Kozak Research Group

The Viral Biology Section of the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology works on endogenous and exogenous retroviruses and the host genetic factors that restrict their replication. We have largely focused on retroviruses of mice, specifically the mouse leukemia gammaretroviruses, but have also studied retroviruses in other species including ungulates, carnivores, amphibians, and primates, including HIV-1.

Christine Kozak, Ph.D.

Chief, Viral Biology Section

Education: Ph.D., 1977, Yale University

Dr. Kozak received her Ph.D. in biology from Yale University in 1977. After a postdoctoral fellowship at NIAID under Dr. Wallace Rowe, she joined the Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology (LMM) in 1984. In 1992, Dr. Kozak became chief of the Viral Biology Section in LMM. She is an associate editor for several journals, has served on the Committee on Standardized Nomenclature for Mice, was chair of the Mouse Chromosome 5 Committee for 10 years, and has authored more than 400 research publications dealing with mouse retroviruses and mouse genetics.

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Christine A. Kozak, Ph.D.

Guney Boso, Ph.D.

Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

BS, Middle East Technical University, Turkey

Languages Spoken: Turkish

My research focuses on the co-evolution of retroviruses with their mammalian hosts. I combine phylogenetics, genomics and transcriptomics with wet-lab strategies such as mutagenesis and protein biochemistry to study the host innate immune factors that restrict retroviruses as well as the evolution of domesticated genes from ancient retroviruses found in mammal genomes

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Oscar Lam, B.A.

Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.A., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boston University

Languages Spoken: Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish

My project studies the diversity and distribution of endogenized mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) in wild mice (Mus musculus). We employ molecular techniques like PCR and cloning and phylogenetic techniques to test for the presence of MMTVs in mouse samples and analyze the sequences of these endogenous retroviruses. With the sequences of the MMTVs we obtain, we can analyze the diversity of and...

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Esther Shaffer, M.S.

Biologist

Education:

M.S., Entomology, University of Maryland
B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Maryland

I provide technical assistance to the Viral Biology Section (VBS) in our efforts to understand the genetic basis of resistance to retroviruses. I use in vitro cell-based assays, PCR, cloning, and gene sequencing and my work largely focuses on the various host range subgroups of the mouse leukemia viruses (MLVs), members of the gammaretrovirus genus. Our work also addresses how natural populations...

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J’Zaria Simpson, B.S.

Post-Baccalaureate Fellow

Education:

B.S., Biology, Savannah State University

J’Zaria Simpson is conducting research on the cross-species transmission of an endogenous retrovirus (ERV) in two mammalian orders, carnivores and ungulates. This research focuses on retroviruses, mammalian phylogeny, and co-option of ERVs to serve host functions.

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Venkat SRK Yedavalli, Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

Education:

Ph.D., University of Arizona

MVSc, Punjab Agricultural University, India

BVSc&AH, Punjab Agricultural University, India

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu

I am currently studying endogenous retrovirus (ERV) derived restriction factors and identified a novel retroviral restriction factor derived from a mammalian ERV. My interests include endogenous retroviruses; retroviral-host cell interactions; host-cell restriction of retroviruses; transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of retroviral gene expression.

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