Post-transcriptional control of gene expression in virus-infected cells
Our lab utilizes virus infection models to investigate how gene expression is regulated post-transcriptionally by physiological stress. Besides ensuring swift spatially & temporally coordinated responses, post-transcriptional control of gene expression is exceptionally important in virus infection biology as virus are absolutely reliant on host protein synthetic functions for their replication and pathogenesis. Moreover, many cell intrinsic host anti-viral responses target mRNA decay and the regulation of protein synthesis. By leveraging virus infection models as powerful genetic and cell biological tools, we can tease apart fundamental cellular mechanisms regulating gene expression. Our research uses a variety different viruses, exploiting natural features of individual virus reproductive cycles to investigate specific aspects of gene expression control in infected cells.
Ian Mohr
Professor, Department of Microbiology.