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• Molecular and cellular biology of HIV-1 and other retroviruses
• RNA and cellular biology of HIV-1 replication
• Control of retroviral gene expression
• Retroviral assembly
• Viral evasion mechanisms

My laboratory focuses on the molecular and cellular biology of retroviruses, in particular the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the causative agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is now established that HIV-1, like all viruses, commandeers major host machineries (e.g., transcription, translation, endosomal vesicle traffic) and coopts several host proteins for replication. One of our main research focuses is the further identification of host machineries and proteins involved in the fate and metabolism of HIV-1 RNAs. Specifically, we have identified several key cellular proteins that are involved in the fate of HIV-1 RNA in the cell. These proteins mark HIV-1 RNAs following their synthesis and are involved in the trafficking of HIV-1 RNAs from the nucleus into the cytosol, then to sites of viral assembly and finally, into the virus. Other proteins identified by members of the lab have important effects on the metabolism of HIV-1 RNAs in cells. We are also interested in identifying the protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions that occur in the infected cell between the host cell and the virus. Using biochemical, genetic, in vitro and in vivo techniques combined with digital imaging in fixed and live cells and biophysical assays such as bioluminescence resonance energy transfer and Bi- and Tri-molecular fluorescence complementation we are elucidating the mechanisms by which HIV-1 RNAs are directed to sites of viral RNA translation and viral assembly. These studies will likely lead to a better understanding of fundamental cellular processes (e.g, RNA trafficking, translation, metabolism) as well as to a more profound understanding on how HIV-1 is able to replicate. A long term goal of our research is to identify and develop candidate compounds that could interrupt the processes involved in the trafficking of HIV-1 RNA during viral replication.

The laboratory

Dr. Mouland runs a medium-sized lab with young and highly talented molecular virologists who study the molecular biology of HIV-1. We have provided pioneering insights into the roles of host cell proteins and machineries involved in HIV-1 RNA fate. The lab is currently funded by several CIHR operating grants.

Potential Ph.D. and PDF projects

• HIV-1 evasion of host RNA quality control machineries;
• HIV-1 evasion of host stress responses;
• Characterization of the Staufen 1 HIV-1-dependent ribonucleoproteins (SHRNPs); and
• Medium- to high-throughput screening for host genes and machineries involved in the evasion of RNA quality control and stress responses.

Current members

Karen Abel, MSc. (Ph.D. candidate)
Christina Crossie (Ph.D. candidate)
Fernando Valiente, Ph.D. (PDF)
Valerie Le Sage, Ph.D. (PDF)
Abby Emdin (B.Sc. McGill)
Martin Montiel Ruiz (M.Sc. McGill)
Gilbert Kleiver (B.Sc. UBC)
Julio Gagnon (B.Sc. Concordia)

Lab members receiving degrees (degree obtained; current position)

Miroslav Milev, M.Sc., Ph.D.
(PDF, Concordia)
Anne Monette, M.Sc., Ph.D., CIHR Doctoral Awardee
Lara Ajamian, M.Sc., Ph.D., CIHR Doctoral Awardee (PDF, McGill)
Bashar Ghoujal, M.Sc. (Dentistry, NYU)
Kishanda Vyboh, M.Sc. (Research Associate, LDI)
Olivier Lavigueur, M.Sc. (M.D. at McGill)
Lara Ajamian, M.Sc. (see above)
Martin Lehmann, M.Sc. Research Trainee (Ph.D. University of Geneva)
Levon Abrahamyan, Ph.D. (Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska)
Laurent Chatel-Chaix, Ph.D. (PDF in Germany)
Viviane Poupon, Ph.D. (McGill University)
Jean-Francois Clément, M.Sc. (Ph.D./M.D. at Université de Montréal)
Véronique Bériault, M.Sc. (Industry)
Kathy Levesque (M.Sc.; Academia)
Kimberly Hu (B.Sc.; Industry)

Undergraduates, Honours students

Luca Melnychuk, B.Sc. (M.Sc. at  McGill)
Jennifer Allan, B.Sc. (Ph.D. Macdonald College of McGill)
Heather Gordon, B.Sc. (Ph.D., University of Alberta)
Melanie Halvorsen, B.Sc. (M.D., University of Ottawa)
Kimberly Hu, B.Sc.
Jean-Francois Clément, Ph.D., M.D.
Véronique Bériault, M.Sc.
Jonathan Lachapelle, B.Sc.