Welcome to the Saad Lab Page!
The Saad lab is interested in understanding biological mechanisms in virology and cancer at the atomic level. We are interested in the underlying structural basis by which viral proteins interact with cellular constituents (proteins and membranes) during virus replication. We are especially interested in retroviruses and coronaviruses. A major component of our research program is directed towards understanding key protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions that are critical for virus assembly. Furthermore, our lab is interested in apoptotic signaling pathways. Molecular characterization of signaling pathways is critical for identifying novel molecular targets that are crucial in switching between the death vs. survival signals in response to the same ligand. The results generated from this research provide new insights into these mechanisms and may identify new attractive targets that will ultimately aid in rational drug design. Please see our Research section for more information regarding current projects in the lab.
