Professor Nicole Robb

Professor Nicole Robb

Understanding RNA virus replication through single-molecule biophysics and advanced microscopy

RNA viruses are responsible for many dangerous human and animal diseases and represent a major ongoing threat to global health. Despite significant advances in our understanding of these pathogens, fundamental questions remain about how viral genomes are replicated, how viral proteins interact with RNA, and how viruses exploit host cells to establish infection.

Our research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying RNA virus replication and infection, with a particular focus on influenza viruses and coronaviruses. We combine molecular biology, structural virology, biochemistry and single-molecule biophysics to investigate the behaviour of individual viral replication complexes in real time. By studying processes such as RNA binding, replication initiation and elongation at the single-molecule level, we can reveal molecular interactions and dynamic processes that are difficult to resolve using conventional biochemical approaches. We can then design better therapeutic approaches to combat these processes. Key methodologies include single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy.

Alongside our fundamental research, we also develop novel technologies for the rapid and sensitive detection of viral pathogens. By combining molecular biology, imaging approaches and computational tools such as machine learning, we aim to translate our understanding of viral biology into improved diagnostic technologies.

Our interdisciplinary research therefore spans molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics and advanced microscopy, with the overarching goal of understanding how RNA viruses function at the molecular level and identifying new approaches to combat viral disease.