Andrew Mehle
Credentials: Medical Microbiology & Immunology Department
Position title: Influenza virus replication machinery
Email: amehle@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-1978
Address:
3305 Microbial Sciences Building
1550 Linden Dr
Madison, WI 53706
LAB WEBSITE:
FOCUS GROUPS:
Virology; RNA Biology
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
During viral infection, a struggle exists between cells, which contain anti-viral factors that selectively target and inhibit viral proteins and nucleic acids, and viruses, which neutralize these inhibitors and co-opt other cellular factors important for replication. My research is focused on the influenza virus polymerase. The polymerase is a major determinant of the pathogenic potential of emerging influenza viruses and plays a key role in regulating cross-species transmission as viruses transfer from birds into humans. We have demonstrated that a potent and selective inhibitor in humans disables the polymerase from avian influenza isolates. Using this framework we then identified the unprecedented adaptive strategy used by 2009 H1N1 viruses. Work in my lab will continue to use a combination of genetic, molecular and biochemical approaches to identify host factors that restrict and regulate the influenza polymerase, characterize their mode of action and identify their role in viral transmission and pathogenesis. Thus, my lab aims to understand the influenza polymerase from the atomic function up to the level of an infected animal.
ALSO A TRAINER IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Microbiology (MDTP), Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)