My research is centered on understanding the interplay of pathogens with their hosts. This includes pathogens affecting humans and plants as well as those affecting animals. We examine the way how key effector molecules from pathogen and host engage with each other, and how this molecular dance shapes disease trajectory and outcomes. We use imaging methods to understand how these events occur at the atomic level, including cryo electron microscopy and x-ray crystallography. Ultimately we aim to deliver insights into molecular mechanisms that inform strategies for treatment and prevention of pathogen induced disease.

1. We are interested in how small proteins called defensins act as first line of defence against microbial threats such as fungal infections. We have shown that defensins recognize specific phospholipid markers in the membranes of pathogens, and often assemble oligomeric assemblies that destroy pathogen membranes.

2. Cell polarity enables cells to determine direction and thus is pivotal for assembling complex 3D tissue architecture. Scribble is a master regulator of this process, and we are interested in understanding how Scribble is regulated, and how Scribble interacts with other effectors to control tissue architecture. Many viruses hijack Scribble signalling, and this impacts viral infection and proliferation, and we are interested in exploring this for the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.

3. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus use proteins belonging to the family of Bcl-2 to subvert host cell suicide signalling programs. Dysfunction of these pathways in virus infected cells can give rise to cancer, and we study how virus encoded Bcl-2 proteins contribute to tumourigenesis. Ultimately we aim to develop new therapeutics to treat Epstein-Barr virus associated tumours such as Burkitt lymphoma or nasopharyngeal carcinoma, or Kaposi sarcoma which is caused by Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus.