CMCB Life Sciences Seminar: Dr. Alexander Borodavka, University of Cambridge, Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, UK

Host: Simon Alberti (BIOTEC)

Title: "Learning RNA Biology Rules from Viruses with Segmented Genomes”

Abstract: Viruses are masters of cellular organisation capable of creating specialised liquid-like factories within our cells to replicate their genomes and build new viral particles. These biomolecular condensates are particularly crucial for complex viruses, particularly those that must find and package a complete set of distinct genetic segments. To understand the rules of this assembly process, we use a combination of high-resolution imaging and biophysics to understand how these condensates selectively recruit and sort the different viral RNAs, and assemble new viral particles. By studying these relatively simple viral systems, we can uncover the universal rules of RNA organisation relevant to both infectious disease and the normal functioning of cells.