About Author
Dr. Arunkumar Upadhyay serves as the Chief Scientist at Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), where he spearheads the development and implementation of advanced testing protocols in compliance with international standards and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). With a Ph.D. in Medicine from Umeå University, Sweden, Dr. Upadhyay’s expertise in antiviral research underpins his leadership in biocide efficacy testing and the design of innovative interventions targeting a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and insects.
With a strategic and multidisciplinary approach to research and development, Dr. Upadhyay has significantly contributed to enhancing microbial control measures. His work includes pivotal areas such as protein chemistry, cell line engineering, and virus development, driving advancements in antiviral solutions and improving the understanding of viral infections.
Research Expertise and Contributions
Dr. Upadhyay’s research is distinguished by its focus on virology, molecular biology, and diagnostics, contributing to both academic and practical advancements in the field. His key areas of expertise include:
Chimera Viruses for Vaccine and Therapeutic Development
Dr. Upadhyay has pioneered the development of chimera viruses, combining genetic materials from different sources to create hybrid viruses. This innovative approach plays a crucial role in vaccine development and therapeutic research, providing new pathways to fight infectious diseases.
Advanced Cell Line Engineering
With the use of state-of-the-art gene-editing technologies such as siRNA, shRNA, plasmids, and CRISPR Cas9, Dr. Upadhyay designs cell lines tailored to both genetic and protein studies. These engineered cell lines serve as essential tools for understanding disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic candidates.
Development of Diagnostic Kits and Assays
Dr. Upadhyay has a strong track record in developing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for precise virus detection. Among his notable achievements is the development of diagnostic kits for Flaviviruses, adhering to global standards such as ISO, ASTM, and EPA.
Virology Expertise in High-Containment Labs
With proficiency in handling over 25 human viruses within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories, Dr. Upadhyay specializes in virus isolation, culture, and molecular diagnostics. His ability to handle high-containment pathogens highlights his competence in managing complex virology projects and ensuring safety and precision.
Molecular Biology and Tissue Culture
Dr. Upadhyay maintains and utilizes a diverse array of cell lines to facilitate research on viral pathogenesis and therapeutics. His work in molecular biology employs advanced tools to uncover mechanisms of viral replication and host-pathogen interactions.
Leadership in Antiviral Solutions and Biocide Development
Beyond his operational role at MIS, Dr. Upadhyay oversees a range of research initiatives aimed at advancing antiviral drug development and virology diagnostics. His work also focuses on optimizing biocide testing strategies, delivering rapid and reliable evaluations tailored to meet global regulatory requirements.
Publications and Academic Contributions
Dr. Upadhyay has authored numerous academic publications exploring viral replication strategies, delving into the complex interplay between viral and host factors. His research also focuses on host antiviral mechanisms and the role of the innate immune response in defending against viral infections.
With his extensive expertise, innovative mindset, and dedication to advancing virology and microbial control, Dr. Upadhyay continues to make significant contributions to public health and scientific progress.
- Upadhyay AS, Vonderstein K, Pichlmair A, Stehling O, Bennett KL, Dobler G, Guo JT, Superti-Furga G, Lill R, Överby AK, Weber F. (2014) Cellular Microbiology. 16(6):834-48. “Viperin is an iron-sulfur protein that inhibits genome synthesis of tick-borne encephalitis virus via radical SAM domain activity” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cmi.12241
- Upadhyay AS, Stehling O, Panayiotou C, Rösser R, Lill R, Överby AK. (2017) Journal of Biological Chemistry. 292 (33): 13879-13889 “Cellular requirements for iron-sulfur cluster insertion into the antiviral radical SAM protein viperin” https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(20)34368-4/fulltext
- Upadhyay AS, Vonderstein K, Pichlmair A, Stehling O, Guo JT, Lill R, Weber F and Överby AK. (2013) Cytokine, ISSN: 1043-4666, Vol: 63, Issue: 3, Page: 305 “Viperin vs. tick-borne encephalitis virus: Mechanisms of a potent antiviral protein” https://hdl.handle.net/11858/00-001M-0000-0014-6799-A
- Lindqvist R, Upadhyay A, Överby AK. (2018) Viruses. 10(7). pii: E340. “Tick-Borne Flaviviruses and the Type I Interferon Response” Review https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/10/7/340
- Vonderstein K, Nilsson E, Hubel P, Nygård Skalman L, Upadhyay A, Pasto J, Pichlmair A, Lundmark R, Överby AK. (2017) Journal of Virology. JVI.01751-17.“Viperin targets flavivirus virulence by inducing assembly of non-infectious capsid particles” https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.01751-17
- Peña Cárcamo JR, Morell ML, Vázquez CA, Vatansever S, Upadhyay AS, Överby AK, Cordo SM, García CC.(2018) Virology. 514:216-229.“The interplay between viperin antiviral activity, lipid droplets and Junín mammarenavirus multiplication” https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682217303616?via%3Dihub
- Panayiotou C, Lindqvist R, Kurhade C, Vonderstein K, Pasto J, Edlund K, Upadhyay AS, Överby AK. (2018) Journal of Virology. JVI.02054-17. “Viperin restricts Zika virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus replication by targeting NS3 for proteosomal degradation” https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/jvi.02054-17
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