Andrew E. Firth

Andrew E. Firth is a Professor of Virus Bioinformatics at the University of Cambridge, specifically within the Department of Pathology's Virology Division. He is also a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow, indicating sustained recognition of his important contributions to virology and molecular biology.

Our research focuses on the molecular biology of RNA viruses, including both plant and animal viruses. We're particularly interested in non-canonical translation mechanisms such as programmed ribosomal frameshifting, non-AUG initiation, and internal ribosome entry sites. Comparative genomic analysis serves as a key approach for identifying previously overlooked functional elements in virus genomes.

Recent work includes studies on SARS-CoV-2, enteroviruses, and potyviruses, examining mechanisms like transcriptional slippage, ribosome profiling, and RNA structure-function relationships. We've uncovered novel genes in various RNA viruses that have important implications for understanding viral pathogenesis and evolution.

Our publications demonstrate a consistent focus on virus bioinformatics, gene expression, and RNA biology. We collaborate extensively with other researchers including Dr. Betty Chung and the Brierley Lab, particularly Nerea Irigoyen.

We are also heavily involved in novel virus discovery through high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic approaches, particularly for understudied RNA viruses in invertebrate and protist hosts. This work contributes to a broader understanding of virus taxonomy, evolution, and potential molecular mechanisms with biotechnological applications.