Latest Projects
Project |01
Project |01 - funded by NIH NIAID R01
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Determine the cellular proteins needed for viruses to incorporate phosphatidylserine in their outer membrane
Lassa, Ebola, and Dengue as well as several other viruses can enter cells by interaction with phosphatidylserine receptors on cells. This interaction suggests phosphatidylserine (PS), a phospholipid, which is normally found in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane makes it to the outer leaflet to interact with PS receptors. During apoptosis, cells will move the PS to the outer membrane in order to mark cells for phagocytosis. Viruses have utilized this pathway to coat themselves in PS, a mechanism known as apoptotic mimicry. We are determining which cellular scramblases and flippases are required for efficient viral apoptotic mimicry to occur.
Project |02
Project |02
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Chikungunya virus and lipid requirements for cellular entry.
Chikungunya virus can enter mammalian and mosquito cells using a number of different cellular entry factors. Depending on the cell type and the available entry factors, particle infectivity can differ based on the lipid level within the particle membrane. We are characterizing the receptor importance on commonly used cell lines as well as determining the specific lipids present on the particle when virions are made in various cell lines.
Project |03
Project |03
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Examine the environmental drivers of arbovirus transmission potential
Arboviruses, including Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue, are transmitted through Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are very sensitive to their environment and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc) can play a large role in the mosquitoes' ability to transmit a pathogen. Cool temperatures (<20 degrees C) prevent efficient Zika replication, specifically at the stage of genome replication. We are currently exploring how temperature inhibits RNA replication. Figure created in Biorender.com.