Dr. Andrew J. Mouland

The Mouland laboratory focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of RNA viruses, in particular the human immunodeficiency virus - type 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is now established that HIV-1, like all viruses, commandeers major host machineries and coopts several host proteins for replication. One of our main research focuses is the further identification of host machineries and proteins involved in the fate and metabolism of viral RNAs. Specifically, we have identified several key cellular proteins that are involved in the fate of HIV-1 RNA in the cell. These proteins mark HIV-1 RNAs following their synthesis and are involved in the trafficking of HIV-1 RNAs from the nucleus into the cytosol, then to sites of viral assembly and finally, into the virus. We are also interested in characterizing protein-protein and protein-RNA complexes generated by liquid-liquid phase separation in infected cells. Using biochemical, genetic in vitro and in vivo techniques combined with high resolution microscopy, we elucidate the mechanisms by which viral RNAs are synthesized, trafficked, metabolized and used in major host cell machineries. These studies will lead to a better understanding of fundamental host cell processes (e.g., mRNA trafficking, translation, metabolism, vesicular trafficking) as well as to a more profound understanding on how RNA viruses replicate efficiently in host cells. A long-term goal is to identify and develop candidate therapeutics targeting these processes.