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Paul Ahlquist is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has a Ph.D. in Biophysics and his research focuses on novel, RNA-based pathways of virus-host interactions, specifically examining the replication and gene expression of positive-strand RNA viruses. This class of viruses includes significant human pathogens such as the hepatitis C virus, which chronically infects a significant portion of the world population and is linked to serious liver complications. His investigations delve into selected replication processes involved in reverse-transcribing viruses like hepatitis B, another major health concern. Ahlquist's studies incorporate molecular genetics, genomics, and biochemistry to address fundamental questions regarding virus replication and virus-cell interactions. He has identified multiple parallels across different classes of viruses, suggesting an evolutionary unification in virology, thus opening up new experimental inquiries. His innovative work employs genetically tractable systems, such as the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to uncover host genes vital for viral RNA replication and the mechanisms of assembly of virion complexes.
University of Wisconsin-Madison • Madison, WI
Engages in teaching and research focusing on virology and plant pathology.
Department: Department of Computer Sciences