James Burke

James Burke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the University of Florida, leading the Burke Lab at the UF Scripps campus in Jupiter, Florida. His research focuses on RNA biology during pathogenic viral infections including dengue, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza A.

His educational background includes:

• Postdoctoral Fellow (2017-2022) at University of Colorado Boulder
• Ph.D. (2010-2016) from University of Texas at Austin
• B.S. Biochemistry (2006-2009) from University of North Texas

Dr. Burke's research centers on host RNA decay pathways, particularly the OAS/RNase L system, and how viruses manipulate these mechanisms. His lab combines biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy to study ribonucleoprotein granule formation, mRNA processing during infection, and viral evasion tactics. Key discoveries include RNase L-induced RNA sequestration bodies, nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling during infection, and the role of RNA in granule integrity.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on RNase L-mediated host shutoff mechanisms across flaviviruses and coronaviruses. His work demonstrates how viral infections trigger widespread mRNA decay, disrupt nuclear export, and induce novel granule structures - with significant implications for antiviral therapy development.

Dr. Burke serves as Principal Investigator on an active NIH NIGMS grant (awarded September 2023) titled "Understanding the OAS/RNase L pathway during pathogenic viral infections," which examines molecular mechanisms of this critical antiviral pathway.

The Burke Lab operates at the UF Scripps Biomedical Research campus, utilizing cutting-edge microscopy and molecular techniques to investigate RNA-virus interactions within live cells. The lab environment emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding host-pathogen dynamics at the RNA level.