Overview
Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms that regulate RNA virus-host interactions. We focus primarily on viruses in the Flaviviridae family of viruses, including dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Our research is focused on defining (1) how these viruses replicate, (2) the mechanisms that regulate antiviral innate immunity to these viruses, and (3) RNA regulatory controls to both of these processes. Our lab has pioneered approaches to how the RNA modification m6A regulates viral infection, antiviral innate immunity and the host response to virus infection. Our long-term goal is to discover the necessary mechanistic and functional information to guide future development of new strategies for virus treatment and prevention.
Lab Website
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
A small cationic probe for accurate, punctate discovery of RNA tertiary structure.
Journal Article bioRxiv · November 2, 2025 RNA molecules fold into intricate three-dimensional tertiary structures that are central to their biological functions. Yet reliably discovering new motifs that form true tertiary interactions remains a major challenge. Here we show that RNA tertiary foldi ... Full text Link to item CiteSplit-site ubiquitination gives ZNFX1 new power in RNA defense.
Journal Article Mol Cell · October 16, 2025 Recent work by Grabarczyk et al.1 uncovers the molecular mechanism by which ZNFX1, an interferon-stimulated gene, employs a novel split-site E3 ligase domain structure to ubiquitinate both protein lysine residues and RNA 2' hydroxyls. This activity enables ... Full text Link to item CiteUFMylation promotes orthoflavivirus infectious particle production.
Journal Article J Virol · July 22, 2025 Post-translational modifications play crucial roles in regulating viral infections, yet roles for many modifications remain unexplored in orthoflavivirus biology. Here, we demonstrate that the UFMylation system, a post-translational modification pathway th ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Microbial regulation of intestinal epithelial gene expression
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2024 - 2028Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences- Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of General Medical Sciences · 2022 - 2027Defining the role of the RNA modification N6-methyladenosine during Flaviviridae virus infection
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2016 - 2027View All Grants