RNA virus replication and transcription
RNA viruses are a vast group of viruses that infect humans, animals, and plants. Each year, these viruses cause regional epidemics and, at times, large global pandemics. Well-known RNA viruses include the influenza virus, the measles virus, and the Ebola virus. Our research focuses on the function of a viral enzyme called the polymerase. The polymerase is particularly important in the lifecycle of the virus as it produces viral mRNA and new copies of viral RNA. In my research group, we employ techniques across scale from atoms to cells to understand the intricate detail of these small molecular machines. By understanding the details of these processes, we aim to develop new antiviral compounds.
Currently we have a strong interest in two different bunyaviruses the Hantaviruses (Keown et al, Plos pathogens 2024) and the Nairoviruses. We have a continuing interest in influenza viruses.
RNA viruses are a vast group of viruses that infect humans, animals, and plants. Each year, these viruses cause regional epidemics and, at times, large global pandemics. Well-known RNA viruses include the influenza virus, the measles virus, and the Ebola virus. Our research focuses on the function of a viral enzyme called the polymerase. The polymerase is particularly important in the lifecycle of the virus as it produces viral mRNA and new copies of viral RNA. In my research group, we employ techniques across scale from atoms to cells to understand the intricate detail of these small molecular machines. By understanding the details of these processes, we aim to develop new antiviral compounds.
Currently we have a strong interest in two different bunyaviruses the Hantaviruses (Keown et al, Plos pathogens 2024) and the Nairoviruses. We have a continuing interest in influenza viruses.
Viral Polyhedra
Late in infection, insect viruses including baculoviruses and cypoviruses produce large amounts of a protein called polyhedrin which forms native crystals inside infected cells. These protein crystals encapsulate newly formed virions protecting them from almost all environmental stresses. We have recently demonstrated that a family of viruses called Nudiviruses also utilise this biological phenomena (Keown et al, Nat Comms 2022). The protein structure and assembly of these crystals is novel and was the hardest single protein prediction target for CASP15.
We have a continuing interest in identifying and characterising these unique proteins and developing them as potential insect control agents or as resilient protein scaffolds for protein engineering.
Late in infection, insect viruses including baculoviruses and cypoviruses produce large amounts of a protein called polyhedrin which forms native crystals inside infected cells. These protein crystals encapsulate newly formed virions protecting them from almost all environmental stresses. We have recently demonstrated that a family of viruses called Nudiviruses also utilise this biological phenomena (Keown et al, Nat Comms 2022). The protein structure and assembly of these crystals is novel and was the hardest single protein prediction target for CASP15.
We have a continuing interest in identifying and characterising these unique proteins and developing them as potential insect control agents or as resilient protein scaffolds for protein engineering.
Bacteriophages as novel antibacterial agents
New projects in the lab with collaborators at Warwick are structure and function of these "bacterial viruses" as a means of controlling bacterial infections in animals and plants.
New projects in the lab with collaborators at Warwick are structure and function of these "bacterial viruses" as a means of controlling bacterial infections in animals and plants.