Gretchen Bentz

Dr. Gretchen Bentz is a faculty member at Mercer University School of Medicine, where she conducts research on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and its role in cancer development. As Principal Investigator on multiple NIH and foundation grants, her work focuses on understanding how EBV's Latent Membrane Protein-1 (LMP1) manipulates cellular protein modification processes, particularly SUMOylation, to promote viral persistence and oncogenesis.

• BS in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Juniata College
• PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-Shreveport
• Postdoctoral training in Virology at the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Bentz's research program centers on the molecular mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr virus, a ubiquitous human herpesvirus, establishes lifelong latent infection and contributes to cancer development. Her laboratory investigates how the viral oncoprotein LMP1 alters cellular SUMOylation pathways to manipulate host cell signaling, gene expression, and survival mechanisms. This work combines molecular and cellular biology approaches to understand viral pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets for EBV-associated malignancies. Her findings have revealed novel mechanisms by which LMP1 regulates SUMO-proteases and induces expression of SUMO proteins in infected cells, offering insight into how LMP1 functions as an oncoprotein.

Analysis of Dr. Bentz's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of virology, cancer biology, and protein modification. Her research spans from basic molecular mechanisms of viral oncoprotein function to translational studies exploring therapeutic interventions. The predominant themes include EBV latency mechanisms, SUMOylation pathways in viral infection, molecular interactions between viral proteins and host cellular machinery, and potential antiviral strategies targeting post-translational modifications. Her work bridges fundamental virology with potential clinical applications for treating virus-associated cancers, with recent publications demonstrating her laboratory's exploration of small molecule inhibitors targeting SUMOylation processes during EBV infection.

• Associate Editor for Journal of Medical Virology
• Reviewer for NIH AREA/REAP: Infectious Diseases and Immunology Study Section
• Reviewer for Discovery Award Infectious Diseases for the PRMRP for the DOD
• Recipient of NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 CA160786)

Dr. Bentz has successfully secured multiple competitive research grants as Principal Investigator, demonstrating her standing in the virology research community. Her current funding includes an NIH R15 award (CA246552) focused on 'Manipulation of the SUMO Machinery by EBV LMP1' (2020-2023), a Navicent Health Foundation grant studying 'Variations in the EBV LMP1 C-terminal Domain in HIV patients in Middle GA' (2020-2022), and a Mercer University Seed Grant on 'Role of Sumoylation Processes During Lytic and Latent EBV Infection' (2019-2020). She previously held NIH Pathway to Independence Awards (K99/R00 CA160786) investigating 'The Function of EBV LMP1 CTAR3 in Sumoylation and Oncogenesis,' which provided critical support for her transition to independence as a research scientist.

Dr. Bentz leads an active research laboratory focused on Epstein-Barr virus molecular biology, where her team employs various molecular and cellular techniques to study viral-host interactions. Her collaborative approach is evident in her publications, which frequently involve multidisciplinary teams spanning virology, cancer biology, and clinical medicine. The laboratory's work has implications for understanding viral pathogenesis and developing novel therapeutic strategies for EBV-associated malignancies, including lymphomas and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.