H. John Sharifi, Ph.D.
- Assistant Professor Biological and Environmental Sciences
Our research focuses on the molecular cell biology that underpins virus-cell interactions. We seek to both elucidate mechanisms that activate intrinsic antiviral defenses as well as to identify cellular cofactors required for viral replication. By understanding this molecular dynamic, we hope to provide the framework for the development of novel therapeutics. Additionally, and importantly, our findings have implications for fields beyond virology including normal cell biology and physiology, cancer, and other microbial diseases.
Students in the Sharifi lab implement many of the same molecular biological techniques they’ve learned during the laboratory components of their biology courses as well as advanced techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, qPCR, fluorescence microscopy, cell and tissue culture, protein imaging, and more.
Education
Ph.D., Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College
B.S., Biology, Siena College
Areas of Specialization
Cell Biology
Medical Mycology and Parasitology
Microbial Genetics
Research Design
Immunology
Publications
Sharifi HJ, Paine DN*, Fazzari VA*, Tipple AF*, Patterson E, de Noronha CMC. Sulforaphane Reduces SAMHD1 Phosphorylation To Protect Macrophages from HIV-1 Infection. J Virol. 2022 Dec 14;96(23):e0118722. doi: 10.1128/jvi.01187-22. Epub 2022 Nov 15. PMID: 36377871; PMCID: PMC9749475.
Rabinowitz J, Sharifi HJ, Martin H*, Marchese A, Robek M, Shi B, Mongin AA, de Noronha CMC. xCT/SLC7A11 antiporter function inhibits HIV-1 infection. Virology. 2021 Apr;556:149-160. doi: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.01.008. Epub 2021 Jan 20. PMID: 33631414; PMCID: PMC7925438.
Shi B, Sharifi HJ, DiGrigoli S, Kinnetz M, Mellon K, Hu W, de Noronha CMC. Inhibition of HIV early replication by the p53 and its downstream gene p21. Virol J. 2018 Mar 27;15(1):53. doi: 10.1186/s12985-018-0959-x. PMID: 29587790; PMCID: PMC5870690.
Furuya AK, Sharifi HJ, Jellinger RM, Cristofano P, Shi B, de Noronha CM. Sulforaphane Inhibits HIV Infection of Macrophages through Nrf2. PLoS Pathog. 2016 Apr 19;12(4):e1005581. doi: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005581. PMID: 27093399; PMCID: PMC4836681.
