December 4th CTE Virtual Seminar

Title: Molecular Virology in Practice: How to Manipulate a Virus Genome

Presenter: Dr. James Weger-Lucarelli

Research Assistant Professor
Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology
College of Veterinary Medicine

Abstract/Bio:

Dr. Weger-Lucarelli received his B.Sc and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He performed his postdoctoral studies at Colorado State University and the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France. The Weger-Lucarelli lab's research focuses on understanding viral and host determinants that mediate disease severity, transmission, evolution, and protection against emerging RNA viruses. The Weger-Lucarelli lab uses molecular, virological, and computational methods to study these interactions. Due to various factors, such as climate change, increased global travel, and an increased incidence of comorbidities (e.g., obesity, diabetes, and hypertension), the explosiveness and frequency of outbreaks caused by RNA viruses is dramatically increasing, highlighted by the current pandemic. It is essential to understand host and viral determinants that result in outbreaks to predict future spread and respond quickly to new threats. To study this, the Weger-Lucarelli lab has three primary focuses: 

1) To advance the understanding of host factors in RNA virus-mediated disease, transmission, and evolution. We specifically focus on obesity, sex, and immunological status. 

2) To recognize and study emerging viral threats before they produce massive outbreaks. We are using traditional and novel tools to manipulate viral genomes to identify mutations that may increase the likelihood of spread or ability to produce disease.

3) To produce innovative vaccines to prevent mosquito-borne viral disease. We are using recombinant live-attenuated viral vaccines to design safe and highly immunogenic vaccines.