Emerman Lab
Current Research
The Emerman lab studies host-cell interactions of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and related viruses. We wish to understand the molecular and evolutionary basis of virus replication and pathogenesis.
Humans and other primates encode families of proteins that have evolved to inhibit genome invaders such as retroviruses. We study the function and evolution of these host antiviral genes in order to understand what determines resistance or susceptibility to our current, past, and potential pathogens.
HIV relies extensively on host cell functions to complete its lifecycle. We study several aspects of how HIV usurps cellular processes, and in particular how HIV co-opts cellular machinery to enter the nucleus of nondividing cells.
Particular projects include:
