Research

Our research endeavors lie at the confluence of biophysics and biochemistry, primarily focusing on employing solution NMR spectroscopy. Complementary biophysical techniques, including circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering, augment our investigative toolkit. Through these methodologies, we aim to unravel the intricate molecular intricacies governing protein function.

Flavivirus Assembly:

Flaviviruses are arthropod-borne viral pathogens of paramount concern to humans, primarily transmitted through the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Prominent viruses within this family are Dengue, Zika, and Japanese encephalitis. The assembly process constitutes a pivotal stage in the viral life cycle, encompassing critical events such as RNA replication, genome packaging, assembly, and budding at the Endoplasmic Reticulum of the infected host cell. In addition to viral proteins, host proteins also play a crucial role in mediating the assembly process. Within our laboratory, we employ various biophysical and biochemical tools to elucidate the structural and functional attributes of viral proteins. Our investigations delve into their interactions with nucleic acids, lipid bilayers, and other host proteins, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the flavivirus assembly mechanism.