Sundquist Lab
We subscribe to the adage that “viruses are the window on the cell”, and believe that viruses have much to teach us about cell biology and biological principles. All of the projects in our lab had their origins in viral systems, although some have now evolved primarily into biochemistry, cell biology or synthetic biology. Specifically, we study the molecular and structural biology of retroviruses, with particular emphasis on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). As summarized below, major projects in the laboratory include studies of: 1) Enveloped virus assembly, 2) ESCRT pathway functions and regulation in cell division and cancer, and 3) HIV replication and restriction. Our approaches include structural studies of viral complexes, identification and biochemical analyses of the interactions between viral components and their cellular partners, and genetic analyses of viral and cellular protein functions. We currently have active collaborations in these different areas with the University of Utah labs of Nels Elde, Chris Hill and Katie Ullman, and with Adam Frost (UCSF), Neil King (University of Washington) and Juan Martin-Serrano (Kings College, London). Most importantly, we strive to create a rigorous, supportive, creative, fun, diverse, inclusive and equitable lab environment. [More...]
