Malathi Krishnamurthy, PhD

Altering cytoskeletal dynamics and innate immune response:

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We identified a novel interaction between the antiviral endoribonuclease RNase L and the actin-binding protein Filamin A that enhances host defense by preventing viral entry into naive cells. This role for RNase-L is independent of its enzymatic function. Virus infection alters actin dynamics, disrupts the RNase L-Filamin A complex, and releases RNase L to mediate antiviral signaling and effector functions via its established nucleolytic activities. Our studies are aimed at determining the impact of altered actin dynamics and cytoskeletal proteins in regulating virus trafficking in polarized and non-polarized models of infection.