologically relevant context across hosts. We engineer subgenomic reporter replicons for emerging flaviviruses to facilitate BSL-2 compatible antiviral screening across these model systems.