2022 Research Impact Award
Publication title: Tissue specific transcriptome changes upon influenza A virus replication in the duck
How would you describe your research project to someone without a scientific background?
In this study, we try to answer the question of why ducks, unlike humans or chickens, are so resistant to the detrimental effects of influenza A virus infection. To do so, we investigated how ducks respond to highly pathogenic or low pathogenic strains of influenza and compared these responses. We found 65 genes that were similarly upregulated by both types of viruses, i.e., the viruses increased the number of messages for making particular cellular components. Most of these genes have an antiviral function in humans.
Interestingly, both lungs and intestines — tissues which replicate highly and low pathogenic virus, respectively — downregulated (or decreased the number of messages from) different subsets of pro-inflammatory genes. These responses may allow the ducks to limit inflammation from viral infection while still being able to inhibit the virus replication.
What impact did your publication have within the field or otherwise?
This study provides fundamental knowledge on the differential regulation of genes in response to influenza A virus in ducks and suggests candidate genes for both immunological studies and novel pharmacological targets.
Briefly describe your role with the publication (in non-scientific terms).
For this publication, I completed the data analysis and wrote the original draft of the manuscript.
Post publication, how will the research be continued, and will you have a continued role?
This research identified many genes that could be studied as anti-influenza factors in the duck. In the future, some of these genes will be cloned and characterized. I am currently finishing up projects on several TRIM genes that appear to be specific to birds and are upregulated in ducks during infection with both highly and low pathogenic influenza virus.
What is your favorite distraction or hobby?
I enjoy nature photography. I currently spend my free time wandering into the middle of nowhere, sitting really still and waiting for wildlife to walk by.
What were your favorite books, movies, movie stars, sports heroes, singers during your childhood?
The Lord of the Rings, both the movies and the books.