Dr Andrew Tuplin

Profile

PhD (University of Edinburgh)
Research fellow, (CEH Oxford)
Research fellow, (University of Warwick)
Senior research fellow, (University of Warwick)

Responsibilities

• Group Leader
• SMCB Admissions Tutor
• Program Lead: BiolSci and BioEnt

Research interests

Control of replication and translation in positive-strand RNA viruses.

Research in the group is focused on investigating how RNA viruses (particularly arboviruses) control replication and translation of their genomes. Much of our research is focused on interactions between structured viral RNA viral, host-cell/viral proteins and non-coding RNA - and the potential of such interactions as novel therapeutic targets.

We predominantly work on Flaviviruses (Dengue and Zika virus) and Alphaviruses (Chikungunya, O'nyong nyong and Ross river viruses). 

• Mosquito transmitted arboviruses and significant human pathogens.
• No vaccine or specific antiviral therapy available for.
• Geographic range increasing.

Our research is funded by the MRC, BBSRC and The Royal Society.

Current projects include...

1:  Interactions and functional mechanisms by which arbovirus RNA genome structures control virus replication:

      Comparing...   

• Mechanisms within human and mosquito host cells.
• Within alternative cellular compartments.
• Different points of the virus life cycle.

      In order to...

• Dissect the structure, function and mechanisms by which dynamic RNA structures within viral genomes interact with host/viral factors - to control essential aspects of the virus life cycle. 
• Investigate the potential of viral RNA structures or their interacting partners as novel antiviral therapeutic targets.

2:  The role of host ion channels during Chikungunya virus genome replication:

3:  Recognition and targeting of specific viral RNA structures within the intracellular environment:

4: Structural and mechanistic analysis of dynamic viral protein interactions during early-stages of arbovirus replication.

• How does Chikungunya virus regulate the switch between genome translation and replication?
• How does Chikungunya virus regulate the switch between genome translation and replication?
• Live cell imaging capability for research on pathogenic viruses
• Royal proteins: role in KSHV RNA processing to novel antiviral approaches

Student education

Self-funded or scholarship students - APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED YEAR ROUND.

I actively encourage and support applications from International self-funded or scholarship/fellowship PhD or MSc students. International students must have a good command of both written and spoken English. Applications can be made throughout the year.

For further information, including international studentship fees and bench costs see the following links:

https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=49355

http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/gradschool/research/index.php?tab=1

Postgraduate studentship areas:

• Elucidate the structure and interactions of dynamic RNA structural elements within virus genomes.
• Dissect the function and mechanisms by which RNA/protein interactions control essential aspects of the virus life cycle.
• Investigate the potential of RNA elements as novel antiviral therapeutic targets using structure led inhibitor design.
• The role of host incRNA during chikungunya and Dengue virus replication.

Undergraduate project topics:

• Elucidate the structure and interactions of dynamic RNA structural elements within virus genomes.
• Dissect the function and mechanisms by which RNA/protein interactions control essential aspects of the virus life cycle.
• Investigate the potential of RNA elements as novel antiviral therapeutic targets using structure led inhibitor design.

See also:

• Faculty Graduate School
• FindaPhD Project details:
  • Project 49355
  • Project 49356
  • Project 48852

Research groups and institutes

• Cell and Organismal Biology
• Structural Biology
• Microbiology

Current postgraduate researchers

• Jinchao Guo

Projects

<li><a href="//phd.leeds.ac.uk/project/412-control-and-inhibition-of-virus-replication">Control and inhibition of virus replication</a></li>