Alan Frankel

Alan Frankel is Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He leads the Frankel Lab, which focuses on structural biology and virology with particular emphasis on HIV-1 molecular mechanisms. His research is affiliated with the Institute for Global Health Sciences at UCSF, reflecting his broader interests in global health equity.

Dr. Frankel's research primarily centers on Structural Biology, Virology, and RNA structure and function, with specific focus on HIV-1 proteins, RNA-protein interactions, and viral replication mechanisms. His work explores how viral proteins like Tat and Rev interact with RNA elements to regulate viral gene expression and replication. Recent research has expanded to include SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions, demonstrating the adaptability of his laboratory's structural and molecular approaches to emerging viral threats. His research integrates biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches to understand fundamental mechanisms of viral pathogenesis.

Analysis of Dr. Frankel's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on RNA-protein interactions in viral systems, particularly HIV-1. His work examines structural mechanisms of viral regulatory proteins, host-pathogen interactions, and potential therapeutic targets. The research spans structural biology, molecular virology, and drug discovery, with increasing emphasis on systems-level approaches to understanding viral replication and host responses. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how HIV proteins interact with cellular machinery and how these interactions might be targeted therapeutically.

Dr. Frankel has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including:

• HARC Center: HIV Accessory and Regulatory Complexes (NIH P50GM082250, 2007-2022)
• Genetic Assay for Inhibitors of RNA-Protein Interactions (NIH R42CA103407, 2003-2008)
• Structure Biology and Targeted Drug Design for AIDS (NIH P01GM056531, 1997-2007)
• Structural Diversity of RNA-Binding Proteins (NIH R01GM047478, 1993-2007)
• Activity and inhibition of the TAT protein from HIV (NIH R01AI029135, 1989-2010)

His laboratory maintains active collaborations with other leading virology and structural biology research groups at UCSF and beyond, contributing to large-scale projects mapping viral-host protein interactions. The Frankel Lab continues to be at the forefront of structural virology research, applying cutting-edge techniques to understand fundamental mechanisms of viral replication and identify potential therapeutic targets.