Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics
Guangxiang Luo, MD, MPH |
Professor |
M.D. from Hunan Medical University, China. Postdoctoral: Fox Chase Cancer Center and Mount Sinai School of Medicine. |
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Office phone: (859)257-5577 |
Selected publications |
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| Research statement: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It infects approximately 4 million people in the United States and 170 million people worldwide, posing a major threat to global health. HCV is an enveloped RNA virus containing a single-stranded, positive sense RNA molecule of approximately 9.6 kb in length. The viral RNA genome consists of a long open reading frame (ORF), flanked by the untranslated regions at both the 5' (5'UTR) and 3' ends (3'UTR). The major research interest of my laboratory is centered on the molecular genetic analysis of HCV replication, virus-host interaction, and molecular pathogenesis. Our overall objective is to combine reverse genetic, biochemical, cell biological, proteomic, and transgenic approaches to a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HCV RNA expression, replication, virion assembly, and viral pathogenesis. We have developed novel and robust systems of human and mouse cell cultures for the study of HCV replication and virus-host interaction. Weare interested in determining the functions of HCV proteins and the conserved HCV RNA sequences/structures as well as cellular factors in HCV replication. We are also developing transgenic mouse models to study HCV replication and to determine the molecular basis underlying the chronic HCV infection and viral carcinogenesis in vivo. Additionally, we are developing novel technologies leading to the discovery of new antiviral therapies and effective vaccines for the control of HCV infection. Furthermore, we are interested in the determination of the underlying mechanisms of avian influenza virus pathogenesis and the discovery and development of antiviral intervention against avian influenza viruses. | |
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