Beatriz M.A. Fontoura

Beatriz M.A. Fontoura is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her research focuses on viral-host interactions, particularly how RNA viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2 exploit nuclear processes for replication. She has held academic positions since 2005, including roles at the University of Miami School of Medicine and postdoctoral training at the Rockefeller University.

**Education**: PhD in Pathology (NYU School of Medicine, 1996), MS in Biochemistry (Paulista School of Medicine, 1988), and prior research experience at Cornell University Medical College and the University of São Paulo.

**Research Interests**: Her lab investigates nuclear transport mechanisms, viral mRNA export, and host immune responses. Recent work includes studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, influenza virus replication strategies, and the role of nuclear pore complexes in antiviral defense.

**Notable Trends in Articles**: Focus on antiviral drug development (e.g., aryl sulfonamide inhibitors), mechanisms of viral mRNA export inhibition, and host-pathogen interactions involving nuclear transport proteins like Nup98 and TAO2 kinase.

**Lab & Collaborations**: Leads the Fontoura Laboratory, collaborating on projects involving viral immune evasion, mRNA processing, and drug discovery. Active in interdisciplinary research, bridging virology, cell biology, and biochemistry.