Associate professor Margus Varjak Research group has joined the Institute of Bioengineering

Associate professor Margus Varjak Research group has joined the Institute of Bioengineering.

Associate Professor Margus Varjak's laboratory studies the interactions between pathogenic viruses and host cells. The research primarily focuses on various alpha- and flaviviruses transmitted by mosquitoes, as well as SARS-CoV-2. Studies are conducted under biosafety levels 2 and 3, in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, respectively.

Although viral genomes encode several proteins necessary for pathogen replication and spread, viruses remain dependent on various host cell factors. Using proteomics tools, the laboratory aims to identify cellular proteins directly involved in viral replication. The research places particular emphasis on understanding protein-protein interactions in infected cells, with a central goal of identifying proteins essential for multiple viruses within the same family.

The ultimate objective of this research is to leverage this knowledge to inhibit viral replication in organisms by targeting proviral host factors. By focusing on universal factors, the laboratory seeks to develop strategies to block multiple viruses within the same genus.