Follow @crosstalkstv

Robert Daniels

Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Stockholm University

Rob Daniels is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at Stockholm University. His lab focuses on identifying the molecular barriers associated with the influenza viral membrane that must be accommodated to facilitate viral replication. By determining how influenza viruses overcome these barriers at the molecular level, Rob Daniels research aims to better define the genetic requirements that are necessary for influenza viruses to cross the species barrier.

The majority of his work has centered on the role of viral membrane protein neuraminidase in the development of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus of swine origin, which has revealed the co-evolution of the neuraminidase extracellular antigenic head domain and its membrane domain in human H1N1 viruses.

“Our lab is focused on investigating how the different subtypes of the influenza surface antigen neuraminidase assemble, mature and function under varying cellular and environmental conditions. This knowledge is then applied to the ever expanding influenza database to identify conserved and variable regions within and across subtypes to pinpoint features that are evolving or must evolve to cross the species barrier. Through cellular and biochemical analysis of how these alterations change neuraminidase and viral assembly and impact viral propagation, we can begin to illustrate a picture of the potential threats each subtype poses for genetic re-assortment and the magnitude of the complimentary changes that are necessary for them to successfully enter the human population.”

Related links

  • Robert Daniels at Stockholm University

Tags

Next Crosstalks February 19, 6:00 PM CET

Tweets by @crosstalkstv