Research

Our research lies at the intersection of biophysics and biochemistry, with a primary focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern biomolecular interactions. We specialize in solution NMR spectroscopy, a powerful technique that provides atomic-level insights into protein structure and dynamics. To complement our investigations, we employ additional biophysical techniques, including circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These methods allow us to explore protein stability, interactions, and conformational changes in solution.

By integrating these approaches, our lab seeks to unravel the intricate molecular details that regulate protein function, particularly in the context of viral and host-cell interactions. Our work contributes to a broader understanding of protein behavior, with potential implications for drug discovery and therapeutic interventions.

Flavivirus Assembly Mechanisms

Flaviviruses are a group of arthropod-borne viral pathogens that pose a significant threat to human health. Some notable flaviviruses include Dengue, Zika, Japanese encephalitis, and Kyasanur Forest disease virus. The process of viral assembly is a critical stage in the flavivirus life cycle and involves multiple tightly regulated steps, including RNA replication, genome packaging, capsid assembly, and budding at the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) of the infected host cell.

In addition to viral proteins, host proteins play an essential role in mediating the assembly process, influencing key steps such as genome encapsidation and virion maturation. Understanding these interactions at a molecular level is crucial for identifying potential antiviral targets.

Our Approach

In our laboratory, we leverage biophysical and biochemical techniques to investigate the structure, function, and interactions of flaviviral proteins. Our studies focus on:

• Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions – Examining how viral proteins recognize and package the viral genome.

• Protein-Lipid Interactions – Exploring how viral proteins interact with lipid bilayers, particularly in the ER membrane, to facilitate budding.

• Protein-Protein Interactions – Investigating how viral and host proteins coordinate the assembly process.

By integrating solution NMR spectroscopy with complementary biophysical methods, we aim to provide a detailed molecular understanding of flavivirus assembly mechanisms. These insights could inform the development of novel antiviral strategies targeting key steps in the viral life cycle.

Our work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging structural biology, virology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions about virus-host interactions.

Funding