Projects
Project I
Host machineries regulating HIV transcription and latency
Through the comprehensive functional genomic screens, we identified host proteins that potently suppress HIV transcription and promote its latency, including BRD4 and FACT (SUPT16H and SSRP1) proteins. We are currently investigating the molecular functions of these HIV latency-promting genes (LPGs) in resting CD4+ T cells. We are also interested in using newly-emerged functional genomic tools to identify novel and significant LPGs.
Project II
Lytic and latent replication of gammaherpesviruses
Gammaherpesviruses (EBV, KSHV) are key viral determinants of AIDS-related malignancy. We are interested in identifying host-virus protein interactions for gammaherpesviruses that dominate transition of viral latency and reactivation. Our earlier proteomic studies identified a set of key host factors that regulate replication of gammaherpesviruses, including TIP60.
Project III
Targeting of epigenetic regulators for viral eradications
Small-molecule compounds targeting host epigenetic regulators serve as new generation of antiviral reagents. We are interested in developing/screening the small-molecule compounds targeting key host genes modifying chromatins, including BRD4 bromodomain inhibitors (BETis) and TIP60-specific HAT inhibitors. These inhibitors alter the switch of viral latency and reactivation.
Project IV
Systems biology to study host-virus interactions
To completely understand host-virus relationships, we applied the functional genomics, including RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9, and proteomics, to screen for host factors that participate in viral infections and pathogenesis. We are particularly interested in host epigenetic regulators affecting viral transcription and latency for HIV and gammaherpesviruses.
