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
Towards a Universal Translator: Decoding the PTMs That Regulate Orthoflavivirus Infection.
Journal Article Viruses · February 19, 2025 Post-translational modifications (PTMs) serve as critical regulators of protein function across biological systems, including during viral infection. For orthoflaviviruses, including human pathogens like dengue, Zika, and West Nile viruses, PTMs on viral p ... Full text Link to item CiteUFMylation promotes orthoflavivirus infectious particle production.
Preprint · January 9, 2025 Full text Link to item CiteCellular RNA interacts with MAVS to promote antiviral signaling.
Journal Article Science · December 20, 2024 Antiviral signaling downstream of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) proceeds through a multi-protein complex organized around the adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS). Protein complex function can be modulated by RNA molecules that pr ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Microbial regulation of intestinal epithelial gene expression
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 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