My research interests focus on biological roles of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), especially the newly discovered sncRNA derived from tRNA, in response to viral infection and environmental stimuli. Biological function studies of sncRNAs are a burgeoning field of interdisciplinary research that crosses the path from chemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics and computer sciences. The ultimate goal of our research is to control viral replication or stress-induced cellular responses by regulating the expression of sncRNAs. My other research interests include identifying the mechanisms associated with immune evasion of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), the two leading causes of lower respiratory tract infection in children, and developing therapeutic molecules and attenuated vaccine candidates to combat or prevent these two viral infections. My research program is supported by a diverse source of extramural funding agencies, including NIH, AHA and ALA. (Please refer to my Curriculum Vitae for a detailed summary of my research activities).
