KyeongEun Lee, Ph.D.
- Center for Cancer Research
- National Cancer Institute
- Building 535, Room 123
- Frederick, MD 21702-1201
- 301-846-1597
- leekye@mail.nih.gov
RESEARCH SUMMARY
Dr. KyeongEun Lee has made a significant impact on research efforts involving HIV nuclear entry and HIV integration processes, which provide a better understanding of early stages of HIV-1 replication and further help the understanding of mechanisms of HIV pathogenesis.
Areas of Expertise
KyeongEun Lee, Ph.D.
Research
My research goal is to further our understanding of HIV-1 biology, especially the molecular mechanisms of replication, interaction with the cell, and evasion of host immunity. My specific interests include the host factor requirements for HIV-1 replication, which will help in the development of new antiviral therapies targeting HIV-1 and also will help to improve developing animal models to study HIV-1 biology. Recently, I have focused on early steps of HIV-1 infection, especially the nuclear entry process. Despite efforts by numerous research groups, the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV-1 uncoating and nuclear import remain unclear. In the course of my studies, I discovered that HIV-1 can utilize distinct nuclear entry pathways and HIV-1 capsid (CA) is a crucial viral determinant regulating nuclear entry. I am currently investigating host proteins that may have roles in uncoating and nuclear entry during HIV-1 replication. This effort to understand the early steps of HIV-1 infection will provide a more complete understanding of HIV pathogenesis and further aid in the development of new therapeutic drugs.
Publications
Flexible use of nuclear import pathways by HIV-1
HIV-1 capsid-targeting domain of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 6
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsid mutation N74D alters cyclophilin A dependence and impairs macrophage infection.
CPSF6 defines a conserved capsid interface that modulates HIV-1 replication.
HIV-1 capsid-cyclophilin interactions determine nuclear import pathway, integration targeting and replication efficiency
Biography
KyeongEun Lee, Ph.D.
Dr. KyeongEun Lee finished her M.S. in Molecular Biology at San Diego State University and obtained her Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Her Ph.D. studies focused on the mechanism underlying the depletion of resting CD4+ T cells during HIV-1 infection. Dr. Lee joined the Model Development Section, Center for Cancer Research, NCI as a Postdoctoral Fellow in 2004. After her postdoctoral training, she was promoted to a Research Fellow in 2009. Dr. Lee was promoted to a Staff Scientist in 2013.