Selena Sagan

Biography

Hepatitis C virus, Dengue and Zika viruses represent a significant threat to global health. As positive-sense RNA viruses, their viral genomes must serve as templates for translation, replication and packaging. However, how viruses coordinate and regulate these activities remains a mystery. In my laboratory, we study RNA-RNA and protein-RNA interactions important to the life cycles of these viruses. We aim to understand: Which regions of the genome mediate these events? How are these events regulated? What host/viral factors are involved? How can we interfere with these processes? What can this teach us about cellular RNA regulation? This research will further our understanding of viral RNA accumulation, regulation, and protein-RNA interactions, and may provide new avenues for antiviral intervention for these important human pathogens.

Research Interest

Viruses have been demonstrated to alter the expression of human microRNAs, cause specific degradation of microRNAs, and even encode their own, virally-derived microRNAs. These can all aid in maintaining viral latency, evasion of immune responses, and ultimately can dictate the outcomes of viral infections. Conversely, human microRNAs can alter the immune system and directly regulate responses to viral infections. Numerous broadly antiviral microRNAs have now been identified; however, their targets and roles in viral infections remain mysterious. What are the target genes of these microRNAs? How do they influence the viral life cycle? What is their role in modulating the immune response and disease pathogenesis? Can they be targeted for antiviral therapy? The answers to these questions will provide a broader understanding of the role of microRNAs in viral infections, immune responses and disease pathogenesis.