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Yang Lab

THE YANG LABORATORY
Division of Biology
Kansas State University
317 Ackert Hall (Office)
411 Ackert Hall (Lab)

Phone (lab): 785-532-6152
phone(office):785-532-3062
Email:zyang@ksu.edu 

Research

Viruses cause many deadly diseases. They also provide sophisticated tools to dissect complex life processes. My overarching research goal is to elucidate mechanisms governing viral replication. I expect that the discoveries expand our understanding of the biology of viruses and their host cells and facilitate developing novel therapeutic and prevention strategies of viral diseases. We mainly use vaccinia virus (VACV) as our model system. VACV provides an exceptional toolbox to understand numerous aspects of cell biology. Its large DNA genome encodes over 200 proteins that engage many key nodes of cell biology. VACV is the prototypic member of poxviruses. Despite the eradication of smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases in human history caused by a poxvirus, poxviruses still have a significant impact on public health with many currently causing considerable morbidity and mortality in humans and economically important animals. Poxviruses are also widely developed as veterinary and human vaccine vectors and for treating cancers. Understanding poxvirus replication ultimately facilitates the development of novel anti-viral strategies, as well as improving poxviruses-based vaccine vectors and oncolytic agents. Currently, my laboratory research focuses on how VACV interacts with two cellular housekeeping functions: protein synthesis and metabolism. We also use other viruses, e.g., coronaviruses, in our research.

 

VACV Transcriptome

VACV Transcriptome. Green: Intermediate; Red:Late