Gaya K. Amarasinghe, PhD

Alumni Endowed Professor, Pathology and Immunology

Division of Laboratory & Genomic Medicine
Amarasinghe Lab

Titles

Professor, Molecular Microbiology
Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics

Education

BS, Biochemistry: City College of New York/CUNY, New York, NY (1997)

PhD, Biochemistry: University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD (2001)

Recognition

Mildred Curtman Award for Excellence in Research, Department of Chemistry, The City College of New York, New York, NY, 1996

Cancer Research Institute Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2002

Early Achievement in Research Award, Iowa State University, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, 2010

DBBS Affiliations

Immunology (IMM)

Biochemistry Biophysics and Structural Biology (BBSB)

Molecular Microbiology and Microbial Pathogenesis (MMMP)

Research Interests

The overarching goal of my research program is to define the molecular basis for host-pathogen interactions with biological consequences to pathogenesis. Interactions that promote host immune suppression and/or enhance pathogen replication in a cell and tissue specific manner form the basis of our studies. We use a multidisciplinary approach that includes biochemical analyses and biophysical studies to develop an atomic resolution framework of host microbial interactions. Insights from these studies are routinely tested in vitro and in vivo to assess the functional significance to develop mechanistic models. Our recent findings in Ebola virus, Marburg virus, Rift Valley Fever virus, and SARS-CoV-2 highlight the impact of our approach. Importantly, these studies continue to provide us with the opportunities to train and mentor trainees, including undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.

Selected Publications

WashU Medicine Profile