ABSTRACT
RNA is a central molecule for the RNA virus life cycle as it functions not only as messenger for the synthesis of proteins, but also as storage of genetic information as genome. Given the central role of viral RNA in infection, it is expected that it must function as a hub for critical host-virus interactions. To test this, my laboratory has developed new approaches that have been applied to several viruses such as Sindbis virus, SARS-CoV-2 and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).We have discovered a new universe of host-virus interactions with central regulatory roles in infection. Interestingly, these viruses, despite having different sequences and infection cycles, engage with a largely shared pool of cellular RNA-binding proteins. My laboratory is currently focused on understanding the regulatory mechanisms underpinning these master regulators with molecular detail. We envision that these central host-virus interactions are promising targets for broad-spectrum antiviral strategies. I am funded by an ERC Consolidator grant (vRNP-capture 101001634) and an MRC research grant (MR/R021562/1).Copyright © 2023 The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.