Future Faculty Career Exploration Program Seminar: Studying Coronavirus Infection
Future Faculty Career Exploration Program
Coronavirus infection: Unveiling the viral entry pathways in to the host cell
Dr. Javier A. Jaimes
Postdoctoral Associate
Department of Microbiology & Immunology
College of Veterinary Medicine
Cornell University
Register Here for Zoom Link
Abstract:
Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a group of infectious agents known for causing disease in humans and animals. These viruses are extremely diverse, and usually take advantage of wild reservoirs to facilitate evolution. CoVs are frequently involved in spill over events where viruses jump to new species. The CoV replication cycle, starts with the viral binding to a susceptible cell, which triggers a series of molecular events, leading to the fusion between the viral and the cell membranes, and the subsequent release of the CoV genetic material into the cytoplasm. The mechanisms used by CoVs to induce the viral entry, are usually assessed as targets for drug discovery and antiviral therapy. Among CoV’s proteins, the spike is the major viral regulator for entry processes. This protein is divided in two subunits S1 and S2, the former harboring the receptor binding domain (RBD), which interacts with the cellular receptor for viral binding, and the later enclosing the fusion domain. We have focused in the unveiling of the entry mechanisms, especially those related to the membrane fusion events in several CoVs. Overall, our studies aim to understand how CoVs infect cells and how to interfere with these processes, in order to prevent and treat diseases.
Speaker Bio:
Veterinarian and virologist, working in research and education. My professional career has focused on the study of viruses; principally those infecting humans and domestic animals. I have 15+ years of experience (including 6 years as faculty) investigating virus-host interactions, viral pathogenesis, viral evolution, and vaccine development. My research focuses in the understanding of the mechanisms used by coronaviruses to enter into the host cells; principally studying the molecular and biochemical events that allow the virus to start the cellular infection. I am currently studying the pathogenesis of the SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus behind the COVID-19 emergency. My future interests are to develop a successful career in academia and establish my own laboratory, where I plan to carry out the two activities that I enjoy most: research about viruses and mentoring future colleagues. Aside of the academia, I enjoy long and meaningful conversations with my friends about interesting and diverse topics; and spending time with my wife Maria and our two pets: a rescued dog called Tango and a Siberian cat called Maximilian.
Intended Audience:
Beginners, undergraduates, graduates. Those with interest in the topic.
This event is co-sponsored by The Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment.
Event Snapshot
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This is an RIT Only Event
Interpreter Requested?
No