RNA viruses and metabolism


Viruses have a limited number of genes and need to divert the metabolism of their hosts for their own replication. Identification of cellular factors allowing the host to control the viral replication cycle is therefore a major issue to fight these pathogens. Our lab is interested in RNA viruses responsible for worldwide epidemics including AIDS viruses and emerging Chikingunya and Zika viruses. We are using genetic screens as well as imaging and molecular virology technics in order to identify genes involved in the susceptibility or resistance of viral infections and to decipher the mechanisms governing these processes. These approaches will also allow us to define the physiologic functions of these factors and to evaluate the impact of their dysfunction induced by these viruses.

Our projects are :

1- Identification of cofactors involved in Chikungunya and Zika arbovirus replication

  • Structure et biogenesis of replication complexes at the host plama membrane .
  • Role of cellular RNA helicases in RNA arbovirus transcription translation.

2 – Understanding the antiviral mecanisms targetting retroviral capsids

  • Deciphering  TRIM5alpha restiction using genetic screens.
  • Identification of a novel antiviral protein in primate SIV transmission to humans.

3 – Study of viral interference to cellular metabolisme

  • Epitranscriptomic et epigenetic modifications during neuroinfection ; consequences on viral replication and antiviral responses.
  • Role the XPR1 retroviral receptor in phosphate homeostasis and calcification. Association of XPR1 to primary Familial Brain Calcification

Key words :  Host-pathogen interaction, viral replication virale, restriction, arbovirus, lentivirus, genetic screens, phosphate metabolism, calcification, neuroinfection.

Team leaders

Laurence BRIANT

Research director-CNRS
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Jean-Luc Battini

Research director-INSERM
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At a glance

Model organisms

  • ARN virus
  • Arbovirus (Chikungunya, Zika)
  • Lentivirus ((VIH, VIS)

Biological process studied

  • Viral replication
  • Membrane remodeling
  • Cellular metabolism
  • Phosphate Homeostasis

Techiniques used

  • Genetic screenings
  • Confocal and electronic microscopies
  • Molecular virology

Medical applications

  • Therapeutic screening of viral infections
  • Genetic diseases and brain calcification

Funding

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