Engineering a viral suppressor of RNA silencing, p19, for applications in sensing, sequestering, and delivering small RNAs

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Understanding cellular processes is fundamental to the development of treatments for disease and infection. These cellular pathways, being extremely complex, require creative strategies to allow their investigation. We are using protein engineering techniques to create a protein-based tool for interrogating the 'RNA silencing pathway,' which has a critical role in diseases such as cancer and some viral infections. We are developing ways to dynamically track the small RNA components of this pathway through the use of cutting-edge imaging techniques. We are also developing ways to sequester specific small RNAs and a novel method of delivering them to living systems. This work will progress the understanding of this molecular pathway which will create more opportunities for developing targeted therapeutics.