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RNA viruses present a threat to both human and animal health and can have severe public health and economic consequences. Once a virus enters the cell it must rapidly amplify its genome and avoid host defense mechanisms. Viral replication is a highly regulated process that involves the interaction between viral proteins and host proteins to manipulate different cellular pathways for virus survival. At the same time, the infected organism activates an immune response to the virus to counteract the infection. The competition between the virus and the host immune response ultimately determines the outcomes of the infection. Therefore, understanding how the virus replicates in the host and avoids the immune system is critical for the design of antiviral strategies and vaccine development.

Our laboratory combines molecular biology, virology and biochemistry approaches to investigate viral replication in cells. We use molecular biology techniques to design replicons – genetically altered viral genomes – to identify determinants important for viral genome synthesis. Furthermore, we utilize yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to identify novel host proteins that may influence viral replication. We are very interested in the in-depth characterization of potential viral proteins that interact with host proteins to determine how we can better develop vaccines or new antiviral strategies to control viral infection.

The Lyme Disease and Breast Cancer Research Group focuses on understanding the complex biology and persistence mechanisms of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. The group’s research explores the various morphological forms of Borrelia burgdorferi and how these adaptations enable the pathogen to evade both the host immune system and conventional antimicrobial treatments. One of the group’s major discoveries was that Borrelia burgdorferi can form a biofilm, a structured, protective matrix that shields bacterial communities from hostile environments, including antibiotic exposure and immune attacks. This biofilm formation provides a plausible explanation for the chronic or relapsing symptoms observed in some Lyme disease patients, even after extensive antibiotic therapy. The persistence of Borrelia within biofilms suggests that conventional antibiotic regimens may not be sufficient to eradicate all bacterial forms, emphasizing the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. A main objective of our research is to fully characterize this biofilm form, its composition, formation process, and resistance mechanism, and to identify novel antibacterial agents that are effective against all morphological variants of Borrelia burgdorferi, including spirochetes, round bodies, and biofilm aggregates. In addition to this work, the group has expanded its studies to investigate the interaction between Borrelia burgdorferi and mammalian host cells, with particular attention to normal mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells. Recent findings demonstrate that Borrelia can readily invade mammary epithelial cells, survive intracellularly, and induce molecular and cellular changes consistent with tumorigenic transformation. These results raise intriguing questions about a possible link between chronic Borrelia infection and breast tissue pathology, including potential roles in cancer progression.In summary, the aims of the research group is to improve understanding of persistent Lyme disease mechanisms, develop more effective treatment options, and explore the broader implications of Borrelia infection on human health.

DNA Damage, DNA Repair and Neurodegeneration: We study how induced level of oxidative stress and/or impaired DNA repair can contribute to pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Poor DNA repair system and exposure to high levels of free radicals such as reactive oxygen species can demolish neural cells and potentially lead to neurodegeneration. This can be a crucial factor in neurodegenerative diseases, as neurons seem to be among the most sensitive cells.

Lyme disease, Inflammation and Neurodegeneration: In collaboration with Dr. Sapi’s group we study if Lyme disease causing bacteria, i.e. Borrelia burgdorferi, in addition to causing potential chronic inflammatory conditions, may also cause or contribute to the development of neurodegeneration. To do so we evaluate both the types and the consequences of DNA damage, occurring in cells and tissues of animal (i.e. zebrafish) and patients exposed to the bacteria or microvesicles.

DNA damage and Cancer: We are interested to study how harmful environments and high level of free radicals can cause DNA damage leading to cancer. We would like to evaluate the level of DNA damage in both normal and cell that are lacking key DNA repair genes such as BRCA, which is found in some breast cancer patients treated with radiation and several compounds. This should help us understand a potential mechanism of how people who are carrier of defected DNA repair gene such as BRCA can become more susceptible to cancer; especially breast and ovarian cancer.”

Antioxidants: Which one and how much of them is good. We study how the level and impact of reactive oxygen species can be neutralized by antioxidant such as Green tea, Saffron, NAC, polyphenol resveratrol. This would help us identify the right antioxidant and dose that can for instance help patients who receive radiation or being treated with drugs such as Menadione.