KSU Biological Sciences Seminar - Understanding genomic patterns of host-pathogen interactions: More than meets the I

Understanding genomic patterns of host-pathogen interactions: More than meets the I

Helen Piontkivska, PhD, Kent State University

Our research is focused on elucidating how host-pathogen interactions influence patterns of molecular sequence changes across genomes at different time scales. Our recent work explores the dual role of RNA editing as a factor contributing to both viral evolution and changes in host transcriptomes. We show that RNA editing mediated by ADAR (Adenosine Deaminases that Act on RNA) enzymes – resulting in A to I nucleotide substitutions - plays a role in molecular evolution of RNA viruses. On the other hand, as a key regulator of neural transcriptome function, dysregulation of ADAR editing has the potential to contribute to a broad range of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative outcomes. I will discuss how we are using insights into the transcriptome diversity obtained from the analysis of RNA sequencing data to better understand molecular mechanisms underpinning neurological sequelae of viral infections and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Contact: Email dcostel3@kent.edu for link and/or to be added to the BSCI seminar mailing list

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