Dr. K White

Biography

K. Andrew White is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology at York University. His research focuses on understanding the molecular-level fundamental processes utilized by RNA viruses to infect host cells. His studies primarily utilize the Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) as a model pathogen. TBSV, a plant virus, shares fundamental characteristics with animal-infecting positive-sensed RNA viruses, such as Poliovirus and Hepatitis C virus, but offers advantages like a smaller genome and more manageable experimental systems. Professor White's significant focus areas include the translation of viral proteins, replication of the viral RNA genome, and transcription of viral subgenomic mRNAs. His research aims to elucidate the structure-function relationships of important RNA elements in the TBSV genome and to identify viral host proteins that interact with these RNA elements. This understanding can provide insight into the molecular mechanisms mediating viral processes and ultimately lead to the development of effective anti-viral strategies.

Research Interests